NAVRATRI AND THE NINE GODDESSES

Navratri is a hindu festival that spans nine sacred nights(and ten days) and is celebrated twice in a year. The first is Chaitra Navrarti in the beginning of the summer and then Sharada Navratri in the beginning of the winter. The idol of Goddess Durga is worshipped during navratri.Despite the basic story being the same -"Good winning over the evil". It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian cultural sphere.

1.Maa Shailputri

 

A woman who's free as Air,Adaptive as Water; Fierce as Fire,Compassionate and Nurturance as Earth, and Serene as Space. Goddess Shailputri is an absolute form of Mother Nature.She is the embodiment of patience and devotion. She is also Goddess Parvati who is revered as the consort of Lord Shiva in this form.Also known as Sati,Bhawani and Hemavati, the Goddess is the daughter of Himalaya. 

Affiliation: Shakti,Parvati 

Colour: Orange 

 2.Maa Brahmacharini

 

Sanskrit -Brahmacharini : means devoted female student who lives in an Ashram with her Guru along with her students. It is also the name of the second aspect of the Goddess Durga (Parvati). The Goddess is worshipped on the second day of Navrati. 

Affiliation: Navadurga, Parvati 

Colour: White

3.Maa Chandraghanta 

 

Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga. Her name Chandra-Ghanta means "one who has a half moon shaped like a bell.Her third eye is always opened and she is always ready for war against demons". She is also known as Chandrakhanda, Chandika or Rannchandi.

Affiliation: Parvati, Shakti
Colour: Red

4.Maa Kushmanda 

 

Kushmanda is a Hindu goddess,credited with creating the world with her divne smile.Followers of the Kalikula tradition believe her to be the fourth form of the Hindu goddess Durga.This avtar of Adi Shakti is also referred to as the Smiling Goddess. Her name signals her main role: Ku means "a little",Ushma means "warmth" or "energy" and Anda means "cosmic egg".

Affiliation: Avtar of Parvati

Colour: Royal Blue

5.Maa Skandamata 

Skandamata,the mother of Lord Kartikeya.This is the fifth manifestation of goddess Durga, who was chosen as their commander in chief by the devtas in the war against the demons.Literally meaning Mother of  Skanda, Skanda is another name for war god and her son Kartikeya and Mata is the term for mother.

Affiliation: Devi, Adi Parashakti, Chandika, Gauri, Mahakali, Durga, Parvati

Colour: Yellow

6.Maa Katyayani

 

The sixth day of Navratri festival is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, the sixth avtar of Goddess Durga. Since she was born to Katya, she was also called Katyayani. Maa Katyayani has three eyes and four hands. She holds a sword in her one left hand and a lotus in another.

Affiliation: Durga, Chandi, Adi Parashakti
Colour: Green

7.Maa Kaalratri

 

Goddess Kaalratri,also known as Maa Kaali,is the seventh avtar of Goddess Durga.This form of Maa Durga is believed to destroy all demons,ghosts and negative energies.She is also believed to be the destroyer of time and death.She is considered the fiercest form of the Mother Goddess,her appearance itself invoke fear.

Affiliation: Durga, Navadurga, Parvati, Adi Parashakti

Colour: Grey

8.Maa Mahagauri

  

Mahagauri is the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga and amongst the Navadurgas.She is more commonly known as Ashtami. Being a symbol of purity,serenity and tranquility.Mahagauri is said to put an end to all the suffering of her devotees.Mahagauri has four arms.

Affiliation: Avtar of Parvati,Adi Parashakti

Colour: Purple

  

9.Maa Siddhidatri

Goddess Siddhiratri, the nineth form of Goddess Durga,is worshipped on the nineth day or the Mahanavami.This Goddess can be seen surrounded and worshipped by men, demons Gods and yakshas(celestial beings).She is the giver of all siddhis(perfections) and ready to bestow happiness on her followers.

Affiliation: Parvati, Shakti
Colour: Peacock green