Navratri is not only about fasting and prayers; it is also about invoking the fire element to purify the mind, body, and space. The sacred ritual of Hawan (also called Homa or Yajna) is one of the most important spiritual practices of Navratri. Offering ghee, herbs, and mantras into the fire is said to reach the Goddess directly, carrying our intentions and prayers through Agni, the divine messenger.

So, let’s explore how to perform a Navratri Hawan step by step, the benefits of this ritual, and the powerful mantras you can chant to make it more effective.

Prerequisites for Navratri Hawan

Before beginning, keep the essentials ready:

• A Hawan Kund (fire pit) or a small clean metal vessel.

• Ghee (clarified butter) or sesame oil.

• Dry coconut pieces, twigs, or cow-dung cakes.

• Camphor and matches to kindle the fire.

• Two cups: one with ghee, one with water.

• Two spoons: one for ghee, one for water.

• Optional: sesame seeds or plain nuts for offerings.

• A small bowl of clean water with flower petals or darbha grass for Tarpan and Marjan.

• Sit facing East, after a bath, in clean clothes.

These simple preparations create purity and discipline, helping you step into the ritual with focus.

Step-by-Step Process of Navratri Hawan

1. Ācamana (Purification Sip)

Begin with three sips of water, chanting:

ॐ केशवाय स्वाहा (Om Keśavāya Svāhā)

ॐ नारायणाय स्वाहा (Om Nārāyaṇāya Svāhā)

ॐ माधवाय स्वाहा (Om Mādhavāya Svāhā)

This purifies body and mind before worship.

2. Sankalpa (Intention)

Take a little water in your right palm and say: For Dharma, peace, and well-being of all, I perform Durga Hawan as per my ability. Release the water to the ground. This marks the beginning of your sacred promise.

3. Marjan (Sprinkling for Purity)

Sprinkle water on yourself, the Hawan Kund, and surrounding area while chanting:

ॐ अपवित्रः पवित्रो वा सर्वावस्थां गतोऽपि वा ।

यः स्मरेत् पुण्डरीकाक्षं स बाह्याभ्यन्तरः शुचिः ॥

(Meaning: Pure or impure, in whatever state one may be—remembering the lotus-eyed Lord purifies both inside and outside.)

4. Lighting the Fire

Kindle the fire and chant: ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः ॐ (Om Bhūr Bhuvaḥ Suvaḥ Om). This invokes divine energy into the flame.

5. Initial Offerings

Offer a drop of ghee for each mantra:

ॐ प्रजापतये स्वाहा (Om Prajāpataye Svāhā)

ॐ इन्द्राय स्वाहा (Om Indrāya Svāhā)

ॐ अग्नये स्वाहा (Om Agnaye Svāhā)

ॐ सोमाय स्वाहा (Om Somāya Svāhā)

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः स्वाहा (Om Gaṁ Gaṇapataye Namaḥ Svāhā)

This honours the cosmic powers before calling Durga.

6. Main Offerings to Durga

Offer ghee, sesame, or nuts with each chant:

ॐ दूं दुर्गायै नमः स्वाहा (Om Duṁ Durgāyai Namaḥ Svāhā)

ॐ ह्रीं दूं दुर्गायै नमः स्वाहा (Om Hrīṁ Duṁ Durgāyai Namaḥ Svāhā)

Repeat 11, 21, or 108 times for strength and blessings.

7. Final Offerings

Conclude the cycle with offerings to Agni, Vayu, Surya, Vishnu, and Rudra, symbolising the balance of the five elements.

8. Pūrṇāhuti (Complete Offering)

Place a larger piece of coconut or wood, chanting: ॐ ह्रीं दूं दुर्गायै नमः स्वाहा (Om Hrīṁ Duṁ Durgāyai Namaḥ Svāhā). This marks the completion of your Hawan.

9. Tarpan (Water Offering)

Offer water, chanting:

ॐ दुर्गायै नमः तर्पयामि (Om Durgāyai Namaḥ Tarpayāmi)

ॐ पार्वत्यै नमः तर्पयामि (Om Pārvatyai Namaḥ Tarpayāmi)

ॐ जगन्मात्रे नमः तर्पयामि (Om Jaganmātre Namaḥ Tarpayāmi)

This is a gesture of gratitude to the Divine Mother.

10. Dhyāna & Closing

Sit in meditation with ॐ ह्रीं दूं दुर्गायै नमः (Om Hrīṁ Duṁ Durgāyai Namaḥ) and Close with ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः (Om Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ).

*Hawan can be performed at any time of the suggested days of navratri, as the fire itself is sacred and carries prayers to the divine. However, performing it before 12 pm is considered most ideal. The morning hours are known as sattvic time, a period of natural purity, calmness, and heightened spiritual energy. When the mind is fresh and the environment is still, the offerings made in Hawan are believed to align more powerfully with planetary forces and bring deeper blessings..

Importance & Significance of Hawan during Navratri

1. Spiritual Purification: Hawan is believed to purify the environment and the heart. The fire acts as a bridge between human devotion and divine energy.

2. Balance of the Five Elements: Offerings represent Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. Together, they balance energies within the body and the cosmos.

3. Invocation of Deities: In Navratri, the fire is seen as Maa Durga herself. Each offering becomes a direct prayer to her for protection and prosperity.

4. Cleansing of Karma: Dropping ghee, herbs, and nuts into the fire symbolises surrendering ego, impurities, and obstacles, creating space for renewal.

5. Health and Energy Benefits: Texts note that smoke from herbs and ghee cleanses the air, reduces negativity, and energises the mind.

Best Days to Perform Hawan in Navratri

While you can perform a simple Hawan every day, certain days are especially powerful:

• Maha Ashtami (Day 8): Best for overcoming obstacles and seeking protection.

• Maha Navami (Day 9): Ideal for Pūrṇāhuti, completing your nine-day devotion.

• Vijayadashami (Day 10): Symbolises final victory; performing Hawan ensures courage and success for the year ahead.

Navratri Hawan is like a dialogue between you and the Divine. Every mantra, every offering is a reminder that transformation comes from both devotion and surrender. This Navratri, as you light the sacred fire, remember that you are not only worshipping Maa Durga but also awakening the radiant energy within yourself.

Ask Agastyaa on Astrosure.ai for your Hawan mantras and guidance