Nava Durga: The Nine Manifestations of Mother Goddess

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In Indian mythology, the goddess Durga is regarded as the Divine Mother who slays evil forces in order to maintain peace and tranquility throughout the world. Whenever the divine gods required her assistance, she would descend and fight for the good of the world. For this reason, every time she battles against demonic forces it is an adventure; and with each victory over those enemies, she draws more worshipers closer to herself.

This Devi Shakti, or the feminine spirit, manifests itself in 9 forms called Nav Durga. 

It encompasses and complements qualities such as strength, transformations, anger, beauty, compassion, fear, and power. These qualities manifest themselves differently in every individual- through different situations and even in the universe itself.

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Navratri is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated nine days in honor of the goddess Durga. During this time, she is worshipped in her 9 manifestations. 

1. Shailaputri

The goddess’ name, Shailaputri literally translates to ‘the daughter of the mountain.’ People often believe that the goddess is related to Mount Kailasa, but the real meaning goes beyond it.

To those on the path of spirituality – it means being at the peak of awareness or enlightenment or consciousness. Shailputri embodies an elevated awareness.


2. Brahmacharini

The second day of Navratri honors Goddess Brahmacharini. Brahman is eternal, infinite, and omnipresent.

Brahmacharini means someone who is present at all times and moves within infinity. Her energy never stagnates nor does it become inert- instead she is a consciousness that is all-pervading.

Also read: 8 Avatars & Names of Ashta Lakshmi (With Meaning, Story and Significance )


3. Chandraghanta

Chandra symbolizes the various shades of emotion and thought, just like how a moon goes through different phases. Ghanta refers to a single bell that produces only one sound. No matter how you choose to play it, there will always be only one kind of sound coming from the bell.

Similarly, when the mind gets messed up in various thoughts and gets settled down and establishes itself on one thought (the Divine) it gives birth to an internal divine power that radiates outwards.

Do not flee from the mind, for it is an embodiment of the Divine Mother. The divine mother can be found even in suffering, strife, hunger, and peace; so take all things as one-whether pleasant or distressing-and bring them together to make a unified whole. This is what Chandraghanta means, and the 3rd day honors her form.

4. Kushmanda 

The fourth form of the Mother Divine is called Kushmanda. It means pumpkin in Sanskrit. A pumpkin is circular – so this refers to your Prana (subtle life force energy) and that too, Prana which is whole and complete. 

If we break down Kushmanda – Anda means the Cosmic Egg. Ku means small and sh equals Energy, so these two concepts are essential to understanding the whole universe. Energy is everywhere in this Universe – from the tiniest of beings to the largest of galaxies. From tiny seeds, it grows into great trees, and from massive trees, it returns back into tiny seedlings again.

To see all the different manifestations of this divine consciousness that can be seen everywhere in nature is what it means to follow the path of worshiping Kushmanda.


5. Skandmata

It is said that Skanda is another name for Lord Karthikeya, the power of divinity that unites Jnana Shakti and Kriya Shakti. Skandamata means that aspect of the divine feminine energy which joins the action with God’s wisdom.

To resolve any issue, one needs to act. Knowledge without action is useless; the Skanda Tattva thrives in those who take the initiative and put theory into practice. When this occurs – when knowledge leads to proactive actions – Goddess Durga will reveal herself as the most powerful of all forms of divinity, for she embodies the very essence of Skanda-Tattva itself.


6. Kathyayini 

Everything that happens in this world which is called prapancha -is not limited to only what is seen. What cannot be seen or understood through the five senses is much larger than we could ever imagine and experience.

Katyayini symbolizes everything that cannot be seen or understood; her presence signifies deep and intricate mysteries.


7. Kalratri

She is the most fearsome form of Ma Durga. It cannot be more frightening than this one in all creation but even when it’s at its scariest, there will always be an element of loving tenderness for those who are devoted to her.

The Goddess Kaalratri grants knowledge to those who invoke her and dispassion to those who seek her.

Also read: Chanting Explained- Benefits & Science Behind it


8. MahaGauri 

Mahagauri refers to the form of Maa Durga that is both beautiful and radiant. Nature- being made up of two extremes- also has these qualities represented in its own self. Kaalratri- or the Goddess who is destructive and fearsome- will always exist alongside her opposite, Mahagauri- or the Goddess who is gentle and divinely kind.

Goddess Mahagauri bestows her blessing upon those who call on her. She will grant whatever you may wish for and is willing to grant, in order to bring happiness and contentment into your life.


9. Siddhidhatri

Siddhi is the Goddess of perfection who, through her blessings, bestows upon you extraordinary abilities. Siddhi means that anything you want or desire will come to you as long as it’s within reason. The world will bend to your will without effort because she empowers any and all true desires – this is Sidhi.

It is said that Devi Siddhidatri fulfills all wishes and grants happiness in every aspect of life. And this is what makes her significant.

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With her sparkling golden aura radiating light that could outshine even the brightest star, Goddess Durga sits serenely atop her mount, manifesting immense cosmic power. Her gentle demeanor belies her fierce strength – seen in the multiple weapons she carries in various hands; a discus, mace, sword, lotus flower, bow, and arrow. And while it may seem excessive for such an entity to carry so many arms at once – each weapon speaks of its individual purpose and its capacity for destruction.

Reminding us time and again that this Goddess can take on every aspect of beauty we can think of – from being kind-hearted to powerfully dominating – it is clear to see why some consider Durga Maa to be one of the most significant gods ever born.

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