Devi Shailputri is Worshipped on First Day of Navratri

Vande Vanchhitalabhay chandrardhakritshekharam Vrisharudham Shooldharam Shailputreem Yashasvineem || | Almighty Durga is glorified with name 'Shailputri' as her first form. Navratri begins with worship of devi Shailputri. As she is the daughter of Parvat Raj Himalya (King of mountains), she is admired with name 'Shail Putri'. Goddess Durga is personification of Shakti (power) and manifests herself in nine forms. These nine forms of Durga are religiously worshiped one by one during nine days and nights of Navratri. Devi Shailputri is first among nine embodiments of Goddess Durga and is worshipped first during first day of Navratri. Her glory is incredible. She is the Goddess of purity. With her veneration, Navratri is given an auspicious start. She is also a form of Mother Nature (Prakriti). Worshiping this Goddess on the first day of Navratri Pooja, devotees enters in Moolchakra. Devi Shailputri is worshiped along with Mahadev, as she is the consort (wife) of Lord Shiva. She is also the mother of Kumar Kartikeya and Ganesha. As she is Prakriti, she looks after all living organisms including human beings, animals, trees, shrubs, plants and even tiny living things on Earth. She holds a lotus flower in her left hand and a Trishul (trident) in her right hand. A half moon decorates her forehead. Parvati and Hemavati are other names of Goddess Shailputri. She rides on Vrishabha (a bull), the procession of this Goddess.

Legend behind incarnation of Devi Shail Putri

According to Shiv Mahapuran and other Hindu mythologies, Devi Sati, daughter of Prajapati Daksha, was got married with Mahadev. But King Daksha was completely not in favor of this marriage. One day, he organized a Maha Yagya. All deities and near dear ones were invited except Shiv and Sati. Finding this, Sati got deeply hurt and realized that her father was only insulting her husband Shiva. In this intolerable situation, she scarified her body burnt in fire of yogic Yagya. This sight was extremely painful for Mahadev. He made himself isolated from all and went for a penance of long eras. Without him the whole universe was in disorder. But, re-birth of Sati with name Parvati at home of King Himalaya nurtured rays of hope. However, it was very difficult for Parvati to get her Lord Shiva, as Mahadev lost himself in densest of Sadhna. With mammoth efforts and immense devotion, Devi Parvati began her search and journey toward Lord Shiva. After many endeavors, she blessed with a re-chance to marry with Mahadev. Thereby, Shailputri symbolized herself as a true Goddess of root chakra. Her awakening was toward establishing universal love with Lord Shiva that glorified her as the Goddess of awareness.

On the first day of Navratri, devotees place enters in Moolchakra and worship Goddess Shailputri to establish dedication keeping Mooladhar in mind, and commence Durga pooja auspiciously. Jai Devi Shailputri.

Devi Brahmacharini is Worshipped on Second Day of Navratri

Dadhana Karpadma abhyamaksh Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinya Nuttama || Mala kamandalu| Devi Brahmacharini is second beautiful form of Goddess Durga who is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. As her name denotes 'Brahmacharini', she addresses 'Brahma' (penance) or strong influencing tapasya. She is symbolized as the Goddess who performs Tapa or hard penance. She holds Kamandal in her left hand and Japani (Rosary) in right. She wears white Saree of bright-orange border and Rudraksh as ornament. When Shail Putri awoke about her essence love toward Lord Shiva, she decided to perform the strict Tapasya or Yoga Sadhna to delight Mahadev. She is the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge. Admiring Goddess Brahmacharini, the Rishi-Muni, disciples and devotees of Durga accomplishes their Yog-Sadhna, Pooja and penance. Solar radiations behind her head glorify her luster.

The Legend behind naming Goddess Durga as Bhramacharini

It is believed that Brahmacharini is the true example of a goddess who performed extreme hard penance to obtain Lord Shiva. When Parvati realized about her divine love toward Mahadev, she was advised by Rishi Narad to follow customs and rituals of rigid Tapasya of long eras. While performing Tapasya, she suffered painful torments of nature like extremely biting cold, intense flames of Sun, and hammering of rain. It is also believed that she continued that of her hard penance till thousands of years and ate only bilva leaves to survive. Till many hundreds of years, she abstained from water and food. And this way, she devoted herself completely in worship of Lord Shiva. This great Tapa made her glorified with name 'Brahmacharini' and pleased Lord Shiva to be her divine consort. On the second auspicious day of Navratri Pooja, Durga devotees worship Brahmacharini devi to acquire power of abstaining food and water till nine days of fasting. They chant mantras and offer Stuti (invocation) to Devi Brahmacharini to get her immense blessings and grace. By heartily worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini, devotees can enhance their metabolism, stamina and can live without meals without much effect on health. It is not just a miraculous, but the grace and grandeur of Devi Brahmacharini who bestows her devotees the great strength to endure unexpected torment of nature. Second day of Navratri Pooja is solely dedicated to Devi

Brahmacharini, so worship this almighty on this propitious day and obtain her enormous grace. Jai Devi Brahmacharini!

Devi Chandraghanta is Worshipped on Third Day of Navratri

Pindaj Pravara Rudha Chand Prasadam Tanute Maham Chandra Ghanteti Vishruta || Kopastra Keyurta | Another form of Goddess Durga is Devi Chandraghanta who is worshipped on the third day of Navratri Pooja. Devotees offer great dedication and reverence to this almighty on the third day of Durga Pooja. This of her embodiment of Goddess durga is immense or utmost idyllic and blissful. A bong shaped mark of moon ornate her forehead that glorifies this devi with name 'Chandra Ghanta'. In Hindi, Chandra is denoted for Moon and Ghanta is for bong (bell). Her appearance glows like gleam of Gold. She is represented with her ten-arm holding Kharag (Sobre) and other numerous edges as well as arms. She rides on lion, the procession of Goddess Durga. Her position is always ready to fight with Daitya (devil). Even her bong like loud echo can terrify demons. Worshiping Goddess Chandraghanta on the third day of Navratri has a great significance. By offering prayers to this Goddess, the sadhak (devotee) can feel the astounding glimpse of divine things of the Universe, can hear the mesmerizing varied echoes and can immerse oneself in the depth of heavenly feelings. But, the Sadhak needs to be very cognizant on this day while offering prayers to Devi Chandraghanta to feel the amazing realization bestowed by this almighty. Delightful worship of this Goddess certainly removes sin and obstacles from the life of Durga devotees. Devi Chandraghanta is the remover of sufferings. With grace of this Goddess, any kind of misery or affliction in life quickly gets healed. She destroys devil obstacles from life of her adorers. She makes her devotees Nirbhay (courageous) and Parakrami (mighty). Grace of Goddess Chandraghanta certainly makes her worshippers spirited and fearless. On the third day of Navratri Pooja, Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped and requested to vanish the miseries from life of her worshippers. However, her image is always represented as a destroyer of devils, but for her worshippers, she is always gentle and complete with her magnanimity. The devotee who solely worships this deity certainly gets abundant positive aura that makes one to shine among chaos of people. Grace and glory of this Goddess is eternal. Purify yourself and devote your dedication toward Goddess Chandraghanta; it will definitely diminish all miseries of materialistic world. Jai Maa Chandraghanta!

Devi Kushmanda is Worshipped on Fourth Day of Navratri

Sura Sampurna Kalasham Rudhira Plutmev Dadhana Hastpad Mabhyam Kushmanda Shubh Dastu Me || Cha | Maa Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. On the fourth day of Navratri Pooja, worship of Devi Kushmanda is performed giving her whole reverence. She nurtures the entire universe with her divine and gentle smile that revered her with name 'Kushmanda'. The word kushmanda denotes word 'ku' 'ushma' and 'anda'. The first word 'ku' means little, 'ushma' means warmth and 'anda' is denoted for egg. She creates the whole universe as a little cosmic egg. Grace and dignity of Maa Kushmanda is truly incredible. Her beauty is boundless. She is represented with eight-arm holding Kamandalu, Gada (bludgeon), Dhanush (arc), Chakra, lotus-flower and other edges. Her eighth arm is blessed with a Japmala (rosary) that offers all types of Siddhi (perfection) and Nidhi (treasure) to her devotees. She resides on Saurmandal (solar system). Like Sun illuminates and removes darkness from Earth, her boundless blaze gives light in life of human being. She bestows brightness, clarity and profound peace to her adorers. Her gleam is eternal. Illumination that we see around ten directions is only because of her spark and divine luster. In Hindu mythology, it is believed when there was no existence of universe,and when the densest darkness surrounded the whole planets of space, only a little soft smile of Devi Kushmanda illuminated the Universe. She is the form of 'Adi Shakti' Worshipping Devi Kushmanda, the worshippers enter in Anahat Chakra. It is advised that one should perform Pooja for this almighty only after absolute purification of heart and soul. Impure heart can make this Goddess infuriate. Grace of this Goddess finishes all types of physical and mental disorders and ailments. By spiritually worshipping Goddess Kushmanda, the worshipper can become free from afflictions. Her grace endows divine spark to adorers. Worshiping her in simple process, the worshipper can feel the existence of this great almighty. Goddess Kushmanda is true symbolism of divine spark. Worshippers of this Goddess certainly obtain cosmic energy that enhances their positive aura. Positive reflection makes the person glorified in society. With blessings of Devi Kushmanda, devotees can achieve name, fame and other comforts of life. On the auspicious fourth day of Navratri pooja, this personification of Goddess Durga is religiously worshipped with full of veneration. Devotees chant Mantra, Stotra, Durga Stuti and admire Goddess Kushmanda to delight her. By solely dedicated devotion to Devi Kushmanda, worshippers get profound prosperity, fine health and all material comforts. With the depth of heart and soul, offer abundant reverence to this almighty and get her enormous blessings. Jai Maa Kushmanda!

Devi Skanda Mata is Worshipped on Fifth Day of Navratri

Sinhasan Gata Nitayam Shubhdastu Sada Devi Skanda Mata Yashashvini || Padmashrit Kardvaya | Skanda mata is the fifth aspect of Navdurga. On the blessed fifth day of Navratri Pooja, Skanda mata is worshipped. Worshippers offer great reverence to mother Skanda on Panchami of Durga Pooja. Skanda is the name given to Kumar Kartikey. Goddess Parvati is mother of Kartikey and thus revered with name 'Skanda mata'. When all Devta (deities), Rishi-Muni (saint, holymen) and Manushya (mankind) was tired from torment as well as domination of colossal giant Tarakasur, Kumar kartikey is the only almighty who demolished the tyranny of Devil Tarakasur. Being the mother of powerful deity Kumar Kartikey, mother Parvati is glorified with name 'Skanda Mata'. She is the true Goddess of endurance. She is represented with four-arm holding six-faced infant Kumar Kartikey in her lap. Her both right and left upper hands hold lotus flower. She is also revered with name 'Padamasana devi' as she seats on lotus in state of meditation. Worshipping mother of Skanda on the fifth day of Navratri Pooja has also great significance. Her elegant appearance mesmerizes the worshippers. She is the true Goddess of purity. By offering invocation to this almighty, worshippers can travel the tranquil Universe to pacify their soul and mind. This great journey makes them realize the heavenly truth of life. They leave their sorrows behind and achieve the great and divine contentment in life. It is believed that devotees and worshippers enter in 'Vishudh Chakra' during this day of Durga Pooja. Vishudh means undiluted. Thus, in this state, worshipper moves toward undiluted thoughts. They feel removal of impurities and tensions of outer world, and immerse themselves completely in adherence of mother Skanda. Worshiping mother Skand on auspicious fifth day of Navratra, devotees experience and realize the immense peace and pleasure in soul and mind. They become entirely free from meaningless anxieties of life and enjoy the divine happiness endowed by mother Skanda. Panchami of Navratri Pooja is completely dedicated to mother Skanda that help devotees to achieve her profound blessings. Her divine luster radiates the life of her devotees. With her grace, all true wishes are accomplished. She never let her devotees return with empty hands. In fact, her blessings are boundless that bestows real peace in life. She shows the directions toward Nirvana or Moksha. Offering devotion to this Goddess, devotees come out from dilemma of life and peacefully move ahead for salvation. Jai Skanda Mata

Devi Katyayini - Devi Katyayani is Worshipped on Sixth Day of Navratri

Chandra Hasojvalakara Shardul Katyayini Shubham Dadhya Devi Dan Vaghatini || Var Vahna | Divine Goddess Katyayini is the sixth manifestation of Durga and one of the prominent deities among Navdurga. She is grandly worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri pooja. Her appearance is immensely majestic and divine. She is represented with four-arms. Her upper left hand holds sword and lower left hand represents lotus-flower. Her upper right hand is in Abhaymudra, and lower right hand is in Barmudra. Lion is her procession. Her appearance is imagined with pink Saree wearing white rosary on her neck. Goddess Katyayani also represents divine power for demolishing tyranny and torments of demons and giants. Worshipping this Goddess on the sixth day of Navratri Puja bestows desired husband and accomplishes other true wishes. Worshippers and Sadhak enters in 'Agya Chakra' worshipping Goddess Katyayini on the sixth day of Navratri Pooja. Her grandeur is infinite. She is highly generous toward her worshippers and devotees. According to Hindu Mythology, it is believed that long time ago there was a renowned sage called 'Maharashi Kat'. Rishi Katya was son of Maharshi Kat, and under clan of Katya a prominent rishi was born with name 'Katyayan'. Rishi Katyayan was a great devotee of Devi Bhagwati (Durga) and performed eras of hard penance to delight her. When Goddess Bhagwati was pleased by his devotion, he prayed Goddess to take birth as his daughter. Goddess Bhagwati accepted and accomplished his wish. At home of Rishi Katyayan, Devi Bhagwati was born as his daughter. After some eras, when tyranny of demon Mahisasur crossed the limitation, all deities including Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh requested Devi Durga to end the torment of Mahishashur. Devi Katyayani (manifestation of Durga) took this horn on her shoulder and destroyed devils. Being the daughter of her great devotee Rishi Katya, she became prominent with name 'Katyayini'. Delightful Devi Katyayini bestows copious fruitful results to her devotees. On the auspicious sixth day of Navratri Pooja, devotees grandly perform Pooja and offer customs, rituals to this divine Goddess. It is also believed that while worshipping Devi Katyayini on the Shashti (sixth day) of Durga Pooja, devotees feel presence of Agya Chakra in their mind and soul. Agya Chakra shows the light to devotees to completely sacrifice everything for Goddess Katyayini. Through this Chakra, devotees get influenced for Sampurna Atmadan (Absolute self-sacrifice) at asylum of devi Katyayini. The feeling of absolute self-sacrifice wins heart of this divine Devi and she accomplishes true desires of her devotees. Her regular devotees certainly get eminent position on earth. Offer your devotion and dedication to majestic Devi Katyayini on sixth day of Durga Puja and get glorious fruits. Jai Katyayini Maa!

Devi Kalaratri - Devi Kalratri is Worshipped on Seventh Day of Navratri

Ekveni Japakarnapura Nagna Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Vaampadolla Salloh Lata Kanthak Vardhan Murdha Dhvaja Krishna Kalratri Bhayankari || Kharastitha Sharirani Bhushna | || |

The most horrendous appearance of Durga is in form of Kalaratri. Devi Kalratri is the seventh aspect of Durga and worshipped among Navdurga. She is believed to be the most violent Devi among Navdurga. She has dark krishna (black) complexion and her appearance is extremely fearful. Her large red eyes, open red tongue, and sobre on hand violently demolish devils and monsters. She is also glorified with name 'Kali Maa'. Devi Kalaratri has three round eyes, and scattered long black hair. She wears a bead that gleams like fire of electric power. Durga manifested herself as completely destroy the dirt and demons from existence. She is revered with name Kalratri, because she represents herself as a death of Kaal appeared like a dark night for demons. Donkey is her procession, as she rides on gadarbh. Goddess Kalaratri also has four arms. She holds sobre in her upper left hand and thorn of iron in lower left hand. Her upper right hand is in Var Mudra and lower right hand is in Abhay Mudra. Her splendor is limitless. She removes any kind of fear in life. During seventh day of Navaratri, Sadhak or devotee enters in Sahastrar chakra. After immersing oneself in Sahastrar Chakra, devotees are able to see the entrance of getting complete perfection in Universe. However, appearance of Maa Kalratri is so dreadful, but her grace is generous toward devotees. Worshipping Maa Kalaratri on the seventh day gives abundant fruitful result. With her grace, devotees get power, position and eminent status on earth. She protects her devotees against evil influence of demons and wrong people. Worshiping her devotees get complete protection and long life. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that it is only Goddess Kalratri who could demolish the extreme agony of devil Raktabeej. No one could kill Raktabeej, as even one drop of his scattered blood was able to form another embodiment of Raktabeej. And that way, scattered blood of Raktabeej formed other billions of Raktabeej. Devi Bhagwati manifested herself in Kalaratri, and kept a Patra (vessel) to keep and imbibe entire blood of his body. Her extreme violent appearance while destroying Raktabeej and other demons hugely terrified all organisms of Universe. But still, she is a generous Goddess for her great devotees. During Navratri, Saptami Poojan of Devi Kalratri is considered as Maha Pooja or great worship of Goddess Durga. Delighting this deity, devotees certainly get enormous happiness, power and comforts in life. Maa Kalratri is worshipped to destroy agony of awry influence from life of

mankind. On the seventh day of Navratri Pooja, Saptami fast is observed to please this deity. Tantra-mantra practices are also performed and accomplished under blessings of this Goddess. Seventh day of Navratri pooja is envisaged as one of the great days in Durga Pooja. Worship Maa Kalaratri on the seventh day of Navratri Pooja and obtain her enormous grace. Jai Maa Kalratri!

Devi Maha Gauri is Worshipped on Eighth Day of Navratri

Shwete Vrishe Maha Rudha Shwetambardhara Maha Gauri Subham Dadhyanmahadev Pramodada || Shuchih | Spellbind, mesmerizing whitish look of Durga is Maha Gauri. Goddess Maha Gauri is eighth form of Devi Durga and one of the graceful Goddesses among Nav Durga. She is majestically worshipped on eighth day of Navratri Pooja. Her complexion is completely white, and thus she is revered with name 'Gauri'. Her beauty glows like gleam of white Pearl. She denotes peace and endurance. She is represented with four arms seated on a Vrishabha (bull). Her upper left hand holds Trishul (trident), lower right hand carries Damru (hand drum) and other two hands are in different Mudras (positions). It is believed that this manifestation is of Parvati when she did hard penance to obtain her Shiva due to which her body color turned dark. When Lord Shiva accepted her great devotion he washed her body with pure Ganga water that made her body completely Gour (white). And this way, she became prominent with name 'Gauri' and consort of Mahadev. Worshipping Goddess Maha Gauri during eighth day of Navratra is immensely fruitful. With her grace, the entire dirt and dark scrum of soul get washed. She cleans dregs from heart of her worshippers and makes them pious. Offering invocation to this almighty makes worshipper sacred. Ashtami poojan is considered as Maha Pooja during Navratri. This auspicious day is vivaciously celebrated with whole of heart and devotion inclined toward Devi Maha Gauri. During Ashwin Shukla Ashtami, the Maha Gauri Poojan is performed. Maha Gauri Poojan is accomplished with worship of both Goddesses Gauri and Shankar (Lord Shiva). Adherence toward Maha Gauri is truly advantageous. Her worshippers are never returned with empty hands from asylum of Goddess Gauri. Grand worship, donations, customs and rituals are performed during Ashtami of Navratri Pooja to delight this deity. Variety of blessed foods are also offered to this Goddess. On the sacred occasion of Ashtami Pooja, Kanya Poojan (feeding of little girls) are also done to please Goddesses of Navdurga. Nine little girls are invited at home of worshippers and are fed varieties of delicious sweet dishes. Devotees pay the best homage to nine little girls considering them nine forms of Navdurga. This ritual accomplishes their Pooja and gives blessings of Nav Durga. By heartily worshipping this Goddess, previous sin and influence of wrong deeds of worshippers get vanished. With her blessing, worshipper gets the divine perfection of Universe. She influences

mankind toward path of truth and purity. Illumination of her grace is infinite. She is the true Goddess of generosity and morality. Adhering toward her faith, devotees start believing on honesty, loyalty and life-long relationship. Observing fast and worshipping Goddess Mahagauri on the eight day of Navratri Pooja is immensely fruitful, especially for unmarried girls and married woman. Worshipping her, unmarried girls get desired husband and married women enjoy peaceful, harmonious and long married life. Show your dedication, true devotion, and adherence toward glorified Goddess Maha Gauri and achieve divine happiness in life. Jai Maha Gauri!

Devi Siddhidatri is Worshipped on Ninth Day of Navratri

Sidhha Gandharvay khshadher Sevya Mana Sada Bhooyat Siddhida Siddhidayini || Surair Marair Api | Devi Siddhidatri is the ninth manifestation of Shakti and is greatly worshipped among Nav Durga. On the final day of Navratri pooja, worshippers and devotees of Durga wonderfully pay homage to Goddess Siddhidatri. This Goddess is revered to offer all types of Siddhi (perfection) to her devotees and thus glorified with name 'Siddhidatri'. She is represented with four arms sitting on lotus flower. Her arms hold Gada (bludgeon), Chakra, Shankh (scallop shell) and lotus flower. Her appearance glows in red saree. Her procession is Lion. Worshipping goddess Siddhidatri on the ninth and final day of Navratri bestows all Siddhis to worshippers and successfully completes their Navratri Pooja. It is mentioned in Vedic scriptures that Lord Shiva obtained all Siddhis by blessings of Siddhidatri that made his half Devi and glorified him with name 'Ardha Narishwar'. Worshipping Goddess Sidhidatri solely with mentioned customs and rituals certainly endows all Siddhis and blessings to devotees. On the ninth day of Navratri Pooja, Kanya Poojan is also performed with grand touch. Little girls are offered homage and feed with blessed meals. Yagya, Maha Pooja and other grand celebrations are also performed to delight Nav Durga on this day. Each day of Navratri has a significant importance, but ninth day is the most prominent, as this is the final and concluding day of Durga Pooja. Different scriptures mention different numbers of Siddhi. As per Markendey Puran, there are mainly eight types of Siddhi names as - Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakyamya, Inshitva, and Vashitva. But, in some other scripture numbers of siddhis are 18. Thus, by devoting prayers to Goddess Siddhidatri, worshippers certainly obtain all Siddhis. All human beings should revere Goddess Siddhidatri to achieve absolute perfection. Siddhi makes the person highly eminent and glorified. After obtaining Siddhi, human beings observe enhancement in their charisma. And this is only possible if one pays heartily adherence toward

Goddess Siddhi-datri. Ninth day of Navratri Pooja is especially dedicated to Devi Siddhidatri. Worshippers can accomplishe any kind of desire by just worshipping Devi Siddhidatri on the auspicious final day of Navratri. Her glory is boundless. She is said to be very generous for all mankind and animals on earth. Devi Siddhidatri is truly one of the most glorious aspects of Navdurga. With her grace, all wishes are fulfilled. It is also believed that grace of Devi Siddhidatri satisfies and controls all desires of her worshippers. There is no any type of wish remain in heart after worshipping her solely. She ends greed and unnecessary temptation toward material comforts. Pray Goddess Siddhidatri and get her immense blessings. Jai Maa Siddhidatri!

Nava Durga Stotram in Malayalam Posted by TOH - Times of Hindu | 12 comments | || | || | || | || | || | || | || | || | || | ||