Navdeep
Navratri is likely one of the most-awaited and broadly celebrated festivals in India. Though Navratri comes 4 instances in a yr, Sharada Navratri in autumn is celebrated with utmost devotion and Passion.
This year(2020), Navratri begins on 17 October and the ninth day will likely be on 25 October.
Goddess Durga is worshipped through these 9 days. Navratri holds great importance in the Hindu religion. Every day is devoted to worshipping a manifestation of the Goddess.
There are 9 forms of Goddess Durga that are worshiped with 9 different prasads or bhog. Listed below are the 9 forms of Goddess Durga:
1. Goddess Shailputri/(Maa Parvati)
Goddess Shailputri is the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. She holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in other and rides a bull known as Nandi. Goddess Parvati was born as the daughter of Himalaya and in Sanskrit, Shail means the mountain, thus she is named Shailputri.
2. Goddess Brahmacharini
The second day of Navratri is devoted to Goddess Brahmacharini. The goddess holds a rudraksh mala in one hand and a sacred Kamandalu in other. The meditative form of this goddess symbolises Goddess Parvati when she engaged in her deep meditation.
3. Goddess Chandraghanta
The third day of Navratri is of Goddess Chandraghanta. She is a 10-armed goddess with a crescent moon on her forehead, which gives her the identify Chandraghanta.
4. Goddess Kushmanda
Chaturthi or the fourth day of Navratri is of Devi Kushmanda. The identify Kushmanda is derived from three words – ‘Ku’ (little), ‘Ushma’ (warmth or energy) and ‘Amnda’ (Cosmic egg), which means the creator of the universe.
She has the power and capability to live inside the sun and has the glow and radiance of her body as luminous as that of the sun. It is believed that Goddess Kushmanda provides direction and energy to the sun and is popularly known as Ashtabhuja Devi. She bestows siddhis and niddhis that are located in her japa mala. Her favourite flowers are red coloured flowers
5. Goddess Skandmata
Goddess Skandmata who’s worshipped on the fifth day is also known as Panchami. Skandmata is a four-armed deity, who carries a lotus in two of her arms with a sacred Kamandalu and a bell in the other two. She also carries a little Kartikay on her lap and because of this Kartikay is also known as Skanda. She is seated on a lotus.
6. Goddess Katyayani
The sixth day of Navratri is devoted to Goddess Katyayani, who’s a form of Shakti. Also called the warrior goddess, Katyayani is considered as one of the most violent forms of Goddess Parvati. She has 4 arms and carrying a sword. She is the daughter of Sage Katyayan and rides a lion.
7. Goddess Kaalratri
Saptami or the seventh day of Navratri is of Goddess Kaalratri. As per history she sacrificed her skin color and embraced a darkish complexion to kill demons. She is a four-armed deity who rides a donkey, carries a sword, a trident, and a noose. She has a third eye on her forehead that’s believed to contain the entire universe.
8. Goddess Mahagauri
Durga Asthami or the eight-day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. She is a four-armed deity who rides on a bull or a white elephant. She carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands.
9. Goddess Siddhidatri
The ninth or the final day of Navratri is of Goddess Siddhidhatri. She is projected as a four-armed deity sitting on a lotus, holding a mace, discus and a book and lotus in her hands. This form of Goddess Durga signifies perfection.
