Navratri” or 9 Divine nights are dedicated in the worship of DurgaNavratriwho is known to remove sufferings and troubles in life.
According to the beliefs, it is the only because of energy of MaaDurga,the continuous cycle of creation, conservation, and demolition of the universe.
There are 5 different types of Navratri that falls across the year out of which 2 are main Navratris while remaining 3 are ‘gupt’ or hidden Navratris.
Sharad Navratri is the widely celebrated Navratri which is popularly also called as ‘Garba Navratri’, as the traditional dance Garba is played on this Navratri in the state of Gujarat.
Last day of Navratri is celebrated Dussehra. It is on this day that Lord Ram conquered the Demon King Ravana.
In West Bengal ‘Durga Puja’ is celebrated during the last four days of SharadNavratri with zeal and enthusiasm.
In North, Ram-Leela takes place, in which the story of Lord Ram is played which ends with the death of Ravana on the 10th day.
The nine forms of Shakti that are worshiped during SharadaNavratri are:
Durga
Bhadrakali
Amba/Jagdamba
Annapoorna Devi
Sarvamangala
Bhairavi
Chandika/Chandi
Lalita
Bhavani
Mookambika
Take a look at the dates & days of Sharada Navratri 2015.
1. Goddess Shailputri
Navratri commences with worship of Goddess Shailputri, also called Goddess Parvati. She got the name Shailputri as she was the daughter of Himalayan King hence Shail- Himalaya; Putri- Daughter. The goddess is the first form of Durga and rides on a bull with a trident and lotus in her hands.
As bhog or prashad- Ghee is offered to the Goddess and the colour that devotees and also the goddess wear is Red.
2. Maa Brahmacharini
Goddess Brahmacharini signifies love, affection and loyalty and is considered the store-house of wisdom and knowledge. MaaBrahmachariniholds a rosary and Kumbha (water pot) in her hands. Her sacred ornaments are the beads of Rudraksha.
Sugar is offered as bhog or prashad to MaaBrahmacharini and the colour associated with mother is .Royal Blue
3. Devi Chandraghanta
The goddess has a half- circular moon on her forehead and colored look and 3 eyes and 10 hands, MaaChandraghanta is the goddess of peace and tranquility.
Any sweet prepared from milk is offered to the goddess and the colourwhite is associated with the Mother while yellow is adorned by devotees.
4. Goddess Kushmanda
MaaKushmanda resides in BhimaParvat and shines as the aura of sun. Having 8 arms, she rides on a Tiger.
Malpua is generally offered as bhog and mother is associated with the colour Red and devotees wear the colour Green.
5. Skanda Mata:
Skanda Mata rides on a lion and sits with her son. She is considered as Ocean of Knowledge.
Banana is offered as bhog to mother goddess and she is adorned in a blur saree and devotees wear grey.
6. Maa Katyayani
MaaKatyayani blesses the women with husband of their wish and choice and women and Mother goddess blesses women whose marriage is getting delayed. Devi Katyayani gives strength and ability to overcome fears, diseases and miseries of life.
Honey is given as bhog to the mother goddess and the colour that goddess is associated with the colour Yellow and devotees wear Orange. This day is celebrated as MahaShasti.
7. Maa Kaalratri
MaaKalratri is the destroyer of ignorance and the enemy of darkness with a dark appearance in blue Mother goddess rides a donkey as her vehicle.
Jaggery is offered as bhog on this day and the mother goddess is adorned in Green Saree and devotees arr dressed in White
8. Maha Gauri
MaaMaha Gauri shines as bright as Moon and is Mother of compassion and peace. Riding on a bull, MahaGauri holds a trident and drum in her hands.
Coconut is offered as bhog to the mother goddess and MaaGauri is dressed in White and on this day MaaSaraswatipooja is also done.
9. Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri is the Goddess who gives Shakti (power) to lord Shiva. It is because of her gratitude only that the lord became Ardhanarishvara (half men and half women).
Til seeds/Sesame seeds are offered as bhog and the colour associated with the goddess is dressed in Purple.
By:Archa Dave
