Pandit for Durga Puja: Cost, Vidhi & Benefits

Durga puja is also known as ‘Durgotsavsa.’ The main deity of the puja is goddess Durga who is the remover of problems, challenges, hurdles, and evil energies from life. She is the sign of victory over evil as she killed a demon called ‘Mahishasura.’ She has many names and forms which the devotees worship.

Goddess Durga, in the form of Adhyashakti, is revered as the prime origin of life and the existence of the universe. She worshipped in various forms on the nine days of Navratri. Every day is dedicated to her different forms and powers.

Celebrating the puja with the help of a skilled pandit with complete dedication and joy, one can achieve the blessings of the Goddess to overcome the problems and difficulties coming in their life.

The puja is performed to invoke Durga mata, followed by chanting the mantras of Goddess Durga and later performing the puja to seek her blessings for a happy and prosperous life.

Significance of Durga Puja

Durga Puja is an auspicious festival devoted to Goddess Durga; the puja is the celebration of the victory of Goddess Durga over evil powers. This is a time of devotion, social gatherings, and vibrant festivals.

Key facts of Durga Puja:

• Durga puja is an auspicious Hindu ritual enriched with deep spiritual and cultural significance, celebrating the victory of good over evil.
• The traditional ritual of performing the puja includes various steps which are rich in culture and need careful arrangements.
• Honouring Durga puja includes various costs that can be managed through costing and cost-effective strategies while handling the spirit of the festivities.
• Involving in Durga puja provides various benefits, including spiritual enrichment, emotional well-being, and boosting community ties.
• Durga puja is connected with a range of community and social services, enhancing charitable activities, environment, and health initiatives.

Durga puja is the medium to honour the triumph of good over evil and the feminine energy or ‘shakti,’ which symbolizes Durga. During the puja, people are involved in multiple rituals and performances that are believed to invoke the blessings of the Goddess. These activities are:

• Establishing the idol of Goddess Durga
• Recitation of sacred texts like ‘Durga Saptashati‘
• Performing ‘Aarti’ and ‘Bhajans’
• Observing fasts and offering ‘Prasad’

The festival is also considered a time of introspection and religious purification for many, as they turn to the deity for guidance and powers. The collective powers of the community during this time created a robust environment of dedication and spirituality.

Story Behind Performing Durga Puja

According to the legend, once there was a demon called ‘Mahishasura’, who was blessed with Lord Shiva’s boon that no man or god would be able to kill him. Mahishasura became arrogant and started spreading chaos and soon destroyed earth and heaven.

Every god went to Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha for the solution to the wrath of demons. The divine deities – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh collected their powers together and created a celestial feminine form – Durga. She fought with the demon with the powers of all gods and Goddesses.

The fight continued for nine days, and on the ninth day, Durga stabbed him with Shiva’s trident and beheaded him with her sword. That is why Goddess Durga is also pleased as a symbol of victory over hostile powers. Vedas also states as a determined goddess who rides a lion with every type of weapon in her arms and 8 hands.

The weapons specify the reason she was incarnated, to slay Mahishasura. Every gun in her eight hands shows the energy to kill the evil powers in different directions. Goddess Durga is honored in various forms on every day of Navratri, i.e., in the form of Maa Shailputri, Maa Bhramacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Maha Gauri and Maa Siddhidatri.

Importance of Durga Puja in Literature and Sacred Texts

Importance of Durga Saptashati

Durga Saptashati also known as Devi Mahatmyam, is a pivotal Hindu scripture in Hinduism which celebrates the victory of good over evil. This is a collection of 700 verses that the Sage Markandeya describes. The scripture explains the battles and victories of Goddesses and demons provide inspiration and power for devotees.

This is believed to say that reciting Durga Saptashati during Navaratri’s nine days is highly encouraging and believed to bless the one with spiritual empowerment and safety. This is the celebration of divine feminine powers.

The scripture is divided into 13 chapters, each describing a distinct aspect of the Goddess and her education. There are summaries of the chapters –

• Pratham Adhyay (Chapter 1)
• Dwitiya Adhyay (Chapter 2)
• Tritiya Adhyaya (Chapter 3)
• Chaturtha Adhyaya (Chapter 4)
• Panchama Adhyaya (Chapter 5)
• Shastham Adhyaya (Chapter 6)
• Saptam Adhyay (Chapter 7)
• Ashtham Adhyaya (Chapter 8)
• Navama Adhyaya (Chapter 9)
• Dashama Adhyaya (Chapter 10)
• Ekadasa Adhyaya (Chapter 11)
• Dwadasha Adhyaya (Chapter 12)
• Trayodasha Adhyaya (Chapter 13)

The meditation on Durga’s various forms and teachings is the focus of each chapter, transforming the sacred writings into a thorough manual for spiritual and mental development.

Effects of Durga Puja on Devotional Literature

Durga puja deeply affects devotional literature, incorporating the spirit of the celebration into the fabric of religious texts and hymns. The festival’s themes of unity, strength, and devotion are reflected in multiple academic works.

Devotees usually recount the tales of sages and their persistent devotion during the puja. For example, recitation of sacred texts such as ‘Nath Bhagavatham’ being a common practice, indicates the connection between the god and the devotees.

The energy of Durga puja is caught in the description of grand feasts and pandals, where people gather together to enjoy the ritual. The effect of puja is also mentioned in the way it drives everyone together to describe the multiple saints and their education, sometimes spelled as ‘Maha Bhakta Vijayam.’ The collective spirit of these works participates in the cultural tapestry, improving the custom of Durga puja.

About Durga Ashtottara Shatanamavali

The sacred scripture Durga Ashtottara Shatanamavali enumerates 108 names of Goddess Durga; everyone shows a different part of her divine form. Reciting the powerful Stotram is considered to bestow blessings and seek the Goddess’s protection.

The ritual of reciting the Ashtottara Shatanamavali could be interpreted into daily puja or special occasions, with every name keeping a unique vibration and importance:

• Om Shailputri Namah – Worship of the daughter of the mountains
• Om Brahmacharini Namah – Glory of the one who rehearses devout austerity
• Om Chandraghanta Namah – Adoration of the one with the moon-shaped bell
• Om Kushmanda Namah – Reverence for the creator of the universe
• Om Skandamata Namah – Veneration of the mother of Skanda

Reciting such names connects the one with divine feminine energy, boosting inner peace and strength. One who seeks to incorporate this ritual into their regular puja is advised to perform with devotion and know the meanings behind every name.

The Stotra offers a bridge between the devotee and Goddess, simplifying the more profound spiritual experience.

When to Perform Durga Puja?

The right and auspicious time to perform Durga puja is on Tuesdays, Ashtami, Fridays, and during Navratri (nine days) are perfect for scheduling.

Festivals to Celebrate Durga Puja

During Navratri, people mainly celebrate Durga Puja by honouring her nine forms for nine days. There are several Navaratri that come every year – Magh Navratri, Vasant or Chaitra Navratri, Ashaadi Navratri, and Shardiya Navratri.

Vasant Navratri occurs between March and April, while devotees across India celebrate Shardiya Navratri with great spirit around September or early October.

Shubh Muhurat for Durga Puja

1. Goddess Durga delights her devotees in her various forms throughout the entire nine days.
2. On the day of Maha Ashtami, also known as Maha Durgashtami, people say she shines in her full glory. This day falls on the eighth day of Navaratri, followed by Maha Navami, the ninth day of Navaratri.
3. Performing puja as per Abhijit Muhurat is auspicious.

Mantra for Durga Puja

Om Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Saadhike |
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute ||

Meaning – You are the one who blesses auspiciousness, O the fulfiller of all purposes,
You are the consort of Lord Shiva and our only shelter. We bow to you, Narayani.

Srishti Sthiti Vinashanam, Shaktibhute Sanatani |
Gunashraye, Gunamaye, Narayani Namostute ||

Meaning – You are the strength behind all innovation, preservation, and destruction.
O eternal Goddess, you are the embodiment of all Gunas. We bow to you, Narayani.

Sharanagata Dinarta Paritrana Parayane |
Sarvasyartihare Devi, Narayani Namostute ||

Meaning – You are the rescuer of the lowly and distressed who desires shelter with you against evil and suffering.
O the destroyer of all misery, We bow to you, Narayani.

Vidhi of Durga Puja

A time-honoured ritual, Durga puja involves various rituals and every with its importance. The procedure of puja starts with an early morning purifying shower, symbolizing the cleansing of mind and body inserted into the sacred space of ritual.

Following the ritual, people light a diya with desi ghee, a process of reverence for the ancestors. Offering food to a cow, which is believed to be a sacred animal in Hindu culture, follows and confirms the first part of the day’s enrichment given to charity.

Chanting sacred mantras for the Goddess, such as Gayatri Path and Durga Chalisa, brings auspiciousness. The rituals are involved in the Durga Puja;

Every day, Goddess Durga honoured her in nine different forms for nine days.

1. The priest performs Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana on the first day according to Muhurat to start the puja.
2. After performing Kalash Sthapana, the priest conducts a regular puja every day, followed by reciting the specific mantra for Maa Durga 108 times.
3. On the first day of puja, devotees dedicate their worship to Goddess Shailputri, the daughter of the king of the Himalayan mountains.
4. The second form is Bhramacharini – daughter of king Daksha, pleased on the second day.
5. On the third day, Goddess Chandraghanta worshipped and prayed to remove obstacles and difficulties around.
6. Devotees meditate on Goddess Kushmanda on her life-giving on the fourth day.
7. On the fifth day, devotees dedicate their prayers to Skand Mata.
8. On the sixth day, devotees worship Devi Katyayani.
9. The natives please the seventh day, which is regarded as the Kaalratri form.
10. The eighth day is to please Maha Gauri and meditate to bring happiness and prosperity in life.
11. On the last day of the 9th, devotees appease Siddhidatri to seek the benefits of their worship.

Cost of Durga Puja

Costing for the Hindu tradition, Durga puja is not only a moment for religious practice but also includes financial aspects of planning. Estimating cost is essential for a smooth celebration. The expenses may vary depending on the scale of rituals and festivities.

For celebrating, the first aspect is pandit. Hence, booking a Pandit for Durga Puja from the right platform does not cost much. There is a reliable platform, 99Pandit, that provides practical, verified, and experienced pandits for the Durga puja.

For Hindu puja arrangements, the cost includes booking a pandit, location, pooja samagris, and extra expenses for offerings and customs. These rituals have their importance, usually highlighting blessings and religious enrichment.

Here is a breakdown of puja costs:

• Priest Dakshina: A regular honorarium for the pandit’s services.
• Venue Rental: The cost of booking a place or temple applies if you do not hold the puja at home.
• Decorations: Costs for flowers, lights, and other decor.
• Offerings: Charges of fruits, sweets, and other items for puja.

Every part of the celebration adds an extra cost, making it required to plan and budget accordingly. While preparing for Durga puja, budgeting the ritual is essential so that the celebrations are both financially grand and effortless execution.

To schedule the puja, first create a detailed budget to avoid overspending and tension during the tradition.

Benefits of Durga Puja

Booking a pandit for Durga puja can lead to profound spiritual and mental well-being. The puja is a reminder of the soul’s journey towards freedom and the significance of sacrificing to the sacred.

Including oneself in Durga puja rituals and practices helps one connect with their inner spirituality, which enhances happiness and serenity. Organizing the Durga puja and booking a pandit for Durga puja gives various benefits to the devotees:

• The performance of devotees and devotees during Durga puja can relieve the feelings of distress and drive blessings of the goddess.
• Participating in holy activities, like offering alms and donating food, improves one’s virtues and contributes to the cooperative good.
• The critical part of the celebrations boost a sense of belonging and emotional support between devotees.
• Performing the puja helps the natives to overcome and remove problems and challenges that may come into life.
• Safeguard the devotees from evil eyes, negative energy, and enemies.
• The puja invokes the deities to bless the person with prosperity, success, happiness, and wealth.
• It provides relief from prolonged illness and assures a healthy life.

Pandit for Durga Puja

Booking a Pandit for Durga Puja is essential since he possesses complete knowledge of Hinduism and performs each step with enthusiasm—Book a Pandit for Durga Puja from 99Pandit. Every pandit registered at the platform has studied at Vedic Pathshala and gained experience.

The pandits have more than 5 years of experience and ensure they complete the Vedic or Hindu rituals properly. Pandits speak multiple regional languages and follow various customs.

Pandits perform the puja along with explaining every ritual and mantra to the devotees. Devotees can select the puja in their preferred language to understand the ritual and mantra meanings.

Once devotees book the puja, we will send them a booking confirmation through call or WhatsApp. Our team would validate the booking details if required, like name, place, type of puja, date & time, and preferred language.

Once we confirm the details, our team will connect the devotee with the relevant pandits according to their needs. And also notify to arrange the required puja samagri list. Before the pandit comes, our team will inform you to make the arrangements complete with puja samagri.

We don’t ask for advance payment; devotees can pay the Dakshina directly to Pandit Ji after the puja is completed.

Conclusion

Hence, devotees perform Durga Puja to celebrate the spirituality of divine powers and honour the Goddess, which brings them multiple benefits.

From the effective Vidhi, which starts with cleansing of body and soul and lighting a lamp with desi ghee, to chanting sacred texts like Durga Saptashati, every step holds importance. Charges for the puja and cost of pandit can vary, but the religious rewards, like blessings of deity and the purification it brings, are priceless.

Furthermore, the cultural aspect of Durga Puja fosters unity and charity. People feed the needy as part of the ritual, an act equivalent to donating a thousand cows. As A Result, Durga puja is a medium to appease divine grace, astrological insights, and harmony in the family.