NAVRATRI
Navratri in Sanskrit means ‘nine nights’ This is a very popular festival where Goddess Durga is worshipped in nine forms. I just want to touch upon a few aspects of the nine forms along with the special bhog and their significance to women in today’s world. Lets begin !
1. Goddess Shailputri
Prathama or the first day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri. She is the first manifestation of Goddess Durga who is a form of Goddess Parvati . In Sanskrit, Shail means mountain and since she was born as the daughter of Himalaya, she is known as Shailputri. She holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other and her vaahan is Nandi.
Bhog: It is believed that by offering Ghee to Goddess Shailputri. the devotees are blessed with a life free of diseases and illness.
Significance: Shailaputri symbolizes Strength, Courage and Composure to today’s Women .
2. Goddess Brahmacharini
Dwitiya or the second day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini. This symbolises the meditative form Goddess Parvati when she was engaged in her deep prayers to please Lord Shiva.The goddess walks bare feet with a rudraksh mala in one hand and a sacred Kamandalu in the other.
Bhog : Goddess Brahmacharini is offered sugar for the longevity of the family members.
Significance: Brahmacharini symbolizes Recognition of the true infinite nature of today’s Women.
3. Goddess Chandraghanta
Thritiya or the third day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta. The fierce 10-armed goddess gets her name from the crescent moon on her forehead . Her vaahan is a tiger.
Bhog: The ferocious goddess is pleased with Kheer. She is known to drive away all pains and evils.
Significance: Chandraghanta symbolizes Alertness to today’s Women.
4. Goddess Kushmanda
Chaturti or the fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Devi Kushmanda. The name Kushmanda which means the creator of the universe and the one who produced the cosmic egg.
Bhog: Devotees offer Malpua to Maa Kushmanda to improve their intellect and decision-making ability.
Significance: Kushmanda symbolizes Creativity to today’s Women.
5. Goddess Skandmata
Panchami or the fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Skandmata a four-armed deity seated on a lotus who carries a lotus in two of her arms with a sacred Kamandalu and a bell in the other two. She also carries a little Kartikay on her lap and because of this Kartikay is also known as Skanda.
Bhog: Banana is the favourite fruit of Goddess Skandmata.
Significance: Skandmata symbolizes skills, innocence, courage and compassion to today’s Women.
6. Goddess Katyayani
Sashti or the sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, who is a form of Shakti. Also known as the warrior goddess, Katyayani is considered as one of the most violent forms of Goddess Parvati. She has four arms and carrying a sword. She is the daughter of Sage Katyayan and her vaahan is a lion.
Bhog: Devotees offer Honey as prasad to Devi Katyayani.
Significance: Katyayani symbolizes Healthier relationships to today’s Women.
7. Goddess Kaalratri
Saptami or the seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Kaalratri. As per legends the four-armed deity sacrificed her skin colour and embraced a dark complexion to kill demons. She carries a sword, a trident, and a noose. She has a third eye on her forehead that is believed to contain the entire universe. Her vaahan is a donkey.
Bhog: Jaggery is offered as prasad to Devi Kaalratri for relief from pains, obstacles and to bring happiness.
Significance: Kaalratri symbolizes Dynamism to today’s Women.
8. Goddess Mahagauri
Durga Asthami or the eight-day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. She is a four-armed deity who rides on a bull or a white elephant. She carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands.
Bhog: Coconut is offered as prasaad to Devi Mahagauri.
Significance: Mahagauri symbolizes wisdom to today’s Women.
9. Goddess Siddhidatri
Navami ,the final day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidhatri. She is projected as a four-armed deity sitting on a lotus, holding a mace, discus and a book and lotus in her hands.
Bhog: Sesame Seeds are offered to Devi Siddhidatri for safety and security from unnatural events.
Significance: Siddhidatri symbolizes perfection and enlightenment to today’s Women.
I hope the glimpse of the Nava Durgas has infused you with the blend of religious and cosmic insights and provided you with deep spiritual satisfaction.
JAI MATA DI.
Jay Maata Di.💐
Jai Mata Di . Thank you
That’s like fond memories of
“Amar Chitra Katha” from Upadhriti..
The information is really appealing, with all meaning and significance. The significance of each day of worship and relating it to modern Women is an intelligent thought.
Extreme Divinity … Exhilarating talent..
ENTHRALLED
~johnspramod~
I am at a loss of words to use the appropriate Phrases to say a Big Thank you.
I came to know a lot of things that I was not aware of. Indeed a well researched article .
This is so encouraging. thank you so much.
Jai Mata Di. So nice to know about highlights of the 9 forms of Durga Mata.
Jai Mata Di. Thanks a lot.
This article comes at a very appropriate time – during Navaratri. Will really help our youngsters to learn about this festival which is an integral aspect of Hindu culture. Well done!
Thank you so much for the appreciation. Means a lot.
This article is not just a glimpse – it is a whole darshan of Durga Mata & a celebration of her glorious forms. Jai Mata Di.
Thank you for your positive feedback.