Navratri Pooja: Worshipping the Nine Forms of Maa Durga.

Navratri in simple words means nine nights which has a significance of worshipping the various shapes of Goddess Duran worshippers cannot simply help but hold out a prayer ritual and pooja to appeal to her divine energy. As it is going to be nine nights ‘Navratri’, there is a different form of Durga that is worshipped on each day where every form of Durga enhances other aspects and powers of hers. Given below is a short guide on how you can carry out the Navratri pooja for all the nine days, invoking every form of Maa Durga as she has a separate form for each of the days:

Day 1: Shailaputri

The first day is dedicated to the worship of Shailaputri Devi. She is the epitome of purity and is the daughter born in the mountains, also known as Parvati.

Rituals: Use Cows or feed her the rotten fruits only, especially jasmine and saffron colour dresses are offered. Light a lamp, do Durga Saptshati and recall her for her power and capability to endure.

Color: White

Day 2: Brahmacharini

Brahmacharini Devi, divine energy, and focus can be called worshipped on the fourth day. She teachers the values of discipline, sacrifice as well knowledge for spiritual pursuits.

Rituals: Chant mantras, hold offerings of sugar and fruits, ‘Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah’ as Daughter of Brahma focuses blessings on wisdom and perseverance.

Color: Red

Day 3: Chandraghanta

The figure of Goddess Chandraghanta wears a silhouette of a warrior with a half-moon on her forehead. She embodies bravery and calmness.

Rituals: Offer milk items and desserts like kheer, invoke her in courage for the strength to withstand withering adversities.

Color: Royal Blue

Day 4: Kushmanda

The Mother Goddess Kushmanda is the very embodiment of creation and the origin of the primordial energy. She fills the Universe with warmth and positivity.

Rituals: Offer malpua or sweet dish made of pumpkin and recite khausha mantras for energy, vigour and creativity.

Color: Yellow

Day 5: Skandamata

Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), represents the nurturing aspect of motherhood Rituals: Offer bananas and flowers like marigold. Worship her for protection and to develop motherly instincts.

Color: Green 

 Day 6: Katyayani

 Goddess Katyayani is a fierce form of Durga, representing courage and destruction of evil. She is invoked for victory and power. Rituals: Offer honey, and chant for victory in all spheres of life. Katyayani is often worshiped by young girls for a good spouse

Color: Orange 

Day 7: Kaalratri 

Goddess Kaalratri is the most ferocious form, who removes ignorance and darkness. Rituals: Offer jaggery, and chant mantras to overcome fears and gain courage.

She is also known to destroy evil forces.

Color: White or Red 

Day 8: Mahagauri

Goddess Mahagauri symbolizes purity and peace. Her fair complexion and serene nature bring spiritual enlightenment and forgiveness. Rituals: Offer coconut or coconut sweets, and pray for purification of mind and body

Color: Pink 

Day 9: Siddhidatri

 Goddess Siddhidatri grants wisdom and supernatural powers (siddhis). She is the epitome of completeness and grants spiritual success. Rituals: Offer sesame seeds, and chant her mantra for achieving all desires and spiritual knowledge.

Color: Light Blue or Purple.