The festival which defines the power of a female is just some hours away. Every year we celebrate Goddess Durga's victory in which she defeated the demon Mahishasur, showing the world the power of a woman. Every year Goddess Durga's devotees celebrate four Navratri at a different time of the year by fasting. Like, Magha Navratri during the winter season, Chaitra Navratri during the Spring season, Ashadha Navratri during the Monsoon season, and the most important Sharad Navratri during The Autumn season. For 9 days on Shardiya Navratri people worship 9 Avatars of Goddess Durga while following their fast. Thus, here's some information on the avatars of the deity who is the embodiment of the female power.
Starting with the first avatar, Goddess Shailputri. Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the first day known as Pratipada, with the Kalash Sthapana. Goddess Shailputri is considered as the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Her form is portrayed with a lotus in her left and Trishula in her right hand while she is shown riding the bull.
On the second day also known as Dwitiya, Goddess Bhrahmacharini is worshipped as the second avatar of Durga. This form of Goddess Parvati represents calm and peace. As she gets into her unmarried form, portrayed as walking bare feet with Japmala and Kamandal in her hands. She is worshiped for freedom, peace, and prosperity.
The third depicts the worship of the Goddess Chandraghanta. As the name suggests, this third avatar of Goddess Parvati is based on her marriage with Lord Shiva after which she ornamented her forehead with a half-moon. She is worshipped for beauty and bravery.
On the Chaturthi (Fourth day), Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped. She is to have the power of creation. People worship her for her creation of vegetation on the earth.
Goddess Skandamata, the fifth avatar of Goddess Parvati is worshipped on the fifth day also known as the Panchami. She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya portrayed as carrying her baby, having four hands, and riding a lion. She is the embodiment of the strength of a mother.
Goddess Katyayani is worshipped as the sixth avatar of Goddess Parvati on the 6th day known as Shashti. She is the embodiment of the female power, portrayed as the warrior Goddess riding the lion and having four arms. This is the most violent and powerful form of Goddess Parvati as she incarnates the Durga form.
On the Saptami, Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped as the 7th avatar of Goddess Parvati. This form of Goddess Parvati is associated with the removal of her own fair skin by herself to kill the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha. This form is filled with rage as Goddess Kalaratri is portrayed as having red eyes, black skin, and wearing white attire.
On the Ashtami Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped as the 8th avatar of Goddess Parvati. She is the symbol of intelligence and peace. She is worshipped for peace and optimism.
The last avatar of Goddess Parvati, Siddhidatri is worshipped on the Navami the ninth and the last day of Navratri. She is the embodiment of Siddhi (Accomplishment), portrayed as sitting on a lotus and having four hands. She is worshipped for Siddhi.
These are the nine avatars of Goddess Durga that are worshipped by her devotees every year during Shardiya Navratri.
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Image source: Instagram/colours_of_navratri