Goddess Worship — Vedic Puja Vidhi
Kanya Puja
Kanya Puja, also called Kanjak Puja or Kumari Puja, is a sacred ritual performed during Navratri — especially on Ashtami and Navami — in which nine young girls (between ages 2 and 10) are venerated as living embodiments of the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga). The girls are called Kanjaks and are worshipped with foot-washing, application of tilak, offering of food (puri, halwa, chana), and gifts. This ritual symbolizes the divine feminine principle and the belief that the Goddess resides in every girl child.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Earns immense blessings of all nine forms of Durga, brings prosperity and protection to the family, fulfills heartfelt desires, wards off negative energies, and ensures good health and well-being of children in the household.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Invite nine young girls (ages 2–10) to the home on Ashtami or Navami morning. Seat them on a clean mat and wash their feet with water mixed with roli. Apply tilak on their foreheads. Offer them freshly cooked puri, halwa, and chana. Give each girl a small gift (dupatta, bangles, or money). Touch their feet as a mark of reverence. Conclude with aarti and seek their blessings.
Best Time (Muhurat)
Ashtami and Navami of Navratri (both Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri). Morning hours after sunrise are most auspicious for Kanya Puja.
Materials Required (Samagri)
- ·Roli (red powder)
- ·Akshat
- ·Incense sticks
- ·Ghee lamp
- ·Puri
- ·Halwa (semolina)
- ·Kala chana
- ·Small gifts (bangles/dupatta)
- ·Coconut
- ·Fruits
- ·Flowers
FAQ
Q.What is Kanya Puja?
Kanya Puja, also called Kanjak Puja or Kumari Puja, is a sacred ritual performed during Navratri — especially on Ashtami and Navami — in which nine young girls (between ages 2 and 10) are venerated as living embodiments of the nine forms of Goddess D...
Q.What are the benefits of Kanya Puja?
Earns immense blessings of all nine forms of Durga, brings prosperity and protection to the family, fulfills heartfelt desires, wards off negative energies, and ensures good health and well-being of children in the household.
Q.What is the best time to perform Kanya Puja?
Ashtami and Navami of Navratri (both Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri). Morning hours after sunrise are most auspicious for Kanya Puja.
Q.What materials are needed for Kanya Puja?
Roli (red powder), Akshat, Incense sticks, Ghee lamp, Puri, Halwa (semolina), Kala chana, Small gifts (bangles/dupatta), Coconut, Fruits, Flowers.