9 Goddess Secret Forms Of Maa Durga
Navratri is an important Hindu festival celebrated twice a year in India. Each form of Navratri is unique and holds deep significance. But do you know the nine secrets of these nine goddesses, as revealed by Lord Brahma himself?
The festival of Navratri is a sacred time to worship Shakti and the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This grand festival, which occurs twice a year, symbolizes not only worship but also spiritual practice, self-purification, and new beginnings. Both Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri coincide with the transitional seasons and transitional periods, which are given special significance in the scriptures. Goddess Durga is considered the Adi Shakti, the Mother of the Universe, and the giver of all accomplishments. She incarnated in various forms from time to time to destroy unrighteousness and protect righteousness. Brahma described nine secret forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurga. Worshiping them bestows both material and spiritual accomplishments upon the devotee.
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Relationship between Navratri and New Year
The beginning of Chaitra Navratri marks the start of the Hindu New Year, Vikram Samvat. This day not only brings a new year but also symbolizes the coronation of an ideal ruler, King Vikramaditya, whose greatness is depicted in stories like Singhasan Battisi. Similarly, Chaitra Navratri concludes with Ram Navami, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. The second Navratri falls in the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month, followed by the festival of Vijayadashami. According to astrology, the calculation of the constellations begins with Ashwin, making it the first month of the astrological year. Thus, both Navratri festivals are associated with new beginnings and positive energy. There is a gap of six months between them, dividing the year into two parts.
Importance of transition period and spiritual practice
The time of Navratri is the transition period, when one season ends and another begins. This time is considered very special for worship and spiritual practice. Just as morning and evening are auspicious for prayers, these nine days have been chosen for special spiritual practices. This is a time when you can worship Shakti individually and collectively. The story of Durga’s incarnation is also associated with the festival of Navratri. It is believed that the current era is a transition period, meaning the end of one era and the beginning of another, where collective strength is needed to overcome problems.
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Maa Durga: The Many Forms of the Primordial Power
Goddess Durga is worshipped as Adi Shakti and Jaganmata. She is the primary deity of the Shakti sect, but is also worshipped by Vaishnavism and Shaivism. All incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi, Tara, Saraswati, Uma, Gauri, Chandika, Kali, and Chamunda are manifestations of this Adi Shakti. The nine forms of Goddess Durga, described in the Kavach of Durga Saptashati, were revealed by Lord Brahma himself. Let us learn about these nine goddesses and the mysteries associated with them.
Shailputri: Daughter of the Himalayas. The king of the mountains, Himalaya, performed penance and prayed for her to be his daughter. When the goddess was born, both Himalaya and his wife were overjoyed, and she was therefore called Shailputri.
Brahmacharini: Brahma means penance and Charini means one who practices it. This goddess performs severe penance to attain Sachchidananda (truth, consciousness, bliss), hence she is called Brahmacharini.
Chandraghanta: She has a bell-shaped crescent moon on her forehead, symbolizing purity and peace. This posture removes fear from the lives of devotees.
Kushmanda: Remover of evil. This goddess removes the sorrows and sufferings of her devotees.
Skandamata: Skanda means the mother of Lord Kartikeya. When Lord Kartikeya was born, this goddess was appointed to take care of him, hence she is known as Skandamata.
Katyayani: Daughter of the sage Katyayana. Pleased with the sage’s penance, the goddess was born as his daughter, giving her the name Katyayani.
Kaalratri: Kaal means death and Raatri means darkness. This goddess eliminates all evils, negative energy, and the fear of death, hence she is called Kaalratri.
Mahagauri: When Lord Shiva jokingly called her “Kali,” her complexion turned black. She then performed severe penance and regained her fair complexion, thus becoming known as Mahagauri.
Siddhidatri: This goddess bestows all kinds of accomplishments. Worshiping her brings success in all areas and accomplishments.
These nine forms represent every aspect of life and inspire us to follow the right path. The festival of Navratri is an occasion to worship these nine powers, recognizing our inner strength and conveying the message of good triumphing over evil.
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