शरणागतदीनार्तपरित्राणपरायणे, सर्वस्यार्तिहरे देवि नारायणि नमोऽस्तुते!
The Navratri festival involves the worship of the nine forms of Maa Durga, collectively known as Navdurga. Among these, Goddess Durga is the most potent and unconquerable deity. Revered as Jagatjanani (Global Mother), Durga holds a significant role as the bridge connecting nature and the continuity of life.
Her portrayals encompass a variety of feminine roles, including that of a mother, a warrior princess, a regal queen, a high priestess, a yogini, and the consort of Lord Shiva Durga Parvati. Maa Durga, the Supreme Shakti, commands immense devotion within the Hindu religion.
The nine manifestations of Navdurga are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. These nine forms are worshiped during Navratri, and we will delve into a discussion of these manifestations.
Shailputri
She represents the primal force of the Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—and is the First Manifestation of Durga. Born as the daughter of Mount Himalaya, she is named Shailaputri (Shaila means mountain and Putri means daughter).
Goddess Shailputri, often depicted with two hands and a crescent moon on her forehead, holds a trident in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left. She is often depicted seated on Nandi, the bull.
Brahmacharini
The second form of Maa Durga signifies extreme penance and austerity leading to happiness and Moksha. Also known as Tapashcharini, Uma, and Aparna, she performs rigorous tapa (penance) to become Lord Shiva’s consort. She is depicted with two hands, wearing a white saree, a crown, and holding a kamandal (water pot) in her left hand and a japmala (prayer beads) in her right.
Chandraghanta
This form appears with ten arms and is accompanied by a lion. Holding a bell (ghanta) in her hand, she bears a half-moon (Chandra) on her forehead, earning her the name Chandraghanta. This manifestation embodies the balance between mercy for devotees and fierceness towards enemies. Chandraghanta grants grace and courage to her followers, relieving them of sorrow.
Kushmanda
The fourth form of Maa Durga is known as Ashtabhuja or the Eight-Armed Goddess. Often seen riding a lioness, she holds various items like chakra, gada, japmala, and more in her hands. Kushmanda is credited with creating the universe with her smile when Lord Vishnu initiated its creation.
Skandamata
This is the fifth form of Goddess Durga and is associated with Motherhood. She is depicted holding Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) in her lap, signifying her role as his mother. Maa Durga is known as the jagatjanni of the world because his motherly nature. Just as a mother cares for and nurtures her children, Goddess Skandamata’s representation as a mother underscores her compassionate and all-encompassing love for all beings in the world.
Katyayani
This form is the sixth manifestation of Maa Durga. Katyayani is depicted as a warrior goddess who wields various weapons and rides a lion. She is named after the sage Katyayan, and she embodies courage and valor. Katyayani is worshipped for her ability to protect devotees from harm and negative energies.
Kalratri
The seventh form, Kalratri, is a fierce and formidable manifestation of Durga. With a dark complexion and wild hair, she is depicted as having a fearsome appearance. Kalratri destroys ignorance, removes fear, and is believed to bring transformation and renewal. She is often shown holding a cleaver and a torch.
Mahagauri
This is the eighth form of Maa Durga. Mahagauri is depicted as a serene and radiant goddess. She is often dressed in white, symbolizing purity and peace. Mahagauri is worshipped for blessings of clarity, wisdom, and spiritual growth. She holds a trident and a drum in her hands.
Siddhidatri
The ninth and final form, Siddhidatri, is revered as the granter of boons and supernatural powers. She is often depicted sitting on a lotus flower and surrounded by sages and devotees. Siddhidatri is believed to fulfill the desires and aspirations of her worshippers and is associated with the awakening of divine energy.
These nine forms of Maa Durga, collectively worshipped as Navdurga, represent different aspects of femininity, strength, and spiritual power. During the Navratri festival, devotees honor and seek blessings from each of these manifestations.
Maa Durga Aarti in Hindi
माँ दुर्गा आरती
जय अम्बे गौरी, मैया जय श्यामा गौरी। तुमको निशदिन ध्यावत, हरि ब्रह्मा शिवरी।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
मांग सिंदूर बिराजत, टीको मृगमद को। उज्ज्वल से दोउ नैना, चंद्रबदन नीको।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
कनक समान कलेवर, रक्ताम्बर राजै। रक्तपुष्प गल माला, कंठन पर साजै।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
केहरि वाहन राजत, खड्ग खप्परधारी। सुर-नर मुनिजन सेवत, तिनके दुःखहारी।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
कानन कुण्डल शोभित, नासाग्रे मोती। कोटिक चंद्र दिवाकर, राजत समज्योति।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
शुम्भ निशुम्भ बिडारे, महिषासुर घाती। धूम्र विलोचन नैना, निशिदिन मदमाती।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
चण्ड-मुण्ड संहारे, शौणित बीज हरे। मधु कैटभ दोउ मारे, सुर भयहीन करे।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
ब्रह्माणी, रुद्राणी, तुम कमला रानी। आगम निगम बखानी, तुम शिव पटरानी।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
चौंसठ योगिनि मंगल गावैं, नृत्य करत भैरू। बाजत ताल मृदंगा, अरू बाजत डमरू।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
तुम ही जग की माता, तुम ही हो भरता। भक्तन की दुःख हरता, सुख सम्पत्ति करता।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
भुजा चार अति शोभित, खड्ग खप्परधारी। मनवांछित फल पावत, सेवत नर नारी।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
कंचन थाल विराजत, अगर कपूर बाती। श्री मालकेतु में राजत, कोटि रतन ज्योति।।
जय अम्बे गौरी,…।
अम्बेजी की आरती जो कोई नर गावै। कहत शिवानंद स्वामी, सुख-सम्पत्ति पावै।।
जय अम्बे गौरी, मैया जय श्यामा गौरी।
Maa Durga Mantra
ॐ जयन्ती मंगला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी। दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तुते।। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः।। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः।।
Meaning (अर्थ)
जयन्ती, मंगला, काली, भद्रकाली, कपालिनी, दुर्गा, क्षमा, शिवा, धात्री, स्वाहा और स्वधा – इन नामों से प्रसिद्ध जगदम्बिके । तुम्हें मेरा नमस्कार है ।
Navratri 2023 Date October
Navratri 2023 festival will begin on Thursday, October 15th, and end on Friday, October 24th.
