Navratri: The 9 Forms of Maa, Shloka, and Legends for Each Day
Navrātri, also known as Durga Puja, is a vibrant and deeply spiritual nine-day festival dedicated to honoring the Divine Feminine through the worship of the nine forms of Maa Durga. The word Navrātri comes from Sanskrit, meaning "nine nights," which are counted from the day of Amavasya (new moon). This festival is a time of reflection, prayer, and rejuvenation, as each day brings forth a new form of the Goddess, symbolizing her immense power and grace.
During these nine nights, Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati—the three dimensions of the feminine—are celebrated. Each of these goddesses represents distinct qualities:
- Durga embodies strength and protection (Tamas - inertia).
- Lakshmi signifies wealth and prosperity (Rajas - activity and passion).
- Saraswati represents wisdom and purity (Sattva - knowledge and purity).
The nine days are divided into three sets, each devoted to one of these deities, with the final day, Vijayadaśmi, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, and the victory of all the positive aspects of life.
The Spiritual Essence of Navrātri
Navrātri is not only a festival of rituals but also a profound period of spiritual cleansing. The word Rātri (night) signifies a time for deep rest and the release of the three tapas—the physical, subtle, and causal sufferings that burden us. These nine days provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul through immersion in divine consciousness.
The three sets of days align with the three Gunas:
- The first three days are associated with Tamas (inertia).
- The second set corresponds to Rajas (activity and restlessness).
- The final three days are devoted to Sattva (purity and wisdom).
As each Guna is addressed and overcome, the tenth day, Vijayadaśmi (Victory Day), marks the spiritual conquest of these qualities, leading to a renewed sense of balance and life celebration.
The Nine Forms of Durga: Navadurgā
The nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurgā, are honored on each day of Navrātri. These forms represent the Goddess in her various avatars, from the benevolent and nurturing to the fierce and protective. Each day invokes a different manifestation, allowing devotees to connect with a unique aspect of divine energy.
- Day 1: Śailaputrī – Daughter of the Mountain
- Day 2: Brahmacārinī – The Ascetic and Student
- Day 3: Candraghaṇtā – The Voice of Justice, Wife of Shiva
- Day 4: Kuṣmāṇḍā – The Creator of the Universe
- Day 5: Skandamātā – Mother of the Warrior God, Skanda
- Day 6: Kātyāyanī – The Warrior Goddess
- Day 7: Kālarātrī – The Fiercest Form of Durga
- Day 8: Mahāgaurī – The Luminous, Nurturing One
- Day 9: Siddhidātrī – Bestower of Accomplishments
Each form embodies a different phase of a woman's life and the divine energy that comes with it. By invoking these different manifestations, we are able to channel the various facets of Shakti (divine energy) in our lives, allowing us to evolve spiritually and emotionally through each day of the festival.
Devi Shailaputri - Navratri
देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम् ॥
Vande Vānchhitalābhāya Chandrārdhakrita-shekharam।
Vrishārudhām shooladharām shailaputriim yashaswiniim॥
Meaning: “I worship Goddess Shailaputri to fulfill my wishes, who is adorned with a half moon on her head, rides on a bull, carries a trident, and is illustrious.”
हे माँ शैलपुत्री, मैं आपको नमस्कार करता हूँ। आप मनचाहा वरदान देती हैं और मस्तक पर अर्धचन्द्र से सुशोभित हैं। आप बैल पर सवार होकर त्रिशूल धारण किए हुए, भव्य दिख रही हैं।
Day 1 of Navratri - The Divinity of Devi Shailaputri
Day 1 of Navratri signifies the divinity of Devi Shailaputri (शैलपुत्री), and is the day to worship the Devi. Shailaputri in Sanskrit literally translates to 'daughter of the mountain.' According to the Puranas, Shailaputri is one of the most prominent forms of Durga, born as the daughter of the king of the mountains. With a serene face and a pleasant aura, Shailaputri Maa is portrayed sitting on Nandi, holding a trident in her right hand and a lotus in her left, with a crescent moon on her forehead.
She governs the moon, the provider of fortunes, and is believed to be the source of prosperity. The worship of Maa Shailaputri marks the beginning of the spiritual journey of an ardent devotee, and the day is associated with the ritual of Ghatasthapana (installation of an earthen pot). She represents Mother Nature, embodying the Earth and all its blessings.
Legend associated with Devi Shailaputri
The story of Shailaputri dates back to when she was born as Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva. Sati was deeply devoted to Shiva, but her father, King Daksha, disapproved of their union. In defiance, Daksha organized a grand yagna (sacrificial ceremony) and chose not to invite Shiva or Sati. Upon arrival, Sati was humiliated and insulted by her father, which led her to sacrifice herself in the yagna's flames.
After Sati’s death, Shiva was devastated and entered deep meditation. However, Sati was reborn as Shailaputri, or Parvati, the daughter of King Himavat, the lord of the mountains. This marked a new chapter in her life and her journey with Shiva. She grew up with the same devotion toward Lord Shiva and eventually married him again, beginning their eternal union.
Stuti: या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Yā devi sarvabhuteshu mā shailaputri rupeṇa samsthitā। Namastasyayi namastasyayi namastasyayi namo namah॥
Source: नवदुर्गास्तोत्रम्।
देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः
देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा ॥
Dadhānā karapadmābhyāmakśamālākamandalū।
Devī prasīdatu mayi brahmachāriṇyanuttamā॥
Meaning: "Who holds a lotus in her right hand and an akshmala and a kamandalu (water pot) in her left hand. O Supreme Brahmachāriṇi goddess, may you be pleased with me."
जो अपने दाहिने हाथ में अक्षमाला और बाएँ हाथ में कमंडलु घारण करती हैं। हे देवी बर्ह्मचारिणी, मुझ पर कृपा करें।
Day 2 of Navratri - The Divinity of Maa Brahmacharini
Day 2 of Navrātri signifies the divinity of Maa Brahmachārini, the second form of Durga. The name Brahmachārini is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘brahma’, symbolizing supreme consciousness or knowledge, and ‘chāriṇi’, meaning one who practices or pursues. Thus, her name signifies “one who pursues knowledge and self-discipline.”
Maa Brahmacharini is depicted walking barefoot, holding a rosary (akshamala) in her right hand and a water pot (kamandalu) in her left. Revered as a great Sati, she is worshipped in her unmarried form by devotees.
Legend associated with Devi Brahmacharini
According to legend, in her previous birth, Goddess Brahmacharini was Sati, the daughter of King Daksha and the wife of Lord Shiva. After being humiliated by her father during a yagna (sacrificial ceremony), Sati immolated herself in anger and despair. Following her death, Shiva was devastated and withdrew into deep meditation.
However, Sati was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of King Himavat, the lord of the Himalayas. Even in her new life, Parvati was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva and wished to marry him. But Shiva, still grieving over the loss of Sati, was in deep meditation and did not wish to be involved in worldly affairs.
It was Narad Muni who suggested that Parvati should perform penance (tapasya) to win Shiva’s love. She underwent severe austerity, surviving only on fruits, flowers, and leaves. Her penance earned her the name Brahmacharini. Despite enduring extreme hardships, she remained unmoved, displaying her devotion to Shiva.
During this time, the demon Tarakasura, who could only be killed by Shiva’s son, wreaked havoc in the world. To help, the gods invoked Kamadeva, the god of love, to awaken desire in Lord Shiva toward Parvati. Kamadeva shot an arrow of love at Shiva, disturbing his meditation. In anger, Shiva opened his third eye and burned Kamadeva to ashes.
Meanwhile, Parvati’s penance continued. Lord Shiva, impressed by her devotion, decided to test her by disguising himself as an ascetic. He tried to dissuade her from continuing her tapasya, but Parvati’s determination was unwavering. Eventually, Lord Shiva, moved by her resolve, accepted her as his wife. Thus, Shiva and Shakti came together again.
देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता ॥
Piṇḍajapravarāruḍhā caṇdakopāstrakairyutā।
prasādam tanute mahyam candraghaṇṭeti viśrutā॥
Meaning: "Mounted on a lion, adorned with the crescent moon on the crown, and wielding various powerful weapons. May the renowned Chandraghanta Devi bestow blessings upon me."
सिंह पर आरूढ़, मुकुट पर अर्धचन्द्र से सुशोभित और विभिन्न शस्त्र चलाने वाली, प्रतिष्ठित चंद्रघण्टा देवी मुझे आशीर्वाद प्रदान करें।
Day 3 of Navratri - The Divinity of Maa Chandraghanta
Worshipped on the third day of Navrātri, Maa Chandraghaṇtā is the third form of Durga. She is adorned with a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead, hence the name Chandraghanta. The goddess represents power, courage, and protection against all evil forces.
Maa Chandraghanta is depicted with ten hands, carrying a trishula (trident), mace (gada), kamala (lotus), bow and arrow, kamandalu (water pot), khadak (sword), japa mala (rosary), and ghanta (bell). She is seen riding a lion, a symbol of courage and bravery, with a golden complexion. As a fierce yet nurturing avatar of Maa Durga, she grants her devotees strength and wisdom to overcome challenges in life.
Legend associated with Devi Chandraghanta
According to the Shiva Purana, after performing penance for 5000 years and manifesting as Brahmacharini, Maa Parvati was finally married to Lord Shiva. However, when she settled in her new home in Kailasha, the demon Tarkasura planned to kill her to prevent her from giving birth to a child who could defeat him.
To execute his plan, Tarkasura enlisted Jatukasura, the demon bat, who attacked the Shiva Ganas (Shiva's followers). Bloodshed spread everywhere, and Parvati, frightened by the scene, reached out to Shiva for help. Shiva reminded her of her own power, telling her that she was the epitome of Shakti, capable of fighting and restoring universal balance. This rekindled Parvati’s inner strength, and she decided to battle the demon herself.
When Parvati entered the battlefield, she could not see anything clearly as Jatukasura and his bat army had darkened the sky with their wings. She sought help from Chandra Dev, who illuminated the area. Parvati wore the crescent moon on her forehead as she entered the battle.
The bats overwhelmed the battlefield, but Parvati used her ghanta (bell) to create a sound that drove them away. She then attacked Jatukasura, cutting his wings with her sword, striking him on the head with the bell, and finally defeating him with her trident, ending the battle.
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Buy Nowदेवी कूष्मांडायै नमः
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे ॥
Surāsampūrṇakalaśam rudhirāplutameva ca।
dadhānā hastapadmābhyām kūśmāṇḍā śubhadāstu me॥
Meaning: "Her lotus-like hands are adorned with a pot filled with divine nectar and smeared with vermilion. May the auspicious Goddess Kushmanda grant me blessings."
उनके कमल जैसे हाथ दिव्य अमृत से भरे कलश से सुशोभित हैं और वे सिन्दूर से पुती हुई हैं। ऐसी देवी कुष्माण्डा मुझे आशीर्वाद प्रदान करें।
Day 4 of Navratri - The Divinity of Maa Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda, the creator of the universe, is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. It is believed that she created the universe, known as Brahmanda, with her divine smile. Her name is a combination of three Sanskrit words: Ku meaning "small," Ushma meaning "energy" or "warmth," and Anda meaning "cosmic egg."
Maa Kushmanda is said to reside in the Anahata (heart) chakra, which is associated with love, compassion, positivity, and empathy. She is depicted with a gracious smile and a charming aura, symbolizing her nurturing and caring nature. Devotees struggling with depression, anxiety, or fear worship her to seek peace and good health.
Legend associated with Devi Kushmanda
According to the legends, after defeating Jatukasur, the bat demon, as Maa Chandraghanta, the universe was engulfed in darkness and there was no existence of life. At this moment, Maa Parvati transformed into Maa Kushmanda to bring energy and light into the universe.
With her divine smile, she filled the cosmos with radiant light, bringing forth the energy required for life to thrive. Her smile is said to have created the initial cosmic energy that sustains all living beings in the universe.
After displaying her fearless and fiery form as Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Parvati transformed into Maa Kushmanda to restore balance and life in the universe.
Stuti (Prayer)
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Translation: "O Goddess, who is present in all beings in the form of Maa Kushmanda, we bow to you repeatedly with reverence."
देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी ॥
Simhāsanagatā nityam padmaśritakaradvayā।
Śubhadāstu sadā devī skandamātā yaśasvinī॥
Meaning: "Who is seated on a lion’s throne, and is always holding lotuses in her hands. May the auspicious Devi Skandamata, the illustrious one, always bless us."
जो सिंह के सिंहासन पर विराजमान हैं और अपने हाथों में सदैव कमल लिए रहती हैं। मंगलमयी देवी स्कंदमाता सदैव हम पर कृपा बनाए रखें।
Day 5 of Navratri - The Divinity of Maa Skandamata
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the ‘goddess of motherhood.’ Her name comes from two words: ‘Skanda’, which refers to Kartikeya (the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati), and ‘Mata’, meaning mother. Thus, in this form, she is revered as the mother of Skanda or Kartikeya.
In her depiction, Maa Skandamata has four arms, with two of them holding lotus flowers. In one of her other two hands, she carries her infant son Skanda on her lap, while the last hand is in the Abhayamudra (gesture of protection). She has a light, warm complexion and is often seen riding a lion, signifying her nurturing yet powerful nature.
Worshipping Maa Skandamata with deep devotion is believed to bring power and prosperity. She fulfills the desires and wishes of her devotees, blessing them with the treasures of life.
Legend associated with Devi Skandamata
After Lord Shiva accepted Maa Parvati following her strong penance as Brahmacharini, it was time to put an end to the demon Tarkasura, who had received a boon that he could only be killed by the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
With the divine union of Shiva and Parvati, Lord Kartikeya was born. He was a born warrior, carrying a spear and riding an Indian peafowl (known as Paravani). While Kartikeya is usually depicted with one head, some legends portray him with six heads. According to the Skanda Purana, six separate baby boys were born from the six divine sparks of Lord Shiva. These boys were raised by Krittikas, handmaidens, but later Goddess Parvati fused them into one, creating the six-headed Kartikeya.
Stuti (Prayer)
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Translation: "O Goddess, who is present in all beings in the form of Maa Skandamata, we bow to you repeatedly with reverence."
देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्यादेवी दानवघातिनी ॥
Candrahāsojjvalakarā śārdūlavaravāhanā।
Kātyāyanī śubham dadyādevī dānavaghātinī॥
Meaning: "Radiant like the moon’s smile, riding on a magnificent lion. May the auspicious Devi Katyayani, the destroyer of demons, bestow her blessings upon us."
चंद्रमा के स्मित की तरह दीप्तीमान, एक तेजस्वी शेर पर सवार, राक्षसों का संहार करने वाली, शुभ देवी कात्यायनी हमें अपना आशीर्वाद प्रदान करें।
Day 6 of Navratri - The Divinity of Maa Katyayani
The sixth day of Navratri celebrates Maa Katyayani, the epitome of fierce power and courage, and the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. She is known as the daughter of Sage Katyayana, which is how she came to be called Katyayani.
According to legend, the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva combined their energies and created Katyayani from divine rays of light. These rays took a real form in the hermitage of Sage Katyayana, who was longing for a child. The sage was blessed with a beautiful daughter, who grew up to become Maa Katyayani.
On the battlefield, Maa Katyayani fought and killed the demon Mahishasura, restoring dharma and balance in the universe. In Yoga and Tantra, she is associated with the sixth Ajna Chakra, or the Third Eye Chakra, and her blessings are invoked by focusing on this point.
Legend associated with Devi Katyayani
Maa Katyayani is most famously known for slaying Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, on the battlefield. This battle was the culmination of her fierce energy, combining the divine power of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) to restore balance in the universe. She is described as radiant and fearless, riding a lion, and wielding various weapons to defeat the demon and restore order.
देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः
लम्बोष्ठी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी ॥
वामपादोल्लसल्लोहलताकण्टकभूषणा ।
वर्धन्मूर्धध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयङ्करी ॥
Ekaveṇī japākarṇapūrā nagnā kharāsthitā।
lamboṣṭhī karṇikākarṇī tailābhyaktaśarīriṇī॥
Vāmapādollasallohalatākaṇṭakabhuṣaṇā।
vardhanmūrdhadhvajā kṛṣṇā kālarātrirbhayaṅkarī॥
Meaning: "One with a single braid of hair, ears adorned with flowery ornaments, she is unclad and mounted on a donkey, One with large lips, ears adorned with ornaments, and body smeared with oil, she lifts her left leg forth, wearing thorny iron ornaments, adorned with severed skulls, the fearsome Kalaratri is black in complexion."
जिनके बाल एक वेणी में हैं, कान फूलों से आभूषित हैं, जो नग्नावस्था में गधे पर सवार हैं, जिनके होंठ बड़े हैं, कान आभूषणों से अलंकृत हैं और शरीर तेल से लिप्त है, जो अपना बायाँ पैर उठा रही है, लोहे के काँटेदार आभूषण धारण किए हैं, कटे हुए कपालों से सुसज्जित हैं, वह काले रंग की भयंकर कालरात्रि हैं।
Day 7 of Navratri - The Divinity of Maa Kalaratri
The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kalaratri, one of the fiercest forms of Ma Durga. Her appearance itself invokes fear, and she is believed to be the destroyer of all demon entities, ghosts, spirits, and negative energies. The name Kalaratri means 'the death of Kaal', where Kaal refers to time and death, and Ratri means night.
Despite her fearsome appearance, Maa Kalaratri is also known as Shubankari (शुभंकरी), meaning "the one who brings auspiciousness," as she provides auspicious results to her devotees and makes them fearless in the face of darkness.
Legend associated with Devi Kalaratri
One of the most well-known legends associated with Maa Kalaratri is her battle with the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. These demons had wreaked havoc in Devaloka, the abode of the gods. When the gods pleaded with Lord Shiva to help, Goddess Parvati took the form of Chandi Devi and created Kalaratri to destroy them.
Two generals of Shumbha and Nishumbha, Chanda and Munda, were sent to battle Devi, but Kalaratri killed both of them, earning her the name Chamunda.
Next, the demon Raktabeej was sent to fight the goddess. He had a boon that allowed him to regenerate every time a drop of his blood touched the ground. Maa Kalaratri, in her fierce form, drank Raktabeej’s blood before it could fall to the ground, thus defeating him. With her help, Chandi destroyed Shumbha and Nishumbha, restoring peace to Devaloka.
देवी महागौर्यै नमः
महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा ॥
Śvete vṛṣe samārūḍhā śvetāmbaradharā śuciḥ
mahāgaurī śubham dadyānmahādevapramodadā॥
Meaning: "Mounted on a white bull, adorned in white garments, pure in appearance. May Mahagauri, the bestower of auspiciousness, bring great delight to Lord Mahadeva."
सफेद बैल पर आरूढ़, सफेद वस्त्रों से सुशोभित, दिखने में शुद्ध। शुभता की प्रदाता महागौरी, वह भगवान महादेव को अत्यधिक प्रसन्न करती हैं।
Day 8 of Navratri - The Divinity of Maa Mahagauri
The eighth day of Navrātri is dedicated to Devi Mahagauri, the eighth form of Durga. She is the goddess of kindness, morality, and purity. The name Mahagauri means "extremely bright and clean-complexioned," with radiance like the moon.
Mahagauri is depicted with four hands: one hand holding a trident, another in a fear-dispelling gesture, one carrying a drum, and the last in a blessing gesture. She rides a white bull, symbolizing purity. Her worship is believed to liberate devotees from material
Devi Siddhidatri - Navratriदेवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः
सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी ॥
Siddhagandharvayakṣādyairasurairamarairapi
sevyamānā sadā bhuyāt siddhidā siddhidāyinī॥
Meaning: "Worshipped by Siddhas (perfected beings), Gandharvas (celestial musicians), Yakshas (nature spirits), Asuras (demons), and even Devas (celestial beings). May Siddhidatri, the bestower of accomplishments, always be worshipped."
सिद्धों, गन्धर्वों, यक्षों, असुरों और यहाँ तक कि देवताओं द्वारा भी पूजित, सिद्धियों की दाता देवी सिद्धिदात्री की सदैव पूजा होती रहे।
Day 9 of Navratri - The Divinity of Maa Siddhidatri
The ninth and final day of Navratri is dedicated to Devi Siddhidatri, one of the most divine forms of Durga. The name ‘Siddhidatri’ is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘Siddhi’, meaning perfection, and ‘Datri’, meaning the bestower. Hence, Siddhidatri is revered as the goddess who grants perfection in every endeavor her devotees undertake.
Devi Siddhidatri governs the planet Ketu and is known as the supreme power that rules the mind of her devotees, motivating them to lead a disciplined, spiritually elevated life. She is also known as the ‘Goddess of Supernatural Powers or Siddhis’.
Legend Associated with Devi Siddhidatri
According to legend, before the creation of the universe, there was only a deep void, filled with darkness. At this moment, Goddess Kushmanda created the universe with the radiance of her smile.
She then went on to create the Trimurti (Lord Brahma - the creator, Lord Vishnu - the sustainer, and Lord Shiva - the destroyer). After their creation, Lord Shiva sought perfection from Goddess Kushmanda, and in response, she created Devi Siddhidatri, who bestowed Lord Shiva with 18 kinds of perfections (Siddhis), including the Ashta Siddhi (8 primary forms of perfection) and 10 secondary forms.
When Lord Brahma needed both a man and a woman for the creation of the universe, he faced difficulty. So, Maa Siddhidatri transformed half of Lord Shiva’s body into a woman’s body, creating Ardhanarishwar (half-man, half-woman), thus enabling the creation of the universe.
Stuti (Prayer)
ॐ ह्रीम् श्री सिद्धिदात्री दुर्गायै नमः।
Om Hrīm śrī siddhidātrī namah॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ सिद्धीदात्री रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥