Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrated by Hindus to worship the goddess Durga. During this time, there are several things you can read to honor the goddess and seek her blessings. Here are some options:
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Devi Mahatmyam: This is a powerful text that can be recited during Navratri. There are two methods to start reading Devi Mahatmyam – Trayangam and Navangam. Trayangam is a method in which we need to chant three prayers – Devi Kavacham, Argala Stotram, and Devi Keelakam followed by Navakshari Mantram. Navangam is a method for which nine prayers are recited prior to starting reading the book. Navangam stotrams are: Devi Nyasa, Devi Avahana, Devi Namani, Argala Stotram, Keelaka Stotram, Devi Hrudaya, Dhala, Devi Dhyana, and Devi Kavacha. As per the prescribed methods in ancient scriptures, Devi Mahatmya should be read in one sitting. After finishing the recital of Devi Mahatmya, one should chant the Devi Suktam (slokas 7 to 36 of Chapter 8) .
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Durga Saptashati: This is a sacred text of Hinduism that is read during Navratri. The book includes the procedure of reciting it along with Kavacha, Argal, Kilaka, Vaidika and Tantrika Ratrisukta, Devyatharvashirsha, Navarna Vidhi, original text, Durgashtottaranamastotra, Sri Durgamanasa worship, all the three Rahasyas (secrets), the prayer of pardon (Kshama Prarthna), Siddhikunzikastotra, and waving light before the idol. The reading of Durga SaptaShati (Devi Mahaatmyam) during Navaratri is to be done as follows: Chapter 1 (Madhu kaitabha samhaara) is to be read for the 1st day, Chapter 2, 3 and 4 (Mahishhasura samhaara) on the 2nd day, Chapter 5 and 6 (Dhuumralochana vadha) on the 3rd day, Chapter 7 (Chanda Munda vadha) on the 4th day, Chapter 8 (Rakta biija samhaara) on the 5th day, Chapter 9 and 10 (Shumbha Nishumbha vadha) on the 6th day, Chapter 11 (Praise of Narayani) on the 7th day, Chapter 12 (Phalastuti) on the 8th day, Chapter 13 (Blessings to Suratha and the Merchant) on the 9th day, and Chapter 14 (Aparadha Kshamaprarthana) on the 10th day.
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Hanuman Chalisa: This is a hymn in praise of Lord Hanuman that can be recited during Navratri. It is being recited 108 times regularly; in that way, Hanuman Chalisa is being recited 1008 times during the period of Navaratri. For this, it should be narrated 111 times daily instead of 108 times and 120 recitations.
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Books: There are several books that you can read during Navratri to learn more about the festival and the goddess Durga. Some popular options include "Durga / Lakshmi / Saraswathi" by various authors, "Amma Tell me About Durga Puja" by Bhakti Mathur, "Amma Tell me About Ramayana" by Bhakti Mathur, and "Ramayana: Divine Loophole" by Sanjay Patel.
Overall, Navratri is a time to connect with the divine and seek blessings from the goddess Durga. Whether you choose to read sacred texts or books, or recite hymns in praise of the gods, there are many ways to honor this important festival.
