Navratri 2025: Plant barley to gain Maa Durga’s blessings
Navratri is one of the most vibrant and crucial festivals celebrated all across the world by Hindus. During the festival, devotees pray the nine forms of Maa Durga and observes fast and rituals. Among many rituals, people sow seeds of barley on the first day of the Navratri at the home temple. There are many beliefs behind planting barley during Navratri. Dive deeper to know more.
New Delhi: Navratri is one of the most vibrant and crucial festivals celebrated all across the world by Hindus. During the festival, devotees commemorate the great battle between Goddess Durga and the powerful demon Mahishasura, who had been granted immortality by Lord Brahma and had been told that he could only be defeated by a woman. It symbolises the victory of good over evil. As the fierce battle continued for nine nights, people pray to the nine forms of Maa Durga for nine days and nights during Navratri.
Among many rituals, people sow seeds of barley on the first day of the Navratri at the home temple. A tiny bed of soil is prepared in which barley seeds are sown after the prayer has been performed. It is watered every day. After the prayer on the 10th day, the shoots are pulled out and given to devotees as a blessing of Maa Durga. There are many beliefs behind planting barley during Navratri. Dive deeper to know more.
Significance of planting barley
One belief states that when Lord Brahma created the universe, the first crop that grew on land was barley. It is also said that it was on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada that the universe was created. Hence, barley is sown or cultivated at home from the very first day of this festival.
Among many reasons behind planting barley, one is Anna Brahma, which signifies that food must always be respected.
Another belief mentions that Lord Ram from the epic Ramayan prayed to the nine different forms of Maa Durga seeking strength to kill Ravana, who had kidnapped Goddess Sita. Lord Ram then acquired the power to slay Ravana on the tenth day of Vijay Dashami.
Meaning of planting barley
It is believed that if the barley is thickly growing, particularly in white colour, it is said to be a symbol of contentment and success and bring Maa Durga’s unlimited blessings.
If the barley grows black in colour, it is an inauspicious sign, and the house might attract negative energy.
After the end of the nine days, this barley pot is immersed in a river or any clean water body.
Importance of barley as per science
Science mentions that barley shoots are rich in vitamins A, C, K, B-complex and proteins.
They contain about 17 amino acids and a high percentage of chlorophyll, which can cure most of the blood-related problems in the human body.
It is rich in oxygen and hence, is a natural purifying agent. It cleanses heavy metals from the body, which is essential for a healthy body.
Navratri 2025 is the apt occasion to surrender to Maa Durga’s power and earn her blessings by following the ritual pure heart. So, do not forget to plant barley at your home!