Navadurga: The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

By Subhamoy Das, About.com Guide

Shailaputri literally means the daughter (putri) of the mountains (shaila). Variously known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Hemavana - the king of the Himalayas, she is the first among Navadurgas. Her worship takes place on the first day of Navaratri – the nine divine nights. 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.

With inputs from Shri Shankerprasad S Bhatt. Art by Manohar Saini. Watercolor on cotton, available at www.exoticindia.com