Navadurga

Navadurga refers to the 9 forms of Maa Durga.

Below are her 9 forms.

1. Shailaputri- Daughter of the Mountains

Mantra: Om Devi Shailaputrai NAmah ||

Prathna: Vandhe Vanchitha labhaya chandra rakshita shekaram|

                    Vrisharudam Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim ||

Meaning: Worshiping goddess Durga in the form of Maa Shailaputri will help to overcome any bad affect of the moon, which is governed by this form of Adhi Shakthi.

Origin: After the immolation of Goddess Sati, she was reincarnated as Parvati, the daughter of Lord Himalaya. In Sanskrit, 'Shail' means mountain, and due to this she is known as Shailaputri, the daughter of Mountain. She is also known as Hemavati and Parvati, and is considered as the eternal form of Mother Nature.

Iconography: She mounts on a bull. She is depicted with 2 hands. She carries a Trishul (trident) in her right hand. The prongs on the Trishul represent the past, present and future. Whereas, she holds a lotus in her left hand representing, purity and devotion. Maa Shailaputri has half moon adorning her forehead and she is often seen draped in a white and light pink saree. It is believed that any bad affects by the Moon will be warded off by Maa Shailaputri.

Navarathri Worship: Day 1

Governing Planet: Moon

Offering:  Pure Ghee

Flower: Jasmine

Placing in chakra: Muladhara

ABOUT MAA SHAILAPUTRI

Maa Durga in her previous birth was born to Daksha Prajapathi as Sati, and she was married to Lord Shiva, much to Daksha's disapproval. One day, Daskha organised a Maha Yagna and invited everyone, except Lord Shiva and Sati. 

Being a daughter, she wanted to be present at the Yagna, despite Lord Shiva's refusal to attend, she was insistent, where in Lord Shiva relented and asked her to go alone. When she arrived at the venue, she realised her father intentionally did not extend an invite her and her husband just so he could humiliate Lord Shiva. Deeply hurt by Daksha's actions, Sati gave her body up in the sacrificial fire. Shiva unable to bare this loss, isolated himself.

Sati was later reincarnated as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya. She later married Lord Shiva after performing heavy penance and devotion. She is considered to be the purest form of Durga.

2. Brahmacharini- One who practices devout austerity

Mantra: Om Devi Brahmachariyai Namah ||

Prathana: Dhadhana Kara Padhmabhya Makshamala Kamandalu |

                      Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama ||

Meaning: Goddess Brahmacharini wears white colour clothes, she holds rudraksha mala, lotus, kamandalu in her hands. Goddess Brahmacharini is the 'tapaswini' roop of the Goddess who gives us freedom from Kaama and krodh!

Origin:  Maa Brahmacharini is the unmarried form of Parvati who was born to Himalaya. She is extremely radiant and majestic. She appears to be absorbed in meditation. 'Brahma' means penance and 'Charini' is used to describe a female follower/devotee. Maa Brahmacharini is also known as Devi Yogi and Devi Tapaswini. Brahmacharini blesses her devotees with success, wisdom and knowledge. She also bestows happiness, peace and grace upon her devotees'. She's also said to be the way to Moksha.

Iconography: She is seen as walking bare feet, has two hands. In the right hand she carries a Jap Mala (rosary), representing a the Hindu hymns recited in her honour and a Kamandalu in her left hand which is said to symbolise marital bliss/

Governing Planet: Mars

Navarathri Worship: Day 2

Offering: Sugar and fruits

Flower: Jasmine

Placing in Chakra:  Swadishtana

ABOUT MAA BRAHMACHARINI

Parvati realised her love for Lord Shiva from a very young age, and it grew deeper as she grew up. Realising this, Sage Naradha advises her to follow customs and rituals of rigid Tapasya of long eras in order to attain the Lord as her Husband. Due to her unearthly and difficult penance, she was glorified with the name 'Brahmacarini'. It is believed that Her penance went on for a thousand years, and she only read Vilva leaves to survive, due to which she became extremely frail.

3.  Chandraghanta- The One who adorns the moon like a bell

Mantra: Om Chadraghantayai Namah ||

Prathna: Pindaj Pravrarudha Chandkpasrkaryuta|

                   Prasidam Tanute Mahyam Chandrghnteti Vishruta ||

Meaning: O Goddess Chandraghanta, who rides on Tiger, angry on enemies, holds many weapons in 10 hands, be propitious to me.

Origin: Maa Chandraghanta is the married form of Parvati. After marrying Lord Shiva, Mahagauri started adorning herself with Chandra (cresent moon) on her forehead in the form of a 'Ghanta' (bell).

Iconography: She has a golden complexion. In addition she has 3 eyes and is depicted with 10 hands. 8 of which holds weapons. In her right hands she is seen with a lotus flower, arrow, dhanush (bow) and Jap Mala. Whereas in her left hands she carries a Trishul, gada (mace), sword and Kamandal. Her fifth right hand is in Varadha Mudhra and fifth left hand is in Abhaya Mudhra. This is her aggressive form and she's ever so ready to go for war with all her weapons. She rides a tiger.and wears a red saree. Despite her provocative temperament, her face expresses a calm and balanced look.

Navarathri Worship: Day 3 

Governing Planet: Shukra

Offering: Milk and Kheer

Flower: Jasmine

ABOUT MAA CHANDRAGHANTA

She is the one who establishes justice and discipline in the world. Chandraghanta also means supreme bliss and knowledge, showering peace and serenity on a moonlit night. She instills courage and fearlessness within her devotees.