Nine Forms Of Maa Durga

Durga Mata is the incarnation of the Divine Mother of the universe. She is the eternal warrior figure, born to destroy the demon, Mahisasura who unleashed his terror upon the world. 'Maa Durga' is the embodiment of feminine power. She is also referred to as the eternal 'Shakti'. 'Durga Maa' is popularly worshipped during 'Navaratri' and Durga Puja. It is believed, worshipping Durga, protects the devotees from all miseries and evils. 

Shailputri

The first form of Durga, 'Shailputri', is the Daughter of the Himalaya Mountain. She is the quintessence of Mother Nature and is also referred to as 'Sati', the wife of Lord Shiva.

Brahmacharini

The second form of Goddess Durga is called 'Brahmacharini'. Her name is derived from the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace.Goddess Parvati is just another form of Brahmacharini. She is depicted as a 'Devi', holding a rosary in her right hand and a 'Kamandal' on her left.

Chandraghanta

The third form of Goddess Durga, referred to as Chandraghanta, represents bravery.She has a half-circular moon in her forehead, hence the name 'Chandraghanta'. With three eyes, she is golden in color. Ten types of weapons, including sword and arrows are held by her ten hands. Seated on a lion, she is always ready to go to war. 

Kushmanda

Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, resides in solar systems. It is believed that Kushmanda is the creator of the entire Universe.

Skanda Mata

'Skanda Mata' is the fifth form of Durga. She is accompanied by her infant son 'Skanda' or 'Karthikeya', who is the commander in chief of Gods in battle against demons.

Katyayani

'Katyayani' was the sixth form of Goddess Durga. The Rishi pined for a daughter in the form of a Goddess, which Durga graciously granted. As a result, Goddess Katyayani was born to the great Rishi 'Kata'. 

Kalratri

The seventh form of Goddess Durga is popularly known as 'Kalratri'.She is personified as the deity of power, with large eyes and fire that is breathed by her. Kalratri is also referred to as Shubhamkari, as she makes her devotees fearless. She has four hands, with a sharp sword in her left hand and a burning torch in her lower left hand, her lower and upper right hand that shows blessings. 

Maha Gauri

'Maha Gauri' is the eighth form of Goddess Durga. She got this name when Lord Shiva cleansed her with water from the Ganges. 

Siddhidatri

The ninth form of 'Durga Maa' seated on the lotus, is worshipped by all, including the Gods. She was blessed with supernatural powers (Siddhis) - 'Mahima', 'Laghima', 'Prakamya', 'Anima', 'Prapti', 'Garima', 'Vashitva' and 'Lishitya'.