Kanya Pujan, also known as Kumari Puja, is a Hindu ritual during Navratri where young girls are venerated as embodiments of Goddess Durga. This ceremony symbolizes the recognition of the divine feminine energy in young girls. Families invite pre-pubescent girls, often nine in number, to their homes and treat them with reverence.

During Kanya Pujan, the girls are offered traditional items like new clothes, bangles, and sweets. Their feet are washed, and a tilak is applied on their foreheads. The ritual signifies the purity and innocence associated with the divine feminine.

This custom not only pays homage to the Goddess but also highlights the importance of respecting and nurturing the feminine spirit within every girl. Kanya Pujan reflects the cultural significance of acknowledging the divine feminine energy and fostering a sense of empowerment and respect for young girls in the community.

Kanya Pujan 2024 Puja Date and Time

Stories Related to Kanya Pujan

The Story of Kanya Pujan – Sita and Hanuman:

The origin of Kanya Pujan is often linked to the Ramayana. Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, was held captive by the demon king Ravana. To rescue Sita, Lord Rama waged a war against Ravana. During this time, Hanuman, a devoted follower of Lord Rama, reached Lanka in search of Sita.

When he found Sita, he noticed that she was in a state of despair and hunger. Hanuman asked Sita if she recognized him. In response, Sita said that she would only accept food from a pure and innocent girl. Hanuman, being quick-witted, assumed the form of a young girl and brought fruits to Sita.

Upon seeing the sincerity and purity of the young girl (Hanuman), Sita was touched and accepted the food. It is believed that this incident laid the foundation for the tradition of Kanya Pujan, where young girls are worshipped during festivals like Navratri.

The Legend of Kanya Pujan – Skanda Purana:

According to Skanda Purana, there was a demon named Durgamasura who created havoc and troubled the gods. In response to the gods’ prayers, Goddess Durga appeared in the form of a young girl and killed the demon. The gods, pleased with her act, started the tradition of worshiping young girls as a symbol of the divine feminine power. Kanya Pujan is seen as a way to honor and invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga in the form of young girls.

Facts About Kanya Pujan 2024

1. Worship of Young Girls: Kanya Pujan, also known as Kumari Puja, involves the reverential worship of young girls, symbolizing the embodiment of the divine feminine energy.
2. Navratri Connection: Kanya Pujan is often performed during Navratri, specifically on the eighth or ninth day. On these days, young girls are invited to homes and honored as manifestations of Goddess Durga.
3. Feeding and Gifting: Devotees offer delicious food and gifts to the young girls, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for a prosperous and harmonious life.
4. Symbolic Rituals: The ritual involves washing the feet of the young girls, applying a tilak (vermillion mark) on their foreheads, and offering them new clothes, symbolizing purity and blessings.
5. Divine Presence: It is believed that by worshiping these girls, one is invoking the divine presence of Goddess Durga in their homes and ensuring the well-being of the family.
6. Significance of Number Nine: Inviting nine young girls is a common practice, representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This aligns with the symbolism of Navadurga during Navratri.
7. Spiritual and Social Significance: Kanya Pujan holds both spiritual and social importance, emphasizing respect for the divine feminine energy and fostering a sense of community and harmony.
8. Blessings for the Household: Families believe that by honoring young girls during Kanya Pujan, they receive blessings for the prosperity and well-being of their homes.
9. Cultural Celebrations: Kanya Pujan is not only a religious ritual but also a cultural celebration. Communities come together, and the festival is marked by joyous gatherings, prayers, and the spirit of togetherness.

Santosh

Santosh Kumar is an editor at unfoldstuffs.com and a professional content writer. With years of experience he is passionate for creating engaging, informative and impactful topics.