The Nine Form of Durga - Navadurga

Navadurga, which literally means nine Durgas, constitute, according to Hindu mythology, the manifestation of Durga in nine different forms. These nine forms of manifestation are:

The Navadurgas are usually identified as:

1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandamaata
6. Kaatyayani
7. Kaalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Siddhidaatri

They are together worshipped during the Navratri (Nine Divine Nights) celebration in Autumn each year.

Durga, the mother goddess of the Hindus and a form of Devi and Shakti, is believed to have manifested in various forms, and Navadurga are believed to be the most sacred aspects of Durga.

According to a Hindu tradition, it is believed that there are three major forms in which Durga manifested herself, namely, Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali who are the active energies (Shakti) of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva respectively (without these goddesses the gods will lose all their powers and would not have the energy to lift a finger). These three forms of Durga further manifested in two more forms each, and thus emerged the nine forms of Durga, which are collectively called Navadurga or Nine Durgas. Navadurga are famously worshipped during the Autumn Navaratri or the Nine days, initiating the devotees into a period of festivities according to Hindu calendar.

First Day Puja - Swarna Kavacha Durga
The first form of Goddess Durga is called Shailaputri. She is considered the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti, the consort of Lord Shiva.

Second Day Puja - Mahalakshmi Alankaram
The second form of Goddess Durga is known as Brahmacharini. Her name is derivative of the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace. She is also a form of Uma or Parvati, a form of Mata Shakti.

Third Day Puja - Annapoorna
On the third day the Goddess is worshipped as Chandraghanta. She is the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery.

Fourth Day Puja - Gayathri Devi
On the fourth day Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form Kushmanda. It is believed that Kushmanda is the creator of the entire Universe and she has created the entire Universe by her laugh.

Fifth Day Puja – Bala Tripura Sundari
On the fifth day, the form of Goddess Durga is called Skandamaata. She is actually called so because she is here represented as the mother of Skanda, the chief warrior of the Gods army.

Sixth Day Puja - Lalitha Tripura Sundari
On the sixth day, the Goddess Durga is worshipped as Kaatyayani. Seated on her vehicle lion, Kaatyayani has three eyes and four hands.

Seventh Day Puja - Saraswathi Alankaram
On the seventh day, the Goddess Durga is worshipped as Kaalratri. As the name suggests, Kaalratri is as black as a dark night. She has four hands, she is meant to make the devotees fearless.

Eighth Day Puja - Maha Durgeshwari
On the eight day, the Goddess Durga is worshipped as Mahagauri. She is considered to extremely beautiful, white like snow and accessorized with white colored ornaments. She represents calmness and exhibits wisdom.

Ninth Day Puja - Mahishasura Mardini
On the ninth day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Siddhidaatri. It is believed she consists of all the eight siddhis. She lives on lotus and is worshipped by all the Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Sadhakas and Yogis.