Navadurga: Nine Forms of Goddess Durga in Navratri with Significance

What is Navadurga meaning? Why Goddess Durga is worshipped in the Nine forms? 

By Subhalakshmi's Sanatan World

 

Introduction to Navadurga

Navratri is one of the most sacred festivals in Sanatan Dharma, celebrated to honor the divine feminine energy known as Shakti. During these nine nights, devotees worship Navadurga—the nine powerful forms of Goddess Durga.

Each form represents a unique spiritual energy, teaching humanity values such as courage, wisdom, compassion, and devotion.

What is Navadurga?

Navadurga means:

Nava – Nine

Durga – The invincible Goddess

These nine goddesses symbolize the victory of good over evil and guide devotees on the path of dharma and self-realization.

Day-wise Worship of Nine Goddesses in Navratri

1️⃣ Maa Shailaputri – The Daughter of the Mountains

Navratri Day 1

Meaning: Daughter of the Himalayas

Mount: Bull (Nandi)

Symbol: Trident and Lotus

Color: Grey / Yellow

Chakra: Muladhara (Root Chakra)

Significance

Maa Shailaputri represents strength, purity, and devotion. Worshipping her brings stability and spiritual grounding.

Mantra

Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah

2️⃣ Maa Brahmacharini – The Goddess of Penance

Navratri Day 2

Symbol: Rosary and Kamandal

Color: Orange / Green

Chakra: Swadhisthana

Significance

She symbolizes tap, patience, and self-discipline. Devotees gain courage and inner peace.

Mantra

Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah

3️⃣ Maa Chandraghanta – The Goddess of Courage

Navratri Day 3

Symbol: Bell-shaped crescent moon

Weapon: Sword

Color: White / Grey

Chakra: Manipura

Significance

Maa Chandraghanta destroys negativity and fear, blessing devotees with bravery and protection.

Mantra

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah

4️⃣ Maa Kushmanda – The Creator of the Universe

Navratri Day 4

Meaning: Creator of the cosmic egg

Mount: Lion

Color: Red / Green

Chakra: Anahata

Significance

She represents creative energy and is believed to have created the universe with her divine smile.

Mantra

Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah

5️⃣ Maa Skandamata – The Mother of Kartikeya

Navratri Day 5

Symbol: Infant Kartikeya

Mount: Lion

Color: Yellow

Chakra: Vishuddha

Significance

She signifies motherly love, wisdom, and salvation.

Mantra

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

6️⃣ Maa Katyayani – The Warrior Goddess

Navratri Day 6

Born to: Sage Katyayan

Weapon: Sword

Color: Green

Chakra: Ajna

Significance

Maa Katyayani grants courage, success, and removes obstacles.

Mantra

Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah

7️⃣ Maa Kalaratri – The Fierce Destroyer

Navratri Day 7

Form: Dark complexion

Mount: Donkey

Color: Blue / Black

Chakra: Sahasrara

Significance

She destroys fear, darkness, and evil forces.

Mantra

Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah

8️⃣ Maa Mahagauri – The Goddess of Purity

Navratri Day 8

Color: White

Symbol: Trident and Damru

Mount: Bull

Significance

She blesses devotees with peace, purity, and fulfillment of desires.

Mantra

Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah

9️⃣ Maa Siddhidatri – The Giver of Supernatural Powers

Navratri Day 9

Mount: Lotus

Color: Purple / Peacock Green

Significance

Maa Siddhidatri grants siddhis, wisdom, and ultimate spiritual knowledge.

Mantra

Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namo Nama

Colors of Navratri and Their Meaning

Each day of Navratri has a specific color symbolizing the goddess’s energy. Wearing these colors enhances positivity and devotion.

Spiritual Importance of Navratri

Awakens Shakti energy

Cleanses negative karma

Enhances devotion and discipline

Leads towards moksha

How to Worship Navadurga at Home

Maintain cleanliness

Light a diya daily

Chant mantras

Offer fruits and flowers

Observe fast (if possible)

Conclusion

Navratri is not just a festival but a spiritual journey of nine days. Worshipping Navadurga helps devotees overcome inner weaknesses and awaken divine power within themselves. 

Why are nine goddesses worshipped during Navratri?

Because each goddess represents a different divine energy required for spiritual growth.

Which Navratri is most important?

Sharad Navratri is considered the most significant.

Can Navdurga be worshipped at home?

Yes, with pure devotion and simple rituals.