Chaitra Navratri is observed in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March – April). It is believed that Goddess Durga was originally worshipped (Durga Puja) in the Chaitra month and was also referred as Basanti Puja. It was Lord Ram who changed the period of Durga Puja.
Story of Chaitra Navratri
Lord Ram wanted to get the blessings of Goddess Durga before beginning the war with Ravana in the Ramayana. Therefore he invoked Goddess Durga during Ashwin (October – November). This is why the Durga Puja during October is also known as Akal Bodhon or untimely invocation.
Chaitra Navratri is the original period of Navratri festival. It was changed by Lord. The story of Chaitra Navratri is the same as Sharad Navratri of Goddess Durga annihilating Mahishasura.
Chaitra Navratri is also known as Basanti Puja
Originally Navratri puja was held in Chaitra Month. Lord Ram invoked Goddess Durga during Sharad (Ashwin month) for victory over Ravana. The Durga Puja in Ashwin month (October – November) is also known as Akal Bodhon, or untimely invocation, as Lord Ram had invoked her during the Ashwin month. Read more about Basanti Puja
Chaitra Navratri Mantra
Siddh Mantra
ॐ हींग हींग डुंग दुर्गायै नम:
ॐ ऐंग हींग चामुण्डायै विच्चे।
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते।।
Mantra To Get Money – Wealth – Overcome Financial Problems
प नि मनोरमां देहि मनोवृत्तानुसारिणीम्।
तारिणीं दुर्गसंसारसागरस्य
Mantra To Get Good Life Partner
हे गौरी शंकरधंगी, यथा तवं शंकरप्रिया
तथा मां कुरु कल्याणी कान्तकान्तम् सुदुर्लभं।।
For Early Marriage
‘ॐ कात्यायनी महामाये महायोगिन्य धीश्वरी,
नन्द गोप सुतं देवी पतिं मे कुरु ते नमः।’
For success in Career – Interview – Exam
‘ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं महासरस्वती देव्यै नमः’
The above said mantra should be chanted 108 times daily in the morning for nine days for desire fulfillment.
Ghatasthapana
Chaitra Navratri puja begins with Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana Puja. The puja involves invoking the mother Goddess in a Pot or Kalash and sowing of seeds (barely etc). The pot is sprinkled with water on all the nine days. Pujas and other rituals are performed. At the end of the ninth day, the barley shoots will reach a height of 2 to 3 inches and its then pulled out and distributed.
Chaitra Navratri Ashtami
The eighth day of the the nine-day festival is of great significance. Special pujas and rituals are observed on the day. Goddess Shakti temples in North India see huge rush on the day. Tarashtami, Mahashtami, Mahanisha Puja and Annapurna Parikrama are observed on the day. In eastern parts of
Vasant Navratri Popular in North India
Note – The most important Navratri which coincides with the Durga Puja in 2022 begins on September 26 and ends on October 4.