The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as ‘Skanda Mata’ – the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. Skanda is the leader of the army of Gods. Being the mother of powerful deity Kumar Karthikeya, She is
Maa Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. Mother Goddess created the whole universe in shape of an egg called “Anda” with her
The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta’, who is worshiped on the third day of Navaratri, for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a ‘chandra’ or half moon in her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called ‘Chandraghanta’. She is charming, has a golden
Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navaratri and is the second form of Mother Goddess. Brahmacharini means one who practices devout austerity. She enlightens us in the magnificent embodiment of Durga with great powers and divine grace. In one hand she carries a Rudraksha mala and in the other hand she carries
The festival of Navratri is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga known as the Navadurga. Devi Durga is the form of Shakti or the Infinite Power. It is believed that she manifested herself into nine divine forms collectively known as Navadurga or nine Durgas. The first day of the festival is dedicated to Goddess
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके । शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ Most auspicious of all auspicious, Parvati, Who fulfills all desires| Refuge of everything, Three-eyed, Devi(Parvati), Lakshmi, We salute you || This sloka from the scripture Devi Mahatmyam describes the powers of Great Mother Durga. Shri Devi Durga is mother of all powers and represents the
Pitru Paksha is a 16 day period in Hindu calendar when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors (Pitrs) through food offerings. Pitru Paksha literally means “fortnight of the ancestors” and follows the fortnight immediately after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. It begins on the first day of the fortnight (Padyami) ending with the new moon day
Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India. The festival is yearly celebrated over a period of two weeks across the nation. During this festival, an idol of Lord Ganesha is worshipped by following all the rituals. The duration of the festival may vary from one and half day to five
Janmashtami is a famous Hindu festival celebrated in the honor of Lord Krishna’s birthday. It is the day of reincarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Krishna. The festival is also popularly known as ‘Krishnashtami’ and ‘Gokul Ashtami’. As per the Hindu calendar, this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of
Vara MahaLakshmi Puja and Vrath is a popular ritual observed by married women in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Vara MahaLakshmi Vrath is a festival celebrated to appease goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. This festival falls in the holy month of Shravan on the first Friday before the Pournami
Maa Skandamata – Navratri Day 5
Maa Kushmanda – Navratri Day 4
Maa Chandraghanta – Navratri Day 3
Maa Brahmacharini – Navratri Day 2
Goddess Shailaputri – Navratri