NavDurga – The 9 Forms of Goddess Durga to be worshipped during Navrathri !!
Navdurga or Navadurga are the 9 different manifestations of Mother Goddess that is mentioned in the Durga Saptashati and Devi Mahatmiyam. These Nine Goddess are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushamandha, Skandhamata, Katyayani, Kaalrathri, MahaGowri, and Siddhidatri. It is considered to be very auspicious to invoke and worship each of these Goddess on these 9 days of Navaratri.
Shailaputri – She is the First Manifestation of Durga and is the primal energy of the Tri Moorthis Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva. She was born as the daughter to Mt.Himalayas. Shaila – mountains, Putri – Daughter. Hence the name, Shailaputri.
Brahmacharini – This form represents severe penance and austerity leading to blissfulness and moksha. The 2nd form Brahmacharini is considered as the unmarried form of Goddess Durga and she is also known as Tapashcharini, Uma, and Aparna.
Chandraghanta – Represented as 10-armed mother riding a lion carrying a Bell (Ghanta) in Her hand. She adores a Half moon (Chandra) on her Forehead, and the Third Eye in the middle of the Forehead is always open and so She is always ready for the war against the Evil.
Kushamandha – This is the 4th Form of Goddess Durga and in this form, she started living inside the Sun, so that she can give energy to the Universe. Literally meaning “little warmth cosmic egg” (Ku – Little, Usham – Warmth, Anda – Comic Egg). The glow and radiance of the Goddess are as bright as the Sun.
Skandhamata – She is the mother of Skanda, or Kartikeya, the chief warrior of Gods. She mounts on the ferocious lion and carries Skanda in her lap. She is also known as Goddess Padmasana.
Katyayani – As a daughter of sage Katyayan (Katya Clan), she is a fierce form of Durga and an epitome of love. She is also known as Warrior Goddess because Goddess Parvati took the form of Katyayani to destroy the demon Mahishasura.
MahaGowri – She represents calmness and grants wisdom to her devotees. It is said that Lord Shiva cleaned Maa Gowri with Ganga water since Her body was covered with soil and dust due to severe Penance. Hence, purity is depicted from Goddess MahaGowri.
Kaalrathri – She showcases the other side of life – (i.e) death. She is the most terrible, ruthless and ferocious form of Goddess Durga. It is said that the Goddess took this form to kill the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Siddhidatri – Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on the 9th Day of Navratri and bestows all type of knowledge to her devotees. She is surrounded by Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Demons, and Gods who worship her. She is the fulfiller of all the wishes and giver of boons.
