Navratri is one of the most-awaited and widely celebrated festivals in India. <br />Goddess Durga is worshipped through these nine days. Navratri holds great importance in the Hindu religion. Each day is dedicated to worshipping a manifestation of the Goddess.<br /><br />There are nine forms of Goddess Durga that are worshiped with nine different prasads or bhog. Here are the nine forms of Goddess Durga:<br /><br />1. Goddess Shailputri<br /><br />Goddess Shailputri is the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. She holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other and rides a bull called Nandi. Goddess Parvati was born as the daughter of Himalaya and in Sanskrit, Shail means the mountain, thus she is known as Shailputri.<br /><br />2. Goddess Brahmacharini<br /><br />The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini. The goddess holds a rudraksh mala in one hand and a sacred Kamandalu in the other. The meditative form of this goddess symbolises Goddess Parvati when she engaged in her deep meditation.<br /><br /><br />3. Goddess Chandraghanta<br /><br />The third day of Navratri is of Goddess Chandraghanta. She is a 10-armed goddess with a crescent moon on her forehead, which gives her the name Chandraghanta.<br /><br />4. Goddess Kushmanda<br /><br />Chaturthi or the fourth day of Navratri is of Devi Kushmanda. The name Kushmanda is derived from three words - ‘Ku’ (little), ‘Ushma’ (warmth or energy) and ‘Amnda’ (egg), which means the creator of the universe.<br /><br />5. Goddess Skandmata<br /><br />Goddess Skandmata who is worshipped on the fifth day is also known as Panchami. Skandmata is a four-armed deity, who carries a lotus in two of her arms with a sacred Kamandalu and a bell in the other two. She also carries a little Kartikay on her lap and because of this Kartikay is also known as Skanda. She is seated on a lotus.<br /><br />6. Goddess Katyayani<br /><br />The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, who is a form of Shakti. Also known as the warrior goddess, Katyayani is considered as one of the most violent forms of Goddess Parvati. She has four arms and carrying a sword. She is the daughter of Sage Katyayan and rides a lion<br /><br /><br />7. Goddess Kaalratri<br /><br />Saptami or the seventh day of Navratri is of Goddess Kaalratri. As per legends she sacrificed her skin colour and embraced a dark complexion to kill demons. She is a four-armed deity who rides a donkey, carries a sword, a trident, and a noose. She has a third eye on her forehead that is believed to contain the entire universe.<br /><br />8. Goddess Mahagauri<br /><br />Durga Asthami or the eight-day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. She is a four-armed deity who rides on a bull or a white elephant. She carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands.<br /><br />9. Goddess Siddhidatri<br /><br />The ninth or the final day of Navratri is of Goddess Siddhidhatri. She is projected as a four-armed deity sitting on a lotus, holding a mace, discus and a book and lotus in her hands. This form of Goddess Durga signifies perfection
