During Navaratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, various forms of the goddess are worshiped. These forms are believed to represent different aspects and attributes of Durga. Here are some of the prominent forms of Durga worshiped during Navaratri:
- Shailaputri: On the first day of Navaratri, the form of Durga worshiped is Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains. She is depicted as a goddess mounted on a bull and holds a trident in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left hand.
- Brahmacharini: On the second day, the form of Durga worshiped is Brahmacharini, the goddess of penance and virtue. She is portrayed as a deity who walks barefoot and holds a rudraksha mala (rosary) in her right hand and a water pot (kamandalu) in her left hand.
- Chandraghanta: The third day is dedicated to worshiping Chandraghanta, the goddess who has a half-moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead. She is depicted with ten arms, riding a tiger, and carrying weapons in her hands.
- Kushmanda: On the fourth day, Kushmanda, the goddess who created the universe, is worshiped. She is depicted as having eight arms and sitting on a lion or tiger. In her hands, she holds weapons, a lotus, a mace, and a rosary.
- Skandamata: The fifth day is dedicated to worshiping Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). She is depicted holding her son Skanda on her lap and has four arms.
- Katyayani: On the sixth day, Katyayani, the fierce form of Durga, is worshiped. She is depicted as a goddess with four arms, riding a lion, and carrying a sword and a lotus.
- Kalaratri: The seventh day is dedicated to worshiping Kalaratri, the fierce and dark form of Durga. She is depicted as a goddess with a dark complexion, disheveled hair, and four arms. She holds a sword and a noose in her hands.
- Mahagauri: On the eighth day, Mahagauri, the beautiful and radiant form of Durga, is worshiped. She is depicted as a goddess with four arms, radiating a divine glow. She holds a trident and a drum in her hands.
- Siddhidatri: The ninth and final day is dedicated to worshiping Siddhidatri, the goddess of supernatural powers and accomplishments. She is depicted with four arms and is believed to bless her devotees with divine blessings and Siddhis (spiritual attainments).
These are some of the popular forms of Durga worshiped during Navaratri. The specific forms and rituals may vary in different regions of India, but the essence remains the worship of the divine feminine power and seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga.
