Name: Kanya Puja
Start: 2025-04-04T19:00:00-04:00
Location: 1017 N Pine Hills Rd, Orlando, FL

Kanya Puja, or Kumari Puja, is a significant and revered ritual performed during Navratri, especially on the Ashtami (eighth day) and Navami (ninth day). It honors nine young girls who symbolize the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurga. This practice has deep spiritual and cultural significance, emphasizing both the worship of the divine feminine energy and the respect for the girl child.
Key Aspects of Kanya Puja:
1. Representation of Navadurga: Each of the nine young girls represents one form of Goddess Durga, collectively embodying the powerful manifestations of the goddess:
Shailputri: Symbolizing the mountain-like strength and stability.
Brahmacharini: Representing penance, self-control, and devotion.
Chandraghanta: The embodiment of peace, beauty, and courage.
Kushmanda: Signifying the cosmic energy and the source of creation.
Skandamata: The mother of Skanda, symbolizing maternal strength and protection.
Katyayani: The warrior goddess, representing strength and victory.
Kalaratri: The fierce form, associated with destruction and transformation.
Mahagauri: Signifying purity, serenity, and auspiciousness.
Siddhidatri: The one who grants all forms of spiritual attainments and perfection.
2. Significance of the Ritual:
Divine Feminine Energy: Kanya Puja highlights the power and importance of the feminine force in the universe. It reinforces the belief that Goddess Durga represents creation, protection, and destruction, all aspects of life.
Respect for the Girl Child: The ritual emphasizes the sanctity and reverence for young girls, symbolizing purity, innocence, and potential. By worshipping the girls, devotees express gratitude and respect for the girl child, who is often seen as a representation of the goddess herself.
Purification and Blessings: The ceremony involves purification through rituals like washing the feet of the young girls, chanting sacred mantras, and offering prayers for divine blessings. This practice helps devotees align themselves spiritually and seek the goddess's protection and blessings.
Offerings and Gifts: In addition to prayers, devotees offer new clothes, food, and gifts to the girls, demonstrating gratitude and respect for their presence and role in the ritual. The offerings symbolize the sharing of prosperity, joy, and blessings.
Kanya Puja not only holds spiritual significance but also brings attention to social values like gender equality and respect for women. It serves as a reminder to honor the feminine aspects of life, both divine and earthly.