# What Is the Correct Age for Kanya Pujan and What Do the Scriptures Say

> Astrologer Akhilesh Pandey from Rishikesh explains that girls aged two to ten are considered appropriate for Kanya Pujan during Ashtami and Navami. Every age group carries a distinct name, religious significance, and divine form.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Uttarakhand · **Published:** 2026-10-16 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/uttarakhand/kanya-pujana-men-kisa-umra-ki-bachchi-ko-khilana-chahie-bhojana-janen-kya-kahata-hai-shastra-48213 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Kanya Pujan, Navratri, Ashtami, Navami, Religious Beliefs, Batuk Bhairav, Worship Rituals

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.

## Why this happened
This tradition is deeply rooted in ancient religious texts and Sanatan culture, where the nine forms of the Goddess are venerated through young girls. The underlying purpose behind this observance is to honor maternal power in a child's form and foster deep respect for young girls within society.

- **Scriptural Guidelines:** Religious texts consider girls aged two to ten as symbols of pure energy, with distinct characteristics assigned to each specific age.
- **Traditional Protocols:** Worshipping these young forms of divine energy on Ashtami and Navami ensures the completion of religious fasts and brings spiritual peace.
- **Batuk Bhairav Symbolism:** Including a young boy alongside the nine girls to complete the ritual is considered an essential element of traditional mythological observances.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What age group of girls is considered appropriate for Kanya Pujan?
According to the scriptures, girls between the ages of two and ten years old are deemed eligible for Kanya Pujan.

### 2. What are two-year-old and three-year-old girls called during the ritual?
A two-year-old girl is known as Kumari, and a three-year-old girl is addressed as Trimurti.

### 3. What forms do eight-year-old and nine-year-old girls represent?
An eight-year-old girl is worshipped as Shambhavi, and a nine-year-old girl is venerated as Durga.

### 4. What kind of prasad is served during Kanya Pujan?
The girls are served a traditional meal of puri, halwa, and chickpeas as prasad.

### 5. How many boys are fed along with the girls?
One young boy is fed along with the nine girls, who is seen as a symbol of Batuk Bhairav.

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