As the time of festivities start, let us know about the significance of Navratri and the nine incarnation of Maa Durga. These nine days have a major significance in the Hindu festivals as it signifies the triumph of good over evil.
It is believed that Maa Durga leaves her holy heavenly abode and comes on this Earth to be with her devotees and bless them for a fruitful year ahead.
The 9 Incarnations Of Maa Durga
Shailaputri: This incarnation of Maa Durga is known as the daughter of the mountains. She is worshiped in this form on the first day of Navratri. The colour for this day is white, it symbolizes peace and purity. On this day, a pot filled with water is placed on a bed of grains.
Brahmacharini: This form of Maa Durga represents penance and austerity. Red is the colour for the day and it represents health and passion. The Goddess is generally offered red flowers on this day.
Chandraghanta: This besa of Maa Durga represents her bravery and courage. It shows her power to conquer the world. The colour for this day is royal blue and it signifies emotional balance and stability.
Kushmanda: Here the Mother Goddess is in the form of the creator of the universe. She represents life on the Earth in this form. Yellow is the colour of this day and it signifies joy and enthusiasm.
Skandamata: In the mother of Skanda, also known as Kartikeya, the commander of the gods. She is shown holding her infant son on her lap while seated on a lotus. This day celebrates the power of motherhood and prosperity. Green is the colour of this day it represents nature and prosperity.
Katyayani: Born to the sage Katyayan, she is a fierce form of Durga. Durga is seen riding a lion with a sword raised. She is in the form that strikes down Mahishasura. This day asks for strength and the courage to face hardships. Grey is the colour for this day.
Kaalratri: Goddess Durga is in the most fierce form on this day representing destruction. She is also called Shubhankari on this day as the one who does good. She rides a donkey and burns away fear, ignorance and negativity. Orange is what she wears as it symbolizes fervor and enthusiasm
Mahagauri: This incarnation of the Goddess symbolizes purity and cleanliness. She is seated on a bull with a trishul and a damaru. She is in a much gentler form in this besa. Maa is seen wearing peacock green, a sublime color for the eighth day.
Siddhidatri: In this form Durga grants wisdom and insight. She wears pink on this day combining the energy of red and the stability of blue. In this form, even the gods are said to have received their powers from her.
The tenth day is Vijayadashami, or Dussehra. It is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. Each night of the war is honoured as one form of the goddess, which is how the significance of Navratri came to have its nine sacred nights.
