During Navratri, we worship 9 forms of Shakti.
Durga Devi: Durgatinashini means one who eliminates all sufferings so Durga Devi protects us from evil and also removes miseries. The ten arms of Durga Maa represent the 10 directions of Sanatana Dharma nine forms –
1. Shailaputri :
She is depicted on a bull and carrying a trident she is the embodiment of the powers of Maheshwara, Brahma and Shri Hari, also she is called by various names like Sati, Hemavati, Parvati, Bhavani etc. Shailaputri itself means daughter of the mountains.
2. Brahmacharini:
Brahmacharini translates to one who performs severe austerities she is portrayed with Kamandala in one hand and Japa Mala in another hand, she is the one who enlightens us about the power of Durga Maa. Peace and happiness is bestowed upon all her devotees.
3. Candraghanta:
Candra = half moon Ghanta means bell..so she is one who has the bell shaped half moon on the head, she is depicted sitting on a lion, having 3 eyes and holding various weapons for combat…she is the symbol of bravery and she is worshipped for peace and tranquillity in life.
4. Kushmanda:
Ku means little, Shm means warm, Anda means egg, here it refers to the cosmic egg. She is believed to be the creator of the universe and creation itself began only with the light from her spreading in all directions.
5. Skanda-Mata:
Skanda also known as lord Kartikeya is the commander of the entire Devata army. She lead the demigods in the great battle against the Asuras. Skanda-Mata means the mother of Lord Skanda. She is worshipped on the 5th night with Bala Murugan sitting on her lap for boons.
6. Katyayini:
Once upon a time, there was a great sage called Kata, who had a son named Katya. Kata was very famous and renowned in the lineage of saints. He underwent long austerities and penance in order to receive the grace of the Mother Goddess. He wished to have a daughter in the form of a goddess. According to his wish and desire the Mother Goddess granted his request. Katyayani was born to Kata as an Avatara of Durga.
7. Kalaratri:
She is also called ‘Shubhamkari’ or one who always does good. She is depicted in a very fearful form and is portrayed on a donkey she is black like goddess Kali and she holds sparkling sword in her right hand to combat all evil so her protection assures us from freedom from fear.
8. Mahagauri:
From her worship all sins of present, past and future get washed away instantly! It is believed that her body had turned dark due to the severe penances she performed in the Himalayas then when Lord Shiva cleansed it with Ganges then her body turned white she grants boons to all her devotees.
9. Siddhidatri:
She is worshipped by all Siddhas, Mahayogis and others. She has great healing powers. Once Bhagavan Shiva worshipped her and was blessed with all supernatural powers from her blessing only Lord Shiva acquired the Ardhanarishwara form.
