Navratri Special: Know the Nine forms of Goddess Durga

The Indian festival of Navratri is celebrated to express their devotion to the goddess of power, Durga. It marks the beginning of the New Year as per the Hindu luni-solar calendar. Hindus undertake nine days of fasting believed to help keep the mind and body pure. People worship of the goddess Durga continues for nine days. Each day, a different form of the goddess is worshiped. Here’s a look at the nine different forms of Goddess Durga:

The first day is the day of Shailaputri Devi. Shailaputri literally means the daughter putri of the mountains shaila. Color to wear this day is Yellow.

The second day is the day of Bharmachirini. Bharmacharini means one who practices devout austerity. The color to wear on the second day is Green.

Ma Chandraghanta, who is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri, for peace and prosperity in life, has a chandra' or half moon on her forehead in the shape of a bell. The color to wear on the third day is Grey.

Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. Often she is depicted as having eight or ten hands. The color to wear on the fourth day is Orange.

The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as Skanda Mata' the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in the war against demons. The color to wear on the fifth day is Orange.

The sixth form of Mother Durga is known as Katyayani , who is worshipped on the six day of Navaratri. Katyayani was born to Kata as an avatar of Durga. The color to wear on the sixth day is Red.

Kaalraatri is the seventh form of Mother Durga. She has three eyes that shine bright and terrible flames emanate from her breath. She holds a sparkling sword in her right hand to battle all evil. The color to wear on the seventh day is Blue.

Maha Gauri is the eight form of Durga Maa. Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm. The color to wear on the seventh day is Blue.

Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess Durga. She blesses all Gods, saints, yogis, tantrics and all devotees as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess. The color to wear on the seventh day is Purple.