Clay Images of West BengalDurga puja Mahanavami-the ninth day Mahanavami on the ninth day is a repetition of basic puja of the previous day, except a greater number of sacrifices are performed and kumari puja and Devi stotra (hymns to Devi, the goddess) are included. Kumari puja is a feature of tantric puja and is mentioned in the Sakta Upapuranas. It involves the worship of pre-pubescent girls (kumaris) of about nine years of age, prefereably of Brahmin caste. Kumari puja is an important part of tantric puja and according to the Purohita Darpana (the manual for puja), it should be performed on mahanavami and during Jagaddhatri, Annapurna and Kali puja. It is also an important part of Navaratra ritual and may be performed by all sects. The kumari is regarded as the living embodiment of Devi for the duration of the ceremonies. The sacred fire (homa) is made and mantras are recited. The homa represents the Vedic aspect of puja. Ash from the fire is used as a tilaka mark of worshippers foreheads. Mahanavami puja is concluded with offerings of flowers and prostration or bowing in front of the image. Durga puja-vijaya dasami, the tenth and final day Durga puja-immersion of the image |