Maha-Navami

With nine recitations performed on Navami day. Devi Purana describes the homa to be performed. One should offer into the fire sesame seeds, curds, milk and ghee. The Devi Mantra to be chanted should either be what is known as ?Jayanti Mantra? or the mantra of nine syllables( Om Durge Durge Rakshini Swaheti Navaksharah:). According to Dvaitanirnaya-siddhanta Sangraha, the mantra is either one taught by a guru or the rigvedic verse ?Jatavedase Sunavama?, or ? one with nine letters?, or ?Namo Devyai Mahadevyai? or slokas from Saptasati.

After the poojas on Ashtami thithi, the rest of the thithi should be spent in dancing, and singing . Devi Purana and Kalika Puranas are quoted as mentioning that there should be sacrifice of a goat or he-buffalo at midnight.

The poojas on Maha Navami or the nineth day are largely on the lines of the pooja of Maha Ashtami with the exception that on Navami more animals are sacrificed.

The rituals conclude with the devotee washing the feet of a brahmana maiden and giving her a sumptuous feast. She then blesses him by sprinkling akshatas on his head. He should follow her for a few steps as she leaves. After this ritual there is feeding, beating of drums and great rejoicing.