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9 days of Navratri Devi Names
Navratri the nine night celebration, is among the most colorful and important Hindu festivities. It is marked as victory of good over evil and celebrates the divine feminine power in the many avatars of Goddess Durga. Every day of the nine day celebration is devoted to a different avatar of Goddess Durga, representing her resilience, prowess, and beauty. Here you will go through the names and meaning of each Devi that is worshipped during the nine nights of Navratri.
Day 1: Shailaputri – The Mountain Daughter
The first of the Navratri days is observed in the name of Shailaputri the mountain girl. She is the initial incarnation of Goddess Durga and is found riding a bull and holding a trident in her hand. She is the symbol of the power of nature and the creation of the world. She is the deity invoked by the believers on this day for courage and stability in life.
Day 2: Brahmacharini – The Goddess of Devotion and Penance
On the second day, we worship Brahmacharini, the penance and devotion goddess. She is depicted carrying a rosary and a water jar. Brahmacharini symbolizes the seeking of spiritual knowledge & devotion. The worship of her enables the devotees to pursue inner peace and spiritual illumination, reminding us that discipline and dedication are crucial aspects in life.
Day 3: Chandraghanta – Destroyer of demons
Chandraghanta Durga's third incarnation, is worshiped on the third day. She is depicted with a crescent moon upon her forehead, sitting on a tiger. She is an embodiment of beauty, peace and serenity, yet warlike. Her devotion invokes courage as well as peace to face the hardships of life with poise and confidence.
Day 4: Kushmanda – The Goddess of Cosmic Creation
On the fourth day, Kushmanda the creator of the universe, is worshipped. She is with eight arms, holding weapons, a rosary and a lotus flower. Kushmanda is known to bring abundance, prosperity and joy to her devotees, making this day an important one for those seeking blessings for wealth as well as growth.
Day 5: Skandamata – Goddess of motherhood and children
Skandamata the mother of Lord Kartikeya, is worshiped on the fifth day. She is shown sitting on a lion, accompanied by her son Kartikeya. Skandamata is a reflection of maternal love, protection & strength. Devotees pray to her to gain her blessings for strength, courage and protection of loved ones.
Day 6: Katyayani – The Warrior Goddess
On the sixth day of Navratri, Katyayani the warrior goddess, is worshipped. She is depicted with four hands & riding a lion. She is one of the most powerful forms of Durga, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Worshipping Katyayani helps devotees gain inner strength as well as victory over obstacles.
Day 7: Kalaratri – The Goddess of Courage
Kalaratri, the seventh avatar of Durga, is the goddess of destruction. She is represented with a dark complexion, long disheveled hair, and a fierce face. Though she may appear frightening, Kalaratri's power to destroy is essential for the cycle of life to be renewed. Her worship serves to eliminate negativity and evil forces from one's existence and create room for fresh starts.
Day 8: Mahagauri – The Goddess of Purity and Beauty
On the eighth day, Mahagauri, the goddess of purity, is worshipped. She is shown as fair and radiant, seated on a white bull. Mahagauri is associated with purity, wisdom, and innocence. Devotees pray to her for mental clarity, spiritual purity, and peace. This day is best for those who want a fresh start or solution to their problems.
Day 9: Siddhidhatri – The Goddess of Siddhis (Supernatural power)
The last day of Navratri is reserved for Siddhidhatri the goddess of perfection. She is seen sitting on a lotus flower, holding different emblems of power. Siddhidhatri embodies divine knowledge, power as well as wisdom. Her worship bestows upon the devotees the blessings of enlightenment, material prosperity, and spiritual realization.
Conclusion: Welcoming the Divine Feminine
The nine forms of Goddess Durga that we worship during Navratri represent different stages of life, like creation, protection, destruction and beginnings. Each form of the goddess brings unique blessings to those who pray to her. That is why Navratri is not just a festival, but a journey of spiritual growth, self-reflection as well as devotion.
As you worship during these nine days, remember that Navratri is not only about worshiping the goddess, it’s also about connecting with the divine energy within you. It is a time to look inward and find strength, peace and clarity.
May the blessings of these nine incredibly powerful goddesses grant strength, wisdom and peace into your life during this Navratri!
