On the 9th day of Chaitra Navratri, CM Yogi washes feet of 9 girls, representing nine forms of Maa Durga

Gorakhpur : Chief Minister and Gorakshapeethadhishwar Yogi Adityanath, known for his deep reverence for Matru Shakti and his unwavering commitment to women’s safety, dignity, and empowerment through initiatives like Mission Shakti, performed the sacred ritual of Kanya Poojan on Sunday, marking the ninth day of Chaitra (Vasantik) Navratri, by the longstanding traditions of the Goraksha Peeth.

The Kanya Poojan ceremony, held at the Anna Kshetra of the Gorakhnath Temple, was conducted with great devotion and spiritual fervor. As part of the ritual, CM Yogi washed the feet of nine young girls—symbolic embodiments of Goddess Durga (Durga Swaroopa)—and offered them traditional worship.

Each girl was respectfully draped with a chunari, adorned with garlands, and honored with tilak made of roli, sandalwood, akshat, and durva. The Chief Minister then performed their aarti, served them sanctified food (prasad), and sought their blessings by offering dakshina and gifts.

Following tradition, he also performed Batuk Poojan. The children were served freshly prepared prasad from the temple kitchen, and the Chief Minister took great care to ensure that no child’s plate was empty.

Throughout the program, he attentively guided the temple staff, ensuring seamless service and respectful hospitality for all present.

The sacred atmosphere of the occasion was further elevated by the presence of revered saints and spiritual leaders, including Jagadguru Swami Santosh Das alias Satua Baba from Kashi, the temple’s chief priest Yogi Kamalnath, and other members of the temple management.

Earlier in the day, as part of the morning rituals at the temple’s Shaktipeeth, Maa Siddhidatri—the ninth form of Goddess Durga—was worshipped with full Vedic rituals, completing the spiritual observances of Navami Tithi with divine grace.