- By Kashish Rai
- Sun, 07 Apr 2024 05:12 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chaitra Navratri are all set to begin on 9th April 2024 which will go on till 17th April 2024. 'Navratri' means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit. People fast and pray specifically to the "Nine Forms of Maa Durga" on these nine nights. Goddess Parvati took on the form of Goddess Durga.
Let us check out the significance of the 9 forms of goddess Durga and know which special bhog must be offered to each of the 9 incarnations of Mata Rani.
Chaitra Navratri 2024: Significance Of 9 Forms Of Goddess Durga
1. Goddess Shailputri
The first manifestation of Goddess Durga is Goddess Shailputri. She rides a bull named Nandi and carries a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other. Goddess Parvati is also known as Shailputri since she was born the daughter of the Himalaya, and the Sanskrit word "shail" signifies mountain.
Bhog For Mata Shailputri - Devotees must offer sweets made of desi ghee and milk to goddess Shailputri.
2. Goddess Brahmacharini
The goddess Brahmacharini is honoured on the second day of Navratri. The goddess holds a sacred Kamandalu in one hand and a rudraksha mala in the other as she goes barefoot. This goddess' meditative form represents Goddess Parvati during her period of intense meditation performed to appease Lord Shiva.
Bhog For Mata Brahmacharini - Devotees must offer sugar to Mata Brahmacharini as bhog to accumulate great good fortune.
3. Goddess Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta is honoured on the third day of Navratri. Chandraghanta is the name of a fearsome goddess with ten arms and a crescent moon on her forehead. She destroys all evil and wickedness by riding a tiger.
Bhog For Mata Chandraghanta - Devotees must offer kheer as bhog to Mata Chandraghanta.
9 incarnations of goddess Durga is worshipped on each of the 9 days of Navratri. (Image Source: Canva)
4. Goddess Kushmanda
Devi Kushmanda is worshipped on Chaturthi, or the fourth day of Navratri. The three words that make up the name Kushmanda are 'Ku' (small), 'Ushma' (warmth or energy), and 'Anda' (egg), which signifies the creator of the universe.
Bhog For Mata Kushmanda - Devotees must offer Malpua as bhog to Mata Kushmanda to accumulate good fortune.
5. Goddess Skandmata
Panchami is another name for the goddess Skandmata, who is worshipped on the fifth day. Skandmata is a four-armed goddess who holds a bell and a sacred Kamandalu in two of her arms while carrying a lotus in the other two. Additionally, she always has a small Kartikay on her lap; as a result, Kartikay goes by Skanda. The goddess is seated on a beautiful lotus.
Bhog For Mata Skandmata - Devotees must offer bananas to goddess Skandmata.
6. Goddess Katyayni
The goddess Katyayani, a manifestation of Shakti, is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. One of the most aggressive incarnations of Goddess Parvati is Katyayani, also referred to as the warrior goddess. She is holding a sword and has four arms. Riding on a lion, she is the daughter of Sage Katyayan.
Bhog For Mata Katyayni - Devotees should offer honey to Mata Katyayni.
7. Mata Kaalratri
The goddess Kaalratri is worshipped on Saptami, or the seventh day of Navratri. It is believed that she donned a black complexion and sacrificed her skin tone in order to defeat demons. She is a four-armed goddess who holds a sword, trident, and noose in addition to riding a donkey. It is said that the third eye, which is located on her forehead, holds the entire cosmos.
Bhog For Mata Kaalratri - Devotees must offer Jaggery to Mata Kaalratri as bhog.
8. Goddess Mahagauri
The eighth day of Navratri, or Durga Asthami, are devoted to the goddess Mahagauri. She is a four-armed goddess who travels on either a white elephant or a bull. In her palms, she holds a damru and a Trishul.
Bhog For Goddess Mahagauri - Devotees must offer coconut as bhog to goddess Mahagauri.
9. Mata Siddhidatri
Goddess Siddhidhatri is associated with the ninth and last day of Navratri. She appears as a four-armed goddess sitting on a lotus, her hands holding a book, a discus, a mace, and a lotus. This manifestation of Durga represents perfection.
Bhog For Mata Siddhidatri - Devotees must offer sesame seeds to Mata Siddhidatri.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)