Navratri 2026: The sacred festival of Navratri is considered a special time for the worship and devotion of Goddess Durga. During these nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga and chant mantras to seek her blessings. According to religious beliefs, performing worship and chanting mantras with sincerity during Navratri brings peace of mind and helps in enhancing concentration. If you also wish to chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga during Navratri, it is important to know the appropriate timing and the associated guidelines. Let us explore the auspicious times for chanting mantras—both in the morning and evening—and the specific mantras that can be chanted.
What is the most auspicious time to chant mantras for Goddess Durga?
According to religious beliefs, the ‘Brahma Muhurta’ (the period before dawn) is considered highly auspicious for worship and the chanting of mantras. Generally, the Brahma Muhurta begins approximately one and a half hours before sunrise. During this time, the environment remains calm, making it easier to focus the mind and engage in worship.
Additionally, one may chant mantras for Goddess Durga after bathing, even before sunrise. If, for any reason, it is not possible to wake up very early, you may choose a quiet time in the morning that suits your schedule and chant the mantras regularly. Sincerity, concentration, and consistency are of particular importance in this practice.
When should mantras be chanted in the evening?
In addition to the morning, the evening is also considered an auspicious time for worship and chanting. Many devotees perform the ‘Aarti’ of Goddess Durga at sunset, followed by the chanting of mantras.
According to religious traditions, devotees may chant the ‘Durga Gayatri Mantra’ at sunrise and other mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga at sunset. Some practitioners complete 108 repetitions of these mantras. It is believed that worshiping with devotion fosters positive emotions and leads to an experience of spiritual peace.
Which mantras should be chanted during Navratri? During Navaratri, various mantras are chanted to worship Goddess Durga. Among these, a particular mantra that expresses devotion to the Goddess is especially popular.
- The Navarna Mantra of Goddess Durga
‘Om Aim Hrim Klim Chamundayai Vicche’
This mantra is chanted to worship Goddess Durga. Depending on their personal devotion and family traditions, devotees may chant it 108 times daily.
- The Durga Gayatri Mantra
‘Om Katyayanyai Vidmahe Kanyakumari Dhimahi | Tanno Durgih Prachodayat ||’
This mantra is also used for the worship of Goddess Durga. It should be recited correctly, in accordance with one’s own traditions.
Furthermore, throughout the nine days of Navaratri, different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Each day, devotees may also chant mantras specific to the particular form of the Goddess being worshipped that day.
What should be kept in mind while chanting mantras?
When chanting mantras during Navaratri, one should prioritize cleanliness and a spirit of devotion. Before beginning, bathe and wear clean clothes, and choose a quiet space for worship. Sit comfortably on a mat (asana), meditate on Goddess Durga, and chant the mantras with a focused mind.
If you are using a mala (rosary) for chanting, you may use one with 108 beads. Ensure that the pronunciation of the mantras is clear, and avoid rushing. Most importantly, perform your worship and chanting in accordance with your own devotion, capacity, and family traditions.
