माँ चंद्रघंटा

Featured

माँ दुर्गा की 9 शक्तियों की तीसरी स्वरूपा भगवती चंद्रघंटा की पूजा नवरात्र के तीसरे दिन की जाती है. माता के माथे पर घंटे आकार का अर्धचन्द्र है, जिस कारण इन्हें चन्द्रघंटा कहा जाता है. इनका रूप परम शांतिदायक और कल्याणकारी है. माता का शरीर स्वर्ण के समान उज्जवल है. इनका वाहन सिंह है और इनके दस हाथ हैं जो की विभिन्न प्रकार के अस्त्र-शस्त्र से सुशोभित रहते हैं. सिंह पर सवार मां चंद्रघंटा का रूप युद्ध के लिए उद्धत दिखता है और उनके घंटे की प्रचंड ध्वनि से असुर और राक्षस भयभीत करते हैं. भगवती चंद्रघंटा की उपासना करने से उपासक आध्यात्मिक और आत्मिक शक्ति प्राप्त करता है और जो श्रद्धालु इस दिन श्रद्धा एवं भक्ति पूर्वक दुर्गा सप्तसती का पाठ करता है, वह संसार में यश, कीर्ति एवं सम्मान को प्राप्त करता है.

Chandraghanta - Navaratri - third form of Durga

Chandraghanta – Navaratri – third form of Durga

माँ का स्वरूप अत्यंत सौम्यता एवं शांति से परिपूर्ण रहता है। इनकी आराधना से वीरता-निर्भयता के साथ ही सौम्यता एवं विनम्रता का विकास होकर मुख, नेत्र तथा संपूर्ण काया में कांति-गुण की वृद्धि होती है। स्वर में दिव्य, अलौकिक माधुर्य का समावेश हो जाता है। माँ चंद्रघंटा के भक्त और उपासक जहाँ भी जाते हैं लोग उन्हें देखकर शांति और सुख का अनुभव करते हैं।

माँ के आराधक के शरीर से दिव्य प्रकाशयुक्त परमाणुओं का अदृश्य विकिरण होता रहता है। यह दिव्य क्रिया साधारण चक्षुओं से दिखाई नहीं देती, किन्तु साधक और उसके संपर्क में आने वाले लोग इस बात का अनुभव भली-भाँति करते रहते हैं।

Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta story in english

Maa Shailputri

The first form of mother Durga among the nine is Shailputri. She has a half moon in her forehead; she is mounted on the bullock and holds a lance in her hand.

She is known as Shailputri, because she has incarnated from Himalaya, the Emperor of mountains. Mounting a bullock the mother has a lance in her right hand and the lotus flower in the left. She is the first one among the nine aspects of Durga. In her previous life she took birth from Dakhsha, the Prajapati as his daughter. Then she was known as Sati.

Maa Shailputri
Maa Shailputri

Devi Sati story

Once, her father Dakhsha organized a very big sacrificial ceremony in which he invited all gods to receive their sacrificial share. Lord Shiva was the only exception who was her husband.

When Sati came to know about the festivity arranged by her father, a strong desire arose in her heart to participate in the ceremony. She expressed her desire to Lord Shiva and solicited his permission. Considering all pros and cons Lord Shiva said – ‘Prajapati is displeased with me for the reasons known to him only. He invited in his function all gods and offered their sacrificial share to them. He did not invite me purposely; not even informed me. Under such circumstances it will not be proper for you to go there.’

Sati was not convinced with the piece of advice given by the Lord. The eagerness to see the ceremony and the prospect of seeing the mother and sisters did not subside. The Lord saw that Sati was very keen to go there so he gave her green signal.

A sense of strange joy started waving in her heart. She made necessary preparation and started. But all her enthusiasm subsided like the bubbles the moment she reached there. She found no affection in any eyes except her mother. Only she embraced her. She was greatly pained with the insulting attitude of her own relatives.

The entire atmosphere was surcharged with a sense of disrespect for Lord Shiva. Dakhsha also passed certain humiliating remarks intended for Lord Shiva. She watched all this and lost her balance. A mental storm made her full of remorse and anger. She repented on having overruled objection by her Lord.

She could not bear the insult of her spouse. Instantly she got her body burnt in the yogic fire, as the body was a gift of Dakhsha. The news of her demise reached Lord Shiva and he decided to give a good lesson to Dakhsha. The entire sacrificial canopy along with all paraphernalia was completely destroyed by his lieutenants.

Incarnation of Sati as Parvati

In her next birth she incarnated her as Parvati the daughter of Himalaya and among Navadurgas she has been referred to as Shailputri who was again known as Himavati. According to one of the Upanisadic tales she in her Himavati aspect defeated all prominent gods.

Like her previous birth in this life also Shailputri got married with Lord Shiva. The first and the most prominent among Navdurgas, Shailputri is of immense importance and her glories are endless. On the first day of Navratri, it is she who is worshipped. In this puja of the first day Yogi’s keep their mind concentrated on Muladhara. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline.

Maa Shailputri is considered as the Goddess of root chakra or Mooladhar chakra. Worshipping her will help in awakening the Moolchakra, thereby helping you to attain spiritual enlightenment. Performing poojas and chanting mantras on the first day of Navratri, keeping mooladhar in mind, will help you to perform the rituals auspiciously.

Maa Chandraghanta

The third manifestation of goddess Durga is Devi Chandraghanta and on the third day of the Navratri goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped by the devotees.

Maa Chandraghanta rides on Tiger, who is endowed with intense anger and violence and is known by this name because bell shaped mark of moon is present on her forehead. She has ten hands which hold weapons like trident, chakra, bow and arrow, paash, sword etc. Goddess Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati. After getting married to Lord Shiva, Parvati started adorning her forehead with half Chandra (half moon).

The third day of Navratri is considered to be the most important day of nine divine days and nights. Worshipping goddess Chandraghanta on this day eradicate all the problems and troubles of life.

She is the image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all villains and demonic incarnations. She is also the giver of supreme knowledge and bliss and is depicted as having golden skin with the half circular moon on her forehead, glowing. She is worshipped in this form in Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) India.Srisailam Devasthanam also is a temple of Ma Chandraghanta.A very popular legend associated with Maa Chandraghanta is the story of Raja Harischandra as her devotee.

Maa Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta

The complexion possessed by Maa Chandraghanta is golden. She possesses ten arms which wield weapons and missiles like the sword, the bow, the mace, the arrows and the like. During the battle between the gods and the demons, the horrible sound produced by her ghantaa had sent thousands of wicked demons to the abode of the Death-god. She is ever in a warring posture which shows her eagerness to destroy the foes of her devotees so that her devotees may ever live in peace and prosperity. Divine vision is acquired by her grace. If a devotee happens to enjoy divine fragrance and hears diverse sounds, he is said to be blessed by the Mother.

Maa Chandraghanta should be adores and worshipped with great purity in mind and heart observing all the rites properly. Having acquired her grace, we get rid of all worldly turmoil and enjoy Supreme bliss. Devotees should always have her gentle form in their minds while meditating on her.

Maa Katyayani

The sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga worshipped on Navratri Shasti is ‘Katyayani’. The goddess is known as Katyayani because she was born to Sage Katyayan.

The sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga worshipped on Navratri Shasti is ‘Katyayani’. The goddess is known as Katyayani because she was born to Sage Katyayan.

The appearance of Goddess Katyayani is as radiant as a gold. She can be seen seated on a Lion. Her arms blesses the devotees. Her one hand is in Abhay Mudra and the second hand is in Varamudra. She holds weapons in one hand and lotus in the other.

Story of birth of Goddess Katyayani

Goddess Katyayani took birth in Katyayan’s ashram to protect the sages and devas from the demons and devils. Sage Katyayana was the nurturer of the goddess. She took birth in Katyayan’s ashram to protect the sages and devas from the demons and devils. The wrath of the demon, Mahishasura was increasing terribly in all the three worlds. In order to kill this demon, the trinity of Gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, created the Goddess Durga who was an aggregate of the powers of all the deities.

Sage Katyayana performed a hard penance of goddess Bhagawati to get goddess Durga born to him in the form of daughter. The Goddess acceded to his request and was born as the daughter of Sage Katyayana. Sage Katyayan wished goddess Durga to take birth in his ashram in the form of his daughter. The goddess acceded to his request and took birth to him on Dakshin Krishna Chaturdashi. Katyayana worshiped her for three days on Shukla Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. On the tenth day i.e on Vijayadashami she killed Mahishasura and gave freedom to all the gods from his atrocities.

The devotee should worship the goddess on the sixth day with rituals to please her. Her worship done with devotion and faith leads to the attainment of Dharma, Artha, Karma and Moksha.

    Maa Brahmacharini

    The second day of navratri or dwitiya day of shukla paksha of ashwin month is considered for the worship of maa Brahmacharini. on this day,  the moon is in Chitra Nakshtra. Brahma that is who observes penance(tapa) and good conduct. Here “Brahma” means “Tapa”. The idol of this Goddess is very gorgeous. There is rosary in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand. She is full with merriment. One story is famous about her. In previous birth she was Parvati Hemavati the daughter of Himvan.

    Legend behind Devi Parvati marrying Lord Shiva

    Once when she was busy in games with her friends. Naradaji came to her and predicted seeing her Palm-lines that, “You will get married with a naked-terrible ‘Bhole baba’ who was with you in the form of Sati, the daughter of Daksh in previous birth. But now you have to perform penance for him.” There upon Parvati told her mother Menaka that she would marry none except Shambhu, otherwise she would remain unmarried. Saying this she went to observe penance. That is why her name is famous as tapacharini – Brahmacharini. From that time her name Uma became familiar.

    Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on second day of Navratri.
    Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on second day of Navratri.

    Today you can say the day for Chandra darshan. We observe nine forms of Maa Durga for the accomplishment of different desires. On this very auspicious day we observe Maa Brahmacharini. We can ward off all the sorrow and tensions by worshipping Maa Durga and get the benefits.

    Maa Brahmacharini has created the shashtra like mahabal and mahavidya in 108 forms of Maa Durga. She is considered as the second most influential goddess. As Brahma is the founder of all Vedas and knowledge, Maa Brahmacharini represents all the Mantra and creation. She is the symbol of all knowledge in this perishable world. She holds a rosary in her right hand and Kamandalu in her left. She personifies love and loyalty. Rudraksha is her most adorned ornament.

    माँ कात्यायनी

    माँ का नाम कात्यायनी कैसे पड़ा इसकी भी एक कथा है- कत नामक एक प्रसिद्ध महर्षि थे। उनके पुत्र ऋषि कात्य हुए। इन्हीं कात्य के गोत्र में विश्वप्रसिद्ध महर्षि कात्यायन उत्पन्न हुए थे। इन्होंने भगवती पराम्बा की उपासना करते हुए बहुत वर्षों तक बड़ी कठिन तपस्या की थी। उनकी इच्छा थी माँ भगवती उनके घर पुत्री के रूप में जन्म लें। माँ भगवती ने उनकी यह प्रार्थना स्वीकार कर ली।

    Maa Katyayani - Sixth day of Navratri

    Maa Katyayani – Sixth day of Navratri

    या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

    माँ कात्यायनी माँ दुर्गा का छठा स्वरूप हैं| नवरात्र के छठे दिन आदिशक्ति मां दुर्गा की षष्ठम रूप और असुरों तथा दुष्टों का नाश करनेवाली भगवती की पूजा की जाती है. मार्कण्डये पुराण के अनुसार जब राक्षसराज महिषासुर का अत्याचार बढ़ गया, तब देवताओं के कार्य को सिद्ध करने के लिए देवी मां ने महर्षि कात्यान के तपस्या से प्रसन्न होकर उनके घर पुत्री रूप में जन्म लिया.

    Mahishasura and Goddess Durga

     

    Maa Katyayani

    Maa Katyayani

    Maa Katyayani story in English

    शास्त्रों के अनुसार देवी ने कात्यायन ऋषि के घर उनकी पुत्री के रूप में जन्म लिया, इस कारण इनका नाम कात्यायनी पड़ गया। नवरात्र के छठे दिन देवी की पूरे श्रद्धा भाव से पूजा की जाती है। दिव्य रुपा कात्यायनी देवी का शरीर सोने के समाना चमकीला है। चार भुजा धारी माँ कात्यायनी सिंह पर सवार हैं। अपने एक हाथ में तलवार और दूसरे में अपना प्रिय पुष्प कमल लिये हुए हैं। अन्य दो हाथ वरमुद्रा और अभयमुद्रा में हैं। इनका वाहन सिंह हैं। मां कात्यायनी अमोघ फलदायिनी मानी गई हैं। शिक्षा प्राप्ति के क्षेत्र में प्रयासरत भक्तों को माता की अवश्य उपासना करनी चाहिए। मान्यता है कि यदि कोई श्रद्धा भाव से नवरात्र के छठे दिन माता कात्यायनी की पूजा आराधना करता है तो उसे आज्ञा चक्र की प्राप्ति होती है|

    या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

      माँ कालरात्रि – Maa Kalratri – Seventh form of Goddess Durga story in Hindi

      दुर्गा जी का सातवां स्वरूप कालरात्रि है। इनका रंग काला होने के कारण ही इन्हें कालरात्रि कहते हैं। असुरों के राजा रक्तबीज का वध करने के लिए देवी दुर्गा ने अपने तेज से इन्हें उत्पन्न किया था। इनकी पूजा शुभ फलदायी होने के कारण इन्हें ‘शुभंकारी’ भी कहते हैं।

      देवी कालरात्रि को व्यापक रूप से माता देवी – काली, महाकाली, भद्रकाली, भैरवी, मृित्यू, रुद्रानी, चामुंडा, चंडी और दुर्गा के कई विनाशकारी रूपों में से एक माना जाता है। रौद्री और धुमोरना देवी के अन्य कम प्रसिद्ध नामों में हैं |

      या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

      Kaalratri mata - seventh day of Navratri
      Kaalratri mata – seventh day of Navratri

      माँ दुर्गाजी की सातवीं शक्ति कालरात्रि के नाम से जानी जाती हैं। दुर्गापूजा के सातवें दिन माँ की उपासना का विधान है। इस दिन साधक का मन ‘सहस्रार’ चक्र में स्थित रहता है। इसके लिए ब्रह्मांड की समस्त सिद्धियों का द्वार खुलने लगता है।

      इनके शरीर का रंग घने अंधकार की तरह एकदम काला है। सिर के बाल बिखरे हुए हैं। गले में विद्युत की तरह चमकने वाली माला है। इनके तीन नेत्र हैं। ये तीनों नेत्र ब्रह्मांड के सदृश गोल हैं। इनसे विद्युत के समान चमकीली किरणें निःसृत होती रहती हैं।

      माँ की नासिका के श्वास-प्रश्वास से अग्नि की भयंकर ज्वालाएँ निकलती रहती हैं। इनका वाहन गर्दभ (गदहा) है। ये ऊपर उठे हुए दाहिने हाथ की वरमुद्रा से सभी को वर प्रदान करती हैं। दाहिनी तरफ का नीचे वाला हाथ अभयमुद्रा में है। बाईं तरफ के ऊपर वाले हाथ में लोहे का काँटा तथा नीचे वाले हाथ में खड्ग (कटार) है।

      माँ कालरात्रि का स्वरूप देखने में अत्यंत भयानक है, लेकिन ये सदैव शुभ फल ही देने वाली हैं। इसी कारण इनका एक नाम ‘शुभंकारी’ भी है। अतः इनसे भक्तों को किसी प्रकार भी भयभीत अथवा आतंकित होने की आवश्यकता नहीं है।

      कालरात्रि की उत्पत्ति की कथा

      कथा के अनुसार दैत्य शुंभ-निशुंभ और रक्तबीज ने तीनों लोकों में हाहाकार मचा रखा था। इससे चिंतित होकर सभी देवतागण शिव जी के पास गए। शिव जी ने देवी पार्वती से राक्षसों का वध कर अपने भक्तों की रक्षा करने को कहा।

      शिव जी की बात मानकर पार्वती जी ने दुर्गा का रूप धारण किया तथा शुंभ-निशुंभ का वध कर दिया। परंतु जैसे ही दुर्गा जी ने रक्तबीज को मारा उसके शरीर से निकले रक्त से लाखों रक्तबीज उत्पन्न हो गए। इसे देख दुर्गा जी ने अपने तेज से कालरात्रि को उत्पन्न किया।

      इसके बाद जब दुर्गा जी ने रक्तबीज को मारा तो उसके शरीर से निकलने वाले रक्त को कालरात्रि ने अपने मुख में भर लिया और सबका गला काटते हुए रक्तबीज का वध कर दिया।

        Maa Kalratri story in English

        माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी

        मां दुर्गा का दूसरा रूप ब्रह्मचारिणी जिसका दिव्य स्वरूप व्यक्ति के भीतर सात्विक वृत्तियों के अभिवर्दन को प्रेरित करता है। मां ब्रह्मचारिणी को सभी विधाओं का ज्ञाता माना जाता है। मां के इस रूप की आराधना से मनचाहे फल की प्राप्ति होती है। तप, त्याग, वैराग्य, सदाचार व संयम जैसे गुणों वृद्धि होती है। ब्रह्मचारिणी का अर्थ तप की चारिणी अर्थात तप का आचरण करने वाली। मां के इस दिव्य स्वरूप का पूजन करने मात्र से ही भक्तों में आलस्य, अंहकार, लोभ, असत्य, स्वार्थपरता व ईष्र्या जैसी दुष्प्रवृत्तियां दूर होती हैं।

        Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on second day of Navratri.
        Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on second day of Navratri.

        मां के मंदिरों में नवरात्र के दूसरे दिन माता के ब्रह्मचारिणी रूप की आराधना होगी। मां अपने भक्तों को जीवन की कठिन परिस्थतियों में भी आशा व विश्वास के साथ कर्तव्यपथ पर चलने की दिशा प्रदान करती है। आज के दिन माता का ध्यान ब्रह्मा के उस दिव्य चेतना का बोध कराता है जो हमे पथभ्रष्ट, चारित्रिक पतन व कुलषित जीवन से मुक्ति दिलाते हुए पवित्र जीवन जीने की कला सिखाती है। मां का यह स्वरूप समस्त शक्तियों को एकाग्र कर बुद्धि विवेक व धैर्य के साथ सफलता की राह पर बढऩे की सीख देता है।

        भगवान शिव को पाने के लिए की कठोर तपस्या

        ब्रहमचारिणी मां दुर्गा को द्वितीय शक्ति स्वरूप है। मां स्वेत वस्त्र पहने दाएं हाथ में अष्टदल की माला और बांए हाथ में कमण्डल लिए हुए सुशोभित है। पैराणिक ग्रंथों के अनुसार यह हिमालय की पुत्री थीं तथा नादर के उपदेश के बाद यह भगवान को पति के रूप में पाने के लिए इन्होंने कठोर तप किया। जिस कारण इनका नाम ब्रह्मचारिणी पड़ा। इन्होंने भगवान शिव को पाने के लिए 1000 वर्षों तक सिर्फ फल खाकर ही रहीं तथा अगले 3000 वर्ष की तपस्या सिर्फ पेड़ों से गिरी पत्तियां खाकर की। इसी कड़ी तपस्या के कारण उन्हें ब्रह्मचारिणी व तपस्चारिणी कहा गया है। कठोर तप के बाद इनका विवाद भगवान शिव से हुआ। माता सदैव आनन्द मयी रहती हैं।

        Brahmacharini is form of Goddess Durga, who is worshipped on second day of Navratri. She is knowledgeable in all aspects and giver of all happiness.

        Maa Brahmacharini – story in English

          Nine forms of Maa Durga – Navdurga

          An interesting quiz on Ramayana

          Navratri or the nine holy days are auspicious days of the lunar calendar according to Hinduism.  Celebrated with fervor and festivity all over north India, and every Hindu community the world over, these nine days are dedicated solely to Maa Durga (Goddess Durga) and her nine avatars. Jai Maa Durga. During Navratri, Maa Durga is worshipped in nine forms. All forms have their own significance and they all are merciful to us.

          navdurga mantra
          navdurga mantra

          Shailputri

          Read more on Shailputri

          माँ शैलपुत्री कथा

          Shailaputri literally means the daughter (putri) of the mountains (shaila). Variously known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Hemavana – the king of the Himalayas, she is the first among Navadurgas. Her worship takes place on the first day of Navratri– the nine divine nights. The embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.She rides a bull and carries a Trident and a lotus in her two hands.

          Shailputri Devi – worshipped on first day of Navratri.

          Brahmacharini

          Read more on Brahmacharini

          The second day of navratri or dwitiya day of shukla paksha of ashwin month is considered for the worship of maa Brahmacharini. on this day,the moon is in Chitra Nakshtra. Brahma that is who observes penance(tapa) and good conduct. Here “Brahma” means “Tapa”. The idol of this Goddess is very gorgeous. There is rosary in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand.

          Maa Brahmacharini - worshipped on the second day of Navratri
          Maa Brahmacharini – worshipped on the second day of Navratri

          Chandraghanta

          A bell shaped mark of moon which is present on the fore head of Maa Chandraghanta, because of this Maa is known as Chandraghanta. The colour of her body is golden, she rides on lion who descrides “dharma”, possesses ten hands and three eyes, eight of Her hands display weapons while the remaining two are respectively in the mudras of gestures of boon giving and stopping harm. She is worshipped on third day of Navratri.

          Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on third day of Navratri.
          Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on third day of Navratri.

          माँ चंद्रघंटा कथा

          Read more on Maa Chandraghanta

          Kushmanda

          May Kushmanda – Ma Durga who holds two pitchers full of blood in her lotus hands and the universe is created, sustained and drawn within Devi’s ownself. In this form, Mother Durga creates solar system by liberating her power to Lord Sun.

          Kushmanda Devi - worshipped on fourth day of Navratri
          Kushmanda Devi – worshipped on fourth day of Navratri

          माँ कूष्मांडा कथा

          Read more on Kushmanda

           Skandmata

          As Mother of Skanda or Kartikeya, Maa Parvati or Maa Durga is known as Skandmata. Skanda is seated in her lap. She has three eyes and four hands. She is white and seated on a lotus. Legend has it that once a great demon Tarakasur did extreme penance and pleased Brahmaji.

          Tarakasur’s boon

          He wanted a boon to become immortal. Lord Brahma said whosoever has come to this world, has to leave too, so ask for something else. Tarkasur was very clever. He said that whenever I die, the death should be at the hands of son of Lord Shiva. The boon was granted.

          Maa Skandmata is worshipped on fifth day of Navratri.
          Maa Skandmata is worshipped on fifth day of Navratri.

          Read more on Skandmata

          Lord Kartikeya is born

          Tarkasur thought Lord Shiva will never get married, so there would be no son and he would never die.Tarkasur considering himself to be invincible started tormenting the world. All the devtas went before Lord Shiva and asked his help. They requested him to get married.Lord Shiva was reluctant but at last he agreed. After taking human form, he got married to Parvati. She gave birth to Kartikeya or Skandkumar who later killed Tarkasur. She is worshipped on fifth day of Navratri.

          Katyayani

          According to ancient legends, she was born a daughter of Katyayan Rishi, born in the Katya lineage, thus called Katyayani, “daughter of Katyayan” . Elsewhere in texts like the Kalika Purana, it is mentioned that it was Rishi Kaytyayan who first worshipped her, hence she came to known as ‘Katyayani. In either case, she is a demonstration or apparition of the Durga, and is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri festival. The Katyayani vrata is observed and it is said that maidens who observe this vrata, are blessed with the husband of their choice.

          Maa Katyayani is worshipped on sixth day of Navratri.
          Maa Katyayani is worshipped on sixth day of Navratri.

          Read more on Katyayani

          Kaalratri

          This form of Maa has a dark complexion, disheveled hair and a fearlessness posture. A necklace flashing lightning adorns her neck.

          She has three eyes that shine bright and terrible flames emanate from her breath.

          Maa Kaalratri is worshipped on seventh day of Navratri
          Maa Kaalratri is worshipped on seventh day of Navratri

          Her vehicle is the donkey. Her raised right hand always seems to grant boons to all worshippers and all her right lower hand is in the pose of allaying fears.

          Her left upper hand holds a thorn-like weapon, made of iron and there is a dragger in the lower left hand. She is black like Goddess Kali and holds a sparkling sword in her right hand battle all evil.

          Her gesture of protection assures us of freedom from fear and troubles. So she is also known as ‘Shubhamkari’ – one who does good.

          Mahagauri

          Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm. Due to her long austerities in the deep forests of the Himalayas, she developed a dark complexion.

          When Lord Shiva cleaned her with the water of the Ganges, her body regained its beauty and she came to be known as Maha Gauri. This means extremely white.

          She wears white clothes, has four arms, and rides on a bull. Her right hand is in the pose of allaying fear and her right lower hand holds a trident. The left upper hand holds a ‘damru’ (a small rattle drum) and the lower one is in the pose of granting boons to her devotees. She is worshipped on eighth day of Navratri.

          Maa Mahagauri
          Maa Mahagauri is worshipped on Navratri’s eighth day.

          Siddhidatri

          Maa Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess Durga worshiped in Navratri. The last among the nine forms of Maa Shakti is Goddess Siddhidatri who is worshiped on the ninth or final day of Navratri.

          Maa Siddhidatri
          Maa Siddhidatri
          Siddhidatri Mantra
          Siddhidatri Mantra

          ‘Siddhi’ is a Sanskrit term which means ‘perfection’. Goddess Siddhidatri has four arms. She holds a Chakra in her right lower hand and a mace in the upper. In the left lower hand there is a conch and in her upper left hand a lotus flower. She is seated on a lotus flower with the lion as her mount. Worshipper of Maa Siddhidatri gets all the comforts in life.

          An interesting comparison of Greek Mythology and Maa Durga

          Navdurga
          Navdurga
          Goddess Durga photo (Navdurga)
          Goddess Durga photo (Navdurga)