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Devotees in large numbers thronged Chenthitta Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram to offer prayers on Maha Navami or the last day of Navaratri.
Deepthi, a devotee who visited the temple to offer prayers on the last day of Navaratri, while talking to ANI, said, "Here (Chenthitta Devi temple), actually, the deity from Sucheendram comes during the Mahanavami festival. These are the three temples that the people of Trivandrum visit during Mahanavami. Saraswati temple near Padmanabha Swami temple, Chenthitta Devi temple is where the deity from Sucheendram comes from, and Valiyasala Devi Kshethram are the three temples that the people of Trivandrum visit during Mahanavami celebrations to get the blessing." Today marks the ninth and last day of the auspicious festival. On the occasion of Maha Navami, devotees of Maa Durga worship Maa Siddhidatri. As per Hindu mythology, Maa Durga killed the buffalo demon Mahishasura on this day. It is believed that Maa Siddhidatri takes away ignorance from her devotees and grants them knowledge. She also provides direction and energy to planet Ketu and governs it. Devotees perform different rituals on Navami. Many perform Kanya Puja/Kanjak on this day. Young and unmarried girls who have not attained puberty are worshipped as Durga in many households. They are invited to houses as their feet are washed and offered prasad. Some take baths in holy rivers, devotees also perform Sandhi Puja and offer 108 flowers and bilva leaves to Goddess Durga. Navami is followed by Dussehra, which marks the celebration of good over evil. (ANI)
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