Nine forms of Durga During Navratri

Genarally Navratri puja started with the Puja of Maa Durga, Maa Laxmi
and Maa Saraswati but 9 days also dedicated to different forms of Maa
Durga namely Maa Shailputri, Brahmacharani, Chandraghanta,
Kushmanda, Skandmata, Kaatyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and
Maa Siddhiratri. These all forms of Maa durga worship in different way
as per the rituals and traditions of the region and by own culture.

|| Shailputri ||

First day of Navratri dedicated to Shailputri Devi

Goddess Durga was born in the house of King of Mountains Parvat Raj Himalaya, so she is
called Shailputri means the daughter of mountain. 1st appearance of Ma-Durga is known as
shail-putri. Seated on bull this Mataji has Trisham in right hand and Lotus flower in left hand.
She is the 1st Durga in 9 forms. Shailputri is the absolute from of Mother Nature. She is also
known as Goddess Parvati the consort of Lord Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. In
the Navratra festival the worshiping Mother Goddess has a half moon in her forehead and she
is holding a trident in her right hand and lotus flower in her left hand. She rides on mount
Nandi a bull.Shailputri is the absolute from of Mother Nature. She is also known as Goddess
Parvati the consort of Lord Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya.
In some scriptures like Shivapurana and Devi Bhagvatam the story of Mother Goddess is
written as follow: Maa Bhagwati in her earlier birth was born as a daughter of Daksh Prajapati.
Then her name was Sati and she was married to Lord Shiva. But in a sacrificial ceremony
organized by her father Prajapati Daksh, she got her body burnt in the yogic fire, because she
could not bear the insult of her husband Lord Shiva by her father Prajapati Daksha in the
sacrificial ceremony. In her next birth she incarnated her as Goddess Parvati, the daughter of
Parvatraj Himalaya and among Nava Durgas she has been referred to as Sailaputri who was
again known as Himavati. In her Haimavati aspect she defeated all prominent gods. Like her
previous birth in this life also Maa Shailaputri (Parvati) got married with Lord Shiva. The first
and the most prominent among Nava Durgas, Shailaputri is of immense importance and her
glories are endless. On the first day of Navratra worship it is she who is worshiped. She is the
Devi of the root chakra, who, upon awakening, begins Her journey upwards. Sitting on Nandi,
and making her first journey from the Muladarachakra. As from her father to her husband
the awakening Shakti, beginning Her search for Lord Shiva or making a move towards her
Shiva. So that, In navrati pooja the first day Yogis keep their mind concentrated on
Muladhara. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline. They started their Yogasadha
from here. Shaila Putri is the Mooladhara Shakti to be realized within Self and sought for
higher depths, in the yogic meditation.

Mantra to chant :
"Om aim hring kleem chamundayi vichche". For the significance of 'kleem'-- Navratri
commences with the first night devoted to the puja of Shailputri devi. 'Shail' means mountain
and refers to Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva, the daughter of king of the mountains Himavan.
Shailputri holds in her two hands a trident and a lotus. She is mounted upon a bull. Special
benediction-as all the shradh souls leave the planet this night the energies specially work on
the temple (memory) chakras of all in the planet. This is a major healing of past karma and
removing blocks, bestowing lilac light healing trauma emotions and thoughts. We see white
seven-pointed stars of light in the sky falling on the shoulders reducing burdens, activating
also the navel chakra to create new activities of business, work, healing, our purpose of life
and also paying attention to our interaction with others. The stars also accumulate mostly in
water and liquids. Take pure water, coconut water, juices, and also serve this to others to,
receive added benefit. Distribution of green things will also empower you further. Offering:
one pomegranate in the morning and accept as prasadam (blessings) in evening, share with
others-offer candles morning and evening (after sunset). Mentally offer all fragrant flowers,
fruits, gems, clothing. You can also offer paan leaf (betel leaf) with clove and cardamom.

|| Bhramcharini Devi ||

Second day of Navratri dedicated to Bhramcharini

Devi
2nd appearance of Ma-Durga is known as Brahmacharini. Brahma means penance meaning
Brahamacharini doing penance. Brahma has 3 meaning knowledge of scriptures, essence and
penance. Brahma that is who observes penance(tapa) and good conduct. She is depicted with
prayer beads in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand.
Legend states that in a previous birth she was Parvati Hemavati the daughter of Himvan.
Once when she was busy in games with her friends,Naradaji came to see her and on reading
her hand/palm-lines Narad Muni stated that, You will get married with a naked-terrible Bhole
baba who was with you in the form of Sati, the daughter of Daksh in previous birth. But now
you have to perform penance for him. There upon Parvati told her mother Menaka that she
would marry none except Shambhu, otherwise she would remain unmarried. Saying this she
went to observe penance. That is why her name is famous as tapacharini Brahmacharini.
From that time her name Uma also became familiar. She is the one who practices devout
austerity. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to emancipation Moksha.Brahma
here refers to the meditative aspect of Brahmacharini and is always depicted as pious women
or Sannyasin. She is also worshipped as goddess Tara and is associated with the pious form
of Goddess Shakti. She is believed to be that aspect of Mother Goddess, which was present in
Sati and Goddess Parvati, when they both did intense austerities to get Lord Shiva as
husband. During the penance Mata Parvati did in order to gain Lord Shivji as her consort for
thousands of yrs. without eating even leaves she penance so she was called Aparna. Seeing
her body her mother uttered U-ma and so she is also called Uma. Her worship increases
sacrifice,good deeds and restraint in humans. Rudraksha is her most adorned ornament.In
some regions, Goddess Chamunda swarup of Durga is worshiped on the second day of
Navratri. In this form she is believed to have killed the demons Chanda and Munda.There is a
famous Chamunda Mata temple at Jodhpur.

Mantra to chant :
"Om doom durgaya namah". Bhramcharni devi is a store-house of knowledge and wisdom.
Rudraksha is her most dear ornament. One hand holds a "Kumbha" or water pot and the
other rosary beads of rudraksh. Special benediction--She personifies love and loyalty. We see
energies of blue light manifesting bringing empowered actualization of goals. Mantra chanting

empowers throat chakra, rectifies negative thoughts and blesses access for more liberating
super karma and attracts forgiveness of negative karma. This day we also receive energies of
strength and tolerance and create positive Karma to bring fame and fortune to ourselves and
family. At this time blue light radiates from plants and trees in fine filaments activating throat
and speech energies. Whatever is spoken will multiply for the next 6 months so on this day
one must be particularly attentive to what one says out loud especially. We see the presence
of energies of their Lordships Sita Ram--golden triangular energies of blessing as big as the
human head descending from the north-east. All those who speak the truth during this time
receive this energy within their mind, homes and future life. Offering: two apples and a
candle/lamp to Bhramcharini devi morning and evening (after sunset); accept and share the
apples in the evening with others. Mentally offer all fragrant flowers, fruits, gems, clothing.
Offering of kheer - with lotus seeds (phul makhana) will bring glory to you.

|| Chandraghanta ||

Third day of Navratri dedicated to Chandraghanta

Devi
DeviChandraghanta Ma is known and named Chandraghanta or Chandra-Khanda for the semicircular moon (Chandra) which appears like a bell (Ghanta) on her forehead. Durga is also
worshipped as Ashtamukhi and Shorashi in different parts of India on this day. She is depicted
as having three eyes and ten hands holding with ten types of swords etc. weapons and
arrows etc. and is seated on a lion (in some photos on a tiger) and shown as ready for going
to war. She is the image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all villains and
demonic incarnations. She is also the giver of supreme knowledge and bliss and is depicted as
having golden skin with the half circular moon on her forehead, glowing. Her ten hands
hold She is worshipped in this form in Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) India.Srisailam
Devasthanam also is a temple of Ma Chandraghanta.A very popular legend associated with Ma
Chandraghanta is the story of Raja Harischandra her devotee.

Mantra to chant:
"Om sarva mangal mangalye shive sarvarath sadhike,Sharanye triambake gauri
narayani namostute." Chandraghanta devi sits on a tiger, and radiates a golden hue. She
manifests ten hands and three eyes. Eight hands display weapons while the remaining two
are giving blessings and protection. Special benediction: bliss, knowledge, peace and serenity,
growth of all activities, purpose of life. She is worshiped in this form in Kanchipuram (Tamil
Nadu) India. We see expansion of red energies with pink lightning flashes going directly to the
spinal column to strengthen to all activities, activate root chakra (mooladhara); activating
birth/growth of new activities; opening of the heart chakra begins. Semicircular spiral
energies of navy blue create movement in the spiritual and material zone for all auspicious,
karma-freeing work. As you pray and meditate, there will be a feeling of satisfaction as all
solar plexus chakras are being freed from greed. Beautiful droplets of nectar are replacing the
poison as the uncoiling serpents are sucking it away offering: Three bananas in the morning,
light a candle morning-evening, accept and share banana prasadam with others. Mentally
offer all fragrant flowers, fruits, gems and clothing. Send all the negative thoughts to the
centre of the earth, as all energy today will bring power to the lower limbs. Remember to
offer something to mother earth milk, money, water, fertilizer.

|| Kushmanda ||

Fourth day of Navratri dedicated to Kushmanda

Devi
On the fourth day Mata Durga is worshipped as her Ma Kushmanda swarup. She is depicted
as seated on a lion, and possesses eight arms. She resides in solar systems and represents all
knowledge. Seven types of weapons are shown in seven hands and prayer beads in her right
hand. She likes the offerings of Kumhde. Therefore her name Kushmanda has become
famous. She is also known as Krishnamanda and is believed o have created the universe,so
she is called as Adi Swarup. She is also called Astbhuja. Worship of Ma Kushmanda brings
light into darkness and ignorance, gives true knowledge, destroys ego, disease, sorrow,
depression, ignorance. Kumbh Bhand means to see cosmic vivacity in Pindi shape or
knowledge of cosmic intricacies in human race. The abode of Mata Kushmanda is in
Bhimaparvat

Mantra to chant:
"Om dukha hantraya namah" Kushmanda devi manifests eight arms, holding weapons and
a rosary (mala), she is seated on a tiger and her aura is like the sun. Special benediction:
This aspect of Devi destroys sorrows of the mind and ego by harmonizing the macro-universe
with the inner micro-universe of the individual. This makes available all realms of the external
universe to the individual internally through meditation. She is the birthing mother presiding
over birth and rebirth. The abode of Kushmanda is in Bhimaparvat. We see streams of dark
orange and golden light and golden drops that end in little drops of golden light entering the
spinal column. These act like a spiritual surgical knife, destroying negatives and false ego
positions. This is a good day to meditate on letting go bad habits/activities, asking forgiveness,
being in touch with your true inner reality and position in the universe; your relationship with
yourself, the universe, others in it and the Divine. Remind yourself that all power of the self
comes through her grace. As the false ego is surrendered - you will get a red blanket of
auspicious light covering individuals, homes and place of worship. Offering: Four pears accept and share with others in the evening; offer candles lamps morning-evening. Mentally
offer all fragrant flowers, fruits, gems and clothing.

|| Skandmata Devi ||

Fifth day of Navratri dedicated to Skandmata

Devi
She is the Goddess of Fire. The fifth swarup of Ma Durga is Skanda Mata. The daughter of
Himalaya, after observing penance got married with Shiva. She had a son named Skanda.
Skanda is a leader of the army of Gods. Skanda Mata is a deity of fire. Skanda is seated in her
lap. She has three eyes and four hands. She is white and seated on a lotus. Some also depict
her sitting on a lion with her son Skand (Lord Kartikeya) in her lap with two hands holding
lotuses while the other 2 hands respectively display defending and granting gestures. Its said,
by the mercy of Ma Skandmata, even the idiot becomes an ocean of knowledge. The great
and legendary Sanskrit Scholar Kalidas created his two masterpieces works viz. Raghuvansh
Maha Kavya and Meghdoot by the grace of Ma Skandmata.However some believe Kalidasa
was also inspired and blessed by Ma Kushmanda.

Mantras to chant :
"Om hreeng mahadurgaya namah", and "Om nityaya namah". Each may be chanted
separately not together. Devi Skandmata holds her son Skand in her lap and sits on a lion.
She manifests three eyes and four hands--two hands hold lotuses while the other hands offer
protection and blessings. We see the energies of Skandmata transforming other healing
blessings of the Devis--now silver light streams out of the hands of people, opens up and
becomes a ball of energy in the brahmsthaan of homes activating strength and wealth. Brings
all the deva and devi blessings into the home and spreads this light into the walls of homes,
places of work - especially blessing newly built homes for the well being of all. Offering: Five
bunches of grapes (you can separate a large bunch into smaller ones); offer candles morningevening; accept and share the grapes in the evening with others. Mentally offer all fragrant
flowers, fruits, gems and clothing and remember to thank all your friends, family and enemies
for giving their help in freeing you from blinding Karma by their association.

|| Kaatyayani Devi ||

Sixth day of Navratri dedicated to Kaatyayani

Devi
The goddess of Vrindavan, she is depicted as having four arms and three eyes, she is seated
on a lion. She is the sixth swarup of Ma Durga and is known as Mata Katyayani. The son of
Kat was Katya. Rishi Katyayan was born in this Katya lineage. Katyayan had observed
penance with a desire to get Ma as his daughter. As a result she took birth as a daughter of
Katyayan. Therefore her name is Katyayani. She killed the demon Mahishasur. To get
Krishna as a husband gopis worship Ma Katryayani in Vraj. So she is established as the Queen
of Vraj.

Mantra to chant :
"Om hreeng katyayini namah". Katyayani Devi- a manifestation of Sri Laxmi-ji appeared
as the daughter of rishi Katyayan and did penance for the purpose of getting Krishna as her
husband. Her name means daughter of Sage Katyayan. Golden colored, she sits astride a lion
and manifests three eyes and four arms. In two of her hands she holds a weapon and a lotus
and with the other two she blesses and protects. Special benediction: Kaatyayani devi is very
protective and grants boons and fulfils wishes--especially relating to obtaining the association
of the Supreme Divine--Sri Krishna. A yellow light of satisfaction emanates from her eyes and
spreading into the eyes of people and allowing one to be satisfied with what is being seen and
received in life. She radiates crescent-shaped yellow energies, which descend at our finger
tips, empowering us to do good and appropriate action. Offering: Offer six guavas in the
morning and accept in the evening as prasadam and share with others. Offer candle/lamp
morning-evening. Mentally offer all fragrant flowers, fruits, gems, clothing, sweets and
payasam.

|| Kaalratri ||

Seventh day of Navratri dedicated to Kaalratri

Devi
The seventh swarup of Ma Durga is Mata Kalratri. She is black like night. Her Hair is always
shown as pitch black, long, loose and scattered. She has put on necklaces shining like
lightening and human skulls. She has three eyes and is also shown as being seated on a
Shava (dead body). 2 of her hands hold a cleaver and a torch, while the remaining 2 are in
the mudras of giving and protecting. Her vahana is a faithful donkey. The destroyer of
darkness and ignorance, Mata Kaalratri is scourer of darkness; enemy of darkness.Mata
Kaalratris shrine is in Calcutta, India This four-armed swarup of Ma Durga dissipates darkness
from amidst her devotees, and bestows freedom from fear and adversity. She is also called
Shubhamkari.When she breathes fire comes out of her nostrils. Any type of fear goes away
by her worship. Shubhankari Mata always give Subh good fruits.

Mantra to chant :
"Durga kshama shiva dhaatri svaha svadhaa Namostute" Kaalratri Devi has grey-black
skin, flowing dark hair, manifests four hands--she holds a khadag (cleaver) and a burning
torch, and the other two hands are protecting and blessing. She sits on a donkey. Special
bendiction: Kaalratri Devi is fearless, the destroyer of darkness and ignorance, she is the
scourge of darkness and a reviver, mender of damaged relationships and opportunities. We
see grey, purplish silver and gold lights activating feet chakra of her devotees--this gives
access to the lower universes of darkness destroying negative karma from past lifetimes and
also brings energies of protection, fortitude and strength, helping the devotee to become
fearless. Negative energies are being processed through the roots of all plants and those not
eating grains will specially benefit. The feet and toe chakras are activated to go forward into
the light fearlessly and to actualize goals, which were impossible to you and your mind. All the
work on this day is in the mind. Old stuck business activities or opportunities can be revived,
resolved, and broken relationships mended, and one becomes famous through the blessings
of Kaalratri Devi. Spiritually empowering energies are flowing through her eyes to all beings
during this navratri day and night. offering: Seven "cheekoo" fruits (sapota or mud apple) in
the morning; accept and share in the evening, offer candle/lamp morning and evening.
Mentally offer all fragrant flowers, fruits, gems, and clothing. All poverty is destroyed and
there is wealth for all as you offer rose water on a silver naag /naagin and keep them in your
money place.

10

|| Mahagauri Devi ||

Eighth day of Navratri dedicated to Mahagauri

Devi
She is like an eight-year-old girl. She is intelligent and peaceful, possesses three eyes and
four arms, and uses the bull as her vehicle. The Eighth swarup of Ma Durga is Ma Maha
Gauri. She is depicted as fair as a conch, moon and jasmine flowers. Her clothes and
ornaments are white and clean. She has three eyes. She rides on bull She has four hands.
The above left hand is in Fearless Mudra and lower left hand hold a Trishul. The above
right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style. She is calm and peaceful.
It is said that when the body of Gauri became dirty due to dust and earth while observing
penance, Shiva makes it clean with the waters of Gangas. Then her body became bright like
lightening. There fore, she is known as Maha Gauri .She is also worshipped as Ma-Ambaji,
Ma-Kalika, Ma-Bahucharaji. Ma Mahagauri can be seen in a temple at Kankhal near pilgrim
centre Haridwar, India The Ninth Swarup of Ma Durga is Mata Siddhidatri. There are eight
Siddhis or accomplishments, they are- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya,
Iishitva and Vashitva. Maha Shakti gives all these Siddhis. It is said in Devipuran that the
Supreme God Shiv got all these Siddhies by worshipping Maha Shakti. With her gratitude the
half body of Shiv has became of Goddess and there fore his name Ardhanarishvar has
became famous. This swarup is depicted as seated on a lion and has four hands. She is the
giver of all forms of accomplishments[Siddhis].As per the Brahmavaivart Purana there are 18
types of achievements which are Anima, Mahima, Garima, Ladhima, Prapti, Prakaamya,
Ishitva,Vashitva, Sarvakaamaal, Saadhita, Sarvagynatva, DurShravana, Parkaayapraveshan,
VakaSiddhi, Kalpavrushatva, Shrishti, Samharkaransaamarthya, Amaratva, Sarvanyayakatva,
Bhavana and Siddhi. Seated upon a lotus, most commonly, with four arms, and is the
possessor of different siddhis /accomplishments to grant her devotees. Mata Siddhiratris
famous pilgrim centre, is located in Nanda Parvat in the Himalayas.

Mantra to chant :
"Om nitya buddhaya namah". Mahagauri the most fair, manifests as beutiful young girl
with four arms radiating peace and compassion, she is often dressed in a white or green sari.
Mahagauri holds a drum and a trident and rides a bull. Special benediction: protects long life
of husband, promotes association of good people keeps you away from robbery, theft. Girls of

11

marriageable age should meditate on her to get good husbands, while men meditate on her
get a wife with beautiful qualities--energies of creation, sexual fulfilment. We see little dots of
circular green and pink lights-activating knees, thighs giving freedom from fear, giving
confidence and promoting the special benediction qualities. All golden droplets of light
illuminate the wrist and anklets of all women on planet earth these will bring balance and
creativity at its highest form. Offering: Eight Custard apples-(shareefa, also known as
sitaphal); accept as blessings in the evening and share with others; offer candle/lamp
morning-evening. Mentally offer all fragrant flowers, fruits, gems, clothing. Definitely
remember to offer coconut, Kumkum and Haldi (turmeric) to married women, money and
food to young girls.

12

|| Siddhiratri Devi ||

Ninth day of Navratri decicated to Siddhiratri Devi

The ninth form of Ma Durga is the Ma Siddhidaatri. Ma Siddhidatri is the giver of all forms of
achievements [Siddhi], which according to the Markand Purana are Anima, Mahima, Garima,
Ladhima, Prapti, Prakaamya, Ishitva and Vashitva. As per the Brahmavaivart Purana there are
18 types of achievements which are Anima, Mahima, Garima, Ladhima, Prapti, Prakaamya,
Ishitva,Vashitva, Sarvakaamaal, Saadhita, Sarvagynatva, DurShravana, Parkaayapraveshan,
VakaSiddhi, Kalpavrushatva, Shrishti, Samharkaransaamarthya, Amaratva, Sarvanyayakatva,
Bhavana and Siddhi. Worshiping Ma Siddhidatri on the ninth day of navratri one can obtain
all this achievements [Siddhi]. As per Devi Purana, Bhagavan Shiva had attained all the
achievements only by the grace of Ma Siddhidaatri. That is why his half body was that of the
Devi and he was renowned as Ardhanareshwar. Dev-Danav-Gandharva-Kinnar-YakshManushya, all do worship Ma Siddhidaatri and attain achievements. On the ninth day Pujan,
Archan, Havan, etc of Mataji are performed. Ma Siddhidaatri can be pleased by chanting the
above stated Mantra as many time. Te Conchshell, Chakra, Mace and lotus in the four hands
of Ma Siddhidaatri signifies that she is always anxious to help us.

Mantra to chant :
"Kaali Kaali Mahakaali Kalike Paapharini, Sarva Vighna Hare Devi Narayani
Namostute" Devi Siddhiratri is seated upon a lotus, surrounded by her devotees, manifests
four arms, and grants 8 siddhis--perfections, to her devotees, as well as 18 other benefits.
Siddhiratri devi's famous pilgrimage centre is located in Nanda Parvat in the Himalayas.
Special benediction: Most activating of spiritual awareness and consciousness--We see discs
of golden light over crown chakras, instilling bhakti--devotional service to the Supreme, and
liberation from karmic bindings. The energies of Sri-Sri Sita and Ram manifest fully on the
9th-10th night for the victory celebrations on the 10th day--Vijay Dashani or Dusshera. The
10th day is the victory of Lord Ram over evil and negativity, and the spreading of His Divine
Grace in the material world. Offering: 9 oranges or 1 each of all previous 8 fruits and 1
orange; accept and share with others in the evening; offer candle/lamp morning-evening.
Mentally offer all fragrant flowers, fruits, gems, clothing. This day and night of the navratri
should be spent in meditation on her form even though you may be working snatching a
few moments of mental sadhna and offering of sindhoor, lotus and chandan physically or
mentally will bring fulfilment and satisfaction to you and your family.

13