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Navaratri the word coins from nine Durgas worshipped in 9 different forms in 9 days. The concept of Navadurga originates from Goddess Parvati. Mythologically Navadurga is the life phase of Goddess Parvati who is considered as the supreme power of all goddess.
Shaliputri:
In the beginning of navaratri the deity Durga is worshipped in the form of ‘Shaliputri’ who is reckoned as the daughter of Himalaya. It is one of the many forms of Parvati.
Brahmacharini:
On the second day the goddess is named as ‘Brahmacharini’. This name is derived from lord ‘Brahma’, which signifies atonement or ‘Tapa’. This is another form of Shakti.
Chandraghanta:
On the 3rd day goddess Durga adopts the form of ‘Chandraghanta’. The name symbolises courage and beauty.
Kushmanda:
Deity Durga takes up the form of ‘Kushmanda’ on the 4th day of Navaratri. Conceptually ‘Kushmanda’ created the whole universe by her giggle and therefore she is worshipped as the creator of the entire universe.
Skandamata:
On the 5th day of navaratri goddess Durga is named as ‘Skandamata’. The name originated as she was Skanda’s mother, who was the soldier head of the army of Gods.
Katyayani:
Katyayani is another form of deity Durga revered on the 6th day of navaratri. Katyayani sits on a lion and she has four hands and 3 eyes.
Kalaratri:
On the 7th day goddess Durga adopts the form of ‘Kalaratri’. Kalaratri means dark night. On the 7th day, the deity helps her devotees to be brave. This deity has 4 hands.
Maha Gauri:
Goddess Durga is venerated as ‘Maha Gauri’ on the 8th day. This idol of deity Durga is believed to be extremely beautiful and she is found as white as snow. On the 8th day , Maha Gauri is decorated with white coloured jewellery. Maha Gauri signifies calmness and displays wisdom.
Siddhidatri:
Durga takes the form of ‘Siddhidatri’ on the 9th and last day of navratri. It is believed that Siddhidatri encompasses all the 8 siddhis . According to mythology Siddhidatri reside on a lotus and is admired by all the Sages, Yogis and Sadhakas.
Thus the above said names describe the significance of each day of navaratri. In the first 6 days, the navaratri pooja is carried out at home and from the 7th day it is celebrated as festival and the whole atmosphere gets the charm of navaratri celebrations.
By Pragna Mohapatra
