Navratri 2023: What Are The 9 Avatars Of Maa Durga Worshipped On The 9 Days?

The nine days of worship of Goddess Durga, Shardiya Navratri are going to start on Sunday, October 15, 2023, and last till October 24, 2023. It is believed that during these nine days whoever worships Goddess Durga with true heart and devotion, will find peace, happiness and prosperity since the goddess takes away all their troubles.

During Navratri, for the nine days, nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Shardiya Navratri is the most auspicious and important festival among Hindus.

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According to the Hindu calendar, this festival starts in autumn from the Pratipada of Ashwin Shukla Paksha and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, especially in Maharashtra, Bengal and Gujarat.

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Why is Navratri celebrated?

The festival of Navratri has a special significance. The festival of Navratri is celebrated four times a year - Magh Navratri (during winter- January), Chaitra or Vasanta (during spring March-April), Ashadha (during monsoons -August), and Sharadiya (during autumn). Shardiya Navratri symbolises the victory of truth over falsehood. There are two mythological stories related to it in the scriptures:

According to the first one, Goddess Durga killed a demon named Mahishasura, who had sought a boon from Lord Brahma that no god, demon or person living on earth could kill him. After getting the boon Mahishasura started creating terror in the world. Then Goddess Durga was born to kill Mahishasura. There was a fierce battle between Goddess and demon for nine consecutive days that shook the Trilok ¡ª earth, heaven and hell. According to legends, Mahishasura was very clever as during the fight he kept changing his forms to confuse the Goddess and but on the tenth day when the demon took the form of a buffalo, the Goddess Durga pierced his chest with her 'Trident' killing him instantly.

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According to another story, Lord Ram worshipped Goddess Durga for nine days before his battle with Ravana to save Mother Sita from Lanka. Pleased with his devotion, she blessed him with victory. On the tenth day, Ram defeated Ravana and conquered Lanka. This day is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra which will be celebrated on October 24, 2023 (Tuesday).

What Are The 9 Avatars Of Maa Durga Worshipped On Navratri?

The nine avatars of Maa Durga, also known as Navadurga, are a group of goddesses worshipped during the Hindu festival of Navratri. Each of these avatars represents different aspects of the divine feminine energy. Here is a list of the nine avatars of Maa Durga:

Day 1. Goddess Shailputri

Navratri begins with the worship of Goddess Shailputri who is also known as the Daughter of Mountain because in Sanskrit daughter means 'putri' and mountains means 'shail' (Shail+Putri = Shailputri). She rides on a white bull called Nandi and holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other. On this day devotees offer pure desi ghee or food made of it to Goddes Shailputri so that they get her blessing for a healthy life. Her favourite colour is Orange.

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Day 2. Goddess Brahmacharini

On the second day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Brahmacharini--also known as the mother of devotion and penance--by offering her foods made of sugar to get her blessings. This form symbolises Goddess Parvati when she was engaged in deep meditation for many years to please Lord Shiv. She is adorned with white clothes with a chanting rosary (rudraksha mala) in her right hand and a Kamandalu in her left hand. Her favourite colour is White.

Day 3. Goddess Chandraghanta

On the third day, devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta also known as the destroyer of demons. She has 10 hands and nine of them hold a trident, mace, bow, arrow, lotus, sword, bell, and a waterpot and one hand remains in Abhay Mudra that blesses her devotees. She has a crescent moon on her forehead, which this why she is called Chandraghanta. She rides on a tiger and her favourite colour is Red. It is believed that if devotees offer her kheer, she takes away all their pain.

Day 4. Goddess Kushmanda

On the fourth day, devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda also known as Goddess of The Cosmic Egg. She is claimed to have created the world with her divine and radiant smile. She has eight hands and she rides on a lion. During this time, devotees offer her Malpua which is considered to be her favourite food. Her favourite colour is Royal Blue.

Day 5. Goddess Skandamata

Also known as Panchami or the Goddess of motherhood and children, Goddess Skandmata is worshipped by her devotees on the fifth day of Navratri. She has four arms two of them hold a lotus, and the other two hold sacred Kamandalu and a bell. She has three eyes and a bright complexion. Goddess carries Lord Kartikeya or Skanda on her lap that is why she is called Skandmata. Her favourite colour is Yellow and her favourite food is bananas.

Day 6. Goddess Katyayani

On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees worship one of Goddess Shakti's forms 'Katyayani' or the warrior goddess. She has four hands that carry a sword, shield, lotus, and trident. She rides on a lion. Her favourite colour is Green. Devotees worship the goddess by offering her honey as prasad.

Day 7. Goddess Kalaratri

The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to one of the most ferocious forms of Goddess Parvati, called Kalaratri, also known as Kali who sacrificed her skin colour and embraced a dark complexion to kill demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. She rides on a donkey. She has four hands and carries a sword, a trident and a noose, and the fourth one is on Abhaya and Varada Mudra to bless devotees. Her favourite colour is Grey and devotees offer jaggery as Prasad gets her blessings.

Day 8. Goddess Mahagauri

Asthami or the eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to the four-armed deity Devi Mahagauri who rides on a bull or a white elephant and carries a Trishul and a Damru in her hands. Her favourite colour is Purple. Devotees offer coconut to maa Mahagauri.

Day 9. Goddess Siddhidatri

Goddess Siddhidhatri is the last form of Goddess Durga who sits on a lotus. She has four hands and holds a mace, discus, book and lotus in her hands. Her favourite colour is Peacock Green. The ferocious goddess is pleased with til seeds for safety and security from unnatural events.

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What are the 9 days of Navratri?

Shardiya Navratri 2023 will begin on October 15 and conclude on October 24. During these nine days, people worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The forms include Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.

Navratri 2023 FAQs:

Who is the Goddess of Navratri 2023?

The forms include Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.

Which Mata is first in Navratri 2023?

Maa Shailputri - The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri. Maa Shailputri is the form of Goddess Parvati when she took birth as the daughter of Lord Himalaya. In Sanskrit, Shail means the mountain.

Which Mata is Second in Navratri 2023?

The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini. This form symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Brahmacharini is often shown with a japa mala (prayer beads) and a water pot.

What is Navratri?

Navratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the importance of feminine energy.

How long does Navratri last?

Navratri spans nine nights and ten days. The tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, marks the triumph of good over evil.

Why is Navratri celebrated for nine nights?

Each of the nine nights of Navratri is dedicated to one of the nine forms of the goddess Durga, known as Navadurga. Devotees worship a different form each day.

How is Navratri celebrated?

Navratri is celebrated with fasting, prayers, devotional music, and traditional dance forms like Garba and Dandiya. Temples dedicated to the goddess Durga are adorned, and various cultural events take place.

What are the colours for each day of Navratri?

There is a tradition of wearing specific colours each day of Navratri. These colours vary from year to year and region to region. Devotees often follow a suggested colour pattern.

Why is Sendha Namak used during Navratri fasts?

Sendha Namak, or rock salt, is used during Navratri fasts because it is considered purer and healthier than common table salt. It aligns with the principles of sattvic (pure) food.

Are there regional variations in Navratri celebrations?

Yes, Navratri is celebrated differently in various regions of India. The customs, traditions, and rituals can vary, but the core theme of goddess worship remains consistent.

Is Navratri only celebrated in India?

No, Navratri is celebrated by Hindus around the world. It is not limited to India and is observed by the Indian diaspora in various countries.

What is the significance of Garba and Dandiya dance during Navratri?

Garba and Dandiya are traditional dance forms that celebrate the joy of Navratri. They involve rhythmic movements and music, and people often participate in group dancing.

What is the significance of Dussehra on the tenth day of Navratri?

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with various cultural events and processions.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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