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Navdurga — the nine divine forms of Maa Durga — are not just mythological figures. Each form represents a powerful cosmic energy that governs a specific phase of the Navratri journey. From the grounded strength of Maa Shailputri to the ultimate grace of Maa Siddhidatri, understanding each form transforms your puja from a ritual into a deeply felt spiritual experience.
In Chaitra Navratri 2026 (March 19–27) and Shardiya Navratri 2026 (October 11–20), devotees across India will worship all nine forms across nine sacred days. This guide gives you everything you need the story, the symbolism, the mantra, the colour, the bhog (prasad), and the puja essentials for every single Devi.
Quick Answer: The 9 Names of Navdurga
The nine forms of Goddess Durga are, in order of worship during Navratri:
• Day 1 — Maa Shailputri: Daughter of the Mountains
• Day 2 — Maa Brahmacharini: The Goddess of Penance
• Day 3 — Maa Chandraghanta: The Bell-Shaped Moon
• Day 4 — Maa Kushmanda: Creator of the Universe
• Day 5 — Maa Skandamata: Mother of Lord Kartikeya
• Day 6 — Maa Katyayani: The Warrior Goddess
• Day 7 — Maa Kalaratri: Destroyer of Darkness
• Day 8 — Maa Mahagauri: The Pure and Radiant One
• Day 9 — Maa Siddhidatri: Bestower of All Siddhis
Why Are There 9 Forms of Maa Durga? The Deeper Meaning
According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana and the Markandeya Purana, these nine forms represent the nine stages of Goddess Parvati's cosmic journey from Sati's self-immolation through her rebirth, austerity, marriage to Shiva, and eventual triumph over Mahishasura. Collectively, they embody Adi Shakti the primordial source of all energy in the universe.
Worshipping all nine forms during Navratri is said to protect devotees from negativity, grant inner strength, and bring prosperity. As the Devi Bhagavata Purana notes, each form blesses with a specific power making the nine-day journey a complete spiritual initiation, not just a festival.
The 9 Forms of Goddess Durga — Complete Guide
(Day 1) Maa Shailputri — Daughter of the Mountains
Sanskrit: शैलपुत्री | Navratri 2026: March 19 / October 11 | Colour: Yellow
'Shail' means mountain in Sanskrit. Maa Shailputri is the reincarnation of Goddess Sati as the daughter of Himavat, the king of the Himalayas making her Goddess Parvati herself. She rides a Nandi (bull), holds a trishul (trident) and a lotus. The trident's three prongs represent past, present, and future. She governs the Muladhara (root) chakra — the energy of grounding and stability.
What She Blesses: Stability, groundedness, peace of mind, and a strong foundation in life.
Mantra: "Om Devi Shailputryai Namah"
Bhog/Prasad: Pure ghee, cow's milk, white flowers (preferably jasmine or white marigold)
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🛒 Puja Essentials for Day 1 (Shailputri): Pure desi ghee diya, white flowers, trishul idol or picture of Maa Shailputri, yellow chunri, roli-kumkum, camphor (kapoor) for aarti. |
(Day 2) Maa Brahmacharini — The Goddess of Penance
Sanskrit: ब्रह्मचारिणी | Navratri 2026: March 20 / October 12 | Colour: Green
'Brahma' refers to austerity (tapa), and 'charini' means the one who practises it. This form depicts Goddess Parvati's intense penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. She walks barefoot, wears white, holds a rudraksha mala in her right hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in her left. She governs the Swadhisthana chakra creativity and willpower.
What She Blesses: Discipline, determination, endurance through hardship, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
Mantra: "Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah"
Bhog/Prasad: Sugar, mishri (rock sugar), seasonal fruits
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🛒 Puja Essentials for Day 2 (Brahmacharini): Rudraksha mala, white saree or chunri for the idol, mishri prasad, dhoop sticks, camphor, green bangles as offering. |
(Day 3) Maa Chandraghanta — The Warrior with the Bell Moon
Sanskrit: चन्द्रघंटा | Navratri 2026: March 21 / October 13 | Colour: Grey
She has a half-moon (chandra) shaped like a ghanta (bell) on her forehead — which is where her name comes from. She rides a lion, has a golden complexion, and ten arms holding weapons, representing readiness to battle evil from every direction. She governs the Manipura chakra willpower and action.
What She Blesses: Courage, peace, protection from negative energies, bravery in adversity.
Mantra: "Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah"
Bhog/Prasad: Kheer (milk pudding), milk-based sweets
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🛒 Puja Essentials for Day 3 (Chandraghanta): Cow milk or kheer as bhog, red flowers, incense sticks (preferably rose or jasmine), a small ghanta (bell) for the altar. |
(Day 4) Maa Kushmanda — The Cosmic Creator
Sanskrit: कूष्माण्डा | Navratri 2026: March 22 / October 14 | Colour: Orange
'Ku' means small, 'ushma' means warmth/energy, and 'anda' means cosmic egg. Maa Kushmanda is said to have created the universe with a mere smile when there was nothing but darkness. She resides in the solar sphere and her eight arms (making her also called Ashtabhuja) hold weapons, a rosary, a kamandalu, and a pot of amrit. She is the source of solar energy — prana shakti. She governs the Anahata chakra.
What She Blesses: Health, vitality, removal of sorrow, abundance, and creative power.
Mantra: "Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah"
Bhog/Prasad: Malpua, petha (ash gourd sweet) — petha is considered her favourite as kushmanda = ash gourd
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🛒 Puja Essentials for Day 4 (Kushmanda): Orange/marigold flowers, agarbatti (sandalwood scent), ghee diya, malpua or petha as prasad, orange chunri. |
(Day 5) Maa Skandamata — The Fierce Mother
Sanskrit: स्कन्दमाता | Navratri 2026: March 23 / October 15 | Colour: White
'Skanda' is Lord Kartikeya (also called Murugan) the god of war chosen by the devas to lead their army against the demons. As his mother, Skandamata is the embodiment of fierce protective love. She has four arms, holds the infant Skanda in her upper right arm, a lotus in her right hand, and rides a lion. She also sits on a lotus — giving her the name Padmasana. She governs the Vishuddha chakra.
What She Blesses: Protection of family and children, wisdom, compassion, courage for mothers.
Mantra: "Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah"
Bhog/Prasad: Bananas (her favourite), yellow flowers
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🛒 Puja Essentials for Day 5 (Skandamata): Yellow/white flowers, bananas as prasad, white chunri, camphor, lotus flower if available, ghee diya. |
(Day 6) Maa Katyayani — The Warrior Goddess
Sanskrit: कात्यायनी | Navratri 2026: March 24 / October 16 | Colour: Red
Born as the daughter of sage Katyayana who performed intense penance wishing for a divine daughter, Maa Katyayani is one of the most fierce and powerful forms of Durga. She rides a lion, holds a sword in one hand and a lotus in another. She is the form of Durga who ultimately slew the demon Mahishasura (in some Puranic traditions). She governs the Ajna chakra.
Significance for Unmarried Women: In the Bhagavata Purana, the Gopis (cowherd girls) performed a month-long vrat worshipping Katyayani to get Lord Krishna as their husband. Even today, unmarried women worship her for a good life partner.
Mantra: "Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah"
Bhog/Prasad: Honey, red flowers
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🛒 Puja Essentials for Day 6 (Katyayani): Red chunri, red flowers (hibiscus especially), honey as bhog, sword-shaped oil lamp (Katyayani diya), roli-kumkum, agarbatti. |
(Day 7) Maa Kalaratri — The Destroyer of Darkness
Sanskrit: कालरात्रि | Navratri 2026: March 25 / October 17 | Colour: Royal Blue
The most fearsome of all nine forms. Maa Kalaratri has a dark complexion like Kali, unkempt flowing hair, three eyes blazing with fire, and rides a donkey (gadha). She holds a scimitar (khadga) and an iron hook (trishul). Despite her terrifying appearance, her right hand always remains in Abhaya mudra the gesture of protection. She is also called Shubhankari the one who does only good. She governs the Sahasrara chakra.
What She Blesses: Liberation from fear, destruction of negative forces, protection from evil spirits and black magic.
Mantra: "Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah"
Bhog/Prasad: Jaggery (gur), sesame (til) — offered especially in the evening
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🛒 Puja Essentials for Day 7 (Kalaratri): Jaggery as prasad, black sesame seeds, iron nail or iron items as symbolic offering, royal blue dupatta, camphor, neem leaves, protective incense like loban/dhoop. |
(Day 8) Maa Mahagauri — The Radiant Pure One
Sanskrit: महागौरी | Navratri 2026: March 26 / October 18 | Colour: Pink | Durga Ashtami
After her intense penance as Brahmacharini, Goddess Parvati's body became dark and dirty. Lord Shiva purified her with the holy waters of the Ganga, making her radiant white Mahagauri. She is the purest, most serene form of Durga. She wears white or green clothing, rides a white bull (Nandi), and holds a damaru (drum) and trishul. She governs the Bindu (soma) chakra.
What She Blesses: Purification of the soul, removal of past sins, inner peace, clarity, and spiritual wisdom.
Mantra: "Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah"
Bhog/Prasad: Coconut, nariyal mithai (coconut-based sweets)
Note: Durga Ashtami falls on Day 8 in 2026 — a highly auspicious day for Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls who represent the nine Devis).
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🛒 Puja Essentials for Day 8 (Mahagauri / Ashtami): White flowers, coconut prasad, white/pink chunri, camphor, kanya puja thali with roli-kumkum-akshat, halwa-puri-chane for Kanya Pujan, small gifts (dakshina). |
(Day 9) Maa Siddhidatri — Bestower of All Siddhis
Sanskrit: सिद्धिदात्री | Navratri 2026: March 27 / October 19–20 | Colour: Purple / Sky Blue
The final and most powerful form. 'Siddhi' means supernatural power or perfection. Maa Siddhidatri blesses with all eight siddhis: Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishitva, and Vashitva. She sits on a fully bloomed lotus, holds a lotus, mace (gada), sudarshana chakra and conch. According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, even Lord Shiva received his siddhis by worshipping her — transforming into Ardhanarishvara (the half-male, half-female form).
What She Blesses: Wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, fulfillment of all wishes, and moksha (liberation).
Mantra: "Om Hreem Kleem Aim Siddhidatre Namah"
Bhog/Prasad: Kheer, seasonal fruits, sesame laddoo
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🛒 Puja Essentials for Day 9 (Siddhidatri / Navami): Purple/sky blue chunri, lotus flower or lotus incense, kheer as prasad, sesame laddoo, havan samagri for concluding havan, camphor, navami puja thali. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Navdurga Puja
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❌ Common Mistake |
✅ What to Do Instead |
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Skipping Ghatasthapana on Day 1 |
Perform Kalash Sthapana on Mar 19 (Chaitra) within the muhurat: 6:52–7:43 AM |
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Using the same chunri for all 9 days |
Offer the colour of the day — the Devi's energy responds to the right colour |
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Offering non-sattvic food during vrat |
Stick to fruits, sabudana, singhare atta, rock salt, and milk-based items |
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Worshipping Kalaratri in the morning only |
Maa Kalaratri is a night goddess — perform her evening aarti with extra devotion |
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No Kanya Pujan on Ashtami/Navami |
Invite 9 young girls (age 2–10), wash their feet, offer halwa-puri-chane |
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Lighting synthetic agarbatti |
Use natural, toxin-free incense sticks — the Devi is pleased by pure, sattvic fragrance |
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Forgetting to update the Kalash water |
Change the Kalash water daily if using a ceremonial pot with barley shoots |
FAQs About the 9 Forms of Goddess Durga (Navdurga)
What is Navdurga and why are there 9 forms of Goddess Durga?
Navdurga (नवदुर्गा) literally means 'nine Durgas.' According to Hindu scriptures including the Devi Bhagavata Purana, these nine forms represent the nine phases of Goddess Parvati's spiritual journey from her birth as Shailputri to her complete power as Siddhidatri. Worshipping all nine over Navratri's nine nights is considered a complete spiritual practice that grants strength, wisdom, and protection.
What are the 9 names of Navdurga in order?
In worship order during Navratri: 1. Shailputri, 2. Brahmacharini, 3. Chandraghanta, 4. Kushmanda, 5. Skandamata, 6. Katyayani, 7. Kalaratri, 8. Mahagauri, 9. Siddhidatri.
When is Navratri 2026 and which Devi is worshipped on which day?
Chaitra Navratri 2026: March 19–27. Shardiya (Maha) Navratri 2026: October 11–20. Day-wise Devi: Day 1 = Shailputri, Day 2 = Brahmacharini, Day 3 = Chandraghanta, Day 4 = Kushmanda, Day 5 = Skandamata, Day 6 = Katyayani, Day 7 = Kalaratri, Day 8 = Mahagauri, Day 9 = Siddhidatri. In 2026, Durga Ashtami coincides with Rama Navami on March 26 during Chaitra Navratri a rare and especially auspicious occurrence.
Which form of Navdurga is most powerful?
All nine forms are aspects of the same Supreme Shakti. However, Maa Kalaratri is considered the most fearsome and powerful form for protection against evil, while Maa Siddhidatri is the highest in terms of spiritual grace, granting all 8 siddhis. Even Lord Shiva received his powers by worshipping Siddhidatri, according to the Devi Bhagavata Purana.
Can we do Navdurga puja at home without a pandit?
Yes, absolutely. The Devi Bhagavata Purana emphasises that sincere devotion matters more than elaborate rituals. You can perform a simple daily puja: light a ghee diya, offer flowers and prasad, recite the day's mantra, and sing the aarti. Even lighting one diya every morning with the Devi's name is considered a valid act of worship.
What is the mantra for all 9 forms of Navdurga together?
The Navdurga Stotra invokes all nine forms together. You can also chant the Durga Saptashati (700 verses across 9 days) or simply recite each Devi's individual mantra on her respective day as listed in this guide.
Which Navdurga form should unmarried girls worship for marriage?
Maa Katyayani (Day 6) is specifically worshipped by unmarried women seeking a good life partner. The Bhagavata Purana describes how the Gopis worshipped her for a month to obtain Lord Krishna as their husband. Offer honey and red flowers, and chant her mantra with sincere prayer.
What is Kanya Puja and when should it be done?
Kanya Puja (or Kanya Pujan) is the worship of nine young girls (aged 2–10), each representing one form of Navdurga. It is performed on Ashtami or Navami. Wash their feet, apply roli-kumkum tilak, offer the traditional prasad of halwa-puri-chane, gift a red chunri, and take their blessings by touching their feet. You may also invite two boys representing Bhairav and Langur.
What is the difference between Navratri and Durga Puja?
Navratri (nine nights) is celebrated across India and focuses on worshipping the nine Navdurga forms over nine days. Durga Puja is a 5-to-15 day celebration predominantly in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, focused on Goddess Durga's battle with Mahishasura, culminating on Vijayadashami (Dussehra). Both occur during Ashwina Navratri (October), but have distinct regional traditions and scale.
Conclusion: Let the Journey of Navdurga Transform You
The nine forms of Maa Durga are not separate goddesses — they are nine dimensions of the same infinite Shakti, each awakening a different power within you. Shailputri grounds you. Brahmacharini builds your discipline. Chandraghanta gives you courage. Kushmanda brings vitality. Skandamata teaches fierce love. Katyayani gives you the warrior's heart. Kalaratri frees you from fear. Mahagauri purifies you. And Siddhidatri fulfils you.
This Navratri 2026 whether you celebrate from March 19 or October 11 worship each Devi with the right prasad, the right mantra, and the right intention. And let Art of Puja make sure your puja space is ready with the finest, purest essentials.
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