Navratri Jap Plan: Nine Days of Mantra Practice
A nine-day Navratri jap plan: suggested mantras for each day, daily counts, how to set a sankalp, and how to track your chanting through the nine nights.
Navratri, “the nine nights,” is a time when many households take up a special practice. The days are given to the Mother in her nine forms, and chanting is a natural centre of the festival. This plan shows how to organise nine days of japa so that it is simple, steady and complete.
The two main Navratris
- Chaitra Navratri (spring), ending in Ram Navami.
- Sharad Navratri (autumn), ending in Vijayadashami.
There are also two lesser-known Gupt Navratris. Check the dates in the Panchang at Spiritual Marg.
Choose your mantra
Follow your family or guru if you have one. Otherwise, some common choices:
| Mantra | Notes |
|---|---|
| Om Dum Durgayai Namah | Simple Durga mantra |
| Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche | The Navarna mantra, nine syllables |
| Jai Mata Di / Jai Mata Ki | Short names, ideal for large counts |
| Your own deity’s name | e.g. Ram naam in Chaitra Navratri |
The counter lets you add any custom mantra by typing it in Devanagari, English or any script; it keeps its own total.
Setting a sankalp
Before the first day, make a sankalp (resolve), stating the mantra, the daily count and the nine days. For example, “I will chant ___ 1,008 times each day for nine days.” See how to set a sankalp for detail.
Suggested daily counts:
| Level | Daily | Nine-day total |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle | 108 | 972 |
| Steady | 324 | 2,916 |
| Devoted | 1,008 | 9,072 |
| Intensive | 3,125 | 28,125 |
Nine-day outline
The nine forms of Durga are traditionally worshipped one per day. A simple plan:
| Day | Form | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shailaputri | Beginning, steadiness |
| 2 | Brahmacharini | Discipline |
| 3 | Chandraghanta | Courage and peace |
| 4 | Kushmanda | Warmth and energy |
| 5 | Skandamata | Care and love |
| 6 | Katyayani | Strength |
| 7 | Kalaratri | Fearlessness |
| 8 | Mahagauri | Purity, clarity |
| 9 | Siddhidatri | Fulfilment |
On each day, chant your main count and, if you wish, add a short prayer or the day’s name.
A day’s routine
- Wake early and bathe.
- Light a lamp before the image or kalash.
- Chant your main count in one or two sittings. See the best time for naam jap.
- Recite an aarti or stotra if you wish.
- Record the day in the counter, which keeps your streak.
Fasting and food
Many people fast or eat simple food. This is a personal choice; do not strain your health. Chanting is available whatever you eat.
Keeping the nine days unbroken
- Set a floor for the worst day. A day when you are sick or travelling still counts if you chant a mala.
- Split long counts across morning and evening. The counter keeps one daily total across sessions.
- Use focus mode and the bell for long sessions.
- See naam jap when you have no time.
Closing on the ninth day
On Ashtami or Navami, many households perform a small closing ritual and offer food to young girls (kanya pujan). Others offer a final prayer, give thanks and continue with a smaller daily practice. Tally your total from the counter, note it as your offering, and carry the steadiness forward. If you completed the nine days, consider setting a new daily sankalp, as in our 30-day beginner plan.
Jai Mata Di.
Ready? Open the counter and start your first mala.
Start chantingFrequently asked questions
Which mantra should I chant in Navratri?
Common choices are the Durga mantra (Om Dum Durgayai Namah), the Navarna mantra, or your own family deity's name. Follow your family or guru's tradition.
How many times should I chant each day?
Many devotees take a sankalp of 108 or 1,008 a day for nine days. Pick a count you can finish each day.
Can I add my own mantra to the counter?
Yes. The counter lets you add any mantra in any script and keeps a separate lifetime total for it.
When is Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri falls in spring and Sharad Navratri in autumn, each lasting nine nights. Check the Panchang for exact dates.
