Navadurga – Hindu Goddesses and Deities

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Navadurga - Hindu Goddesses and DeitiesNavadurga which means Nine Durga is the manifestation of Durga in nine different forms. Durga is worshipped in different forms. She is a form of “Shakti”. The evolution of Shri Maha Saraswati, Shri Maha Laxmi and Shri Mahakali (the 3 main forms of “Shakti”) took place from Shri Brahma, Shri Vishnu and Shri Mahesh respectively. Each of these 3 deities gave rise to 3 more forms and hence in all, these 9 forms together are known as Navadurga. The nine forms of Durga are worshipped during the nine days of Navratri.

Navratri, the word is formed using two words ‘Nava’ and ‘Ratri’. Nava means nine and Ratri means nights hence Navratri literally means nine nights.

Navratri is celebrated four times a year, during the Navratri Festival the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga are revered and worshipped for nine nights and ten days. The four different Navratri that are celebrated are Magh Navratri, also known as Gupt Navratri (January – February), Vasant Navratri, also known as Chaitra Navratri (March – April), Ashad Navratri, also known as Gupt Navratri (June – July) and Shardiya Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri (September – October). Out of these four Navratris the Vasant Navratri and Shardiya Navratri are especially considered important and auspicious by devotees.

The 9 names of Maa Durga, Navadurga, are:

  1. Maa Shailputri
  2. Maa Brahmacharini
  3. Maa Chandraghanta
  4. Maa Kushmanda
  5. Maa Katyayani
  6. Maa Kalratri
  7. Maa Siddhidatri
  8. Maa Skandmata
  9. Maa Mahagauri

 

Shailputri

Shailputri - Navadurga - Hindu Goddesses and Deities

 

  • Devanagari Name – शैलपुत्री
  • Description – Among the Navadurgas, Maa Shailputri is considered to be the first manifestation of goddess Durga. Durga Shailputri (Daughter of Mountain): In Sanskrit “Shail” means mountains, “Putri” means daughter. Parvati, the daughter of the King of the Mountains Himavan, is called ‘Shailputri”. The first among nine Durgas and 1st night of Navratras is devoted to the puja of Shailputri. The narrative regarding her birth has been described in scriptures like Shivapurana and Devi Bagvaatam Maa.
  • Governing Planet – It is believed that the Moon, the provider of all fortunes, is governed by Goddess Shailputri and any bad effect of the Moon can be overcome by worshipping this form of Adi Shakti.
  • Iconography – The mount of Goddess Shailputri is bull (Nandi) and because of that she is also known as Vrisharudha (वृषारूढ़ा). Goddess Shailputri is depicted with two hands. She carries Trishul in the right hand and the lotus flower in the left hand. Her head is adorned with half-moon.
  • Mantras for Shailputri Devi:
  1. Om Devi Shailputryai Namah (108 recitation of this mantra)
  2. Vande Vanchhit Laabhaay, Chandrardhkritshekharaam | Vrisharudham Shooldharaam Shailputriim Yashaswinim ||

Meaning: I worship Goddess Shailputri to fulfill my wishes, who is adorned with crescent moon on her head, rides on a bull, carrying a trishul and is illustrious.

  • Stuti:

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: ।।

 

Brahamcharini

Brahmacharini - Navadurga - Hindu Goddesses and Deities

  • Devanagari Name – ब्रह्मचारिणी
  • Description – The second day belongs to Maa Brahmacharini. She is the second manifestation of Maa Durga who is worshippied on the second day of Navratri. In her name the word “Brahm” refers to “Tapa”. So Brahmcharini means Tapa Charini – The one who perform Tapa or penance. It is said that the “Vedas”, “Tatva” & “Tapa” are synonyms of word “Brahm”. The form of Brahmacharini is tremendously effulgent and extremely majestic.

Bhramcharini is the store house of knowledge and wisdom. She personifies love and loyalty. This form of Durga is related to the severe penance undertaken by Sati and Parvati in their respective births to attain Lord Shiva as husband. Some of the most important Vratas observed in different parts of India by women is based on the strict austerities followed by Brahmacharini. She is also known as Tapasyacharini.

The worship of Maa Brahmchaarini is conducive to penance, renunciation, virtue and nobility.  Her devotees are endowed with peace and prosperity.

  • Governing Planet – It is believed that Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes, is governed by Goddess Brahmacharini.
  • Iconography – Goddess Brahmacharini is depicted as walking on the bare feet. She has two hands and she carries rosary (Mala) in the right hand and Kamandal in the left hand. She is in a highly pious and peaceful form or is in meditation. Rudraksha beads are her most adored ornaments.
  • Mantra for worship of Devi Brahmcharini are:

(i)    Om Devi Brahmcharinyai Namah (ॐ देवी ब्रह्म्चरिण्यै नमः) (Do 108 recitation of this mantra)

(ii)   Dadhaanaa Kar Padmaabhyaamakshmala Kamandaloo | Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmcharinyanuttamaa ||

Meaning: O Goddess Brahmcharini, who holds rosary and Kamandalu in her hands, please on me.

  • Stuti

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: ।।

 

Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta - Navadurga - Hindu Goddesses and Deities

  • Devanagari Name – चंद्रघंटा
  • Description – Chandraghanta meaning supreme bliss and knowledge, showering peace and serenity, like cool breeze in a moonlit night. She is mainly worshipped in Tamil Nadu. Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri.

Her forehead is bedecked with the crescent moon resembling the shape of a ghantaa.  That is why she is called Maa ‘Chandraghantaa’ by devotees.

By her grace all the sins, distresses, physical sufferings, mental tribulations and ghostly hurdles of the devotees are eradicated.  Riding on the lion the Mother inspires her devotees with fearlessness.  She is the very embodiment of serenity.  The devotees who adore and worship her with their deeds, minds and speech develop an aura of divine splendor.  Their persons emit out invisible power-waves which exercise a great impact on those who come in contact with them.  They easily achieve success in every walk of life.  Maa Chandraghantaa is ever ready to destroy the wicked, but to her devotees she is ever visible as the kind and compassionate Mother showering peace and prosperity.

Maa Chandraghantaa should be adores and worshipped with great purity in mind and heart observing all the rites properly.  Having acquired her grace, we get rid of all worldly turmoil and enjoy Supreme bliss.  Devotees should always have her gentle form in their minds while meditating on her.

Goddess Chandraghanta is the married form the Goddess Parvati. After getting married to Lord Shiva Goddess Mahagauri started adorning her forehead with half Chandra and due to which Goddess Parvati was known as Goddess Chandraghanta.

This form of Goddess Parvati is peaceful and for welfare of her devotees. In this form Goddess Chandraghanta is ready for the war with all her weapons. It is believed that the sound of the moon-bell on her forehead expel all type of spirits away from her devotees.

Devotees, who have many enemies and obstacles in their life, should worship Devi Chandraghanta on third day of Navratri. Goddess Chandraghanta then destroy all obstacles and fears of devotee and destroy enemies and demons.

  • Governing Planet – It is believed that the planet Shukra is governed by Goddess Chandraghanta.
  • Iconography – The complexion possessed by Maa Chandraghantaa is golden. She possesses ten arms out of which eight arms holds weapons and missiles like the sword, the bow, the mace, the arrows and the like. Rest two arms are respectively in the mudras of gestures of boon giving and stopping harm. She is charmful and bright. She has 3 eyes.

Goddess Chandraghanta mounts on the tigress. This is a terrible aspect and is roaring in anger. This form of Durga is completely different from earlier forms and shows when provoked she can be the terrible or malevolent. She wears the semi-circular moon (Chandra) on her forehead. The half-moon on her forehead looks like the bell (Ghanta) and because of that she is known as Chandra-Ghanta.

  • Mantras for worship of Devi Chandraghanta are

(i)  Om Devi Chandraghantayayi Namah (ॐ देवी चन्द्रघन्टायै नमः) (Do 108 recitation of this mantra)

(ii)  Pindaj Pravaarudh chandkopastrkairyuta | Prasadam Tanute Madhyam Chandraghanteti vishrutaa ||

Meaning: Which means, O Goddess Chandraghanta, who rides on Tiger, angry on enemies, holds many weapons in 10 hands, please on me.

  • Stuti

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ चंद्रघंटा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: ।।

 

Kushmanda

Kushmanda - Navadurga - Hindu Goddesses and Deities

  • Devanagari Name – कूष्माण्डा
  • Description – Goddess Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is adored and worshipped on the fourth day of the Navaraatri. She dwells in the abode of the Sun God.  That is why her hue and spendour is as brilliant as the sun itself.  It is her spendour that pervades every plant and creature of this universe.  All the ten quarters are illuminated by her divine refulgence.

The name Kushmanda is made of three other words that are “Ku + Ushma + Amnda= Kushmanda”. Here “Ku” is “Little”, “Ushma” is “Warmth or Energy” and “Anda” is “Egg”, meaning the one who create the universe as “Little Cosmic Egg” with the energy of her divine smile, is called “Kushmanda”.

When this universe was non-existent and darkness prevailed everywhere, it was Maa Kushmaandaa who produced the Cosmic Egg with her mere smile. So Maa Kushmanda is also known as the creator the whole universe. Maa Kushmanda is also named as “Adi Shakti”. She is the only one who has the power and strength to live in the core of Suryaloka. Her body shines like the glowing Sun. All directions get light from her Divine smile including the Sun God itself. Goddess Kushmanda is Mother of Sun. She creates the entire universe and solar system. Devotees must worship her in order to get success in her creation. Devotees, who have malefic Sun in their birth chart should worship Kushmanda Devi.

After taking form of Siddhidatri, Goddess Parvati started living inside the center of the Sun so that he can liberate energy to the universe. Since then Goddess is known as Kushmanda. Kushmanda is the Goddess who has the power and capability to live inside the Sun. The glow and radiance of her body is as luminous as that of the Sun.

Mother Kushmaandaa is the bestower of all pleasures.  Her adoration and worship delivers a person from all kinds of ailments and leads him on to the path of prosperity and pleasures.  So, a devotee should adore and worship her with a purified mind and intellect. On worshiping her, ailments and sorrows are eliminated and life span, name, strength and health improved.

  • Governing Planet – It is believed that Goddess Kushmanda provides direction and energy to the Sun. Hence God Sun is governed by Goddess Kushmanda.
  • Iconography – Goddess Siddhidatri rides on the lioness that represents “Dharma”. She is also known as “Ashtabhuja” as she has eight hands. She has Kamandal, Dhanush, Bada and Kamal in the right hands and Amrit Kalash, Jap Mala, Gada and Chakra in the left hands in that order.

Seeming resplendent mounted on a Lion, Kumbh Bhand means seeing the cosmic dance in the form of Pindi; the knowledge of cosmic intricacies in humans. She likes the offerings of Kumhde, leading to her name Kushmanda. Her abode is Bhima Parvat.

  • Mantras for worship of Devi Kushmanda are
  1. Om Devi Kushmandayayi Namah (ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः) (Do 108 recitation of this mantra)
  2. Suraasampoorna Kalasham Rudhiraaplutamev Cha | Dadhaanaa Hastpadmaabhyaam Kushmanda Shubhdaastu Me ||

Meaning: Which means, Goddess Kushmanda who holds two pitchers full of Madira and Blood in her lotus hands, be propitious to me.

  • Stuti

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: ।।

 

Skanda Mata

Skandamata - Navadurga - Hindu Goddesses and Deities

  • Devanagari Name – स्कन्दमाता
  • Description – Skandamaataa is the fifth manifestion of Goddess Durga. It’s said, by the merch of Skandmata, even the fool becomes an ocean of knowledge. Her son Karttikeya is also called Skanda.  So, she is called Skandamaataa or the Mother of Skanda.

Skandamaataa who possesses the brilliance of the sun fulfills all the desires of her devotees.  He, who is selflessly devoted to her, attains all the achievements and treasures of life. The worship of Skandamaataa purifies the heart of a devotee.  While worshiping her, he devotee should have absolute control over his senses and mind.  He should free himself from worldly bondage and worship her with a single-pointed devotion.  Her worship is twice blessed.  When the devotee worships her, Lord Skanda, her son in her lap, is automatically worshipped.  Thus the devotee happens to enjoy the grace of Skandamaataa along with the grace of Lord Skanda.

If a devotee worships her devoid of selfishness, the Mother blesses them with power and prosperity.  The devotees who worship Skandamaataa shine with divine splendor.  Her worship is ultimately conducive to salvation.

  • Governing Planet – It is believed that the planet Budha is governed by Goddess Skandamata.
  • Iconography – Goddess Skandamata mounts on the ferocious lion. She carries six faced baby Murugan in her lap. Lord Murugan is also known as Kartikeya and brother of Lord Ganesha. Goddess. She possesses four arms out of which two hold the lotus flowers. One of her hands is always in the boon-conferring gesture and with the other she holds her son Skanda in her lap.  She sits on lotus flower and because of that Skandamata is also known as Goddess Padmasana. The complexion of Goddess Skandamata is Shubhra (शुभ्र) which describes her white complexion.
  • Mantras for worship of Devi Skandmata are

(i) Om Devi Skandmatayayi Namah (ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः) (Do 108 recitation of this mantra)

(ii) Sinhaasangataam Nityam Padmaanchit Kardwayaa | Shubhdaastu Sadaa Devi Skandmata Yashaswini ||

Meaning: Skandmata, who rides on Lion with Kartikeya, holds lotus in her two hands and Varmudra in one hand, be propitious to me.

  • Stuti

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: ।।

 

Katyayani

Katyayani - Navadurga - Hindu Goddesses and Deities

  • Devanagari Name – कात्यायनी
  • Description – Devi Katyayani is the form of the Goddess worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. According to religious texts Goddess Parvati was born at the home of sage Katya and due to which this form of Goddess Parvati is known as Katyayani. She is easily propitiated by devotion and destroys all sins of her devotees. Her worship is conducive to Dharma, wealth, pleasures and salvation.

To destroy demon Mahishasura, Goddess Parvati took the form of Goddess Katyayani. It was the most violent form of Goddess Parvati. In this form Goddess Parvati is also known as Warrior Goddess.

  • Governing Planet – It is believed that the planet Brihaspati is governed by Goddess Katyayani.
  • Iconography – Goddess Katyayani rides on the magnificent lion and depicted with four hands. Goddess Katyayani carries lotus flower and sword in her left hands and keeps her right hands in Abhaya and Varada Mudras. According to Durga Saptshati, Goddess Katyayani is Mahasaraswati.

Mantras for worship of Devi Kaatyaayani are

  1. Om Devi Katyayanyayi Namah (ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः) (Do 108 recitation of this mantra)
  2. Chandrahaasojjval Karaa Shaardoolvarvaahanaa | Katyayani Shubham Dadyaad Devi Daanavghatini ||

Meaning: Devi Katyayani who holds Chandrahaas Sword and other weapons in her ten hands, rides on Lion, and destroying demons, be propitious to me.

  • Om Hrim Katyayani Swaha (108 Recitation of this Katyayani Mantra)

Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: ।।

 

Kaalratri

Kaalratri - Navadurga - Hindu Goddesses and Deities

 

  • Devanagari Name – कालरात्रि
  • Description – Kaalratri is the destroyer of darkness and ignorance.She is the seventh form of Nav-Durga. Kalaratri means the One who is “the Death of Kaal”. Here Kaal is dedicated as time & death. Kalaratri is the one who destroys ignorance and removes darkness. This form primarily depicts that life also has dark side – the violent Mother Nature and creates havoc and removes all dirt.

In this form she is dark and repulsive in appearance. She is cruel and excited. Although the outward form of Mother Kaalaraatri is extremely frightening yet she always bestows boons on her devotees.  So, she is also called Shubhankari (शुभंकरी) as she always brings about the welfare of her devotees.  All sins are washed off by her adoration and worship.  Devotees deserve all kinds of merits by having her vision.  Those who adore and worship her selflessly are relieved of all distresses and turmoil.  They will enjoy prosperity and pleasures.

Mother Kaalaraatri is the destroyer of demons, ghosts, goblins and evil-minded persons. In this form Goddess Kalratri killed Raktabeej. Raktabeej was a demon who could multiply from every drop of his blood which fell on the ground. The Goddess Kaalratri killed him by licking the blood before it could reach the ground and hence conquered him. She endows her devotees with calm and courage.

  • Governing Planet – It is believed that the planet Shani is governed by Goddess Kalaratri.
  • Iconography – Kalratri is incarnation of Goddess in which she removed her golden skin and became lustrous black colored. She is naked, rides on an ass.

Goddess Kalaratri is depicted with four hands, two clutching a cleaver and a torch, while the remaining two are in the mudras of “giving” and “protecting”.

She possesses three eyes in her forehead which are as round as the universe itself. The hair on her head is very dense but disheveled.  She is bedecked with a glorious garland round her neck which emits great refulgence.  She breathes out horrible and terrible flames of fire.  Although her person is absolutely black yet refulgent rays keep on emanating from her.

  • Mantras for worship of Devi Kalaratri is

(i) Om Devi Kalratryayi Namah (ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः) (Do 108 Recittaion of this Kalratri Mantra)

(ii) Ekveni Japakarnpoora Nagna Kharaasthita |

Lamboshthi Karnika karni Tailaabhyaktshariirini ||

Vaam Paadollasallohlata Kantakbhushanaa |

Bardhan Moordham Dhwajaa Krishnaa Kalratrirbhayankari ||

Meaning: This mantra describes her form. She is naked, rides on a donkey, long tongue, lustrous body, wearing ornaments in legs like lightning, black in color, unlocked hair, big eyes and ears and very dangerous looking. Meditating on this form of Kalratri removes all obstacles as well as removes all magical effects created by others.

  • Stuti

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: ।।

 

Maha Gauri

Mahagauri - Navadurga - Hindu Goddesses and Deities

  • Devanagari Name – महागौरी
  • Description – She is pure and is believed to have been in the form of Mata Parvati when she did penance to get Shiva as her husband. Purity is depicted in this form of Durga. Mahagauri form of Durga is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. Goddess Parvati made up her mind to perform an austere penance as advised by Sage Narada so that she might beget Lord Shiva as her husband. So, she renounced all the comforts of the palace and started performing penance in the forest.

Her severe penance continued for many years.  She braved heat and cold, rains and drought and terrible storms.  Her body was covered with dust, earth, soil and leaves of trees.  She had developed a blackish skin over her body.  At last, Lord Shiva appeared before her and gave his solemn word that he would marry her. He bathed her vigourously by the holy waters of the Ganga emanating from his matted hair. The holy and sacred waters of Ganga washed off all the dirt clinging to Parvati’s person and she became became white-complexioned and glorious.  Thus by virtue of having acquired a white complexion, Parvati came to be known as Mahagauri (Extremely Fair).

Due to her fair complexion Goddess Mahagauri is compared with the conch, the moon and the white flower of Kunda (कुंद). She adorns white clothes only and due to that she is also known as Shwetambardhara (श्वेताम्बरधरा).

  • Governing Planet – It is believed that the planet Rahu is governed by Goddess Mahagauri.
  • Iconography – With four arms and the fairest complexion of all the Durgas Shaktis, Mahagauri radiates peace and compassion. She is often dressed in a white or green sari. Goddess Mahagauri is depicted with four hands. She carries Trishul in one right hand and keeps the second right hand in Abhaya Mudra. She adorns Damaru in the one left hand and keeps the second left hand in Varada Mudra. She is as white as a conch, moon and Jasmine. She is of eight years old.The mount of Goddess Mahagauri as well as Goddess Shailputri is bull and because of that she is also known as Vrisharudha (वृषारूढ़ा).
  • Mantras for worship of Devi Mahagauri are
  1. Om Devi Mahagauryayi Namah (ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः) (108 Recitation of Mahagauri Mantra)
  2. Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetaambardhara Shuchih | Mahagari Shubham Dadyanmahadev Praodadaa ||

Meaning: Which means, Goddess Mahagauri who rides on white bull, wear pure white clothes, giver of happiness, be propitious to me.

  • Stuti

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: ।।

 

Siddhidatri

Siddhidatri - Navadurga - Hindu Goddesses and Deities

  • Devanagari Name – सिद्धिदात्री
  • Description – Siddhidatri form of Durga is worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri. Siddhidatri is master of eight siddhis and nine nidhis.

In the beginning of the universe Lord Rudra worshipped Adi-Parashakti for creation. It is believed that Goddess Adi-Parashakti had no form. The supreme Goddess of Power, Adi-Parashakti, appeared in the form of Siddhidatri from the left half of Lord Shiva.

The eight Siddhis are- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva & Vashitva. 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. Usually shown ensconced a lotus with four arms, she is the grantor of 26 different wishes to her Bhaktas.

In this form Durga removes ignorance and she provides the knowledge to realize that or Brahman. She is surrounded by Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Demons and Gods who are worshipping her. The Siddhi that she provides is the realization that only she exists.

  • Governing Planet – It is believed that Goddess Siddhidatri provides direction and energy to planet Ketu. Hence planet Ketu is governed by her.
  • Iconography – Mother Siddhidaatri possesses four arms and she rides on a lion. She carries the mace, the lotus, the conch-shell and the disc in her four hands. He who acquires her grace attains salvation after enjoying the pleasures of life. She fulfills all the mundane and divine aspirations of her devotees. Her worship destroys all distresses. Dev, Humans, Brahmins, Demons, Kinnars are all worshipping her.
  • Mantras for worship of Devi Siddhidatri are
  1. Om Devi Siddhidatryayi Namah (ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः) (108 Recititation of Siddhidatri Mantra)
  2. Siddha Gandharva Yakshdyairasurairamarairapi | Sevyamaanaa Sadabhuyaat Siddhida Siddhidayini ||

Meaning: Which means, Goddess Siddhidatri who is worshipped by Siddha, Gandharva, Yaksh, Gods, Demons etc., holds Conch, Chakra, Gada and Lotus in her hands, giver of all siddhis and victory all over, be propitious to me.

  • Stuti

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ सिद्धिदात्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: ।