In Sanatan Dharma, Sharadiya (Autumn) and Chaitra Navratri hold great importance. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The ninth day, known as Mahanavami, is devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga in her Siddhidatri form. This date is considered the peak of Navratri because on this day, through devotion and worship, the devotee attains divine powers (siddhis) and supreme peace.
In 2025, Durga Mahanavami will be celebrated on Wednesday, 1st October 2025.
What is Durga Mahanavami?
The ninth day of Navratri is called Mahanavami. The word “Navami” means the ninth day, while “Maha” makes it supremely significant and great.
- This day is the pinnacle of Shakti (divine power) worship.
- Goddess Durga’s ninth form, Maa Siddhidatri, is especially worshipped on this day.
- It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura and restored Dharma (righteousness).
Durga Mahanavami 2025 – Date and Time
- Date – Wednesday, 1st October 2025
- Goddess Form – Maa Siddhidatri
- Special Rituals – Kanya Pujan, Havan, Durga Saptashati Path
Why is Mahanavami Celebrated?
Mahanavami is celebrated for several religious and cultural reasons:
- Symbol of Victory over Evil
- On this day, Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura and freed the sages and gods from his terror.
- Hence, the day represents the victory of truth over falsehood.
- Final Stage of Navadurga Worship
- Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of Durga.
- On the ninth day, the worship of all nine forms is completed, and the devotee receives blessings.
- Attainment of Spiritual Powers
- According to scriptures, worship on this day grants the devotee divine wisdom and siddhis (mystical powers).
- Hence, this form of the goddess is called Siddhidatri.
- Importance of Kanya Pujan
- Special significance is given to Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls) on Mahanavami.
- It is considered as directly worshipping the Goddess herself.
Mythological Beliefs
- Mahishasura Vadh Legend
Mahishasura, a demon, gained control over the three worlds with his powers. At the prayers of the gods, the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh) manifested Goddess Durga. She fought continuously for nine days and finally killed Mahishasura on the tenth day. Hence, Ashtami (eighth day) and Navami (ninth day) are of special importance. - Siddhidatri Goddess Story
According to Devi Bhagavatam and Markandeya Purana, on Navami, Goddess blessed the gods and devotees with siddhis (divine powers). Therefore, she is known as Siddhidatri.
Puja Vidhi (Rituals of Worship on Mahanavami)
The rituals of this day are considered sacred and are performed with great devotion:
- Bath and Sankalp (Resolve)
- Take a bath early morning and wear clean clothes.
- Purify the prayer space and take a vow (sankalp) of worship.
- Kalash Sthapana and Durga Puja
- Light a lamp before Goddess Durga’s idol or picture.
- Offer flowers, fruits, incense, lamp, and food items.
- Special Navami Worship
- Worship Goddess Siddhidatri specifically on this day.
- Offer sandalwood, rice, red flowers, coconut, betel nut, and sweets.
- Kanya Pujan (Kumari Pujan)
- Invite 2 to 9-year-old girls, considering them as forms of the Goddess.
- Wash their feet, apply tilak, serve them food, and offer gifts.
- A young boy (Suvaak) is also worshipped alongside.
- Havan and Durga Saptashati Path
- Performing a havan (fire ritual) is considered highly auspicious.
- Recite Durga Saptashati, Devi Mahatmyam, or Navadurga Stotram.
Special Traditions on Mahanavami
- Performing Kanya Pujan and offering bhog (food).
- Donating food, clothes, and essentials to the poor and needy.
- Offering grains and water to animals and birds.
- Shastra Puja (weapon worship) traditions also begin from Navami (carried forward on Dashami).
Spiritual Significance of Durga Mahanavami
- The day fills the devotee’s life with positive energy and strength.
- Observing a fast on this day removes all sorrows and illnesses.
- The fast is considered auspicious for growth in business, career, education, and wealth.
- Especially, Kanya Pujan brings prosperity and Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings into the home.
The festival of Durga Mahanavami is not only religious but also culturally and spiritually significant. It reminds us that whenever injustice and unrighteousness rise, Maa Shakti manifests to restore balance and protect Dharma.
In 2025, on Wednesday, 1st October, celebrating Mahanavami will be an opportunity to strengthen our faith, devotion, and righteous actions. Worshipping Goddess Durga, performing Kanya Pujan, and offering charity on this day are believed to remove sorrows and grant happiness, prosperity, and divine blessings.
