Navratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, is more than just a cultural spectacle of colours, dances, and rituals — it is a spiritual journey that honours the divine feminine energy, Shakti. The word Navratri itself means “nine nights,” and during this time, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known collectively as Navadurga.
9 days of Navratri Devi names
Experience a captivating journey through the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga, as we delve into their significance during the auspicious festival of Navratri.
Each day of this vibrant celebration is dedicated to a different aspect of the goddess, highlighting her diverse attributes and powers. Join us as we explore the unique qualities of each manifestation, illuminating their importance in the spiritual practices of devotion and reverence. Here’s a day-by-day explanation of the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga) worshipped during Navratri:
Day 1 – Shailaputri (Daughter of the Mountain)
- Symbol: Goddess riding a bull, holding a trident and a lotus.
- Meaning: Embodiment of strength and purity.
- Story: Born as Parvati, the daughter of King Himalaya.
- Colour of the day: Red (symbolises action and vigour).
2nd Day – Brahmacharini (Goddess of Penances)
- Symbol: Holds a mala (rosary) and a kamandal (water pot).
- Meaning: Represents devotion, austerity, and wisdom.
- Story: She performed severe penance to win Lord Shiva as her consort.
- Colour of the day: Blue (peace and prosperity).
3rd Day– Chandraghanta (Goddess of the Crescent Moon)
- Symbol: Has a crescent moon on her forehead, rides a tiger.
- Meaning: She is a warrior goddess, ready to fight evil.
- Colour of the day: Yellow (bravery and cheerfulness).
Day 4 – Kushmanda (Creator of the Universe)
- Symbol: Known as the “cosmic egg creator.”
- Meaning: Believed to have created the world with her smile.
- She has eight hands and rides a lion.
- Colour of the day: Green (growth and new beginnings).
Day 5 – Skandamata (Mother of Skanda/Kartikeya)
- Symbol: Goddess carrying her son Skanda (Kartikeya) on her lap.
- Meaning: Symbol of motherhood, compassion, and love.
- She sits on a lion.
- Colour of the day: Grey (calmness and balanced energy).
6th Day – Katyayani (Warrior Goddess)
- Symbol: Born as the daughter of Sage Katyayan.
- She is fierce, rides a lion, and carries weapons.
- Meaning: Represents courage and victory over demons.
- Colour of the day: Orange (courage and energy).
Day 7 – Kalaratri (Fierce Form of Durga)
- Symbol: Dark complexion, rides a donkey, breathes fire.
- Meaning: Destroys ignorance, removes fear, protects devotees.
- Known as the fiercest form of Durga.
- Colour of the day: White (peace and prayer).
Day 8 – Mahagauri (The Pure Goddess)
- Symbol: Extremely fair, dressed in white, rides a bull.
- Meaning: Represents purity, serenity, and wisdom.
- Believed to grant forgiveness and remove past sins.
- Colour of the day: Pink (compassion and love).
9th Day – Siddhidatri (Bestower of Powers)
- Symbol: Sits on a lotus, with four hands.
- Meaning: Goddess who grants siddhis (spiritual powers) and perfection.
- She blesses devotees with prosperity, success, and spiritual knowledge.
- Colour of the day: Sky Blue (faith and divine blessings).
After these nine days, the tenth day is Vijayadashami (Dussehra), marking the victory of good over evil.
But why is Navratri celebrated, and what does it truly signify for Hindus?
1. The Victory of Good over Evil
The central theme of Navratri is the triumph of righteousness over wickedness. According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon king Mahishasura, who had terrorised the heavens and the earth. After a fierce battle lasting nine days and nights, Durga destroyed him on the tenth day, symbolising that evil may be powerful, but truth and virtue always prevail.
2. Honouring the Divine Feminine during Navratri
In Hindu philosophy, the universe is sustained by Shakti (divine energy), often personified as the Goddess. Moreover, Navratri is a time to honour this cosmic power that gives strength, wisdom, and protection. Each of the nine days is dedicated to one form of Durga — from Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, to Siddhidatri, the giver of spiritual powers. This worship is a reminder that the feminine is not just nurturing but also a fierce force against injustice.
3. A Time of Renewal and Fasting
Navratri is also tied to the change of seasons — it usually falls in spring (Chaitra Navratri) and autumn (Sharad Navratri), times when the body and mind naturally require cleansing. Devotees observe fasts, eat satvik (pure) food, and engage in prayers and meditation. This purifies the body, disciplines the mind, and prepares individuals for new beginnings.
4. Cultural Diversity in Navratri Celebration
One of the most distinctive features of Navratri is the vibrant variety of celebrations that unfold across India. Furthermore, each region embraces its own unique traditions, colours, and rituals, transforming the festival into a spectacular showcase of cultural diversity.
From energetic garba dances in the streets of Gujarat to the elaborate Durga puja festivities in West Bengal, each celebration reflects the local customs and fervour, creating a rich tapestry of joy and devotion that resonates throughout the country.
- In North India, people perform Ramlila, dramatising the life of Lord Rama, and celebrate Dussehra on the tenth day.
- In Gujarat, Navratri nights come alive with Garba and Dandiya Raas, joyful dances symbolising devotion.
- In West Bengal, it transforms into Durga Puja, with grand idols, artistic pandals, and cultural programs.
- In South India, families set up Golu (doll displays) and conduct community prayers.
Despite the regional variations, the essence remains the same — celebrating the Goddess as the source of all strength.
5. A Spiritual Journey Within
Beyond rituals and festivities, Navratri represents the inner battle of humans against negativity. Moreover, the nine forms of Durga symbolise different aspects of life: courage, wisdom, love, discipline, and purity. By worshipping them, devotees reflect on these values and seek to overcome their own “inner demons” — ego, anger, greed, and fear.
Conclusion
Navratri is not just a festival of dance, devotion, and fasting; it is a celebration of life’s eternal truth — that good always defeats evil, light conquers darkness, and divine energy guides human existence. It is both a cultural heritage and a spiritual practice that continues to inspire millions of Hindus across the world.
Furthermore, in every chant, every dance, and every offering, Navratri reminds us of the power of faith, unity, and the divine feminine energy that sustains the universe.