Saraswati Avahan Friday 20th of October 2023
Saraswati Avahan Pooja Time:
Mula Nakshatra Avahan Muhurat/Timings = 6:28 AM to 8:52 AM
Duration = 2 Hours 23 Mins
The first day of Saraswati Puja during Navratri Puja is called Saraswati Avahan. Avahan refers to invocation of Goddess Saraswati.
Saraswati Pradhan Puja:
Second day of Saraswati Puja is Saraswati Pradhan Puja day, which refers to the main Saraswati Puja day.
Maha Navami:
The third is Mahanavami. Durga Puja performed on Maha Navami starts with Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja.
On Maha Navami day, Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Mahisasuramardini, who is the destroyer of the Buffalo Demon. As per legends, Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura on Maha Navami day.
Depending on the beginning time of Navami Tithi on the previous day, Maha Navami Puja and Upavas might be performed on Ashtami Tithi. There is specific rule which says that if Ashtami and Navami merge before Sanyakal on Ashtami Tithi, then Ashtami Puja, Navami Puja as well as Sandhi Puja should be done on the same day.
But, Durga Balidan is always performed on Uday Vyapini Navami Tithi. As per Nirnaysindhu, Aparahna Kaal is the most suitable time to perform Balidan on Navami.
On Maha Navami day, Navami Homa is performed, which is a very significant ritual during Durga Puja. It is suggested to perform Navami Homa at the end of Navami Puja, which is the best time for Homa.
Saraswati Balidan Puja:
The third day of Saraswati Puja during Navratri is called Saraswati Balidan day.
Saraswati Visarjan:
The fourth and final day of Saraswati Puja during Navratri is called Saraswati Visarjan or Saraswati Udvasan.