The 9th day of Dashain is known as Mahanavami, or “the great ninth day.”
The 9th day of Navratri, also known as Maha Navami, is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, the 9th form of NavaDurga.
Maa Durga is worshiped as Mahisasura Mardini on Maha Navami, which means the Annihilator of the Buffalo Demon.
Durga is said to have killed the demon Mahishasura on Maha Navami.
The special worship of the goddess with offering animal and bird sacrifices used to be performed as per the scripture mentioned in the Markandeya Purana that the Goddess Chamunda had slain the demon Raktabij on the day of Maha Nawami.
Today marks the ninth day of the ten-day Bada Dashain festival as ‘Maha Nawami,’ with Hindus across the country worshiping Goddess Durga Bhawani and making offerings.
According to the lunar calendar, Maha Nawami occurs on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asoj.
Today, devotees gather for a special worship of Durga Bhawani. The germinated ‘jamara’ is offered to the Goddess at various shrines. At various temples dedicated to goddesses, billy goats, ducks, roosters, and male buffalos are sacrificed. Those who do not practice animal or bird sacrifices offer fruits and vegetables as a sacrifice to the goddess.
On this day, the Durga Saptasati and Devi Stotra scriptures are also recited at home and in temples.
According to the Markandeya Purana scripture, on the day of Maha Nawami, the Goddess Chamunda slew the demon Raktabij. As a result, the goddess receives special worship on this day.
On this day, the security forces also perform what is known as “kot puja,” or armoury worship. On this day, the Taleju Temple in Hanumandhoka, the capital city, is also open for devotees to pay homage.
The temple is opened only on the occasion of Maha Nawami.
