The Nine Devis, also known as Navadurga or Navadurgas, are a group of nine distinct forms of the Goddess Durga worshipped during the festival of Navratri. Each form represents different aspects of the divine feminine energy, and each day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of one of these forms. Here's a detailed explanation of each of the Nine Devis:
1. Shailaputri : She is the first form of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. "Shaila" means mountain, and "putri" means daughter. She is depicted as riding a bull, holding a trident, and adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead. Shailaputri symbolizes the absolute power of Mother Nature.
2. Brahmacharini : The second day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping Brahmacharini. She is depicted as walking barefoot, holding a rosary and a water pot, and dressed in white. Brahmacharini represents penance and devotion. Her worship is believed to bestow peace, prosperity, and grace.
3. Chandraghanta : On the third day of Navratri, Chandraghanta is worshipped. She is depicted with a half-moon on her forehead, riding a tiger, and holding weapons in her ten hands. Chandraghanta symbolizes bravery and courage, and her worship is believed to ward off evil and bring success.
4. Kushmanda : Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. She is depicted as having eight arms, riding a lion, and holding various weapons and rosary. Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe with her divine smile, and her worship is believed to bestow health, strength, and prosperity.
5. Skandamata : Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. She is depicted as holding her son, Lord Skanda (also known as Kartikeya or Murugan), in her lap. Skandamata symbolizes motherly love and protection. Her worship is believed to bless devotees with wisdom and strength.
6. Katyayani : Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. She is depicted as fierce, riding a lion, and wielding various weapons. Katyayani is believed to have manifested to destroy the demon Mahishasura. Her worship is believed to remove obstacles and fulfill desires.
7. Kaalratri : On the seventh day of Navratri, Kaalratri is worshipped. She is depicted as dark-complexioned, riding a donkey, and holding a sword and a noose. Kaalratri is the destroyer of ignorance and darkness. Her worship is believed to remove fear and grant courage.
8. Mahagauri : Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. She is depicted as fair-complexioned, dressed in white, and riding a bull. Mahagauri represents purity and serenity. Her worship is believed to bestow peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
9. Siddhidatri : Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth and final day of Navratri. She is depicted as sitting on a lotus or a lion, holding a lotus, mace, conch shell, and discus in her four hands. Siddhidatri is the bestower of supernatural powers and blessings. Her worship is believed to grant success and fulfillment of desires.
Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and offer prayers to each of these Nine Devis during Navratri to seek their blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life. The worship of Navadurga symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the victory of divine forces over demonic forces. It is a celebration of the power and grace of the feminine energy in Hindu mythology.