Navratri | Navdurga | Nine forms of Maa Durga

• Dr. Aaadietya Pandey
• May 24, 2022

What is Navratri?   |   Significance of Navratri  |  Navratri Pooja  |  Kalash Sthaapna in Navratri  |  Nine forms of Goddess Durga  |  Navratri Legend  |  Goddess Durga Aarti  |  Durga Chalisa  |  Navratri Celebrations  |  Navratri and Garba dance   |  108 names of Goddess Durga

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति-रूपेण संस्थिता। 
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥ 

When is Durgapuja / Navratri in 2020?

Usually, the 9 – day Navratri festival begins on the first day of the Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month. This also marks the beginning of the Hindu new year.

In 2020,Chaitra Navratri commence on March 25th. On this day, ‘Durga Kalash Sthapana’ is done with utmost devotion.  

Auspicious Muhurta for 'Kalash Sthaapna': 5:47 am to 6:41 pm IST.

(For calculating the muhurta timing for any other Country please adjust your Local Time with reference to IST)

What is Navratri?

"Navratri" literally means "nine nights." Navratri is celebrated twice a year, once at the beginning of the New Samvatsar (Hindu New year) in summer and again at the onset of winter. Navratri or Navratra are therefore known as Chaitra Navratra and Shaardey Navratra on the basis of their occurrence.

These nights are devoted to the reverence of Goddess Durga (Maa Durga) who exists in many forms and is the manifestation of the absolute energy that pervades the Universe. During these days and nights prayers are offered to Mother Goddess.

Hinduism is the only religion in the world that has emphasized to such an extent the motherhood of God. To celebrate a good harvest and to propitiate the nine planets, women also plant nine different kinds of food grain seeds in small containers during these nine days and then offer the young saplings to the goddess.

The 9 nights festival of Navratri begins on the first day of Ashwina of the bright fortnight. Seeds are sown, sprouting is watched, the planets are consecrated, and on the 8th and 9th days, Goddess Durga, Vijay-Ashtami, and Mahanavami are worshipped.

Significance of Navratri

The Shrimad-Devi Bhagwat and Shri Durgasaptshati mention the significance of puja done during the Navratri. Devi Mahaatmya and other texts invoking Goddess Durga are cited during this period of nine days.

According to Surya Puraan, if a person worships Goddess during this period then he is blessed with virtues of all kinds, and all his sins are forgiven.

During Navaratri, we invoke the energy aspect of God in the form of universal mother Maa Durga, which literally means the remover of miseries of life. Maiya is also known as Shakti as she is the source of all energies in the world. It is this energy, which helps God to proceed with the work of creation, preservation, and destruction.

In Shiv Puraan,  Lord Shiva says that he is Shav(meaning Dead) without the powers of Shakti (his wife and the ultimate source of energy). In other words, we can say that even God is motionless, absolutely changeless without the divine support of Maa Durga.

In Bhagwat puraan, Lord Vishnu says that he is incomplete without his better half. He blesses those who worship his wife Maa Mahalaxmi. It is for this reason the world says Radhey-Krishna and Sita-Raam and not Raam-Sita or Krishna - Radhey.

The worship of the Mother Goddess can be dated back to Indus Valley Period wherein the statue of the Mother Goddess clearly mentions the presence of her supremacy. This is a true example of the importance given to females in Indian culture and religion.

Durga or the destructive aspect of the divine mother is worshipped during the first three nights. On the succeeding three nights, her protective aspect of Lakshmi and on the last three nights, her knowledge aspect or Saraswati are worshipped. The significance of this order is that first Durga destroys all the evil propensities lurking in the minds of her devotees; then Lakshmi implants divine qualities in the devotees' minds and finally Saraswati bestows true knowledge to her devotees. The tenth day known as Vijaya Dasami commemorates the victory of knowledge over the ignorance of goodness over evil.

Navratri Pooja

The festival of Navratri begins.
1st - 3rd day of Navratri

On the first day of the Navaratras, 'Kalash Shthaapna. is done in the puja room. These initial days are dedicated to Durga Maa, the Goddess of power and energy. Her various manifestations, Kumari, Parvati, and Kali are all worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl, and the mature woman.
 

Lalita Panchami
4th - 6th day of Navratri

During these days, Lakshmi Maa, the Goddess of peace and prosperity is worshipped. On the fifth day which is known as Lalita Panchami, it is traditional, to gather and display all literature available in the house, and light a lamp or 'diya' to invoke Saraswati Maa, the Goddess of knowledge and art.
 

Durga Ashtami Puja
These final days belong to Saraswati Maa who is worshipped to acquire spiritual knowledge. This in turn will free us from all earthly bondage. But on the 8th day of this colorful festival, yajna (holy fire) is performed. Ghee (clarified butter), kheer (rice pudding), and sesame seeds form the holy offering to Goddess Durga Maa.
 

Mahanavami Puja. Navratri concludes.
The festival of Navratri culminates in Mahanavami. On this day Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered food mainly consisting of Kala chana, halwa, and poori. Then after new clothes or gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country.
 

Vijaya Dashmi  (Not in Chaitra Navratri)
After the three days of Puja, in Dashami, on the last day, a tearful farewell is offered to the Goddess. Most of the community pujas postpone the farewell as long as possible and arrange a grand send-off. The images are carried in processions around the locality and finally is immersed in a nearby river or lake. Vijaya Dashami is an event celebrated all over the country. This day also marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile

Kalash Sthaapna in Navraatri

On the first day of the Navaratras, a small bed of mud is prepared in the puja room of the house and barley seeds are sown on it. On this Bed, a Kalash made of Copper is kept and filled with water. Above the pot, a bowl filled with rice is kept. A dry Cococunt wrapped with mango leaves is then kept over this Kalash. This Kalash is believed to be a symbolic form of Goddess Durga. By keeping Kalash one invocates the goddess in the Kalash.

On the tenth day, the shoots are about 3 - 5 inches in length. After the puja, these seedlings are pulled out and given to devotees as a blessing from god. This Kalash must not be touched during the nine days. One Diya is lit close to this Kalash which is supposed to burn endlessly for nine days. This is known as Akhand Jyoti.

Many people believe that the length of the Shoots determines the Quantum of income that they will have in the coming six months. This belief could have been because India was basically an agrarian economy wherein the productivity of the Land determined one's income.

Nine forms of Goddess

1. Maa Shailputri

वंदे वाद्द्रिछतलाभाय चंद्रार्धकृतशेखराम।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्री यशस्विनीम्॥

On the first day of Navratri, we worship Goddess Shailputri. Shailputri means the Daughter of a Mountain. As she took birth as the daughter of Parvatraaj Himalaya (King of the Mountain Himalaya) she is known as Shailputri.

Mounting a bullock the mother has a lance in her right hand and the lotus flower in the left. She is the first one among the nine aspects of Durga.

She is the First among the Navdugra. In her earlier life, she was born to Daksha Prajapati. In that life, she was known as Sati.  Once Daksha organized a pompous yajna and invited all Gods but neglected Lord Shiva.

When Sati came to know about the festivity arranged by her father, a strong desire arose in her heart to participate in the ceremony. She expressed her desire to Lord Shiva and solicited his permission. Considering all pros and cons Lord Shiva said - 'Prajapati is displeased with me for the reasons known to him only. He invited in his function all gods and offered their sacrificial share to them. He did not invite me purposely; not even informed me. Under such circumstances, it will not be proper for you to go there.'

Sati was not convinced by the piece of advice given by the Lord. The eagerness to see the ceremony and the prospect of seeing the mother and sisters did not subside. The Lord saw that Sati was very keen to go there so he gave her a green signal.

A sense of strange joy started waving in her heart. She made the necessary preparation and started. But all her enthusiasm subsided like the bubbles the moment she reached there. She found no affection in any eyes except her mother. Only she embraced her. She noticed not even a scintilla of cordiality for her. Not only this she felt a sense of sarcasm and ridicule in what her sisters remarked. She was greatly pained with the insulting attitude of her own relatives. The entire atmosphere was surcharged with a sense of disrespect for Lord Shiva. Daksa passed certain humiliating remarks intended for Lord Shiva. She watched all this and lost her balance. A mental storm made her full of remorse and anger. She repented on having overruled objection by her Lord.

She could not bear the insult of her spouse. Realizing this as disrespect to her dear Husband Sati decided to burn herself with yoganidraa and died. In her next life, she took rebirth as Shail -Putri.

The news of her demise reached Lord Shiva and he decided to give a good lesson to Daksha. The entire sacrificial canopy along with all paraphernalia was completely destroyed by his lieutenants.

Maa Shailputri is the mother of Lord Ganesha & Lord Kartikeya.

According to one of the Upanisadic tales, she in her Haimavati aspect defeated all prominent gods. Like her previous birth in this life also Sailaputri got married to Lord Shiva. The first and the most prominent among Nava Durgas, Sailaputri is of immense importance and her glories are endless.

On the first day of Navratra worship, it is she who is worshipped. In this puja of the first day, Yogis keep their minds concentrated on Muladhara. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline.

2. Maa Brahmachaarini

दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमाला कमण्डलु।
देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्म्चारिन्यनुतमा॥

Brahma means Tapasya or meditation. Maa durga 's second form is of Maa Brahmacharini - one of the Navdurga . Brahma-Chiarini means one who practices Tapasya.

In her last life, she was born as the daughter of Pravatraj Himalaya. At that time she followed the guidelines of Devarshi Narad and meditated for more than one thousand years to have Lord Shiva as her husband. She is worshipped on the second day of Navratri.

3. Maa Chandraghantaa

पिंडजप्रवरारूढ़ा,चंडकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं,चंद्रघंटेति विश्रुता॥

Maa durga's third form is Maa Chandraghanta. She is known as Chandraghanta because she is adorned by a Crescent Moon (Chandra) shaped like a Ghantaa (a metallic bell).

Maa Chandraghanta punishes the demons and devilish persons. She ensures justice by saving her devotees from all kinds of dangers.

4. Maa Kushmanda

सुरासंपूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥

Maa Durga's fourth form is Maa Kushmanda. she provides the basic necessities and everyday sustenance to the world. She is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri or Navratra.

When the world was not in existence, there was darkness all around. At this time, Maa Kushmandaa created the Brahmand with her 'Ishat'  laughter. This way, she is the creator of the whole universe and she is the Aadi Shakti.

She is believed to reside in the innermost core of the Sun. Her light and energy energize all ten directions.

5. Maa Skandamata

सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥

Maa Durga's fifth form is Maa Skandmata. She is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri.

During Navratra her worship blesses the saadhak and is blessed with bounties of all kinds. She is also known as Padmaasanaa as she sits on a Lotus.

She is known as Skandamaata because she is the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya. Lord Kartikeya was the Chief of God's army during Devaasur Sangram.

6. Maa Katyayini

चन्द्रहासोज्जवलकराशाईलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद्देवी दानवघातिनी।।

Maa Durga's sixth form is Maa Katyayini. There is an interesting story behind her name - there was a very famous Rishi named Kat. Her son was known as  Kaatya. Famous Rishi Kaatyayan was born as his successor only. He did a very tough anushthaan to worship Bhagwati Durga. He desired to have Maa Durga as his daughter.

Maiya accepted  his request. Later when the Demon Mahishaasur created havoc around the World then all three top gods contributed their energies to request Maiya to take a new form to end Mahishasur. As magharshi Kaatyayan had worshipped first she took the new form and was adorned with the name of Kaatyayini. Maa durga's Katyayini is worshipped on sixth day of Navratras.

7. Maa Kaalratri

एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता, लम्बोष्टी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी।
वामपादोल्लसल्लोहलताकण्टकभूषणा, वर्धनमूर्धध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयंकरी॥

Maiya Kaalratri is also known as Maa Kaali or Maa Mahaa Kaali. Her name is believed to have originated from an incident when Lord Shiva once addressed her as Kaali out of love and grace.

Maa MahaaKaali is worshipped on the seventh day of Navdurga.

Maa Mahakaali killed Raktabeeja (A demon who had the power to produce a demon from every drop of blood that fell from his body. Goddess & Divine Mother eventually licked the blood before it could reach the ground and hence conquered & over powered him).

8. Maa Mahagauri

श्वेत वृषे समारूढ़ा श्वेताम्बर धरा शुचि:।
महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा॥

Maa Durga's fourth form is Maa Mahagauri. She is dressed in white and is one of the most soft-spoken and simple forms of Maa Durga.

9. Maa Sidhidaatri

सिद्ध गन्धर्व यक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि।
सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी।।

Maa Durga's ninth form is Maa Siddhdaatri. She is a treasure house of Mystic Powers (Yantra Tantra) and Knowledge (Gyaan). She is worshipped by all whether it's rishis, munis, or Gods.

Navraatri Legend

The practice of goddess worship was prevalent in India since the time immemorial even before the advent of Aryans. Our ancestors have always placed Devi or Stree (as she was referred to) into the highest pedestal of the prevalent social system at that time and they worshipped her as Shakti. There are references in our Shastras which confirms the existence of such practices. There are several myths and legends associated with celebration of this Navratri Festival.

• As per one legend Mahishasura the mighty demon worshipped Lord Shiva and obtained the power of eternity. So he started to kill and harass innocent people and set out to win seven lokas. Intimated by his power all the gods from swargaloka appealed to Lord Shiva to tame the demon. Then Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar (Shiva) united their supreme powers and created a divine being called Shakti or Durga the Warrior Goddess. Mahishasura who happened to see this divine beauty Durga got mesmerized by her beauty and approached her with the intention of marriage. Goddess Durga agreed to marry him but in one condition that Mahishasura should win over her in duel. Mahishasura who was proudy of his power agreed for the duel. The duel went on for 9 nights and the end of 9th night Goddess Durga beheaded Mahishasura. So the nine nights for which the war was fought is called Navrathri. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashmi.
• According to other legend King Daksha of Himalayas had a beautiful and Virtuos daughter Uma who had a wish to marry Lord Shiva. As a result she worshipped Lord Shiva and pleased him. Lord Shiva married Uma. Once Uma visited her parents to participate in a Yagna conducted over there, during that time King Daksha insulted Lord Shiva unable to bear the insults meted on her husband Uma decided to end her life by jumping into the agnikund where she was united with the eternity. Henceforth she was also known as Sati. Sati was reborn again and peace was restored between her and parents. In that birth also she married Lord Shiva and lived happily thereafter. It is believed that Sati comes to stay with her parents for 9 days in every year and that time is celebrated as Navarathri.
  
  One hypothesis states that in ancient times Kshatriyas debarred themselves from participating any warlike activities during monsoon season. Once monsoons got over they found the time to start afresh with their war activities. So before the start of their war journey these Kshatriyas worshipped different aspects of Devi for 9 days which is today celebrated as the Navratri.

• According to one legend Lord Rama who wanted to release Sita from the clutches of mighty demon king Ravana prayed Goddess Durga in nine aspects for nine days in order to gather the strength and power to kill Ravana. Those nine nights became to be known as Navrathri and on the tenth day Rama killed Ravana that day is called Vijayadashmi or Dashera.

Goddess Durga Aarti

Durga Chalisa

Navratri Celebration

Durgapuja, over the years, has outgrown its religious boundaries as people all over the country celebrate it with the same fervour and devotion. There are various ways in which Ma Durga is worshiped. The rituals and customs vary due to vast difference in the culture of Indian States. But, all these follow the century old tradition and practice that intermingle with historical ethos.

West Bengal
In West Bengal, Durga Puja is five days of festivity. It hinges around Mahalaya day, a week before the actual celebrations begin. It was on this day that Durga was assigned the task of eliminating evil. So the familiar pose of Durga unleashing her wrath on an outpowered assura (demon). The legend goes that Ram wanted to invoke the blessings of Durga before his great war with Ravan. He performed the Durga Puja despite the time of year not being right. That is why the puja is also known as Akal Bodhon or untimely invocation.

Gujarat
Navratri is devoted to Amba Mataji. In some homes, images of Mataji are worshiped in accordance with accepted practice. This is also true of the temples, which usually have a constant stream of visitors from morning to night. The most common form of public celebration is the performance of Garba or dandiya-ras, Gujarat's popular folk dance, late throughout the nights of these nine days in public squares, open grounds, and streets.

Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Durga Puja is a fun occasion. Puja is performed each day and devotees don't remove the flower garland that is put each day on the idol or image of the deity. After nine days all nine are removed together. Young girls who have not attained maturity are invited to eat, play games, dance and sing. An elephant is drawn with rangoli and the girls play guessing games. Then they are fed a meal of their choice.

Punjab
The people of Punjab strictly observe Navratri. Some Punjabis have only milk for seven days before breaking the fast on Ashtami or Navami. They worship Durga Ma and do the aarti at home. Some of them have fruit or a complete meal once a day and intoxicating drinks or meat and another form of entertainment are completely avoided. At the end of the fast devotees feed beggars or worship little girls who spell the Shakti of the Mother Goddess.

Kerala

In Kerala, Durga Puja signifies the beginning of formal education for every child aged 3-5 years. While puja goes on in the temple for all ten days, it is only the concluding three days which are really important. Ashtami is the day of Ayudya Puja when all the tools at home are worshiped. Custom dictates that no tools be used on this day. On Navami, day, Goddess Saraswati is honored by worshiping the books and records at home.  Thousands throng the Saraswati temple at Kottayam during this period to take a dip in the mysterious holy pond whose source is yet unknown. Large gatherings are also seen at the famous temples at Thekkegram (Palghat), in which there are no idols -- only huge mirrors. A devotee finds himself bowing before his own reflection which indicates that God is within us.

Kashmir
The favorite deities of Kashmir are Lord Shiva and Serawali Ma Durga, the one who rides the tiger. Pundits and Muslims alike vouch that Navratri is important. No big pandals here, each Hindi household does the pooja at home. All the adult members of the household fast on the water. In the evenings, the fruit may be taken. As elsewhere, Kashmiris grow barley in earthen pots. They believe that if the growth in this pot is good, there is prosperity all year.

The most important ritual for Kashmiri Pandits is to visit the temple of guardian goddess Kheer Bhawani on all nine days. On the last day of Navratri, an aarti is held at the temple after which people break their fast. On Dussehra day, Ravana's effigy is burnt. Devotees also visit the Hari Parbat temple.

Navratri And Garba Dance

Garba:

Garba Dance is a popular folk Dance of Gujarat. A graceful, rather unique dance associated with the raas lila of Krishna and the gopis (female cowherds). It is believed that Lord Krishna popularized the Ras dance, Usha, the grand daughter-in-law of Lord Krishna gets the credit for popularizing the Lasya Nritya, which came to be known as Garba Dance. This dance is performed by ladies on the Navaratri days, Sharad Purnima, Vasant Panchami, Holi and such other festive occasions. The word Garba is derived from the word Garbha Deep meaning a lamp inside a perforated earthen pot. The light inside the perforated earthen pot symbolised the embryonic life. In this folk dance, ladies place the pot with the lamp on their heads and move in circles, singing in time measure by clapping their palms or snapping their fingers, to the accompaniment of folk instruments. Formerly associated with the legend of Krishna, Garbha is now a regular feature during the Navratri puja (nine nights in honor and worship of the goddess Durga).

Garba songs are mostly in praise of Mother Goddess Amba describing her form, powers, and invoking her blessings. Also there are Garbas describing seasons and social themes of domestic ends and married life.

Musical accompaniments to Garba are Damru, Tabla, Nagara, pot drum, percussion, Ektaro, Ravan hattho, Jantar, Pavo, shehani, murli, turi, and taturi.
 

Raas:
Raas which is supposed to belong to Kutch and Saurashtra is performed all over Gujarat. The rasa traditions are as old as the Puranic period. In various parts of the country, Rasa are danced in different manners. The main feature of Rasa is dancing in a circle by men and woman, to the accompaniment of musical instruments and keeping  time either by clapping or beating of two sticks. The number of dancers go from 8,16, 32  up to 64 couples, who also sing the song. There are three varieties of Rasaka described.

• Danda Rasaka - Rasa dance where Danda or sticks are used.
• Mandala  or Tala Rasaka - Rasa  dance where clapping is used.
• Lata Rasaka - Rasa dance where dancers cling to each other and dance like a creeper to a tree.

Raas Nritya is a form of dance performed by Lord Krishna with Gopikas. The Dandia variety of the Raas Nritya of Gujarat is generally performed by a group of youthful persons, both males, and females, who move in circles to measured steps, beating time with small sticks (called dandiya) singing to the accompaniment of Dhol, Cymbals, Zanz, flute or Shehnai. Nowadays Dandia variety or Danda Rasaka is the most popular dance form which is performed by the dancers during the Navratri and is popularly known as Dandiya Raas.

The Gof variety of the raas is an intricate performance wherein the performers holding coloured strings attached to a top, move in circles weaving and unweaving different patterns.

The Mers of Saurashtra is known for their folk dance called the Mer Raas. White shepherds perform what is called the Gher Raas. The Gheria Raas is a dance performed by the agriculturists of south Gujarat.

108 Names of Goddess Durga