The Nine Appellations of Mother Durga

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Nava Durga: The Nine Appellations The 9 Forms of The Mother Goddess

Nava – that also means 'new' – denotes 'nine' the number to which sages

attach special significance. Hence, we have Nava-ratri (9 nights), Nava-patrika

(9 leaves / herbs / plants), Nava-graha (9 planets), and Nava-Durga (9

appelletions).

Here are the 9 manifestations of Goddess Durga. Each goddess has a different

form and a special significance. Nava Durga, if worshipped with religious

fervor, it is believed, lift the divine spirit in us and fill us with renewed

happiness.

SKONDAMATA

KUSUMANDA

SHAILAPUTRI

She is the Goddess of Fire. She has four arms and three eyes. She rides a lion.

Seated on a lion, she has a magnanimous presence, and possesses eight arms. Her

abode is the Solar region.

The embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, she rides a bull and

carries a trident and a lotus in her two hands.

KAALRATRI

BRAHMACHARINI

MAHA GAURI

This four-armed form rides an ass. She dissipates darkness from amidst her

devotees, and bestows freedom from fear and adversity.

She is the one who practices devout austerity. Filled with bliss and happiness,

she is the way to emancipation - Moksha.

She is like an eight-year-old girl. She is intelligent and peaceful, possesses

three eyes and four arms, and uses the bull as her vehicle.

KATYAYANI

CHANDRAGHANTA

SIDDHIDATRI

The chosen goddess of Vrindavan, she is alluring in her golden form. She has

four arms and three eyes, she is seated on a lion.

She is the apostle of bravery; she rides a lion, and has ten arms. She drives

away all evildoers and demoniac incarnation.

The bestower of accomplishments, this manifestation is worshipped as one blessed

with glory. Seated on a lotus, she has four arms.

 

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