 |
Maa Durga |
Nava – that also means 'new' –
denotes 'nine' the number to which sages attach special significance. Hence, we
have Nava-rari (9 nights), and Nava-Durga (9 appellations).
Here is a slide show of the 9
manifestations of Goddess Durga, Each goddess has a different form and a
special significance. Nava Durga, if worshipped with religious fervor during
Navaratri, it is believed, lift the divine spirit in us and fill us with renewed
happiness.
All the nine names of goddess are
narrated in ''DEVI Kavacha' of the 'CHandipatha' scripture. Learn about the
nine goddesses in the following slides that include beautiful watercolor
paintings of each appellation.
Shailaputri
Shailaputri literally means the
daughter (putri) of the mountains (shaila). VARIOUSly known as SATI Bhavani,
Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Hemavana – the king of the Himalayas, she
is the first among Navadurgas. Her worship takes place on the first day of Navaratri
– the nine divine nights. The embodiment of the power of BRAHMA< Vishnu and
Shiva, she rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus in her two hands.
Bharmacharini
She is worshipped on the second day of Navaratri and is the
second form of Mother Goddess. Bharmacharini means one who practices devout
austerity. She enlightens us in the magnificent embodiment of Durga with great powers and divine grace. She
holds a rosary in her right hand and a water utensil in her left hand. She is
blissful and endows happiness, peace, prosperity and grace upon all devotees
who worship her. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to
emancipation – Moksha.
Chandra Ghanta
The third facet of Goddess Durga is
'Chandraghanta', who is worshipped 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 bright complexion and rides a
lion. She has ten hands, three eyes and holds weapons in her hands. She is the
apostle of braery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against
demons.
Kushmanda
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.' So she is considered the creator of the universe.
The universe was no more than a void full of darkness, until her light spreads
in all directions like rays from the sun. often she is depicted as having eight
or ten hands. She holds weapons, glitter, rosary, etc., in her hands, and she
rides a lion.
Skanda Mata
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. She
is worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri. She is accompanied by the Lord
Skanda in his infant form. Skanda Mata has four arms and three eyes, holds the
infant Skanda in her right upper arm and a lotus in her right hand which is
slightly raised upwards. The left arm is in pose to grant boons with grace and
in left lower hand which is raised also holds a lotus. She has a bright
complexion and often depicted as seated on a lotus.
Katyayani
The sixth form of Mother Durga is
known as 'Katyayani', who is worshipped on the six day of Navaratri. The legend
behind her name goes thus. Once upon a time, there was a great sage called
Kata, who had a son named Katya. Kata was very famous and renowned in the
lineage of saints. He underwent long austerities and penance in order to
receive the grace of the Mother Goddess. He wished to have a daughter in the
form of a goddess. According to his wish and desire the Mother Goddess granted
his request. Katyayani was born to Kata as an avatar of Durga.
Kaal Ratri
This is the seventh form of Mother
Durga and is worshipped on the seventh day of Navarratri. She has a dark
complexion, disheveled hair and a fearlessness posture. A necklace flashing
lightning adorns her neck. She has three eyes that shine bright and terrible
flames emanate from her breath. Her vehicle is the donkey. Her raised right
hand always seems to grant boons to all worshippers and all her right lower
hand is in the pose of allaying fears. Her left upper hand holds a thorn-like
weapon, made of iron and there is a dragger in the lower left hand. She is
black like Goddess Kali and holds a sparkling sword in her right hand battle
all evil. Her gesture of porotection assures us of freedom from fear and
troubles. So she is also known as 'Shubhamkari' – one who does good.
Maha Gauri
She is worshipped on the eight day of
Navaratri her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. As a result of her
worship, all sins of past, present and future get washed away and devotees get
purified in all aspects of life. Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm.
Due to her long austerities in the deep forests of the Himalayas, she developed
a dark complexion. When Lord Shiva cleaned her with the water of the Ganges,
her body regained its beauty and she came to be known as Maha Gauri, which mean
extremely white. She wears white clothes, has four arms, and rides on a bull.
Her right hand is in the pose of allaying fear and her right lower hand holds a
trident. The left upper hand holds a 'damaru' (a small rattle drum) and the
lower one is in the pose of granting boons to her devotees.
Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri is the ninthform of
Goddess. She is worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri. Siddhidatri has
supernatural healing powers. She has four arms and she is always in a blissful
happy enchanting pose. She rides on the lion as her vehicle. She blesses all
Gods, saints, yogis, tantrics and all devotees as a manifestation of the Mother
Goddess. In 'Devi Bhagvata Purana' it is mentioned that Lord Shiva worshipped
her and was blessed with all Siddhis (supernatural powers). By her blessings
his half body became female and other half body male in the avatar of
Ardhnarishvra.
-------
Parvati Sloka
"Sarva Mangala Maangalye, Shive
Sarvaartha Saadhike
Sharanye Tryambake Gaurii,
Naaraayanii Namostute"
Comments