Navadurga: The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

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