It is said in the scriptures that if Navratri begins with Maa Durga in her Gajavahana form, it is considered especially auspicious. The elephant, or ‘Gaja,’ is a symbol of wealth, victory, and stability. It is described in the scriptures that this form of the Maa is believed to remove difficulties from a devotee’s life and pave the way for lasting happiness and prosperity. With this sentiment, the Gajavahana Durga Maha Siddhi Anushthan, Siddhi Kavach, and Vijay Yagya are performed on the first day of Navratri, with the aim of removing obstacles from the devotee’s life and infusing it with new energy and self-strength.

To invite the blessings and grace from these powerful rituals into your life, Sri Mandir is organizing the Gajavahana Durga Maha Siddhi Anushthan, Siddhi Kavach, and Vijay Yagya at the Shaktipeeth Kalighat in Kolkata. This is the same sacred place where the toe of Maa Sati’s right foot is present, and it is considered a center of immense power in the Sanatana tradition. It is believed that if Navratri begins with the worship of the Goddess at a revered site like Kalighat, then the spiritual practices of all the following days may become even more fruitful. By connecting with this ritual, devotees can call upon the power of Maa Durga’s Gajavahana form and, with her blessings, may find victory over life’s difficulties, protection for their family, and lasting prosperity.