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{{refimprove|date=October 2021}}{{Short description|Manifestation of Hindu goddess}}
{{Short description|Nine manifestations of Hindu goddess Durga}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox deity
{{Infobox deity<!--Bharatpedia:WikiProject Hindu mythology-->
| type = Hindu
| type = Hindu
| image = Navadurga.jpg
| image =  
| caption = Collage of the Navadurga
| caption =  
| name = Navadurga
| name = Navadurga
| Devanagari = नवदुर्गा
| Devanagari = {{lang|sa|नवदुर्गा}}
| Sanskrit_transliteration = Navadurgā
| Sanskrit_transliteration = {{IAST|navadurgā}}
| affiliation = [[Parvati]], [[Shakti]] [[Adi Parashakti]]
| affiliation = [[Adi Shakti]], [[Durga]], [[Parvati]], [[Devi]]
| mount = Lion, Donkey or Bull
| god_of = Power, strength, protection, knowledge, wealth, fertility and Moksha
| mantra = Oṃ Sar̥va Mangala Māngalye, Shivé Sarvārtha Sādhiké, Sharanyé Tryambaké Gaurī, Nārāyanī Namōstute.<br>
| abode =
सर्व मंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके। शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणी नमोस्तुते||
| mantra = oṁ aim hrīṁ śrīṁ mahādurgāyai namo namaḥ
| festivals = [[Navratri]], [[Dussehra]], [[Durga Puja]], [[Durga Ashtami]]
| weapon = [[Khanda (sword)]], [[Bow and arrow]], [[Trishula]], [[Sudarshan Chakra]], [[Gada (mace)]], [[shield]], [[shankha]], [[Ghanta]]
| mount = [[Lion]], [[tiger]], [[Nandi (Hinduism)|nandi]], [[ox]], [[mule]] and [[Nelumbo nucifera|lotus]]
| planet =
| offspring =
| festivals = [[Navaratri]], [[Durga Puja]], [[Vijayadashami]], [[Durga Ashtami]]
| consort = [[Shiva]]
| consort = [[Shiva]]
}}
}}
[[File:Navadurga_Statues_at_Bhawani_Waghjai_Temple,_Terav.jpg|thumb|Navadurga]]
'''Navadurga''' ({{lang-sa|नवदुर्गा}}, {{IAST3|durgā}}, lit. ''Nine forms of Durga''), are nine manifestations of Goddess Durga in Hinduism, especially worshiped during Navratri and Durga Puja. Each of the nine manifested forms are separately venerated for a night during the festival. The nine forms of [[Parvati]] are: [[Shailaputri]], [[Brahmacharini]], [[Chandraghanta]], [[Kushmanda]], [[Skandamata]], [[Katyayani]], [[Kaalratri]], [[Mahagauri]], and [[Siddhidatri]].  
'''Navadurga''' ({{langx|sa|नवदुर्गा}}, {{IAST3|Navadurgā}}), also spelled '''Navdurga''' and '''Navadurgas''', are nine manifestations and forms of [[Durga]] in [[Hinduism]],<ref name="Navdurgaforms">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/navdurga-nine-forms-of-energy/articleshow/68207186.cms|title=The Nine Forms of Goddess Mahadevi Durga|access-date=2022-05-03|website=Times of India|date=24 September 2014 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Melton2010p2600">{{cite book|author1=J. Gordon Melton|first2=Martin|last2=Baumann|title=Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices, 2nd Edition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v2yiyLLOj88C&pg=PA2600 |year=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-204-3|pages=2600–2602}}</ref> especially worshipped during [[Navaratri]] and [[Durga Puja]].{{Sfn|Navaratri, TOI}} They are often considered collectively as a single deity, mainly among the followers of Shaktism and Shaivism sect of Hinduism.{{Sfn|Amazzone|2010|p=184}}
==Navaratri festival==
During the Hindu festival of Navratri, nine unmarried virgin girls up to the age of nine years are worshiped and fed as they are considered to be the incarnations of these nine goddesses. This ritual is known as Kumari Puja, Kanya Puja, Kanjak Puja, etc. Even the Nabapatrika ritual during Durga Puja involves tying the branches of eight plants with their leaves with a banana plant (Naba meaning nine and Patrika meaning leaves hence Nabapatrika or Nine Leaves). This banana plant is then draped in a sari representing a married woman or Bou and hence known as "Kola Bou". Kola meaning banana and Bou meaning married woman, hence Kolabou or the Banana Married Woman. The Kola Bou represents these nine goddesses.


== The Nine Forms ==
According to [[Hindu mythology]], the nine forms are considered the nine stages of Durga during the nine-day long duration of the war with demon-king [[Mahishasura]], where the tenth day is celebrated as the [[Vijayadashami]] ({{Literal translation|victory day}}) among the [[Hindus]] and is considered as one of the most important festivals.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2020|pp=21-23}}
1. '''[[Shailaputri]]''' represents Parvati in her stage of childhood. Shail defines mountain and she is the daughter of the Mountain King, Lord Himavan and Queen Menavati. After having given up her Sati form, the Goddess has taken birth in the avatara of Shailputri Parvati. Since her birth, she experienced a feeling of attachment towards Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati had taken her birth as an ordinary woman to attain the position of a goddess in her journey to become one with Lord Mahadev. She is that avatar of a little daughter who makes a family, her parents happy, joyous and proud of her. Shailputri is milk white in complexion, with three content eyes as well as a calm mien. She is adorned by light ornamentation on her limbs and was clothed in red and pink robes. She has two hands both holding a trident and lotus. She is seated upon the behind of a white bull.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Shilaputri|url=https://www.ttkprestige.com/blog/show-all/7311/goddess-shailputri---an-absolute-form-of-mother-nature|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-26|website=www.ttkprestige.com}}</ref>


2. '''[[Brahmacharini]]''' represents Parvati in her phase of asceticism. Parvati had attained this epithet due to her performing austere and harsh penances to have Lord Mahadev as her husband for years. This form of her is close to her because as Parvati, she had been meditating to become one with Shiva again as Shakti, ensuring that her motive is complete. For her to be Brahmacharini, not only did Parvati wake up Mahadev from his penances, but rather, this form of hers was awakened within her in which she'd broken the rules of living life as a ordinary human. She is a student and a disciple who makes it her mission to attain the goals of her life through the harsh period of her education.
== Background and Puja (prayer) ==
Brahmacharini is of a fair complexion, with three content eyes as well as a calm mien. She is dressed as a female ascetic and is adorned by dried up Rudraksha beads and flowers as her ornamentation. She has two hands, both of which carried a rosary and a water utensil.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Goddess Brahmacharini Devi, Second day Navratri Devi Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Colors – Rudraksha Ratna|url=https://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articles/brahmacharini-devi|access-date=2021-10-26|website=www.rudraksha-ratna.com|language=en}}</ref>
{{Main|Navaratri}}
During the festival of Navaratri, nine unmarried virgin girls up to the age of nine years are worshipped and fed as they are considered to be the incarnations of these nine goddesses.{{Sfn|Amazzone|2010|p=187}} The nabapatrika (Literally 'nine leaves') ritual during [[Durga Puja]] involves tying the branches of eight plants with their leaves with a banana plant (''naba'' meaning 'nine' in Sanskrit, and ''patrika'' meaning 'leaves').{{Sfn|Ostor|2004|p=68}}


3. '''[[Chandraghanta]]''' represents Parvati in her married aspect. Parvati was given this title by Lord Mahadev himself, due to her wish to have Lord Chandradev, the Moon God, to adorn her as an ornament on her forehead, as her Lord adorned him upon his crown of matted hairs, as he's known the world over as Chandrashekhara. On fulfilling her wish, Mahadev transformed her bridal guise into a new form with a new name. As she's now adorned by the digit of the crescent moon on her forehead, Parvati will be known the entire world over as Devi Chandraghanta. She is also that aspect of a woman who is independent and fights to establish justice, peace and makes her voice heard to bring about positive changes. Chandraghanta is gold complexioned, with three bloodshot eyes and a calm face. She is adorned by heavy ornamentation on her limbs and was dressed in red apparel. Her crown is decorated by the logo of the half moon. She has ten hands, nine of them are armed by a trident, mace, bow, arrow, lotus, sword, bell and a waterpot, while one other hand blesses her devotees. She is seated upon a fierce tiger.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-13|title=Significance of Goddess Chandraghanta – Navratri Day 3|url=https://blog.cosmicinsights.net/significance-of-goddess-chandraghanta-navratri-day-3/|access-date=2021-10-26|website=Cosmic Insights|language=en-US}}</ref>
== The nine forms==


4. '''[[Kushmanda]]''' represents Devi Parvati in her stage of discovering that she is none other than Mahashakti. After their marriage, Lord Mahadev made Goddess Parvati know the fact of her true existence. This form of her is known the world over as Kushmanda, as she holds within her, many endless powers of the world. Lord Mahadev had helped her realize the fact that she's not just a human, she is a Goddess, who is the Mother of the World and all of creation, as she produced the three planes through her golden womb. She's that aspect of woman who brightens up the lives of those around her by her glee.
The main nine forms of Durga worshipped in Hinduism:
Kushmanda is of a gold complexion, with three peaceful eyes and a calm mien. She is adorned by ornaments on her limbs and was dressed in pink and yellow vestments. She has eight hands, six of which held a discus, mace, lotus, bow and arrow in one hand, sword and rosary and the two other hands carried a jar of honey and waterpot. She is mounted upon the back of a tiger.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Goddess Kushmanda, Devi Kushmanda, Devi Kushmanda Mantra, 4th day of Navaratri|url=https://www.astroved.com/astropedia/en/goddess/kushmanda-devi|access-date=2021-10-26|website=Astroved Astropedia}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable" width="98%" style="background:white;"
|- style="border-bottom:3px solid #CCCCFF"
!S. No.
!Image
{{Small|{{small|(Depiction)}}}}
!Name
![[Vahana]]
![[Varna (Hinduism)|Stage]]{{Refn|[[Parvati]] has been described in the nine stage in nine different depiction, where she become the [[Maha Shakti]] in last stage of [[Siddhidhatri]], after gaining [[Siddhi]]s.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2020|p=67}}|group=upper-alpha}}
![[Mantra]]
!Depiction
!{{Abbr|Ref|Reference}}
|-
|1.
|[[File:Shailaputri Sanghasri 2010 Arnab Dutta.JPG|frameless|173x173px]]
|{{Big|'''[[Shailaputri]]'''}}
{{Small|"The Daughter of a Mountain"}}
|[[Nandi (Hinduism)|Nandi]] (bull)
|[[Parvati]] in her stage of childhood with the divine and principal form being [[Durga]]
|ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः
|She is adorned with light ornamentation on her limbs and was clothed in red and pink robes. She has two hands both holding a trident and lotus. She is seated upon the behind of a white bull.
|{{Sfn|Sharma|2021|p=73}}
|-
|2.
|[[File:Brahmacharini.jpg|frameless|158x158px]]
|{{Big|'''[[Brahmacharini]]'''}}
{{Small|"The Mother of devotion and penance"}}
|None
|Durga in her phase of asceticism.
|ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नम:
|She is dressed as a female ascetic and is adorned by dried-up [[Rudraksha|Rudraksha beads]] and flowers as her ornamentation. She has two hands, both of which carried a rosary and a water utensil.
|{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2020|p=23}}
|-
|3.
|[[File:Chandraghanta Sanghasri 2010 Arnab Dutta.JPG|frameless|157x157px]]
|{{Big|'''[[Chandraghanta]]'''}}
{{Small|"The Destroyer of demons"}}
|Tiger
|Durga in the form of [[Shaktism|Shakti]].
|ॐ देवी चंद्रघण्टायै नम:
|She has ten hands, nine of them are armed by a trident, mace, bow, arrow, lotus, sword, bell and a waterpot, while one other hand blesses her devotees. She is seated upon a fierce tiger.
|{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2020|pp=29-30}}
|-
|4.
|[[File:Kushmanda Sanghasri 2010 Arnab Dutta.JPG|frameless|154x154px]]
|{{Big|'''[[Kushmanda]]'''}}
{{Small|"The Goddess of The Cosmic Egg"}}
| rowspan="3" |Lion
|Durga in the form of [[Maha Shakti|Mahashakti]].
|ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्मांडायै नम:
|She has eight hands, six of which held a discus, mace, lotus, bow, and arrow in one hand, sword and rosary and the two other hands carried a jar of honey and waterpot. She is mounted upon the back of a lion.
|{{Sfn|Mittal|2006|p=63}}
|-
|5.
|[[File:Skandamata Sanghasri 2010 Arnab Dutta.JPG|frameless|164x164px]]
|{{Big|'''[[Skandamata]]'''}}
{{Small|"The Goddess of motherhood and children"}}
|Durga in her stage of motherhood.
|ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नम:
|She has four hands, two of which held lotuses, the third holding her son, the six-headed infant Kartikeya seated on her lap, and the fourth saves her devotees. She is seated upon the back of a lion.
|{{Sfn|Ostor|2004|p=34}}
|-
|6.
|[[File:Katyayani Sanghasri 2010 Arnab Dutta.JPG|frameless|168x168px]]
|{{Big|'''[[Katyayani]]'''}}
{{Small|"The Goddess of Power"}}
|Durga in the warrior stage, ready to fight any [[Asura]].
|ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नम:
|She is adorned with heavy ornamentation on her limbs and is dressed in green and pink vestments. Her four hands each carried a sword, shield, lotus and trident. She's seen seated on a fearsome lion.
|{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2020|pp=48-51}}
|-
|7.
|[[File:Kalratri Sanghasri 2010 Arnab Dutta.JPG|frameless|163x163px]]
|{{Big|'''[[Kalaratri]]'''}}
{{Small|"The Goddess of Auspiciousness and Courage"}}
|Donkey
|Durga in her form of destruction.
|ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नम:
|She has three bloodshot eyes, unkempt hairs, and wears a garland of skulls around her neck, which shone like lightning. Her four hands all held a trident, scimitar, vajra, and a cup. She is seated upon the behind of a donkey as her vehicle mount.
|{{Sfn|Mishra|1989|p=36}}
|-
|8.
|[[File:Mahagauri Sanghasri 2010 Arnab Dutta.JPG|frameless|172x172px]]
|{{Big|'''[[Mahagauri]]'''}}
{{Small|"The Goddess of Beauty and Women"}}
|Ox
|Durga in her form of recovery.
|ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नम:
|She has four hands, three of which carried a trident, mini-drum, and a pink lotus while her one hand promised her devotees protection. She is seated upon a white ox.
|{{Sfn|Sivkishen|2016|p=176}}
|-
|9.
|[[File:Siddhidatri Sanghasri 2010 Arnab Dutta.JPG|frameless|176x176px]]
|{{Big|'''[[Siddhidhatri]]'''}}
{{Small|" The Goddess of Supernatural Powers or [[Siddhis]]"}}
|Lotus
|Durga in her stage of reaching her highest and supreme form as Mahashakti.
|ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं सिद्धिदात्र्यै नम:
|Each of her four hands carried a discus, conch shell, pink lotus and a mace. She is seated upon a fully bloomed lotus.
|{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2020|pp=68, 70}}
|}{{Saktism}}


5. '''[[Skandamata]]''' represents Devi Parvati in her stage of motherhood. Parvati is known to be the mother of Skanda, her son Kartikey. Parvati was kept away from nurturing her child from the six Krittikas. As the seed of the energy that Shiva and Parvati created, fell to a sleeve of reeds, it was split into six infants, as they're found by six women, and after working out a fair resolution, as Shiva and Parvati merged the six babies into one infant with six faces, he would be known to all as Shanmukha (six-faced) and as being the mother of this unique child, Parvati will be known as Skandmata. Also, as the baby Shanmukha Skanda had been found by the six Krittikas, he will be known as Kartikeya, as he's their kid as well as Shiva and Devi's kid. Skandmata is maternity, affection, and love in a woman. Though any child may be biological, adopted, or through surrogacy, she is still a mother. Skandamata is of a gold complexion, with three eyes as well as a calm mien. She is adorned with light ornamentation on her limbs and is dressed in orange and yellow apparels. She has four hands, two of which held lotuses, the third holding her son, the six-headed infant Kartikeya seated on her lap, and the fourth saves her devotees. She is seated upon the back of a lion.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-10-16|title=Navratri Day 5 {{!}} Dedicated to Worshiping Goddess Skandamata|url=https://www.utsavpedia.com/weddings-festivals/festivals/navratri-day-5-dedicated-to-worshiping-goddess-skandamata/|access-date=2021-10-26|website=Utsavpedia|language=en-US}}</ref>  
===Agni Purana===
The [[Agni Purana]] lists the Navadurgas as:<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gangadharan |first=N |title=The Agni Purana |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers |year=1954 |isbn=9788120803596 |pages=132 |language=English}}</ref>


6. '''[[Katyayani]]''' represents Parvati in her warrior stage. When the Gods invoked Mahashakti to protect them from demon Mahishasura, Parvati materialized from a sacrificial fire in the avatar of a ten armed Goddess, who is then known the world over as Katyayani, due to her having assumed her birth in the home of sage Katyayan being his daughter and killed the dreaded demon after a long fight. She is that avatara of a woman who shows that she is not vulnerable when the question of protecting her is brought up, as even she can also protect men oftentimes.
# Rudrachanda
Katyayani is of a molten gold complexion, with three staring eyes and a relaxing face. She is adorned by heavy ornamentation on her limbs and is dressed in green and pink vestments. Her four hands each carried a sword, shield, lotus and trident. She's seen seated on a fearsome lion.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Author Bhairavi|title=Katyayani Mantra: Power, Benefits and Procedure – Mystical Bee|url=https://mysticalbee.com/katyayani-mantra/|access-date=2021-10-26|language=en-US}}</ref>
# Prachanda
# Chandogra
# Chandanayika
# Chanda
# Chandavati
# Chandarupa
# Atichandika
# Ugrachanda


7. '''[[Kaalratri]]''' represents Parvati in her phase of destruction. She is called the Goddess of time and death because she is above and beyond its reign as she controls the time in which someone's death arrives and she is beyond darkness. She is also that aspect of a woman who is constantly enraged by injustices and fights them to save society as she is aggressive and can bring about destruction when her threshold is crossed.
== See also ==
Kaalratri is of a pitch dark complexion and has a ferocious expression. She is adorned in electric ornamentation on her limbs and is clothed in red and black robes. She has three bloodshot eyes, unkempt hairs, and wears a garland of skulls around her neck, which shone like lightning. Her four hands all held a trident, scimitar, vajra, and a cup. She is seated upon the behind of a donkey as her vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Desk|first=India TV News|date=2015-03-25|title=Navratri day 7 {{!}} How to revere Maa Kaalratri on saptami {{!}} IndiaTV News|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/navratri-day-7-how-to-revere-maa-kaalratri-on-saptami-48952.html|access-date=2021-10-26|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref>
{{Portal|Hinduism}}
* [[Hindu deities]]
* [[Shaivism]]
* [[Shaktism]]
* [[Navaratri]]
* [[Mahavidya]]
* [[Matrikas]]


8. '''[[Mahagauri]]''' represents Parvati in her phase of recovery. After she embraced her form of Kali, Parvati returned to her normal form but with skin as black as night clinging on to her person. On Lord Brahma's direction, she immersed herself in the Manasarovara river and came back out afterward, radiant as the moon and shining brilliantly with her white garments and ornaments. This form of Parvati was known the world over by the name of Mahagauri. She's also that avatar of a woman who is a homemaker, devoted wife, and a nurturing mother, as she is the only one who is the foundation of a family.
==References==
Mahagauri is of a bright white complexion, with three peaceful eyes as well as a calm expression. She is adorned by light white ornamentation on her limbs and is dressed in white clothes. She has four hands, three of which carried a trident, mini-drum and a pink lotus while her one hand promised her devotees protection. She is seated upon a white bull.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Diwe|first=Rajendra|title=Mahagauri: Pacifies ill-effects of planet Rahu|url=https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2019/10/6/Mahagauri-Pacifies-ill-effects-of-planet-Rahu.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-26|website=www.thehitavada.com|language=en}}</ref>
===Notes===
{{reflist|group=upper-alpha}}


9. '''[[Siddhidhatri]]''' represents Devi Parvati in her stage of reaching her highest and supreme form, knowing who she is as she has been established as the complete manifestation of Goddess Mahashakti, thus reaching her status of becoming a Goddess. Siddhidatri has all the supernatural powers and is one with Lord Shiva as Ardhanarishwara. She's that avatar of a woman that represents the very source of life and provides education, teaching skills, and discipline into her kids. Siddhidhatri is of a fair complexion, with three content eyes as well as a calm mien. She is adorned by light ornamentation on her limbs and was dressed in red and blue vestments. Each of her four hands carried a discus, conch shell, pink lotus and a mace. She is seated upon a fully bloomed lotus.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Goddess Siddhidatri - Ninth Day Of Navratri|url=https://www.pavitrajyotish.com/article/goddess-siddhidatri-ninth-navratri/|access-date=2021-10-26|website=Astrology, Horoscope, Online Astrology Service, Astrologer|language=en-US}}</ref>
===Citations===
{{reflist}}


==See also==
==Sources==
*[[Mahavidya]]
{{refbegin}}
*[[Navaratri]]
* {{Cite news|title=Navratri 2021: What are the nine forms of Maa Durga and the special prasad offered to them|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/events/navratri-2019-what-are-the-nine-forms-of-maa-durga-and-the-special-prasad-offered-to-them/articleshow/71335962.cms|access-date=2021-12-31|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=7 October 2021 |language=en|ref={{SfnRef|Navaratri, TOI}}}}
 
* {{Cite book|last=Ramachandran|first=Nalini|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUcAEAAAQBAJ|title=Nava Durga: The Nine Forms of the Goddess|date=2020|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|isbn=978-93-5305-981-1|language=en}}
==References==
* {{Cite book|last=Amazzone|first=Laura|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JBNtQYFEjeAC|title=Goddess Durga and Sacred Female Power|date=2010|publisher=[[University Press of America]]|isbn=978-0-7618-5313-8|language=en}}
{{Reflist}}
* {{Cite book|last=Ostor|first=Akos|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6ASi04hC0BQC|title=The Play of the Gods: Locality, Ideology, Structure, and Time in the Festivals of a Bengali Town|date=2004|publisher=[[Orient Blackswan]]|isbn=978-81-8028-013-9|language=en}}
*''Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend'' ({{ISBN|0-500-51088-1}}) by Anna Dhallapiccola
* {{Cite book|last=Mishra|first=P. K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gCpuAAAAMAAJ|title=Culture, Tribal History, and Freedom Movement: Dr. N.K. Sahu Commemoration Volume|date=1989|publisher=Agam Kala Prakashan|language=en}}  
 
* {{Cite book|last=Pintchman|first=Tracy|title=Seeking Mahādevī: Constructing the Identities of the Hindu Great Goddess|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JfXdGInecRIC|date=2001|publisher=[[State University of New York Press]]|isbn=9780791490495|language=en}}
{{Shaktism}}
* {{Cite book|last=Sharma|first=Vidya Sagar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SXhUBQAAQBAJ|title=Mata Vaishno Devi (Prabhat Prakashan)|year=2021|publisher=Prabhat Prakashan|isbn=978-81-7315-903-9|language=hi}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mittal|first=J. P.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b7gOBW8oDFgC|title=History Of Ancient India (a New Version) : From 7300 Bb To 4250 Bc|date=2006|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist|isbn=978-81-269-0615-4|language=en}}
* {{Cite book|last=Sivkishen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kmVZBgAAQBAJ|title=Kingdom of Shiva|date=2015|publisher=Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd|isbn=978-81-288-3028-0|language=en}}
{{refend}}


[[Category:Navadurgas| ]]
[[Category:Hindu goddesses]]
[[Category:Hindu goddesses]]
[[Category:Navadurgas| ]]
[[Category:Forms of Lakshmi]]
[[Category:Forms of Parvati]]
[[Category:Forms of Parvati]]
[[Category:9 (number)]]

Latest revision as of 21:59, 7 November 2025


Navadurga
Power, strength, protection, knowledge, wealth, fertility and Moksha
Devanagariनवदुर्गा
Sanskrit transliterationnavadurgā
AffiliationAdi Shakti, Durga, Parvati, Devi
Mantraoṁ aim hrīṁ śrīṁ mahādurgāyai namo namaḥ
WeaponKhanda (sword), Bow and arrow, Trishula, Sudarshan Chakra, Gada (mace), shield, shankha, Ghanta
MountLion, tiger, nandi, ox, mule and lotus
FestivalsNavaratri, Durga Puja, Vijayadashami, Durga Ashtami
ConsortShiva
Navadurga

Navadurga (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist., IAST: Navadurgā), also spelled Navdurga and Navadurgas, are nine manifestations and forms of Durga in Hinduism,[1][2] especially worshipped during Navaratri and Durga Puja.[3] They are often considered collectively as a single deity, mainly among the followers of Shaktism and Shaivism sect of Hinduism.[4]

According to Hindu mythology, the nine forms are considered the nine stages of Durga during the nine-day long duration of the war with demon-king Mahishasura, where the tenth day is celebrated as the Vijayadashami (lit. 'victory day') among the Hindus and is considered as one of the most important festivals.[5]

Background and Puja (prayer)[edit | edit source]

Main article: Navaratri

During the festival of Navaratri, nine unmarried virgin girls up to the age of nine years are worshipped and fed as they are considered to be the incarnations of these nine goddesses.[6] The nabapatrika (Literally 'nine leaves') ritual during Durga Puja involves tying the branches of eight plants with their leaves with a banana plant (naba meaning 'nine' in Sanskrit, and patrika meaning 'leaves').[7]

The nine forms[edit | edit source]

The main nine forms of Durga worshipped in Hinduism:

S. No. Image

(Depiction)

Name Vahana Stage[upper-alpha 1] Mantra Depiction Ref
1. Shailaputri

"The Daughter of a Mountain"

Nandi (bull) Parvati in her stage of childhood with the divine and principal form being Durga ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः She is adorned with light ornamentation on her limbs and was clothed in red and pink robes. She has two hands both holding a trident and lotus. She is seated upon the behind of a white bull. [9]
2. Brahmacharini

"The Mother of devotion and penance"

None Durga in her phase of asceticism. ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नम: She is dressed as a female ascetic and is adorned by dried-up Rudraksha beads and flowers as her ornamentation. She has two hands, both of which carried a rosary and a water utensil. [10]
3. Chandraghanta

"The Destroyer of demons"

Tiger Durga in the form of Shakti. ॐ देवी चंद्रघण्टायै नम: She has ten hands, nine of them are armed by a trident, mace, bow, arrow, lotus, sword, bell and a waterpot, while one other hand blesses her devotees. She is seated upon a fierce tiger. [11]
4. Kushmanda

"The Goddess of The Cosmic Egg"

Lion Durga in the form of Mahashakti. ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्मांडायै नम: She has eight hands, six of which held a discus, mace, lotus, bow, and arrow in one hand, sword and rosary and the two other hands carried a jar of honey and waterpot. She is mounted upon the back of a lion. [12]
5. Skandamata

"The Goddess of motherhood and children"

Durga in her stage of motherhood. ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नम: She has four hands, two of which held lotuses, the third holding her son, the six-headed infant Kartikeya seated on her lap, and the fourth saves her devotees. She is seated upon the back of a lion. [13]
6. Katyayani

"The Goddess of Power"

Durga in the warrior stage, ready to fight any Asura. ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नम: She is adorned with heavy ornamentation on her limbs and is dressed in green and pink vestments. Her four hands each carried a sword, shield, lotus and trident. She's seen seated on a fearsome lion. [14]
7. Kalaratri

"The Goddess of Auspiciousness and Courage"

Donkey Durga in her form of destruction. ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नम: She has three bloodshot eyes, unkempt hairs, and wears a garland of skulls around her neck, which shone like lightning. Her four hands all held a trident, scimitar, vajra, and a cup. She is seated upon the behind of a donkey as her vehicle mount. [15]
8. Mahagauri

"The Goddess of Beauty and Women"

Ox Durga in her form of recovery. ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नम: She has four hands, three of which carried a trident, mini-drum, and a pink lotus while her one hand promised her devotees protection. She is seated upon a white ox. [16]
9. Siddhidhatri

" The Goddess of Supernatural Powers or Siddhis"

Lotus Durga in her stage of reaching her highest and supreme form as Mahashakti. ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं सिद्धिदात्र्यै नम: Each of her four hands carried a discus, conch shell, pink lotus and a mace. She is seated upon a fully bloomed lotus. [17]

Template:Saktism

Agni Purana[edit | edit source]

The Agni Purana lists the Navadurgas as:[18]

  1. Rudrachanda
  2. Prachanda
  3. Chandogra
  4. Chandanayika
  5. Chanda
  6. Chandavati
  7. Chandarupa
  8. Atichandika
  9. Ugrachanda

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Parvati has been described in the nine stage in nine different depiction, where she become the Maha Shakti in last stage of Siddhidhatri, after gaining Siddhis.[8]

Citations[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "The Nine Forms of Goddess Mahadevi Durga". Times of India. 24 September 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  2. ↑ J. Gordon Melton; Baumann, Martin (2010). Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices, 2nd Edition. ABC-CLIO. pp. 2600–2602. ISBN 978-1-59884-204-3.
  3. ↑ Navaratri, TOI.
  4. ↑ Amazzone 2010, p. 184.
  5. ↑ Ramachandran 2020, pp. 21-23.
  6. ↑ Amazzone 2010, p. 187.
  7. ↑ Ostor 2004, p. 68.
  8. ↑ Ramachandran 2020, p. 67.
  9. ↑ Sharma 2021, p. 73.
  10. ↑ Ramachandran 2020, p. 23.
  11. ↑ Ramachandran 2020, pp. 29-30.
  12. ↑ Mittal 2006, p. 63.
  13. ↑ Ostor 2004, p. 34.
  14. ↑ Ramachandran 2020, pp. 48-51.
  15. ↑ Mishra 1989, p. 36.
  16. ↑ Sivkishen 2016, p. 176.
  17. ↑ Ramachandran 2020, pp. 68, 70.
  18. ↑ Gangadharan, N (1954). The Agni Purana. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. p. 132. ISBN 9788120803596.

Sources[edit | edit source]

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