Navratri (नवरात्रि), Dussehra (दशहरा)
Navratri (नवरात्रि), Dussehra (दशहरा)
Shailaputri is revered as the *first form of Goddess Durga*, worshipped on the inaugural day of Navratri. Her name is derived from the Sanskrit words Shail (mountain) and Putri (daughter). According to Hindu mythology, Shailaputri is an incarnation of Devi Sati, the daughter of King Daksha Prajapati. In her rebirth, she was born to King Himavat, the ruler of the Himalayas, and became known as Shailaputri. Also referred to as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, she embodies the combined powers of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Depicted riding a bull, she holds a trident and a lotus, symbolizing strength and purity. As the personification of nature, Shailaputri represents the Muladhara (root) chakra, which governs stability, security and grounding in spiritual practices. Being the ruler of the Moon, worshipping Maa Shailaputri is believed to remove the adverse effects of the Moon, bringing peace and harmony. Jai Maa Shailaputri! -
On the second day of Navratri, devotees worship the Goddess Brahmacharini, a symbol of power, determination, and devotion. The name “Brahmacharini” refers to a dedicated female student living in an Ashrama with her Guru. This form of Parvati, dressed in white, holds a japamala in her right hand and a kamandalu in her left, embodying simplicity and patience. Her unwavering penance (Tapas) for 5000 years to win Lord Shiva's heart amazed the Gods. Known as Tapascharini, she teaches us perseverance in the pursuit of our goals, regardless of time or obstacles. She governs the "sacral chakra", which enhances creativity and emotional balance. May her blessings fill our life with love, wisdom and strength. Jai Maa Brahmacharini!
Maa Chandraghanta, a divine form of Goddess Parvati, is revered on the third day of Navratri. Known for her tranquility, purity and strength, she adorns a bell-shaped half-moon on her forehead. Her name reflects this powerful symbol. Depicted with ten hands, she wields weapons like the trishul, sword, gada and bow, while two hands offer blessings and protection. Her ever-open third eye signifies vigilance and her readiness to fight evil. The resounding chime of her bell is said to ward off spirits and destroy negativity. As the goddess of the *Manipura Chakra*, she governs justice, discipline and courage. May Maa Chandraghanta bless us all with inner strength, peace and protection.
पिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चन्दकोपास्त्रैर्युता प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता ॥
On the fourth day of Navaratri, devotees worship Goddess "Kushmanda", believed to bring health, wealth and strength. Known as Ashtabhuja Devi for her eight hands, she is revered for her power to grant Siddhis (spiritual powers) and Niddhis (worldly treasures) through her divine Jap Mala. With a mere smile, it is said she created the entire universe, or Brahmanda. Her association with the white pumpkin (Kushmanda) further ties her to creation. Residing in the heart chakra (Anahata), she symbolizes compassion and strength. Kushmanda rides a lion, holding powerful weapons, yet her hand in abhayamudra offers blessings of fearlessness. Her radiance is said to empower the Sun. May Maa Kushmanda bless all with vitality, prosperity and courage.
On the fifth day of Navratri, "Skandamata", the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), is worshipped with deep devotion. Her name signifies her role as the nurturing mother of the war god. Depicted riding a majestic lion, she holds her son Kartikeya in her lap, symbolizing protection and strength. Skandamata has four arms - two holding lotus flowers, one carrying her son, and the fourth bestowing blessings upon her devotees. Praying to her with a pure heart is said to grant wisdom, prosperity and peace. She is closely associated with the heart chakra, representing love, compassion and understanding, and her blessings are believed to lead devotees toward happiness and even moksha, the ultimate liberation. May Skandamata’s grace fill our life with wisdom and boundless joy! सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
The sixth of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, the fierce and warrior-like form of Goddess Durga. Also revered as Mahishasurmardini, she is celebrated for her triumph over the demon king Mahishasura, embodying the divine power to vanquish evil. Her incarnation came from the intense penance of Rishi Katyayan by the river Kaushiki, who accepted her as his daughter, hence the name Katyayani. According to the Vamana Purana, the gods themselves created Maa Katyayani to defeat Mahishasura. As the sixth of the Navadurgas, she represents wisdom, peace and strength, and her presence is linked to the planet Brihaspati. Governing the Ajna Chakra, she enhances mental clarity and inner power. Devotees offer honey as prasad, symbolizing purity and sweetness. May her divine grace guide and protect you always. चंद्र हासोज्ज वलकरा शार्दूलवर वाहना। कात्यायनी शुभंदद्या देवी दानव घातिनी॥
Kalaratri Devi, the fierce form of Goddess Durga, is revered on the 7th day of Navratri. It is believed that Parvati, in her quest to slay the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, removed her golden skin and assumed the form of Kalaratri. Her dark complexion represents the ignorance she dispels with wisdom and truth. Kalaratri is depicted with wild, flowing hair, a powerful form, and a fearsome expression. She has 4 arms: 2 of them hold a cleaver and a torch, while the other 2 bestow blessings and protection. Her 3 fiery eyes glow like lightning, and flames shoot from her nostrils, symbolizing her immense power. She rides a donkey, the humblest of animals, reminding devotees of the need to protect all creatures. Associated with the crown chakra, Kalaratri is believed to bestow siddhis and nidhis upon her worshippers. She is honoured with offerings of hibiscus and night jasmine, as well as sweets like malpua and jaggery. ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चै ऊं कालरात्रि दैव्ये नमः।
Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri, symbolizing purity, transformation and inner strength. The story of Mahagauri recounts how Goddess Parvati, after undergoing severe penance to win Lord Shiva’s affection, became dark-skinned due to the intensity of her austerities. Seeking to regain her original radiance, she prayed to Brahma, who advised her to bathe in the holy waters of the Ganga. Emerging with a luminous, fair complexion, she was named Mahagauri, meaning "extremely fair". She rides a white bull, dressed in white, holding a trident, lotus and drum, while her fourth hand offers blessings. Devotees revere her as a symbol of purity and grace, offering coconut and Night Blooming Jasmine. May Maa Mahagauri bless us with peace, strength and unwavering grace. श्वेते वृषे समारुढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः। महागौरी शुभं दघान्महादेवप्रमोददा॥
Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth and final form of Navadurga, is revered on the concluding day of Navratri. Her name, "Siddhidatri," signifies the "bestower of supernatural powers" and "giver of spiritual wisdom." She is portrayed seated on a fully bloomed lotus, symbolizing purity and enlightenment, with four hands holding a chakra (discus), shankh (conch shell), mace and lotus. In some depictions, celestial beings like Gandharvas, Yakshas, Siddhas, Asuras and Devas pay homage to her divine presence. Devotees offer white flowers, fruits, kheer, puri, chana, coconut and halwa as part of their worship. Maa Siddhidatri is believed to bless her devotees with spiritual fulfillment, success in endeavors and the attainment of all siddhis. May Maa Siddhidatri bless us with divine grace, wisdom and success in all our pursuits! सिद्धगन्धर्वयक्षाघैरसुरैरमरैरपि।
सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी॥
On dashami day, we celebrate "Dussehra", a festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, as depicted in the Ramayana. This day marks Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana, who had abducted Sita. The word "Dussehra" is derived from the Sanskrit words “Dus” (ten) and “Hara” (to defeat), representing Lord Rama's destruction of Ravana's ten evil heads. The highlight of Dussehra is the symbolic "Ravan Dahan," where towering effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarn and son Meghnad are set aflame, signifying the end of evil. Families come together to celebrate, bursting crackers, enjoying fairs and sharing festive meals. May the light of Dussehra bring peace and prosperity to all. Happy Dussehra!
Goddess Durga fiercely battled the shape-shifting demon Mahishasura for ten days, a conflict symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. On the tenth day, known as *Vijaya Dashami*, she vanquished him, marking a victory that is celebrated with great reverence. The nine days leading up to this, called Navaratri, represent the timeless struggle between righteousness and malevolence. For Bengalis, Durga Puja is the most cherished festival, a time of devotion, cultural vibrancy and community bonding. After Ma Durga’s departure, people greet each other with "Subho Bijoya", which means "Auspicious Victory," a custom that continues until Kali Puja. This period of celebration honours Durga’s victory while ushering in a time of renewal, positivity and hope. Her triumph serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of righteousness, inspiring us to face life’s challenges with courage and faith. May the blessings of Goddess Durga bring light, strength and prosperity into your life. Shubho Bijoya!
