Navratri is the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Devi in her many forms — nine nights of worship, fasting, aarti and celebration. For devotees of Ambe Mata, Navratri is the most sacred time of the year. Whether you are setting up a proper Navratri puja at home for the first time or want to add a new idol to an existing mandir, this guide covers what you need.
Who is Ambe Mata
Ambe Mata — also known as Amba, Ambika, Jagdamba and Maa Bhavani — is the supreme mother goddess of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, and is worshipped widely across India. She is the fierce, protective aspect of Devi — the goddess who rides a lion, carries weapons and destroys all that opposes dharma. In the nine nights of Navratri, devotees worship nine forms of Devi: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Ambe Mata encompasses the Durga/Mahishasuramardini aspect of this tradition.
Choosing the Right Idol Size
2.7 Inch — ₹899
The most compact Ambe Mata in the Gold Art India range. Gold electroplated with multicolour enamel attire, on lion vahana. Right for a desk or small shelf where space is limited, or as a Navratri return gift at a practical budget. The 2.7 inch has all the iconic elements — goddess on lion with weapons — in a compact form.
3.6 Inch — ₹1,559
The first size large enough for a dedicated Navratri puja platform. Gold plated with red and green enamel attire. The right choice for a small home mandir or puja thali setup where the idol will be the centrepiece of the nine-day ritual.
3.8 Inch — ₹1,919
The standard home mandir size. Slightly larger presence than the 3.6, more appropriate for a living room display or dedicated Navratri altar that will be kept year-round.
4.8 Inch — ₹2,759
The premium piece in the Ambe Mata range. At 4.8 x 4 x 2.9 inches this is a statement idol — the most detailed, the most commanding presence. For a dedicated Devi mandir or as a significant housewarming or Navratri gift. The lion is shown in a full standing pose with the goddess above — the most dramatic composition in the range.
5 Inch Gold Silver Resin — ₹2,279
The largest in the range with multicolour detailing. Gold and silver dual tone plating with detailed colour work. For those who want the maximum scale and detail.
Setting Up the Navratri Puja
Choose a clean, elevated platform — a dedicated mandir shelf, a wooden platform or a clean table covered with a red or yellow cloth. Place the Ambe Mata idol in the East or North-East direction, facing outward. Light a ghee lamp in front of the idol every morning and evening for all nine days.
For Ghatasthapana (the first day ritual), place a clay pot (kalash) filled with water and topped with a coconut near the idol. Sow barley seeds in a small earthen pot beside the kalash — the sprouting of the barley over the nine days is a symbol of Devi's blessings.
Offer fresh red flowers each day. On each of the nine days, a different colour of flower or clothing is associated with one of the nine forms of Devi. Recite the Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmyam. Perform aarti twice daily — morning and evening — waving the lamp in a circular motion.
What to Offer
Offer flowers in a bowl in front of the idol. Never pour anything directly on the electroplated surface. Offer coconut, fruits, sweets and betel leaves on a puja thali beside the idol. Light incense beside the idol throughout the nine days. Camphor (kapoor) aarti at the end of each puja session.
After Navratri
The Ambe Mata idol stays in the home mandir year-round — not just for Navratri. She is worshipped as the permanent protective presence in the home. Many devotees perform a weekly puja on Tuesdays or Fridays year-round.
See the full Ambe Mata idol collection with all sizes and finishes. Or browse all home decor idols for the complete Navratri puja setup. Use the Vastu Selector to check if Ambe Mata or Durga is your recommended deity based on your birth date.
