Nine Forms of Maa Durga: Chaitra Navratri (April 2-11)

The Nine-Day Hindu festival Chaitra Navratri (falls in the months of March-April every year) commenced on April 2 and will end on April 11, 2022. Devotees fast and worship all the nine forms pf Goddess Durga over the nine days of the festival for prosperity and fortune. Here are the many forms of the goddess that are worshipped in nine different ways.

Goddess Shailputri: Also known as Bhavani, Parvati or Hemvati, Goddess Shailputri is the first manifestation of Maa Durga. She rides a bull and holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other.

Goddess Brahmacharini: She is believed to be an unmarried form of Goddess Parvati. Her name means ‘one who practices devoutausterity’. She holds a rosary in her right hand and the ‘kamandal’ in her left hand.

Goddess Chandraghanta: Also known as Chandrakhanda, Chandrika, is the third form of Goddess Durga. The meaning of her name is ‘one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell. Her third eye is always opened and she is always ready for war against demons.’

Goddess Kushmanda: Worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri, Goddess Kushmanda is known as the ‘smiling goddess’ and is believed to have created the Universe with her sweet smile.

Goddess Skandamata: She is the fifth avatar of Goddess Durga who is the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), who kills the fiery demon.

Goddess Katayayani: Also referred to as Bhadrakali, Shakti, and Chandrika, Goddess Katyayani is the sixth aspect of Goddess Durga who is worshipped as the Warrior Goddess. She is believed to have defeated the evil demon Mahishasura.

Goddess Kaalratri: She is the seventh of the nine forms of Godess Durga. She is believed to be one of the fiercest forms of Maa Durga and is referred to as Maa Kali.

Goddess Mahagauri: The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri who is believed to be the 16-year-old unmarried form of Goddess Parvati who represents purity, calmness, wisdom and austerity.

Goddess Siddhidatri: She is the ninth incarnation of Maa Durga. Dhatri means ‘giver’ and Siddhi means ‘Meditative’. She is believed to be the Goddess of accomplishment who blesses her devotees with knowledge and wisdom.

Courtesy: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle

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