GODDESS DURGA- 9 FORMS
'Navratri' means 'nine nights.' 'Nava' means 'nine,’ and 'Ratri' means 'night.'
On this occasion we have created the female cosmic power (9 forms)
in our traditional Indian Folk Art form #bengalpatua
The significance of each day of Navratri is attached to a form of the Mother Divine.
The significance of each day of Navratri is attached to a form of the Mother Divine.
On the first day we worship Goddess SHAILPUTRI. She is the daughter (putri) of the mountain (Shaila).
She is differently acknowledged by the names of Sati, Bhavani, Parvati, and Hemwati.
She is considered to be the purest embodiment of Durga and the mother of nature.
MAA BRAMACHARINI is the second manifestation & mightiest form of Goddess Durga. Maa signifies love and loyalty, wisdom and knowledge. The word "Brahm" refers to Tapa (penance)- Her name means "one who performs Tapa".
The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess CHANDRAGHANTA. She is a fierce 10-armed goddess
with a crescent moon on her forehead, which gives her the name Chandraghanta.
She is believed to reward people with her grace, bravery and courage.
She is believed to reward people with her grace, bravery and courage.
The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Devi KUSHMANDA. The name Kushmanda is derived from three words - ‘Ku’ (little), ‘Ushma’ (warmth or energy) and ‘Amnda’ (egg), which means the creator of the universe. It is stated that lord Vishnu was able to start creating the universe when Maa Kushmanda smiled like a flower which blossomed with a bud.
Goddess SKANDAMATA who is worshipped on the fifth day is also known as Panchami. She holds her son Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) the divine warrior god in her lap, who offers us courage and strength and is the deity of the planet Mars.
She is also a symbol of a mother-son relationship.
On sixth day we worship Devi KATAYAYANI. The subtle world which is invisible and unmanifested is ruled by Goddess Katyayani and she has the power to free us from sins accumulated from all our past lives. She was born to eliminate Demon Mahishasur. She is also referred to as the Warrior Goddess.
On the seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess KAALRATRI. As per legends, she sacrificed her skin colour and embraced a dark complexion to kill demons. She is also known as Shubhankari meaning auspicious/ doing good in Sanskrit and it is believed that she always ensures auspicious results for her devotees.
Durga Asthami or the eight-day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess MAHAGAURI.
She carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands.
The ninth or the final day of Navratri is of Goddess SIDDHIDATRI. 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.