In hinduism gods and goddesses are equally worshiped infact it can be said that in Hinduism worshiping Goddesses or Shakti provides you with fearlessness and power. Goddesses or Shakti symbolizes power, feminine qualities and abilities, motherhood, nurturing, purity and protection. Not just humans or demons are afraid of Shakti but god himself is also scared of her. There are 9 forms of Maa Durga who represents different side of shakti and women and protects mankind from evil miseries.
- SHAILPUTRI – Shailputri (daughter of mountain) is the daughter of mountain king Himavan and wife Menavati . Also known as Parvati is the wife of Lord Shiva. She is said to be reincarnation of Devi Sati who was the first wife of Lord Shiva and daughter of Parapati Daksh. Shailputri is said to be the universal mother to nourish all beings. Being the wife of Lord Shiva she is said to ride Nandi. Shailputri temples are located in Marhia Ghat, Varanasi and Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir.
- BRAHAMACHARINI- Brahmacharini is the Goddess who did Tapasya or penance for a long time and gives up on every materialistic thing. it is said that to marry Lord Shiva Parvati did tapasya where she gave upon food, air and water. She is said to be seen having Rosary in right hand and Kamandala in left hand. She signifies penance, devotion and restrain. she is also known as Devi Yogini ans Devi Tapasvi who is believed to bless her devotees with wisdom and knowledge.
- CHANDRAGHANTA – Chandra-Ghanta refers to one who has a half moon like shaped bell. her third eye is alwas open signifying her readiness for battle.It is said that on the wedding day of Shiva and Parvati, Shiva came on a weird barat of ghosts, aghoris and pisachs with a body covered with ashes. To prevent her family and Shiva from being embarrased Parvati converts herself into a terrifying form of gold complexion and 10 hands. 9 arms with wepons and 1 arm to raise devotees. Her this form signifies herself as destroyer of demons.
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- KUSHMANDA – She is known to be the ultimate source of life. It is believed that Mata Kaushmanda created the universe with her smile and then began to live in the core of sun. Mata Kaushmanda has 8 arms holding kamandal, bow, arrow, lotus, pot of nectar, disc, mace and rosary and sits on a lion. Worshiping her brings prosparity, power and salvation.
- SKANDAMATA – Skandamata is said to be the mother of Skand also known as Karthikeya. She has 4 arms. Two arms carrying lotus, one arm giving blessings to devotees and one to hold her son Skand. She is the Goddess of motherhood and children.
- KATYAYANI – Mata Katyayani offen referred as Ma Durga and is the Goddess of power. When demon Mahishsura was reating problem for gods the Trinity- Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh and other gods gave their weapons to Ma Katyayani. She then killed Maheshasura and got her name Maheshasuramardini.
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- KAALARATRI – Kaal refers to death and Ratri means Night. Ma Kaalratri brings death to anything associated to evil or darkness. She is said to have the most terrorizing form with red eyes, long tongue covered with blood, dark black skin , skulls around neck and limbs on waist. She is said to drink blood of demons. Mata Kaali is the goddess of courage.
- MAHA GAURI – Mata Maha Gauri is as white as jasmine. Worshiping her brings relief to one’s sufferings. She is said to have four hands and rides white Bull or elephant. She is the symbol of purity, serenity and tranquility.
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- SIDDHIDATRI – Ma Siddhidatri is also known as Adishakti and is pure energy with no physical form. She appears on the left half of Shiva. This half and half form of Shiv and Siddhidatri is known as Ardhanareshwar and represents reality of universe i.e. masculine and feminine energy.
These forms of Durga clearly symbolize the fact that a woman can be pure and sensitive but it does not mean that she is not able to protect herself or her family. These nine forms of Ma Durga are celebrated and worshiped as Navratri in Hinduism.
