The
Navadurgas
By RAJ
Shailaputri
Shailaputri
Shailaputri (the daughter of the mountains) is the first
of the nine avatars of Durga. She is the embodiment of
the powers of the Holy Trinity — Brahma, Vishnu and
Shiva. She carries a trident and a lotus in both hands
and rides a bull.
Brahmacharini
Brahmacharini
This is the second avatar of Goddess Durga.
Her name means one who practises penance, with
Brahma meaning penance and Charini meaning a
female follower. She holds rosary beads in her right
hand and a water utensil in her left.
Chandraghanta
Chandraghanta
This is the third form of Goddess Durga.
Literally translated, her name means the one who has a
“crescent moon shaped like a bell”. She is believed to
reward devotees with her elegance and bravery, and
eliminate all their sins, physical sufferings,
mental tribulations and ghostly hurdles.
Kushmanda
Kushmanda
She is the fourth form of the Hindu goddess Durga.
Ku means “a little,” Ushma means “warmth” or “energy”,
and Anda means “cosmic egg”. She is considered to have
created the universe with her divine smile. She is believed
to improve health, and bestow wealth and strength.
Skandamata
Skandamata
This is the fifth of the nine avatars. “Skanda” is another
name for Kartikeya and “Mata” means mother.
She rewards devotees with salvation, power and
prosperity. She can grant oceans of wisdom even to the
most illiterate, if they happen to be a devotee.
Katyayini
Katyayini
The sixth of the avatars, she is regarded as the ferocious form
of Shakti or Durga — a Warrior Goddess. She is also called
Bhadrakali and Chandika. Traditionally, she is associated
with the colour red, the primordial form of Shakti.
Kaalratri
Kaalratri
Kaalratri or Kali is worshipped on the seventh day of
Navaratri. She is the one of the lividest forms of Durga.
Kaalratri is the one who destroys ignorance and
removes darkness. This form primarily depicts the
darker side of life – Mother Nature’s fury.
Mahagauri
Mahagauri
She is worshipped on the eighth day of Navaratri.
Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. She washes
away all past, present and future sins of her devotees.
Mahagauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm.
Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri
The ninth avatar of Goddess Durga has supernatural
healing powers. She manifests as the Mother Goddess
and blesses all gods, saints, yogis, tantrics and devotees.
