Nine days, nine manifestations of Goddess Durga

One of the most popular and beloved Hindu holidays, Navaratri, will be honoured this year from 15 October to October 24 for nine days to honour nine distinct incarnations of the goddess Durga.

The name Navaratri translates to “nine nights” in Sanskrit; nava stands for “nine” and ratri for “nights.” An manifestation of the Goddess Durga is connected to each day.

Maa Durga and Mahishasura engaged in a ten-day battle. The tenth day, when Goddess Durga slew the demon ruler, is commemorated as Vijaya Dashami, signifying the triumph of good over evil. The idol of Goddess Durga is submerged in the Ganges’ sacred water on the last day. It’s referred to as Durga Visarjan. Worshippers march in procession before to the immersion as drums are being pounded, music is being sung, and dance is being performed. Vijayadashmi or Dusshra is the tenth day of the Hindu calendar. The name ‘Vijaya’ means triumph, hence the day commemorates Lord Rama’s victory against the ten-headed demon ruler.

According to the Puranas, there are three dimensions of Shakti, the feminine energy: Mahakali, which symbolises strength and power; Kali, which represents love and compassion; and Kali, which represents knowledge and wisdom.

Mahalakshmi is associated with prosperity, passion, and material well-being, whereas Mahasaraswati is associated with wisdom and disintegration.

The celebration of Navaratri lasts nine days because each day is linked with a different avatar of Goddess Durga. Here’s a more in-depth look at the importance of Navaratri’s nine days.

The first day of the festival is devoted to the mountain Goddess Shailputri.

On the second day, worshippers of Goddess Durga worship Brahmacharini, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati who embodies loyalty, intelligence, and knowledge.

On the third day of Navaratri, worshippers of Goddess Durga celebrate and worship Chandraghanta around the country. Goddess Parvati is revered as the goddess of forgiveness and peace in the form of Devi Chandraghanta.

On the fourth day, adoration is offered to Goddess Kushmanda, a joyful representation of Goddess Durga. She is thought to have created the cosmos..

On days five and six, worshippers offer prayers to the warrior Goddess Katyayani and Skandamata. While Goddess Katyayani, one of the deadliest manifestations of Durga, is recognised as the slayer of all evil, Goddess Skandamata is said to be the Goddess of love and motherhood.

On the seventh and eighth days of Navaratri, devotees worship Goddess Kaalratri, who is the remover of ignorance and darkness, and Mahagauri, who has the power to accomplish all of her devotees’ aspirations..

On the last day of Navaratri, worshippers worship Goddess Siddhidatri. The term Siddhi means “Perfection,” while Datri means “the one who gives or grants.” She is also known as the Goddess Lakshmi.

The nine-night fast is a popular way for believers to observe Navaratri. On the last day of the festival, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, the celebration comes to an end.