Navaratri

• Spiritual Education
• Indian Festivals

Navaratri – 9 Days of Worship and Spiritual Motivation

Navaratri (Sanskrit: नवरात्रि, romanized: Navarātri) is an annual Hindu festival observed in honor of Mother God. We offer gratitude to Mother God because she lovingly creates and sustains all life, including the sun, moon, earth, and food for us. Navaratri occurs twice a year – in Chaitra (March/April) and Ashvin (September/October).

During these days, devotees remember Mother God through Maa Meditation before sleeping.

Nine Forms of Mother God

Day 1 – Shailaputri

She is depicted riding the bull, Nandi, with a trishula in her right hand and lotus flower in her left.

Spiritual Motivation: Shailaputri teaches us to stay grounded, strong, and connected to our spiritual roots, just as she rides the bull, symbolizing stability.

Day 2 – Brahmacharini

On Dwitiya (second day), Goddess Brahmacharini ("Unmarried One"), an incarnation of Mother God, is worshipped. She became a Yogini, her unmarried self, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and spiritual liberation. White is the main color, sometimes mixed with orange for energy flow.

Spiritual Motivation: Brahmacharini inspires discipline, patience, and the pursuit of inner peace for ultimate growth.

Day 3 – Chandraghanta

Tritiya (third day) commemorates worship of Chandraghanta, the form of Mother God with a crescent moon on her forehead, representing bravery and spiritual calm.

Spiritual Motivation: Chandraghanta motivates us to face challenges fearlessly and transform fear into courage.

Day 4 – Kushmanda

Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on Chaturthi (fourth day). Believed to be the creative power of the universe, she blesses vegetation and prosperity. Green is the day’s color.

Spiritual Motivation: Kushmanda teaches that creation begins from within; nurturing positivity in life brings abundance around us.

Day 5 – Skandamata

Skandamata, worshipped on Panchami (fifth day), is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). She rides a lion and holds her child. Green symbolizes maternal transformative strength.

Spiritual Motivation: Skandamata encourages compassion and protection for others, especially during moments of vulnerability.

Day 6 – Katyayani

Born to Sage Katyayana, she killed the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Celebrated on Shashti (sixth day), she rides a lion, symbolizing courage. Red represents valor.

Spiritual Motivation: Katyayani inspires us to face life’s battles with courage and determination, embracing our inner warrior.

Day 7 – Kalaratri

Considered the most ferocious form of Mother God, worshipped on Saptami. She killed the asuras Shumbha and Nishumbha. Royal blue is her color; she wears red attire or tiger skin.

Spiritual Motivation: Kalaratri reminds us to confront darkness and fear in our lives with courage, knowing protection comes from Mother God.

Day 8 – Mahagauri

Mahagauri symbolizes intelligence and peace. After bathing in the Ganga, she gained a fair complexion. Pink is the color. Maha Ashtami is observed with pushpanjali and Kumari puja.

Spiritual Motivation: Mahagauri inspires purity of mind and thought, teaching that inner peace leads to outer harmony.

Day 9 – Siddhidatri

On Navami (ninth day), devotees pray to Siddhidatri ("Giver of Perfection"). Sitting on a lotus, she bestows nine types of Siddhis (spiritual powers), including anima, mahima, garima, laghima, prapti, prakamya, isitva, and vasitva.

Spiritual Motivation: Siddhidatri encourages us to seek mastery over self and wisdom, reminding us that true perfection comes from spiritual practice and discipline.

Navaratri is not only a celebration but a journey of inner growth, devotion, and empowerment through the divine feminine energy of Mother God.