Navratri: The nine forms of Mother Durga and the mysteries of all goddesses

 

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga and Their Significance during Navaratri

The nine forms of Mother Durga and the mysteries of all goddesses

The nine days of Navratri are considered very sacred. Every year, devotees of Mother Amba celebrate Sharadiya Navratri with complete devotion, reverence, and joy. During this time, worship of the nine different forms of Mother Durga is performed.

Sharadiya Navratri takes place from the first day of the Ashwin month and continues until the ninth day. Worship of the nine forms of Devi Durga during these nine days holds great significance.

During the nine days of Navratri, the worship of the nine forms of Mother Durga is performed. The nine-day Sharadiya Navratri, dedicated to the world's mother, Jagadamba, fulfills all desires.

The nine avatars of Mother Durga are:

•  Mother Shailputri,
•  Mother Brahmacharini, 
• Mother Chandraghanta, 
• Mother Kushmanda, 
• Mother Skandamata, 
• Mother Katyayani,
•  Mother Kalratri,
•  Mother Siddhidatri,
•  and Mother Mahagauri.

It is believed that Mother Durga assumed these nine forms for various purposes. During the worship of the nine forms of Mother Durga in Sharadiya Navratri, one should chant the seed mantras of the nine Durgas.

First Form - Mother Shailputri: Daughter of the Himalayas 

The worship of Mother Shailputri is observed on the first day of Navratri. Shailputri is the first form of Goddess Durga. She is named Shailputri because she was born as the daughter of King Himalaya. This form of the Goddess represents the power of will and self-strength.

The human form of Mother Durga demonstrates that a person's positive will is indeed the power of the Divine. Worshiping her removes all the doshas related to the moon.

Beej Mantra for Mother Shailputri: "Hreem Shivaayai Namah" [ह्रीं शिवायै नम:]

Stuti (Hymn) for Mother Shailputri: 

"Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maam Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah."

[या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥ ]

 

Second Form - Mother Brahmacharini: The Goddess of Penance 

The second form of Goddess Durga is Brahmacharini. She embodies the willpower of Lord Brahma and is known for her rigorous penance. Her worship leads to an increase in virtues like austerity, renunciation, self-control, and good conduct.

Worshiping Mother Brahmacharini helps in getting rid of all the doshas related to the planet Mars.

Beej Mantra for Mother Brahmacharini: "Hreem Shrii Ambikaayai Namah" [ह्रीं श्री अम्बिकायै नम:]

Stuti for Mother Brahmacharini:

 "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maam Brahmacharini Rupena Samsthita. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah."

[या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥]

Third Form - Mother Chandraghanta: The Goddess of Sound 

The third form of Goddess Durga is known as Chandraghanta. She has a crescent moon on her forehead, which is the basis of her name. Chandraghanta is a symbol of concentration. Worshipping her bestows good health, as she enhances energy. Those who struggle with distraction, anger, and restlessness should worship Mother Chandraghanta.

Beej Mantra for Mother Chandraghanta: "Aim Shrim Shaktayai Namah"[ऐं श्रीं शक्तयै नम:]

Stuti for Mother Chandraghanta: 

"Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maam Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah."

[या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥]

Fourth Form - Mother Kushmanda: The Mother of Creation 

The fourth form of Goddess Durga is Kushmanda, the mother of the universe. She is known as Kushmanda because she created the universe by smiling gently. Kushmanda represents newness and the power of creation. Those who seek worldly and spiritual growth should worship Mother Kushmanda.

Beej Mantra for Mother Kushmanda: "Aim Hrim Devyai Namah" [ऐं ह्री देव्यै नम:]

Stuti for Mother Kushmanda:

 "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maam Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah."

[या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥]

Fifth Form - Mother Skandamata: The Nurturing Mother 

On the fifth day of Navratri, Mother Skandamata is worshipped. She is known as Skandamata because she is the mother of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya.

Skandamata fulfills all desires of her devotees and is regarded as the door to liberation. This form of the Goddess represents motherly love. Worshiping her instills calmness and compassion in the heart.

Mantra for Mother Skandamata: "Hreem Kleem Swaminyai Namah" [ह्रीं क्लीं स्वमिन्यै नम:]

Stuti for Mother Skandamata: 

"Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maam Skandamata Rupena Samsthita. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah."

[या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥]

Sixth Form - Mother Katyayani: The Daughter of Sage Katyayana 

The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Mother Katyayani. She is called Katyayani because she is the daughter of Sage Katyayana. This form of the Goddess is an epitome of dedication and inspires women to have qualities like compassion, devotion, self-control, and renunciation.

Worshiping Mother Katyayani helps in eliminating all doshas related to Mars.

Mantra for Mother Katyayani: "Kleem Hreem Shri Trinetrayai Namah" [क्लीं श्री त्रिनेत्रायै नम:]

Stuti for Mother Katyayani:

 "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maam Katyayani Rupena Samsthita. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah."

[या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥]

"Seventh Form - Mother Kalratri: The Beneficent Goddess

On the seventh day of Navratri, the puja of Goddess Durga's seventh power, Devi Kalratri, is performed. Mother Kalratri is also known as the goddess of yantra, mantra, and tantra. Despite her fearsome appearance, she bestows auspicious results and is worshipped as Devi Shubhankari.

Mother Kalratri destroys evil forces and removes planetary hindrances.

Mantra for Mother Kalratri: "Kleem Aim Shri Kalikayai Namah." [क्लीं ऐं श्री कालिकायै नम:।]

Stuti (Hymn) for Mother Kalratri: "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maam Kalratri Rupena Samsthita. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah."

[या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥]

Eighth Form - Mother Mahagauri: The Radiant Goddess

The eighth day, known as Ashtami, is dedicated to the worship of Mother Durga's eighth form, Mata Mahagauri. This form represents purity and light. She is Shiva's beloved, and she resides with him in Kailash. Worshiping her cleanses devotees of all sins.

Mantra for Mother Mahagauri: "Shri Kleem Hreem Varadayai Namah." [श्री क्लीं ह्रीं वरदायै नम:]

Stuti for Mother Mahagauri: "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maam Mahagauri Rupena Samsthita. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah."

[या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥]

Ninth Form - Mother Siddhidatri: The Bestower of Siddhis (Perfections)

The ninth power of Durga is Siddhidatri, who bestows all kinds of perfections. She is the presiding deity of all siddhis (spiritual attainments). After her worship, all desires of devotees are fulfilled. It is said that Lord Hanuman received his eight siddhis and nine nidhis (divine treasures) due to the blessings of Mother Siddhidatri.

Mantra for Mother Siddhidatri: "Hreem Kleem Aim Siddhayai Namah." [ह्रीं क्लीं ऐं सिद्धये नम:]

Stuti for Mother Siddhidatri: "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maam Siddhidatri Rupena Samsthita. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah."

[या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां सिद्धिदात्री रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥]

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) 

1. What is Navratri?

Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights and ten days, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. It signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion.

2. How is Navratri celebrated?

Navratri is celebrated with various rituals and customs, including fasting, prayer, dance (Garba and Dandiya), and the recitation of religious hymns. Devotees dress in traditional attire and visit temples to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga.

3. Who is Goddess Durga?

Goddess Durga is a Hindu deity known for her divine feminine energy and is considered the supreme goddess. She is believed to possess various forms, each symbolizing different aspects of her power.

4. What is the significance of worshiping the nine forms of Goddess Durga during Navratri?

Worshiping the nine forms of Goddess Durga during Navratri is believed to invoke her various divine qualities, and each form grants specific blessings. It is a way for devotees to seek protection, strength, and fulfillment of their desires.

5. What are the nine forms of Goddess Durga?

The nine forms of Goddess Durga worshiped during Navratri are: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

6. How is each form of Goddess Durga different?

Each form of Goddess Durga represents different qualities and attributes. For example, Shailaputri symbolizes determination, Brahmacharini signifies austerity, Katyayani embodies bravery, and Mahagauri represents purity and forgiveness.

7. What are the rituals associated with Navratri?

Navratri rituals include fasting, offering prayers, lighting lamps, performing aarti (devotional songs), wearing traditional attire, and creating colorful rangoli designs. Many people participate in Garba and Dandiya dances during the evenings.

8. What is the importance of Navratri in Hindu culture?

Navratri holds immense cultural and religious significance. It is a time for spiritual reflection, celebration, and the renewal of faith. It fosters unity and a sense of community among people from different backgrounds.

9. What is the message of Navratri?

Navratri conveys the message of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It emphasizes the importance of inner strength, devotion, and the triumph of righteousness.

10. How can one celebrate Navratri if they are not of Hindu faith?

Non-Hindus can join the celebrations as a way to learn about different cultures and their traditions. They can participate in cultural events, enjoy the festive food, and appreciate the artistic aspects of the festival.

11. What should one wish for during Navratri?

During Navratri, people often wish for health, prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth. It is also a time to seek protection from negative influences and the blessings of Goddess Durga.