Navratri, the nine-night Hindu festival, is a time of profound devotion and spiritual celebration dedicated to the goddess Durga. As part of this grand festival, several rituals and ceremonies take place, each holding unique significance. Among these are the rituals of Durga Balidan, Ayudha Puja, and Navami Homa. Durga Puja 2023 Full Calendar: When Is Subho Sasthi, Maha Saptami, Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami? Here's a Day-Wise Puja Schedule and Full Durga Pujo Dates. 

Durga Balidan 2023

Durga Balidan, also known as the ritual of animal sacrifice, is performed on the ninth day of Navratri, which is Navami. This ritual is a solemn offering to the goddess Durga and is believed to symbolize the victory of good over evil. Durga Balidan 2023 date, time and shubh muhurat as per Drikpanchang:

  • Ashwina Navratri Balidana Date: October 23, 2023, Monday.

  • Ashwina Navratri Balidana Aparahna Muhurat: 13:13 to 15:28

  • Duration - 02 Hours 15 Mins

Significance of Durga Balidan:

  • Symbolic Offering: Durga Balidan represents the symbolic offering of an animal, usually a male goat or buffalo, to the goddess. It signifies the sacrificial act undertaken by the goddess in her battle against the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

  • Triumph of Good over Evil: The ritual underscores the victory of righteousness and virtue over the forces of evil. It mirrors the slaying of Mahishasura by the goddess, a pivotal moment in Hindu mythology.

  • Renewal and Purity: Durga Balidan is believed to purify the environment and renew the spiritual energy, ensuring that devotees are free from negative influences.

Ayudha Puja

Ayudha Puja, also known as Shastra Puja, is a ritual in which weapons and tools are worshipped. These days people worship their vehicles as well. It takes place on the ninth day of Navratri, Navami. In 2023, Ayudha Puja date, time and shubh muhurat as per Drikpanchang:

  • Ayudha Puja 2023 Date: October 23, 2023, Monday

  • Ayudha Puja Vijaya Muhurat - 13:58 to 14:43

  • Duration - 00 Hours 45 Mins

Significance of Ayudha Puja:

  • Worship of Tools and Instruments: Ayudha Puja is a symbol of gratitude and respect for the tools and instruments that enable people to earn a living, such as agricultural implements, vehicles, and machinery.

  • Blessings for Success: By performing Ayudha Puja, people seek the blessings of the goddess for the success and safe operation of their tools and equipment.

Navami Homa

Navami Homa, a fire ritual, is performed on the ninth day of Navratri, Navami. Navami Homa 2023 date, time and shubh muhurat as per Drikpanchang:

  • Ashwina Navami Homa: October 23, 2023, Monday

  • Navratri Pratah Homa Muhurta - 06:27 to 17:44

  • Duration - 11 Hours 17 Mins

Significance of Navami Homa:

  • Offering to the Divine: Navami Homa involves making offerings to the sacred fire as a way of connecting with the divine. It is a form of devotion and surrender to the goddess. Navratri 2023 Full Calendar: From Ghatasthapana to Dussehra, Date-Wise Schedule of Puja Days for Shardiya Navratri.

  • Blessings and Protection: Devotees seek the blessings of the goddess for protection, well-being, and prosperity. The fire is believed to carry their prayers to the divine.

  • Purification: The ritual is seen as a means of purifying the self and one's surroundings, allowing for spiritual growth and development.

Navratri is a time of profound spirituality, unity, and devotion, and rituals like Durga Balidan, Ayudha Puja, and Navami Homa add depth and significance to the festival. Each of these ceremonies is an essential part of the grandeur and spiritual journey of Navratri, fostering a sense of unity and devotion that transcends time and generations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2023 04:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).