Goddess Durga is one of the most revered deities in Hindu mythology. She is believed to be the embodiment of feminine power and represents the divine mother who protects her devotees from evil and grants them strength and courage. According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Durga is said to have manifested in nine different forms, each with a unique name and significance. These forms are collectively known as Nav Durga, meaning nine forms of Durga.
The nine forms of Durga are worshipped during the auspicious festival of Navratri, which lasts for nine days. Each day is dedicated to one form of the goddess, and her devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to seek her blessings. The names of the nine forms of Durga are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Shailputri, the first form of Durga, is associated with the mountains and is depicted with a trident in her right hand and a lotus in her left hand. Brahmacharini, the second form, is a symbol of purity and knowledge and is usually depicted holding a rosary and a water pot. Chandraghanta, the third form, is known for her fierce appearance and is depicted with ten hands, each holding a weapon.
Kushmanda, the fourth form, is believed to be the creator of the universe and is worshipped for her ability to provide energy and life. Skandamata, the fifth form, is associated with Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) and is depicted with the infant Lord Skanda on her lap. Katyayani, the sixth form, is worshipped for her courage and valour and is often depicted riding a lion.
Kalaratri, the seventh form, is the destroyer of demons and is depicted with a dark complexion, disheveled hair, and a sword in her hand. Mahagauri, the eighth form, is known for her calm and compassionate nature and is depicted with four arms. Siddhidatri, the ninth and final form, is believed to be the grantor of supernatural powers and is worshipped for spiritual enlightenment.
Exploring the different names and forms of Nav Durga not only deepens our understanding of the divine feminine energy but also inspires us to embrace the various aspects of life. Each form of Durga represents a different quality or virtue that we can cultivate within ourselves. Through devotion and worship, we can seek the blessings and guidance of the nine forms of Durga and experience the transformative power of the goddess in our lives.
Nav Durga Names: A Detailed Guide to the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga
The nine forms of Goddess Durga, also known as Nav Durga, hold great significance in Hindu mythology and are worshipped during the festival of Navratri. Each form of Durga has a unique name and represents a specific power or aspect.
1. Shailputri: The first form of Durga, Shailputri, is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. She is depicted as a daughter of the mountains and rides a bull.
2. Brahmacharini: The second form, Brahmacharini, is worshipped on the second day. She is known for her penance and devotion and holds a rosary in one hand and a water pot in the other.
3. Chandraghanta: The third form, Chandraghanta, is worshipped on the third day. She is depicted with a half-moon on her forehead and rides a tiger. She is a symbol of bravery.
4. Kushmanda: On the fourth day, Kushmanda is worshipped. She is believed to have created the universe with her laughter and hence is associated with the energy of creation. She has eight hands and rides a lion.
5. Skandamata: The fifth form of Durga, Skandamata, is worshipped on the fifth day. She is depicted holding her son Skanda or Kartikeya in her lap and represents the motherly aspect of Durga.
6. Katyayani: On the sixth day, Katyayani is worshipped. She is believed to have emerged from the collective thoughts of the Gods and is a symbol of strength and courage. She is depicted with four arms and rides a lion.
7. Kalaratri: The seventh form, Kalaratri, is worshipped on the seventh day. She is depicted with a dark complexion and fierce expression, symbolizing the destroyer of darkness and ignorance. She rides a donkey.
8. Mahagauri: On the eighth day, Mahagauri is worshipped. She is known for her fair complexion and represents purity and serenity. She is depicted wearing white clothes and rides a bull.
9. Siddhidatri: The ninth and final form, Siddhidatri, is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. She is believed to possess supernatural powers and is depicted with four arms, radiating divine light.
Devotees worship these nine forms of Goddess Durga during Navratri, seeking blessings and strength. Each form embodies a different power and aspect, reminding people of the divine qualities they can strive to cultivate in their own lives.
Shailputri: The Daughter of the Mountains
Shailputri is one of the forms of Goddess Durga and is believed to be the first incarnation of the goddess. Shailputri literally means “Daughter of the Mountains,” as she is the daughter of the Himalayas. She is also known by other names such as Sati, Hemavati, and Parvati.
In this form, Goddess Shailputri is depicted as a young maiden holding a trident (trishul) in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left hand. She is mounted on a bull (Nandi) and wears a half-moon (ardha chandra) on her forehead. The bull symbolizes Dharma, while the lotus represents purity and beauty.
Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navaratri, which marks the beginning of the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Devotees seek her blessings for strength, courage, and protection.
According to Hindu mythology, Shailputri is believed to be the reincarnation of Goddess Sati, who gave up her life by jumping into a sacrificial fire after her father insulted her husband, Lord Shiva. Shailputri was later reborn as Parvati, who eventually married Lord Shiva and became the mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya.
By meditating and worshipping Shailputri, devotees strive to attain peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment. She is considered to be the source of divine energy and is believed to protect her devotees from all kinds of troubles and obstacles.
- Shailputri is the embodiment of purity, power, and divine grace.
- She governs the Muladhara chakra, which is associated with stability, security, and the feeling of being grounded.
- She is also associated with nature and the elements of earth.
- Worshipping Shailputri during Navaratri is considered highly auspicious and is believed to grant devotees with blessings, prosperity, and happiness.
- Devotees offer flowers, incense, and prayers to seek her divine blessings.
- Chanting the mantra “Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah” is said to invoke her presence and bestow her blessings upon the devotees.
Brahmacharini: The Follower of Purity
Brahmacharini is the second form of Goddess Durga and is known as the follower of purity. She represents the unmarried form of Goddess Parvati and is known for her austere practices and devotion to Lord Shiva.
The name “Brahmacharini” is derived from two words: “Brahma,” which means knowledge, and “charini,” which means one who practices or follows. Brahmacharini is the embodiment of purity, knowledge, and truth.
This form of Durga is often depicted as a young woman holding a japa mala (prayer beads) in one hand and a Kamandalu (water pot) in the other. She is usually seen wearing white clothes, symbolizing purity and simplicity.
Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri, which is dedicated to her. Devotees pray to her for spiritual growth, inner strength, and the ability to stay focused on the path of righteousness.
As the name suggests, Brahmacharini is a symbol of celibacy, self-control, and dedication towards spiritual practices. She is believed to grant her devotees the power to control their senses and overcome worldly desires.
- She represents the unmarried form of Goddess Parvati.
- Brahmacharini is associated with purity, knowledge, and truth.
- She holds a japa mala and a Kamandalu.
- Worshipped on the second day of Navratri.
- Devotees seek spiritual growth and inner strength from her.
Brahmacharini is a reminder that purity and dedication are essential on the spiritual path. By worshipping her, devotees hope to attain self-realization and walk the path of righteousness.
Chandraghanta: The Goddess with a Crescent Moon on Her Forehead
The third form of Goddess Durga is Chandraghanta. She is named so because of her half-moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead. It is believed that when the bell rings, it destroys all evil forces and brings peace and prosperity. Chandraghanta is depicted with ten hands, each holding different weapons and symbols.
This form of Durga is known for her bravery and courage, as she rides a tiger, symbolizing power and ferocity. She is usually depicted wearing a red saree and adorned with various ornaments. Chandraghanta is also known for her peaceful appearance, with a calm face that radiates serenity and divine grace.
Worshipping Chandraghanta is believed to bring strength, courage, and protection to the devotees. She is known to ward off all negative energies and bless her devotees with success and prosperity.
Symbolism:
The crescent moon on Chandraghanta’s forehead represents devotion and enlightenment. It symbolizes the constant renewal and cycles of life, as the moon waxes and wanes. The bell (ghanta) is a symbol of awareness, awakening, and spiritual upliftment.
Mantra:
During Navratri, devotees chant the following mantra to invoke the blessings of Chandraghanta:
“Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah”
Chanting this mantra with devotion is believed to bring protection, harmony, and spiritual growth.
Overall, Chandraghanta is a powerful form of Goddess Durga who represents strength, beauty, and divine grace. Devotees seek her blessings to overcome difficulties, find inner peace, and achieve success in their endeavors.
Kushmanda: The Creator of the Universe with a Smile
Kushmanda is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. The name Kushmanda is derived from the Sanskrit words “ku” which means “little”, “ushma” which means “energy” or “warmth”, and “anda” which means “cosmic egg” or “universe”. It is believed that she created the universe with just a smile.
Kushmanda is depicted as a radiant goddess with eight arms, riding a lion or a tiger. She is also known as “Adi Shakti”, meaning the original power or source of energy. She is believed to be the ultimate creator and sustainer of the universe.
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Kushmanda has the power to reside in the core of the Sun. It is said that she provides energy to the Sun, which in turn helps in the sustenance of all living beings on Earth. She is believed to have a glowing and radiant aura, representing her immense power and energy.
Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and good health. Her devotees believe that she can destroy all the negative energies and obstacles in their lives. She is also worshipped for blessings related to fertility and a smooth childbirth.
During the festival of Navratri, devotees offer fruits and flowers to Goddess Kushmanda as a form of worship. They also chant her name and recite prayers dedicated to her. It is believed that by doing so, one can obtain her blessings and be bestowed with strength, courage, and success in life.
Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped not only for her creative powers, but also for her radiant smile, which signifies joy and positivity. Her smile is believed to be a source of inspiration and motivation for her devotees.
Overall, Kushmanda represents the energy and power of creation. She is a symbol of strength, fertility, and positivity. Worshipping her during Navratri is believed to bring good fortune and happiness in one’s life.
Skandamata: The Mother of Skanda, the Warrior God
Skandamata is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri, which is also known as Panchami. Skandamata is the mother of Skanda, who is the Hindu god of war and victory.
The name Skandamata is derived from two words – “Skanda”, which refers to Lord Skanda, and “Mata”, which means mother. Skandamata is depicted as a four-armed goddess, with Lord Skanda sitting on her lap. She is often portrayed with a lotus flower in one hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in another. Her other two hands are in the mudras of granting boon and protection.
Skandamata is believed to bring courage, strength, and protection to her devotees. She is considered to be the embodiment of motherly love and is worshipped for her ability to nurture and protect her children.
Devotees who worship Skandamata during Navratri seek her blessings for the well-being and success of their children. It is believed that she removes all obstacles and grants good health, intelligence, and wisdom to her devotees.
Skandamata is also associated with the Manipura Chakra, which represents personal power and self-esteem. By worshipping Skandamata, one can awaken and strengthen their Manipura Chakra, leading to increased confidence and willpower.
During the Navratri festival, devotees offer prayers and chant mantras dedicated to Skandamata. They also perform special rituals and offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings to seek her blessings. It is believed that those who worship Skandamata with pure devotion and sincerity are blessed with divine grace and protection.
Overall, Skandamata is revered as a compassionate and powerful goddess who protects her devotees and blesses them with strength and victory. Worshipping her during Navratri is believed to bring immense blessings and fulfillment.
Katyayani: The Daughter of Sage Katyayan
Katyayani is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. She derived her name from being the daughter of Sage Katyayan. Katyayani is depicted as a warrior goddess, carrying a sword and a lotus in her two hands.
According to Hindu mythology, Sage Katyayan performed intense penance to make Goddess Durga his daughter. Impressed by his devotion, Durga appeared before him and granted his wish. Thus, Katyayani was born as the daughter of Sage Katyayan.
Katyayani is worshipped for her bravery and courage. She is believed to protect her devotees from all kinds of evil forces and negativities. She is also associated with love and marriage. It is believed that unmarried girls who worship Katyayani during Navratri are blessed with suitable partners.
“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu, Maa Katyayani Rupena Samsthita”
This mantra is chanted during the worship of Katyayani. It means, “The goddess who resides in all beings in the form of Katyayani.”
Devotees of Katyayani offer prayers, perform aarti, and recite her mantras to seek her blessings. They believe that worshipping her with devotion and sincerity can fulfill their wishes and bring prosperity in their lives.
During Navratri, devotees often dress in the color associated with Katyayani, which is orange. It is believed that wearing orange attire during the worship of Katyayani generates positive energy and helps in gaining her grace.
Thus, Katyayani holds a significant place among the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Her role as the daughter of Sage Katyayan and her attributes of bravery and protection make her an important figure in Hindu mythology.
Kalaratri: The Dark Goddess of Time and Destruction
Kalaratri is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga and is also known as the Dark Goddess of Time and Destruction. She is usually depicted as a fierce and fearsome goddess, with a dark complexion and unkempt hair. Her name, Kalaratri, is derived from two words: “Kala,” meaning time, and “Ratri,” meaning night. Thus, Kalaratri is the manifestation of time and is believed to bring about the destruction and end of everything.
According to Hindu mythology, Kalaratri is said to have appeared to annihilate the demon Mahishasura, who terrorized the gods and humans. She is depicted riding a donkey and carrying a sword and a noose in her hands. The sword symbolizes her power to destroy evil forces, while the noose represents her ability to capture and control negative energies.
Kalaratri is often worshipped during the festival of Navratri, where each of the nine forms of Durga is celebrated over a period of nine nights. Devotees believe that worshipping Kalaratri can help rid them of fear, negative influences, and obstacles in their lives. It is believed that by appeasing Kalaratri, one can overcome the fear of time and embrace the inevitability of change.
Kalaratri is also associated with the planet Saturn, which is considered to be a planet of change, discipline, and transformation. Therefore, worshipping Kalaratri is believed to mitigate the ill effects of Saturn and bring about positive changes in one’s life.
In conclusion, Kalaratri, the Dark Goddess of Time and Destruction, is a powerful form of Goddess Durga. Worshiping Kalaratri during Navratri can help individuals overcome their fears, embrace change, and ultimately find inner peace and strength.
Mahagauri: The Goddess of Purity and Serenity
Mahagauri is depicted as a serene and beautiful goddess, often depicted wearing white clothing and riding a white bull. She is the epitome of purity and is believed to bestow purity of thoughts, actions, and intentions to her devotees.
The Goddess Mahagauri is often associated with the month of Navratri, which is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. During this auspicious period, devotees worship Mahagauri to seek purity, peace, and spiritual enlightenment.
Legend has it that Mahagauri was born with a fair complexion but had to undergo severe penance to obtain her current pure and serene form. It is said that she performed intense tapasya (meditation) for several years, enduring extreme weather conditions and severe austerity.
After her penance, Lord Shiva, impressed by her devotion and determination, granted her the boon of transforming into a beautiful goddess. As a result, Mahagauri became the embodiment of purity and serenity.
Devotees believe that worshiping Mahagauri helps in purifying the soul and dispelling negativity. She is often invoked for inner peace, emotional stability, and protection from evil forces.
During Navratri, devotees perform various rituals and offer prayers to Mahagauri. It is believed that her blessings can help in attaining spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
By worshipping Mahagauri, devotees seek clarity of mind, strength of character, and a pure and pious life. Her divine presence is said to fill the hearts of her devotees with love, compassion, and tranquility.
In conclusion, Mahagauri is revered as the goddess of purity and serenity. Through her worship, devotees aim to purify their thoughts, actions, and intentions, and attain inner peace and spiritual enlightenment.
Siddhidatri: The Granter of Wisdom and Enlightenment
Siddhidatri, the ninth form of the Goddess Durga, is known as the granter of wisdom and enlightenment. She is depicted as a divine being with four arms, sitting on a lotus flower. In her hands, she holds a discus, a mace, a conch shell, and a lotus flower.
The name “Siddhidatri” comes from the Sanskrit words “siddhi” meaning “supernatural powers” and “datri” meaning “giver”. As her name suggests, Siddhidatri is believed to bestow her devotees with various supernatural powers and blessings.
She is also associated with spiritual enlightenment and the attainment of true knowledge. It is believed that by worshiping Siddhidatri, one can gain the wisdom and understanding needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success in life.
Siddhidatri is often worshipped during the festival of Navratri, which celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Devotees pray to her for blessings and guidance, seeking her divine intervention in their lives.
According to Hindu mythology, Siddhidatri is said to have created Lord Shiva’s third eye, which granted him the power of destruction. She is also believed to possess the power to fulfill the desires of her devotees and grant them liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
When seeking the blessings of Siddhidatri, it is believed that one should practice meditation and follow a disciplined lifestyle. By doing so, devotees can tap into their inner wisdom and achieve spiritual growth.
Overall, Siddhidatri is revered as the granter of wisdom and enlightenment, offering her devotees the guidance and knowledge needed to navigate through life’s challenges and find inner peace.
In conclusion, Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped as the granter of wisdom and enlightenment. Through her divine blessings, devotees can attain spiritual growth, overcome obstacles, and gain true knowledge. She is a symbol of inner strength and wisdom, guiding her worshippers towards a fulfilled and enlightened life.