🔱 Sharad Navratri Vrat Katha
The story
The demon Mahishasura won a boon from Brahma that no man or god could kill him. Drunk with power he conquered heaven and drove out the gods. Then from the combined radiance of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh a divine feminine power appeared — Maa Durga. All the gods gave her their weapons and the Himalaya gave her a lion as her mount.
The Goddess fought Mahishasura's army for nine days — Chanda-Munda, Raktabeej, Dhumralochan were all slain. On the tenth day she killed Mahishasura; Vijayadashami commemorates this victory and the Goddess came to be called 'Mahishasuramardini'.
The second story is from the Ramayana — before going to Lanka, Shri Rama worshipped Shakti; 108 blue lotuses were to be offered, one fell short and Rama moved to offer his own eye — the Goddess was pleased and granted victory. This is why Bengal calls its puja 'Akal Bodhan' (untimely awakening), because Rama awakened the Goddess in the autumn season.
Why this katha — the significance
According to the Puranas Maa Durga killed Mahishasura on the tenth day after a nine-day battle — hence the Dashami is called 'Vijaya'. In the Ramayana, Lord Rama worshipped Shakti in these very nine days before killing Ravana. It is also a change of season, so fasting and restraint are considered good for the body too.
Nine days, nine Goddesses: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri. Each day has its own colour, bhog and mantra; at home a simple puja — lamp, flowers, chunari, bhog and a reading of Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa — is enough.
The dates above come from the engine's calculation. Note: when a tithi is lost (kshaya) or doubled (vriddhi), Navratri can run 8 or 10 days — the middle days (Dwitiya to Saptami) may then shift by a day; the Ashtami, Navami and Dashami dates above come directly from the panchang and are firm.
How the katha is heard
- Hear or read the katha after the puja, before the aarti — the whole family sits together.
- The one keeping the vrat should listen with a calm mind; keep a lamp lit and a little akshat-flowers in hand.
- At the end, offer the flowers at the deity's feet and bow; share the prasad with everyone.
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Frequently asked questions
When does Sharad Navratri {Y} start and end?
The day-by-day table above lists all of this year's dates from Ghatasthapana (Pratipada) to Vijayadashami — from panchang calculations using the udaya-tithi rule at Delhi sunrise.
What is the Ghatasthapana muhurat?
The first third of the day after sunrise in the Pratipada tithi (roughly 6:30-10 am) is best; otherwise Abhijit Muhurat (time given above). Avoid Chitra nakshatra and Vaidhriti yoga — if they are present, do it only in Abhijit.
Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami?
Both are valid — Ashtami (Kanjak) is more common in Punjab-Delhi and Navami in eastern UP-Bihar. Follow your family custom; the girls should be aged 2-10 with one boy.
How to break the Navratri fast (paran)?
After the havan and Kanya Pujan on Navami, or on Dashami morning after puja — as per your tradition. First bhog to the Goddess, then the girls, then yourself.
What if I cannot fast all nine days?
Fasting on the first and last day (jode ka vrat), or only on Ashtami, is also sanctioned by the shastras. Faith and regularity matter, not the count of days.
Why is Navratri 8 days this year (or 10)?
When a tithi begins and ends between two sunrises (tithi kshaya) a day is lost, and when one tithi touches two sunrises (tithi vriddhi) a day is added. The Ashtami-Navami-Dashami dates above come straight from the panchang, so they are correct.
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