Kanya Puja

[1] The ceremony primarily involves the worship of nine girls, representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga).

Legend says that it was on the ninth day of Navaratri that Shakti had taken the form of Goddess Durga, on the request of the devas to kill the demon Mahisasura.

It is a custom to wash and clean the feet of these nine young girls as a mark of respect for the Goddess and offer new clothes as gifts by the devotee.

Kanya Puja as a part of Devi worship is to recognise the feminine power vested in the girl child.

She is worshipped because, according to the philosophy of 'Striyah Samastastava Devi Bhedah', women symbolize Mahamaya (the goddess Durga).