Navaratri, a Hindu festival of immense significance, is a celebration in honour of Goddess Durga, known as Adi Parasakthi, the supreme goddess. According to Hindu mythology, all gods and goddesses are regarded as manifestations of this singular, supreme deity. Navaratri, which translates to “nine nights,” is observed twice a year—first during the month of Chaitra (March/April) and then in Ashvin (September/October). The festival holds varying meanings and customs across the diverse regions of the Hindu cultural sphere in India.
In the eastern and north-eastern states of India, Navaratri takes the form of worshipping Goddess Durga, who symbolises the triumph over Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, to restore Dharma, the path of righteousness. In southern India, it is a celebration of the victory of Goddess Kali. In the western states, Navaratri is celebrated by “arti,” (a devotional ritual), followed by “garba,” (a traditional Gujarati folk dance). The common theme unifying Navaratri celebrations is the symbolic battle between good and evil and the ultimate victory of righteousness.
Navaratri primarily focuses on the worship of nine goddesses over nine days, known as the Navadurgas. In Hindu mythology, these nine forms are recognised as the stages of Durga during her nine-day battle with the demon-king Mahishasura, culminating in Vijayadashami, the tenth day.
In some regions, during Navaratri, it is customary to worship nine unmarried virgin girls up to the age of nine, as they are believed to embody the nine goddesses. The nine forms of Durga worshipped during Navaratri are as follows:
1. Shailaputri (Daughter of the Mountain): This form represents Parvati in her childhood stage, with her divine and primary form being Durga. She is adorned with delicate ornaments on her limbs, draped in red and pink attire, and wields a trident and lotus while seated upon a white bull.
2. Brahmacharini (Mother of Devotion and Penance): In this form, Durga embodies asceticism. Here, Parvati is worshipped in the form of Sati. She appears as a female ascetic, adorned with dried Rudraksha beads and floral accessories. Holding a rosary and water utensil in her two hands, she represents devotion and penance.
3. Chandraghanta (Destroyer of Demons): Durga assumes the form of Shakti, equipped with ten hands, nine of which carry a trident, mace, bow, arrow, lotus, sword, bell, and a water pot, while one hand extends blessings to her devotees. She is seated on top of a tiger and is known as the married avatar of Maa Parvati. Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva and decorated her forehead with a half-moon.
4. Kushmanda (Goddess of the Cosmic Egg): Durga takes the form of Mahashakti with eight hands. Six hands bear a discus, mace, lotus, bow, arrow, sword, and rosary, while the two remaining hands hold a jar of honey and a water pot. She is mounted on the back of a lion. The goddess Kushmanda is considered as the creator of the universe.
5. Skandamata (Goddess of Motherhood and Children): Durga embraces her role as a mother, portrayed with four hands. Two hands grasp lotuses; one carries her son; the six-headed infant Kartikeya is seated on her lap; and the fourth hand offers salvation to her devotees. She is seated on the back of a lion and is known as Goddess Padmasana.
6. Katyayani (Goddess of Power): In her warrior form, Goddess Parvati transforms into Katyayani to vanquish the demon Mahishasura. Adorned with heavy ornaments and dressed in green and pink attire, she wields a sword, shield, lotus, and trident. Her majestic presence is enhanced as she sits atop a fierce lion. Goddess Katyayani was born to a Rishi (sage) named Katya, hence the name.
7. Kalaratri (Goddess of Auspiciousness and Courage): Durga embodies destruction in this form. Goddess Parvati removes her golden skin to eliminate the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. With three bloodshot eyes, unkempt hair, and a garland of skulls adorning her neck, she emits a fierce aura. Her four hands wield a trident, scimitar, vajra, and a cup, and she rides a donkey.
8. Mahagauri (Goddess of Beauty and Women): In her form of recovery, Durga has four hands, three of which hold a trident, a miniature drum, and a pink lotus, while the fourth assures protection to her devotees. She is seated upon a white ox and is known as Shwetambardhara, as she wears white attire.
9. Siddhidhatri (Goddess of Supernatural Powers, or Siddhis): Durga reaches her highest and supreme form as Mahashakti. Each of her four hands carries a discus, a conch shell, a pink lotus, and a mace. She is seated upon a fully blooming lotus, epitomising the embodiment of supernatural powers and Siddhis.
Navaratri is a deeply spiritual and culturally rich festival that not only honours the divine feminine but also emphasises the victory of good over evil. It remains a celebration of devotion, tradition, and unity within the diversity of Hindu culture.
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