Significance of 9 Devis’ in Navratri

1. Shailaputri

Shailputri, is the first appearance of Maa Durga among the nine manifestations. She carries a trishul, a lotus in her hands and gilds a crescent moon on her head. Her vehicle is the Bull, Nandi. She is worshiped on the first day of navratri. The power of, Maa shailputri, are unlimited.

2.Brahmacharini

Brahmacharini, is the second manifestation among the nine. She is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. In this form Durga is two-armed, dressed in white and carries a rudraksha mala and holy Kamandalu. This form of Durga is pious and in meditation form hence, she is also known as Tapasyacharini. She is worshipped to gain knowledge.

3.Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta is the third manifestation among the nine. She is worshiped on the third day of Navratri. In this, form Durga is 10-armed and rides a tiger. Her forehead is adorned with the crescent moon like the shape of a ghanta. That is why she is called Maa ‘Chandraghantaa’. This form of Durga is completely different from earlier forms and shows when provoked she can be dreadful or spiteful. Having acquired her grace, devotees get rid of all worldly confusion and enjoy Supreme happiness.

4.Kushmanda

Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga among the nine. She is worshiped on the fourth day of the Navaratri. She resides in the abode of the Sun God. That is why her hue and glory is as brilliant as the sun itself. It is her glory that floods every plant and creature of this universe. She is the creator of the universe.

5. Skanda Mata

Skanda Mata is the fifth manifestation among the nine forms of Durga. She is worshiped on the fifth day of Navratri. Her son Kartikeya is also called Skanda, hence she is called Skandamata. Skanda Mata has four arms and rides on a lion. The things she carries in her hands are a lotus, kamandalu and a bell. Her one hand is in blessing posture. Devotees worship her to attain salvation.

6.Katyayani

Katyani is the sixth manifestation among the nine manifestations of Durga. She is worshiped on the sixth day of the Navratri. In this form Durga is four-armed and she carries a sword, shield and lotus. One hand is depicted as giving the blessing. She rides a lion. She destroys all sins of her devotees. Her worship is helpful to Dharma, wealth, pleasures and salvation.

7.Kalaratri

Kalratri is the seventh manifestation among the nine. She is worshiped on the seventh day of Navratri. In this Durga is four-armed and rides a donkey. She carries sword, trident and a noose. With one hand she blesses. This is the violent and dark side of Durga.She is cruel and excited. This form mainly depicts that life also has a dark side.

8.Mahagauri

Mahagauri is the eighth form among the nine manifestations of Durga.In this form Durga is four-armed and she rides a white elephant or a cow. She carries a Trishul and a damaru. Two hands are in blessing posture. 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. Mahagowri form of Durga is worshiped on the eighth day of Navratri

9.Siddhidatri

Siddhidatri is worshiped on the last that is ninth day of the Navratri. In this form Durga is seated on a lotus and is four armed. She holds a lotus, mace, discus and book. In this form Durga removes ignorance and she provides the knowledge to realize. She is surrounded by Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Demons and Gods who are worshipping her. She gives the results of nine days worship.