The Nine Forms of Durga

Each night of Navratri honours one form of the Goddess, from Shailaputri, daughter of the mountains, to Siddhidatri, granter of all siddhis. Wear the day's colour and chant her mantra.

See this year's Navratri dates

Shailaputri

Yellow

Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah

The Daughter of the Mountain (Himalaya). She rides a bull (Nandi) and carries a trident and a lotus. She represents absolute nature.

Brahmacharini

Green

Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah

The Unmarried Form of Parvati. Walking bare feet, carrying a rosary (Japamala) and a water pot (Kamandalu), symbolizing severe penance and devotion.

Chandraghanta

Grey

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah

She wears a half-moon shaped like a bell (Ghanta) on her forehead. She is established in peace, but ready for war with a 10-armed form riding a tiger.

Kushmanda

Orange

Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah

The Creator of the Universe. She produced the cosmic egg with her divine smile. She has 8 arms and rides a lion, bringing light.

Skandamata

White

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

The Mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). She holds baby Kartikeya in her lap and represents the pure, motherly aspect of Goddess Durga.

Katyayani

Red

Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah

The Warrior Goddess born to Sage Katyayana. She rides a magnificent lion, embodies fierce anger, and was manifested to destroy the demon Mahishasura.

Kalaratri

Royal Blue

Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah

The Fierce, Dark Form. She rides a donkey, has scattered hair, breathes fire, and destroys ignorance, darkness, and evil demons.

Mahagauri

Pink

Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah

The Extremely Radiant One. She glows with white brilliance (like Jasmine/Moon), rides a bull, and purifies devotees of all sins.

Siddhidatri

Purple

Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah

The Granter of Supernatural Powers (Siddhis). Sitting on a lotus, fully realized, she blesses Lord Shiva and all devotees with ultimate wisdom.