Navratri Special
NINE FACES OF MAA DURGA
Navratri is a sacred festival solely devoted to the divine form of Maa Shakti. During this nine night long festival of Navratri, nine different forms of Maa Durga signifying power, wealth, prosperity and knowledge are worshipped. Each day is dedicated to different aspect of divine almighty.
Maa Shailputri is the daughter of Himalaya and first among the nine aspects of Maa Durga. Mounting on a bull, Maa Shailputri holds a trishul in the right hand and a flower in the left hand. Maa Shailputri's glories are endless.
"Brahma" means "Tapa". Maa Brahmacharini is the second form of Navdurga and is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. Maa Brahmacharini practices Tapa and is very gorgeous giving the message of love to the whole world. She holds a rosary (mala) in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand. The goddess is full with merriment.
Maa Kushmanda, the fourth aspect of Navdurga is adored on the fourth day of Navratri. Maa Kushmanda represents the source of providing basic necessities to the whole world. This form of Durga is said to be the creator of the universe and resides in the innermost core of the earth. She has eight hands which hold seven types of weapons in seven hands and a rosary in her right hand. She seems brilliant riding on a Lion.
Skandamata is the fifth form of Navdurga therefore she is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Skandamata bestows her devotees with the gift of differentiation of right from wrong to the world. She holds her son, "Skanda" in her lap while displaying three eyes and four hands; two hands hold lotus while the other two hands respectively display defending and granting gestures.
On sixth day of Navratri, the sixth form of Maa Durga known as Maa Katyayani is worshipped. It is believed that Maa Katyayani persistently battles against the evil and deceitful entities. She has three eyes and four arms. One left hand holds a weapon and the other a lotus. The other two hands respectively display defending and granting gestures. Her mount is a lion.
Maa Kaalratri is the seventh form of Navdurga. Maa Kaalratri is also known as Maa Kaali or Maha Kaali and is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. Kalaratri is the one of the fiercest forms of Maa Durga and her appearance itself evokes fear. This form of Goddess is believed to be the destroyer of all demon entities. Mounted upon a Donkey the goddess possess black skin with bountiful hair and four hands, two clutching a cleaver and a torch, while the remaining two are in the mudras
Maa Durga is the soft spoken and simplest form of Maa Durga. She is calm and kind and exists in peaceful style. She has four arms and fairest complexion of all the Durga Shakti. She holds a drum and a trishul and is often depicted riding a bull. Durga Ashtami Puja is also held on this day in many parts of the country.
Navdurga’s ninth aspect is Maa Siddhidatri. Maa Siddhidatri showers knowledge over all her devotees making their soul pure. The Goddess drives on Lion. She has four hands and looks are very pleasing. The day is also observed as Mahanavami in many parts of the world.
Maa Shailputri
Maa Brahmacharini
Maa Chandraghanta
The Goddess establishes justice by saving her devotees from all kinds of danger. This form of Navdurga is known as Chandraghanta because there is a half-circular moon in her forehead. This face of Maa Durga is very charming and bright. She possesses three eyes and ten hands holding ten different types of swords, weapons and arrows etc and mounts on a Lion.
Maa Kushmanda
Maa Skandamata
Maa Katyayani
Maa Kaalratri
Maa Gauri
Maa Siddhidatri