Ayudha Puja / Maha Navami

The ninth and the penultimate day of nine-day Navratri Festival - is also called Ayudha Puja in South India and Durga Puja in north India. The rituals associated with Navratri Maha Navami vary from region to region.

In South India, Maha Navami is observed as Ayudha Puja. All books, utensils and tools are kept for puja. In Mysore, the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession of decorated elephants, camels and horses. In Kerala and in some parts of Karnataka three days: Ashtami, Navami, and Vijaya Dashami of Sharad Navarathri are celebrated as Sarasvati Puja in which books are worshiped. 

In Bengal, Maha Navami rituals are the final rituals associated with Durga Puja. The next day is Durga Murti Visarjan or immersion. A major bhog is held on the day and Prasad is offered to Goddess Durga. Food items prepared on the day is shared by devotees.

In some regions, animal sacrifice is held on the day. But this ritual is discouraged by many people today and is also banned by the government. But it is still held in rural regions and famous Durga Mata and Kali Mata Temple.

Today, Ayudha Puja is the day when Hindus keep the tools and objects that are used to make a livelihood for pooja. The tools and implements are not touched on the Ayudha Puja day. It is only taken on the next day morning with renewed vigor after the blessings from Goddess.

Which tool one keeps during Ayudha Puja depends on his/her trade - this can be laptop, desktop, cycle, autorikshaw, screwdriver, sewing machine etc. Nowadays, people also do not use vehicles on the day. Cars, scooters and bikes are also kept for puja.

Children and people who are associated with art and literature also participate in the Ayudha Puja; they dedicate the prayers and pooja to Goddess Saraswathi. This is referred as Saraswathi Puja. Here too people abstain from touching books and other written materials.

Visiting temples dedicated to Hindu Goddesses is an important part of Ayudha Puja. Special poojas are also performed at home by elders and books and tools are kept for puja.