- By Kashish Rai
- Thu, 03 Apr 2025 01:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chaitra Navratri Ashtami 2025: This year, the sacred days of Chaitra Navratri began on 30th March 2025 and are set to conclude on 6th April 2025. On the last two days of Navratri - Ashtami and Navami, devotees perform the ritual of Kanya Pujan also known as Kanjak or Kumari Pujan. Devotees invite nine young girls symbolising Maa Durga's nine forms into their homes for worship. These girls embody the Navadurga forms and their worship brings blessings. According to sacred texts, worshipping one girl brings good fortune while inviting multiple girls enhances blessings of perception, merit and authority, offering devotees a deeper connection with the divine feminine energy. This year, Ashtami Kanya Pujan will be performed on 5th April 2025.
Check out all the significant details regarding the timings, shubh muhurat, significance and rituals for Ashtami Kanya Pujan below:
Chaitra Navratri Ashtami 2025: Date And Time
- Chaitra Navratri Ashtami 2025 Date: 5th April 2025, Saturday
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 08:11 PM, 4th April 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 07:25 PM, 5th April 2025
Chaitra Navratri Ashtami 2025: Shubh Muhurat For Kanya Pujan
The Shubh Muhurat to perform Kanya Pujan as per the Panchang are as follows:
- Pratah Sandhya: 04:58 AM to 06:07 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:59 AM to 12:49 PM
Chaitra Navratri Ashtami 2025: Significance
Kanya Pujan is a deeply significant ritual in Hinduism, celebrating the power and creativity of the feminine. It honours Mahamaya, the universal creative force, embodied by Goddess Durga. By worshipping young girls, devotees pay tribute to their strength and purity, acknowledging the sacred feminine energy. This ritual helps devotees attain blessings for spiritual liberation (Moksha), righteous living (Dharma) and prosperity (Arth).
The worship of young girls during Kanya Pujan is believed to bring numerous benefits, including tranquillity, wisdom, fame and prosperity. According to the Devi Bhagwat Purana, honouring these girls during Navratri earns immense merit, making devotees more pleasing to Goddess Durga than any other form of worship.
Kanya Pujan is performed typically on Ashtami and Navami tithi during Navratri, including the worship of 9 little girls resembling Goddess Durga and one boy representing Lord Hanuman. (Image Source: Canva)
Chaitra Navratri Ashtami 2025: Vidhi For Ashtami Kanya Pujan
Kanya Pujan can be performed on any of the nine days of Navratri but many devotees prefer Ashtami or Navami. The ritual involves inviting nine girls, aged two to ten who symbolise the different forms of Goddess Durga. To prepare, rise early, take a purifying bath and clean your home.
To perform the puja, invite the 9 girls with 1 boy symbolising a langoor or laukda, wash their feet and make them sit respectfully. Tie a sacred thread around their wrists and apply red Kumkum on their foreheads. Offer akshat and incense and perform rituals with devotion. Serve them a special Bhog, typically consisting of Halwa, Puris and Chana. Present gifts or money as a gesture of goodwill and respect. Conclude the ritual by touching the girls' feet and seeking their blessings. This heartfelt gesture shows respect for the divine feminine energy they embody.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)