The Vindhyavasini Temple located in Vindhyachal, Uttar Pradesh is an important Shakti Peetha dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini, a form of Goddess Durga. Two major Navratris are celebrated at the temple – Chaitra Navratri in spring and Sharada Navratri in autumn.
During Navratri, special pujas and rituals are performed at the temple. Some of the key pujas are:
- Kalash Sthapana: The Navratri festivities begin on the first day with the Kalash sthapana ritual. The kalash is filled with water and mango leaves and placed in the temple premises to invoke the blessings of the Goddess.
- Maha Aarti: Special Maha Aartis are performed throughout Navratri where devotees gather in large numbers to offer prayers to the Goddess through devotional songs and chants.
- Abhishekam: The deity idol of Vindhyavasini is bathed with items like milk, honey, ghee, Gangajal, etc. This ritual is believed to purify the deity and invoke her blessings.
- Navratri Homa: A special Navratri homa or yajna is performed during Navratri to please the Goddess and seek her blessings. The homa involves rituals with fire and chanting of mantras.
- Kanya Pujan: On the Ashtami or Navami day of Navratri, the Kanya Pujan ritual is performed where 9 young girls are worshipped as the 9 forms of the Goddess worshipped during Navratri.
- Durga Sahasranamarchana: The chanting of Durga Sahasranama or the 1000 names of Goddess Durga is done during Navratri to invoke the divine blessings and energies of the Goddess.
These special pujas and rituals during Navratri aim to please Goddess Vindhyavasini and seek her blessings. The heightened spiritual energy during Navratri attracts large crowds to the temple. I hope this helps answer your question! Let me know if you need any clarification.
Sources
- https://hindupad.com/vasant-navratri-in-vindhyachal-vanavasini-devi-temple-shaktipeeth/
- https://www.templepurohit.com/hindu-temple/vindhyavasini/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vindhyachal_Temple
