| 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're 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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