During the auspicious festival of Navratri, the worship of Goddess Durga is traditionally accompanied by Kanya Pujan. People across various regions perform this ritual on the sacred days of Ashtami and Navami. Religious beliefs suggest that seeing the form of Goddess Durga in young girls and worshipping them brings divine blessings. However, many people remain unaware of the exact age group of girls that should be invited for the ritual meal.
Different Names and Forms of Girls Based on Age
According to astrologer Akhilesh Pandey from Rishikesh, the scriptures deem girls between the ages of two and ten years old as eligible for Kanya Pujan. Every single age carries a unique name and distinct religious importance. A two-year-old girl is known as Kumari, whereas a three-year-old child is addressed as Trimurti. A four-year-old girl is worshipped in the form of Kalyani, and a five-year-old represents Rohini. Furthermore, a six-year-old girl is called Kalika, and a seven-year-old is recognized as Chandika.
Significance of Older Age Groups and Worship Rituals
As the age increases, the divine forms associated with the girls also transform. According to astrological traditions, an eight-year-old girl is worshipped as Shambhavi, a nine-year-old as Durga, and a ten-year-old child takes the form of Subhadra. These young girls are treated with utmost respect by considering them living manifestations of Goddess Durga. On the days of Ashtami or Navami, they are welcomed into homes, where aarti is performed, their feet are washed, and blessings are sought from them.
Prasad Distribution and Batuk Bhairav Tradition
It is believed that worshipping young girls brings prosperity and happiness into the household, ensuring the continued grace of the divine mother. Following the prayers, the girls are served a traditional meal consisting of puri, halwa, and black chickpeas. Afterwards, devotees offer monetary tokens, fruits, sweets, or other gifts according to their financial capacity and devotion. Astrologer Akhilesh Pandey also points out that along with nine girls, a young boy is traditionally fed as a symbol of Batuk Bhairav. His feet are washed, aarti is performed, and blessings are taken before serving him the prasad. Only after feeding all of them do the fasting devotees break their own fast.
