Navadurga: The 9 Divine Forms of Goddess Durga & Their Significance

📅 Worshipping Navadurga: 2026 Dates

For a comprehensive list of all major fasting days and auspicious muhurats, please visit our detailed Hindu Festival Calendar 2026.

*Dates based on Indian Standard Time (IST).

Navratri is not just a festival; it is a nine-night journey of the soul guided by the Navadurga (Nine Forms of Durga). Each form represents a unique stage of spiritual evolution, from the raw energy of nature to ultimate enlightenment.

According to the Devi Mahatmya, Maa Durga takes these nine forms to destroy specific demons and remove obstacles. Worshipping the Navadurga in the correct order is believed to grant the devotee health, wealth, power, and Moksha.

1. Maa Shailputri (First Form of Navadurga)

Mythology & Form

The name Shailputri literally translates to “Daughter of the Mountain.” As the first manifestation of Navadurga, she represents the absolute form of Mother Nature. After her self-immolation as Sati, the Goddess was reborn as the daughter of Hemavan, King of the Himalayas.

Iconography: She is depicted riding a white bull (Nandi). She holds a Trishul (Trident) in her right hand and a pink Lotus in her left. She wears a crescent moon on her forehead.

Spiritual Significance

Maa Shailputri governs the Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra). Worshiping her awakens the dormant spiritual energy (Kundalini) and provides stability.

2. Maa Brahmacharini (Second Form of Navadurga)

Mythology & Form

Brahmacharini means “One who practices devout austerity.” In this form of Navadurga, the Goddess performed severe penance (Tapasya) for thousands of years to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband.

Iconography: She walks barefoot, symbolizing simplicity and endurance. She holds a Japa Mala (Rosary) in her right hand and a Kamandalu (Water Pot) in her left.

Spiritual Significance

She governs the Swadhisthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra). Worshipping her grants the power to abstain from food and water during fasting.

3. Maa Chandraghanta (Third Form of Navadurga)

Mythology & Form

The third form of Navadurga is adorned with a half-moon (Chandra) shaped like a bell (Ghanta). She is the married form of Parvati, ready for war against demons.

Iconography: She has ten hands holding various weapons like the Trident, Sword, Mace, Bow, and Arrow. She rides a tigress and keeps her third eye open.

Spiritual Significance

She governs the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus). Her bell-like sound terrifies demons. Worshiping her eliminates all sins and instills bravery.

4. Maa Kushmanda (Fourth Form of Navadurga)

Mythology & Form

Maa Kushmanda is the creator of the “Cosmic Egg” (Universe). As a vital form of Navadurga, she resides in the core of the Sun and provides energy to the entire solar system.

Iconography: She has eight hands (Ashtabhuja) holding weapons and a jar of nectar (Amrit). She rides a lion and radiates a golden glow.

Spiritual Significance

She governs the Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra). Worshipping her improves health, wealth, and strength.

5. Maa Skandamata (Fifth Form of Navadurga)

Mythology & Form

She is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). In the lineage of Navadurga, she represents the motherly aspect of the Goddess. When devotees worship her, Lord Skanda in her lap is automatically worshipped.

Iconography: She sits on a lotus flower (Padmasana) and rides a lion. She has four arms; two hold lotuses, one holds the infant Kartikeya.

Spiritual Significance

She governs the Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra). Worshipping her purifies the heart and brings immense maternal bliss.

6. Maa Katyayani (Sixth Form of Navadurga)

Mythology & Form

Born to the Sage Katyaayan, she is the warrior form of Navadurga who eventually slew the demon Mahishasura. She is worshipped for courage and victory.

Iconography: She is depicted as a magnificent warrior Goddess riding a lion. She carries a long sword and a lotus flower.

Spiritual Significance

She governs the Ajna Chakra (Third Eye). She is worshipped for marriage and harmony in relationships.

7. Maa Kalaratri (Seventh Form of Navadurga)

Mythology & Form

This is the most terrifying form of Navadurga, manifested to destroy the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Kala means time/death and Ratri means night.

Iconography: She has a dark complexion, disheveled hair, and three eyes that shine like lightning. She rides a donkey and holds a cleaver.

Spiritual Significance

She governs the Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra). Despite her fearsome appearance, she is known as Shubhankari (One who does good).

8. Maa Mahagauri (Eighth Form of Navadurga)

Mythology & Form

After her severe penance, the Goddess turned dark, but Lord Shiva washed her with the holy Ganga, turning her radiant white. As the eighth form of Navadurga, she represents purity and calm.

Iconography: She wears pristine white clothes and rides a white bull. She holds a Trident and a Damaru (Drum).

Spiritual Significance

She represents the washing away of past sins. Worshipping her on Ashtami brings deep peace of mind.

9. Maa Siddhidatri (Ninth Form of Navadurga)

Mythology & Form

Siddhi means supernatural power and Datri means giver. As the final form of Navadurga, she grants the eight supernatural powers (Ashta Siddhis) to her devotees and even to Lord Shiva.

Iconography: She sits on a giant lotus flower or rides a lion. She has four hands holding a Mace, Discus, Conch, and Lotus.

Spiritual Significance

She is the final destination of the Navratri journey. She is worshipped by Devas, Gandharvas, Asuras, and Humans alike for ultimate realization.

Complete Your Navratri Sadhana

Performing a Chandi Homa or Durga Saptashati Path during Navratri amplifies the benefits of your fasting and prayers 1000-fold.

Book Experienced Pandit Ji Now