As the festive season commences in India, millions of people gear up to welcome the revered celebrations of the year. Among these is the festival of Navratri—the special time of the year. The nine nights venerate the divine power of Goddess Durga. The enthralling rhythms of garba and dandiya celebrate the tapestry of rich customs and rites. Communities unite and celebrate the win of good over evil.
Navratri is all about Maa Durga and her nine forms. It is said that Maa Durga takes all the worries and sadness of her devotees and fills their life with vibrant energy and success. Let’s delve further and explore more about Goddess Durga and her nine avatars.
Maa Durga
Some say Durga, while some call her Jagdamba, or Mahishasura Mardini. Goddess Durga is the epitome of Shakti, love, and compassion. Though she is a formidable goddess capable of conquering demons, but is also a selfless mother, nurturing love when it comes to her children.
The Mother Warrior
Durga is more than a warrior. She is the guiding light, fiery yet compassionate. She rides a majestic tiger, which signifies Shakti. Her triumph over the demon Mahishasura (the symbol of evil and ignorance), is a reminder that no force is powerful when the soul is pure.
Her eight arms represent the eight directions. Each arm holding a weapon denotes that she is protecting her children from iniquity.
Symbol of Empowerment
In addition to her mystic significance, Maa Durga inspires millions of women and men. She encourages to embrace our inner strength and fight against injustice. Her teachings help in overcoming fear and obstacles, embodying the belief, that one can defeat any challenge with faith and firmness.
Nine Forms of Maa Durga
Shailputri
The first form of Maa Durga is Maa Shailputri, worshipped on the first day of Navratri. She symbolizes the Earth and represents stability and faith. She denotes a feminine form, as she carries a trident in one hand and a lotus flower in another and rides on Nandi, the bull.
Brahmacharini
The second majestic form of Maa Durga is Maa Brahmacharini. She is worshipped on the second day of the Durga Puja. In her right hand, she carries a rosary bead made of dried Rudraksha and a Kamandalu in her left hand.
Chandraghanta
The third form of Durga is Maa Chandraghanta, also known as Ranachandi and is celebrated on the third day of Durga Puja. She is a fierce goddess with her third eye open and is always ready to battle with demons. Chandraghanta is portrayed as a female with 10 hands. She also has a crescent on her forehand, which also depicts her name as Chandraghanta.
Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Durga is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. She is known as the creator of the universe, signifying energy and liveliness. Surrounded by light, she is epitome for prosperity and well-being. Her radiant smile reminds her devotees of the significance of positivity.
Skanda Mata
Worshipped on the fifth day of Durga Puja, Skanda Mata is the fifth form of Maa Dura. She is revered as the mother of Skanda, or Lord Kartikeya. The gods chose her as their commander-in-chief in the battleground against demons. She is portrayed with four arms and three eyes. In her slightly raised right hand, she holds a lotus, a sign of purity and spiritual development. Her other hand cradles the infant Skanda.
Katyayani
The sixth avatar of Goddess Durga is Katyayani. According to historical accounts, she is the daughter of a great sage, called Kata. Sage Kata wished for a daughter, in the form of a goddess. Maa Katyayani was then born as an avatar of Durga.
Kaal Ratri
Maa Kaal Ratri is the seventh avatar of Durga. She has dark complexion, unkempt hair, and a demeanor posture. Her fiery portrayal is similar to Goddess Kali. In her right hand, she holds a sword that fights with all the evil. Her figure signifies protection and freedom from fear.
Mahagauri
The eighth form of Durga, Mahagauri is the symbol of purity and calmness. Her portrayal as a beautiful woman dressed in white signifies peace and serenity. Mahagauri inspires her devotes to seek inner peace and tranquility and promotes spiritual growth.
Siddhidarti
The ninth and final avatar of Maa Durga is Siddhidarti, embodying spirituality and success. She sits on a lotus and bestows—siddhis or supernatural powers, upon her devotees. By worshipping Siddhidatri, devotees attain their goals, as Maa Siddhisarti guides them toward fulfillment.
As we celebrate Maa Durga and her nine forms, let us also embrace and encapsulate their teachings and values. In every prayer and rite, Maa Durga is a guiding light, enhancing our inner values and strength.
Read more related stories:
- Kolkata’s Best-Themed Durga Puja Pandals That Can’t Be Missed
- Devotees in Disbelief: Maa Kali’s Crown Stolen from Bangladesh’s Jeshoreshwari Temple
- Dussehra Special: Unique Vijayadashami Celebrations Across India
- Bangladesh Maximizes Security Ahead of Durga Puja Celebrations
- PM Narendra Modi Pens Garba Song ‘Aavati Kalay’ to Pay Tribute to Goddess Durga
- Navratri Special: Goddess Durga and Her Nine Forms
Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
Comments