Maha Saptami: Why Maa Durga opened her eyes on the seventh day of Sharadiya Navratri..

Shardiya Navratri 2025 Maha Saptami: Saptami Tithi holds a special significance during Navratri, also known as Mahasaptami. Saptami Tithi is considered the first day of Durga Puja because the blindfold is removed from the eyes of the Goddess in pandals on this day. Especially in pandals in Bengal and Eastern India, the blindfold is removed on Saptami. It is believed that from this moment, the idol of Goddess Durga is consecrated and fully awakened. The Mahasnan on Saptami Tithi also holds great significance. It is believed that on this day, the Ganges and other holy rivers are invoked and placed in the Kalash, and the Goddess is invited. Let's find out why the blindfold is removed from the Goddess's eyes in pandals on Saptami Tithi...

Along with Goddess Durga, these are also removed from their eyes. In pandals, along with Goddess Durga, idols of Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Kartikeya are displayed, and on this day, the blindfold is removed from each of them. Idol construction begins before Mahalaya, but the Goddess's eyes are made in the final stage. Traditionally, on Saptami, the Goddess's eyes are fully decorated, and the blindfold is removed, revealing her divine form. This is also known as Chakshu Daan, meaning the infusion of divinity into the Goddess's eyes. After the blindfold is removed, it is believed that Goddess Durga has descended on earth and has begun to listen to the prayers of her devotees.

This is why the blindfold is removed on Saptami Tithi.
It is believed that the consecration of the Goddess's idol takes place six days later. According to tradition, the Goddess is not allowed to be seen for these six days. Therefore, the idol is completely covered. But now, devotees visiting the pandal also want to have darshan, so only the eyes of the Mother Goddess are blindfolded so that devotees can have darshan. On Saptami, the blindfolds are removed from everyone's eyes, including the Mother Goddess, and worship is performed on Ashtami and Navami. According to mythological beliefs, Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura on Saptami, so on this day, the Mother Goddess's eyes are opened and worshipped with rituals. It should be noted that after opening Goddess Durga's eyes and applying vermillion in the pandals, the Mother Goddess is bid farewell.

Significance for Devotees
From Saptami, the atmosphere of worship in the pandals becomes even more grand. Devotees gaze into the Goddess's eyes and pray for the fulfillment of their wishes. This moment is considered extremely emotional and sacred for devotees, as the Mother Goddess is believed to be present in her living form from then on. Therefore, the tradition of removing the blindfold from the Goddess's eyes on Saptami is not merely a ritual, but a symbol of Goddess Durga's full awakening. Removing the blindfold on Saptami is part of the same divine process that makes the Goddess worthy of worship in her awakened form.

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