According to a Hindu belief, Goddess Durga manifests in nine forms. During Navratri, worshipping these nine forms of Goddess Durga holds a special significance. Each manifestation of Goddess Durga is known by her respective name, governing planet, iconography and mantra for invocation. Following are the nine forms of Goddess Durga that are included in Nav Durga Yatra:
According to a legend described in Chapter 71 in Kashi Khand, Sage Agastya wanted to know from God Kartikeya, how Goddess got the name Durga. Lord Kartikeya narrated a story. Once a demon named Durgasur received special powers after performing rigorous penance for several years and he started torturing all the religious people. He got several worlds (Bhoolok, Swarglok etc.) under his control and created a chaos all over. Seeking a solution to this, all gods and human approached Lord Shiva and asked for almighty’s help. Lord Shiva was aware of the powers of Durgasur and the fact that he is blessed with a boon according to which he cannot be killed by a man. So, Lord Shiva requested Goddess Parvati for the solution. Therefore, Goddess sent her emissary, Goddess Kalratri, along with few other ladies to warn Durgasur and ask him to refrain from tormenting religious people and should return them to their land and go elsewhere otherwise Devi Parvati would certainly slay him. With utter arrogance, Durgasur asked his warriors to capture Goddess Kalratri and imprison her. When the warriors approached her, Goddess Kalratri exhaled jets of fire balls with a roar by which thousands of the warriors were killed. After that, Goddess Kalratri flew to Vindhyanchal mountains where Goddess was residing and narrated the whole incident to her. Soon Durgasur followed Goddess Kalratri to the place where Goddess Adishakti was residing and a fierce war ensued in which Goddess Adishakti divided her powers and took various divine forms to kill the demon. Goddess slaughtered the demon and his army with her supreme powers. Since then, on account of slaying Durgasur, Goddess was known as Goddess Durga.
The first day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the first form of Goddess Durga that is Goddess Shailputri. On this day worshipping Goddess Shailputri holds utmost importance. According to a belief, this form of Goddess Durga was married to Lord Shiva.
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The second day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the second form of Goddess Durga that is Goddess Brahmacharini. By worshipping her, qualities like penance, sacrifice, freedom from worldly desires, discipline, self-control etc. are believed to be developed in devotees.
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The third day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the third form of Goddess Durga that is Goddess Chandraghanta. This form of Goddess Durga is known as Chandraghanta as she has a bell shaped crescent on her forehead. Inspite of her warrior attitude, Goddess Chandraghanta presents a mild, prosperous and peaceful form to her devotees.
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On fourth day of Shardiya Navratri worshipping Goddess Kushmanda holds utmost importance. It is believed that Goddess Kushmanda improves health and bestows wealth and strength to her devotees.
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The fifth day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the fifth form of Goddess Durga that is Goddess Skandamata. It is believed that by worshipping her all the desires of the devotees are fulfilled, they get peace and happiness and easily attain salvation.
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The sixth day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the sixth form of Goddess Durga that is Goddess Katyayani. It is believed that by worshipping her devotees are freed from all sorts of grief and fear.
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On seventh day of Shardiya Navratri seventh form of Goddess Durga that is Goddess Kalratri is worshipped. According to a belief, body of Goddess Kalratri is depicted as pitch black skinned just like darkness, her hair disbanded, she wears a skull garland around her neck which shines like lightning.
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According to Purans, Goddess Annapurna established in old Kashi Vishwanath temple is known as Goddess Mahagauri. She is eigth form of Goddess Durga. It is believed that by worshipping Goddess Mahagauri, devotees can get rid of their sins and attains divine achievements.
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On ninth day of Shardiya Navratri ninth form of Goddess Durga that is Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped. It is believed that Goddess Siddhidatri grants all sorts of siddhis to her devotees.
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