Navratri: The 9 Avatars of Durga & 9 Colours to Wear This Festive Week

India is known as the land that rejoices with sacred and effervescent festivals. Of the many festivals observed on Indian soil, Navratri is one of its most spectacular and angelic celebrations, which are honored primarily by the Hindu community.

‘Navratri’ is a synchrony of two words, “Nava” meaning nine and “Ratri” meaning nights; hence, when joined, it symbolises nine-day long festive celebrations. This festival of nine days acknowledges the triumph of good over evil, restores dharma over adharma, purifies negativities, and cultivates positivity and holiness.

During the Navaratri days, the female cosmic power, Maa Durga, is worshipped, sung, and invoked in her nine forms. All the forms manifested by Maa Durga signify power, strength, bravery, knowledge, beauty, grace, and auspiciousness.

For nine days, these Navaratri avatars of Durga Maa are worshipped. Let’s dive deep and take a look at all the 9 avatars of Durga:

1. Shailaputri

As we step into the auspicious nine days of celebration, each day is dedicated to one of the Navratri Devi names, the first one being Devi Shailaputri. The literal meaning of Shailputri is the daughter (putri) of the mountain (Shaila). The names Sati, Bhavani, Parvati, and Hemwati acknowledge her differently. She is the absolute embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahadev. The Maa has a crescent moon on the forehead, a Trishul in the right hand, and a lotus in the left. She rides on Nandi bull.

• Colour To Wear: The Colour Orange is devoted to the day of Shailaputri. It represents enthusiasm, success, and happiness.

2. Brahmacharini

The second day is of the deity Brahmacharini. She is the Maa of austerity and penance as her name, Brahmacharini, represents the female who practices Brahmacharya (renunciation from worldly pleasures). She walks barefoot, carrying a Japa mala in her right hand and a Kamandalu in her left hand. She endows her devotees with grace, blissfulness, peace, and prosperity.

• Colour To Wear: White is the color of Brahmacharini, synonymous with purity, virginity, inner peace, and sacredness.

3. Chandraghanta

The third day is of Navratri Maa Chandraghanta. Chandraghanta wears a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead, which describes the etymology of her name. She adorned her forehead with the half-moon after marrying Lord Shiva. The followers revere her on the third day for tranquillity and prosperity. She mounts a tigress and is described as having ten hands and three eyes. She carries Trishul, Gada, a Talwar, and Kamadalu in her four left hands, while her fifth hand is in Varadamudra. She holds a lotus, arrow, Dhanush, and Japa mala in her right fourth hand and keeps her fifth right hand in Abhaya Mudra.

• Colour To Wear: On the third of Navartri, Red is worn by the devotees for passion, fearlessness, and sexuality.

4. Kushmanda

Deity Kushmanda possesses the power to live inside the blazing sun, hence the name Kushmanda. Having a luminous body like that of the sun, she is credited with creating a world with her divine and radiant smile. The Navratri importance of this Maa is that she bestows her worshippers with good well-being and strength. She is represented with eight hands and is therefore known as Ashtabhuja Devi. Her form is pictured with eight to ten hands holding a Trishul, Chakra, Talwar, Ankush, Gadaa, Dhanush-Baan, two jars of Nectar, and blood. Her one hand is always in the Abhaya mudra form. She rides on a tiger.

• Colour To Wear: Royal blue is the hue of this day, and the Maa states elegance and richness.

5. Skandamata

The fifth day of Navratri is for Skandamata- mother of the war God, Skanda (Kartikey). She rides a ferocious lion and carries Lord Skanda(infant) in her lap. It is believed that she was chosen as the commander in chief of war against the demon; thereby, she is also recognised as the “Maa of Fire.” The iconography of this female God is depicted with four hands, a lotus flower in her upper two hands, one hand in Abhaya Mudra, and one right hand, in which she carries Skanda. She is often pictured seated on a lotus flower and is called Padamasani.

• Colour To Wear: Wearing Yellow will keep you cheerful and energised on this day.

6. Katyayani

The sixth form of Maa Durga is Maa Katyayani, also adored as Mahalaxmi. Maa Katyayani was born to destroy the bull demon, Mahishasura. Her defining characteristics include anger, vengeance, and ultimate victory over evil. All those who remember her with a pure heart and utmost faith are blessed with boons. She sits on a magnificent lion and is portrayed with four hands. There is a Talwar and lotus in her left hands, and both the right hands are in Abhaya Mudra and Varadamudra.

• Colour To Wear: Green is associated with new beginnings. It is worn to evoke a sense of fertility and growth.

7. Kalaratri

Maa Kaalratri has a dark complexion, a furious soul, and a fearless posture. Her big red eyes, protruding blood-red tongue, and the sabre on her hand make her the Maa of death. Also, she is well-known by the name of Kali Maa. She is seen seated on a donkey, adorned with scattered black hair and three round eyes. She has four hands. The right hand is in Abhaya Mudra and Vardara Mudra, and there is a Talwar and iron hook in the left hand.

• Colour To Wear: On this day, Grey is worn. It balances the energy and keeps the people down to earth.

8. Mahagauri

Maa Mahagauri is the eighth form of Maa Durga and is regarded as the most graceful form among the navaforms. Her beauty glows like pearl purity. Being the Maa of purity, cleanliness, endurance, and peace, her worshippers' flaws and mistakes are burnt to ashes. Mahagauri has four arms. She keeps her right hand in the pose of alleviating suffering and Trishul in the lower right hand. Her upper left arm holds a tambourine, and the lower left provides blessings.

• Colour To Wear: For Mahagauri pooja, wear Purple. It epitomises opulence, nobility, and power.

9. Siddhidharti

The ninth form among the 9 days of Navratri Devi names, Siddhidhatri, blesses her devotees with wisdom and supernatural powers. She sits in a blissfully happy and enchanting pose. Maa Siddhidharti journeys on a lotus, a tiger or a lion. She has four hands. She holds Gada and Chakra in her right hands and lotus and a Shankha in the left hands.

• Colour To Wear: Wearing Peacock Green manifests grace, integrity, and watchfulness.

Wish Happy Navratri to your family and friends with Navratri gifts. As you celebrate the Navratri avatars of Durga over these nine days, may each form bring strength, grace, and blessings into your life. Let this festive week remind you of the divine feminine power and the vibrant traditions that make Navratri special. Happy Navratri!!Happy Navratri!!