According to scriptural injunctions Kanyaa Poojaa or the worship of nine girls, between the ages of two to ten years is but a representation of worship of the Divine Mother. Devotees who worship the Divine Mother in the form of Durgaa, Kaali, Lakshmi and Saraswatee during the Nav Raatri period perform Kanyaa Poojaa at the end of their ‘vrat’ or sacrifice. Not only during the Nav Raatri period, but this worship can also be performed whenever Devi Poojaa is done.
On the first day of the Nav Raatri period, worship begins with the two year old. On the second day a three-year old together with the previous two-year old is worshipped. On each of the following days, an addition is made until the ninth day when the nine girls are all worshipped. Various offerings such as chandan, malas, flowers, aartee, dakshinaa and other gifts are made to them.
Each Devi or girl is symbolic of some benefit derived from the sacrifice and worship. The following is an account of each of the nine Devis and the benefits of worshipping them:
AGE NAME EFFECT or BENEFIT
Two years Kumaarika End of afflictions, enemies, enhancement of wealth, health, prosperity
Three years Trimoorti Prosperity, family welfare
Four years Kalyaani Good knowledge, victory, desires fulfilled
Five years Rohini End of afflictions
Six years Kaalikaa End of enemies
Seven years Chandikaa Gift of wealth
Eight years Shaambhavi Government recognition, victory in battle
Nine years Durgaa Peace after death
Ten years Subhadra Fulfillment of desires
Devi Bhaagavat Kathaa provides copious examples of devotees who worshipped the Divine Mother and also performed this type of worship. Indeed, they were granted the fulfillment accorded them as outlined above.
