Maa Durga, the ethereal manifestation of the supreme feminine power who comes to our homes during the auspicious period of Navratri is revered and worshipped in nine different forms during this pious time. Collectively called as Navdurga, these nine different roops or forms depicts different spheres of cosmic energy each of which has a different meaning and value. Disciples and devotees pray to one different form of Maa Durga on each day of Navratri.
The nine forms of Maa Durga are mutually called Navadurga which heralds the journey of divine femininity from janm to moksha from creation to liberation. These forms are hailed during the auspicious period of Navaratri, a nine day festival that is the beacon of the story of Maa Durga’s powers and qualities like bringing prosperity, protecting her children, destroying the evil etc. With Navratri falling next week starting from the 22nd of September, 2025 till the 30th of September, 2025, let’s learn about Navdurga, the nine forms of Maa Goddess and their significance.
1. Shailputri – The Daughter of the Mountains
The first day of Navratri which is on the 22nd of september, 2025 is committed to Maa Shailputri. Shailputri means “Daughter of the Mountain,”. as she is the epitome or Avatar of Maa Parvati who was the daughter of Himalaya Raja. Maa Shailputri’s ride is a bull and she has a trishul (trident) in one hand and lotus. Both are embodiments of strength and purity. Speaking of cosmic significance, Maa Shailputri is a representation of root chakra (Muladhara), which signifies stability and humbleness. Hailing this roop of Navdurga, showers the devotees with Shailputri blesses devotees with mental strength and perseverance.
2. Brahmacharini – The Goddess of Penitence
Maa Brahmacharini will be worshipped on the second day of Navratri i.e. on 23rd of September, 2025, who is a representation of devotion, austerity and discipline. This roop of Navdurga is dressed completely in white, and she has a rosary in one hand and a lota (water pot) in the other hand. She is an epitome of tapasya, bairagya and spiritual knowledge. Maa Brahmacharini is also called with the name Tapah charini, the one who dedicated herself in tapa and she inspires the devotees to meditate and have self-control.
3. Chandraghanta – The Goddess of Peace and Courage
On the third day of Navratri i.e. on the 24th of September, 2025 the Maa Chandraghanta roop of Navdurga is worshipped. Maa Chandraghanta, who is called so because she has half-moon(chandra) or crescent moon like bell (ghanta) shaped ornament on her forehead. She sits and rides a tiger and has weapons which signify destruction of evil and wicked. Although this navdurga roop signifies warfare and bravery, Maa Chandraghanta is very motherly and kind to her devotees. The sound which the moon-bell shaped ornament on her forehead produces, shooes away all negative energy and spirits away and brings peace.
4. Kushmanda – The Creator of the Universe
Maa Kushmanda roop of Navdurga will be worshipped on the fourth day i.e. on 25th september, 2025, is dedicated who is said to have built and created the universe with her divine smile and laughter. Her eight weapons symbolize the eight directions of the cosmos. She also carries jap mala (rosary) which blesses the devotees with sidhhis. She depicts good health, luminance, positivity just like the radiance of the sun. Worshipping her blesses one with good health, wealth and strength.
5. Skandamata – The Mother of Skanda
Maa Skandamata, the roop of Navdurga which is worshipped on the fifth day i.e. 26th september, 2025. Maa Parvati had given birth to Kartikeya (Skanda)for killing and destroying the demon Tarakasura. When the revered time came, she took on the form of Skandamata — the mother who empowers her child to face evil. Although she represents the mother of a warrior god, she emanates endless peace and selfless love of a mother. Maa Skandamata rides a lion and exemplifies a mother’s love, protection and endless wisdom. Worshipping her brings peace and harmony in families.
6. Katyayani – The Warrior Goddess
The sixth form of Navdurga is Maa Katyayani who is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri i.e. 27th september, 2025. Maa Katyayani was born to Rishi (Sage) Katyayan in order to destroy Mahishasura. She rides a lion and her weapon is the sword. As she was born to destroy the evil, thus she depicts the fierce combatant roop of Maa Durga. Navaratri Day 6 — Katyayani Devi Alankara, Significance & Puja – Online Jyotish Since 2004 She represents that dharma (righteousness) always defeats adharma(evil).It is believed that those who worship Maa Katyayani achieve success, especially in relationships and marriages. Devotees, particularly unmarried women, pray to her seeking blessings for a good husband, a tradition famously followed by the Gopis of Vraja to attain Lord Krishna.
7. Kalratri – The Fierce Protector
The seventh form of Navdurga is Maa Kalratri who is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri i.e. 28th september, 2025. On this day, Maa Kalratri the fiercest and most fearsome form of Durga. She is dark complexioned, has disheveled hair and she rides a donkey. She carries a deadly sword and wears a mundmala (human skull garland). Despite her fearsome appearance, she is a protector of good and believers. She was born to destruct evil. Worshipping her brings courage and strength.
8. Mahagauri – The Goddess of Purity
The eigth roop of Navdurga is worshipped on the eighth day or Mahaashtami which is on the 29th of september, 2025. Maa Mahagauri is worshipped for her purity and serenity as she represents the young roop. The name ‘Gauri’ was given to her as she is the daughter of Giri. Dressed in white, she rides a bull,and carries a trishul (trident) and a damru just like Lord Shiv. Maa Mahagauri is an embodiment of forgiveness, peace and spiritual freedom. Praying to her brings wisdom and spiritual liberation, and freedom from past sins is attained. Mahagauri – The Art of Living
9. Siddhidatri – The Bestower of Supernatural Powers
The ninth and final form of Navdurga, Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day or Mahanavmi i.e. the 30th of september, 2025. Maa Siddhidatri sits on a lotus (Kamal) and rides the lion. She has four hands with Gada in one hand, Chakra in the other, lotus (kamal) flower in one and shankha in one. She grants Siddhis to her devotees and thus she got the name Sidhhidatri. She is worshipped by whole of the universe which includes humans, Gods, demons, Deva, Gandharva, Yaksha and Siddha. Goddess Siddhidatri | Devi Siddhidatri | Maa Siddhidatri Lord Shiva became Ardha-Narishwar when Maa Siddhidatri appeared on the left side of his body. Worshipping her brings peace, strength and properity.
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