Durga Puja: devotional narration of Navadurga from the fifth day to the ninth day during Navaratri

Durga Puja: devotional narration of Navadurga from the fifth day to the ninth day during Navaratri

By Lokanath Mishra:

Day 5 – Maa Skandamata 🌺

On the fifth day of Navaratri, the Divine Mother is worshipped as Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). In her lap she holds the six-faced Skanda, the commander of the celestial armies. Riding on a majestic lion, she shines with a pure and motherly glow. With four arms she blesses her devotees – two hands holding lotuses, one hand cradling her divine son, and the other in boon-giving posture.

She embodies both motherly tenderness and fierce courage. To the devotee who surrenders with childlike faith, she is the ever-compassionate Mother who nourishes and protects. Yet, as the mother of the commander of the gods, she is also the embodiment of divine strength and valor.

By worshipping Maa Skandamata, the devotee attains wisdom, salvation, and peace of mind. Those who adore her with a pure heart are freed from worldly sorrows and are blessed with prosperity.

Day 6 – Maa Katyayani 🌼

On the sixth day of Navaratri, devotees worship the Mother as Maa Katyayani. She was born as the daughter of the great sage Katyayana, and thus came to be known as Katyayani. Resplendent in golden radiance, she rides a lion and wields a sword, shield, and lotus. She has four arms and a form that inspires courage.

It was in this form that the Mother answered the prayers of the gods and descended to slay the mighty demon Mahishasura. Thus, she is hailed as Mahishasuramardini, the destroyer of the buffalo demon.

Maa Katyayani is the granter of courage, righteousness, and strength. She is also the presiding goddess of the Ajna Chakra (third-eye center). Worship of Katyayani removes impurities of the mind and awakens spiritual vision. It is also said that unmarried girls who worship her with devotion are blessed with righteous spouses.

Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri 🌑🔥

On the seventh day of Navaratri, the Mother is revered in her awe-inspiring form as Maa Kalaratri. Her complexion is as dark as the night, her hair disheveled, and flames radiate from her breath. Riding upon a donkey, with a sword and thunderbolt in her hands, she destroys demons and evil beings. Yet, in her other two hands she grants fearlessness and blessings to her children.

Though terrifying to the wicked, to her devotees she is supremely compassionate. She is the destroyer of ignorance, the remover of fears, and the annihilator of all evil forces. Worship of Maa Kalaratri brings freedom from obstacles, fears, and sorrows.

She is also the presiding deity of the Sahasrara Chakra (the crown center), leading the devotee to the highest spiritual awakening. Thus, while her form appears fierce, her grace is gentle and liberating.

Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri 🌙✨

On the eighth day of Navaratri, the Divine Mother is worshipped as Maa Mahagauri, radiant and pure like the moonlight. Clad in white garments, riding upon a bull, with four hands holding the trident, damaru, and in boon-giving mudras, she is the very embodiment of purity and peace.

It is said that after severe penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her consort, Parvati’s complexion had darkened. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva bathed her in the holy waters of the Ganga, and she emerged resplendent as Mahagauri, shining with eternal beauty.

Maa Mahagauri symbolizes austerity, simplicity, and serenity. Her worship purifies the heart, removes past sins, and bestows peace and prosperity. She blesses her devotees with harmony in family life and the fulfillment of noble desires.

Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri 🌸🕉️

On the ninth and final day of Navaratri, the Mother is adored in her supreme form as Maa Siddhidatri, the granter of all siddhis (spiritual perfections and powers). She is seated upon a lotus, radiating divine grace, with four arms holding a mace, discus, conch, and lotus.

In this form, she is worshipped by gods, rishis, and yogis alike, for she bestows the eight great siddhis and innumerable blessings. Even Lord Shiva attained perfection by worshipping her, through which he became Ardhanarishwara — half Shiva, half Shakti.

Maa Siddhidatri is the ultimate form of the Mother, who blesses her devotees with spiritual realization, divine wisdom, and liberation. On this day, the devotee feels the culmination of Navaratri – the inner awakening of Shakti, the realization of oneness with the Divine Mother.

🌺 Thus, over the nine days of Navaratri, the Divine Mother is adored in her nine radiant forms — from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri — each a step in the devotee’s journey from worldly life to spiritual perfection, from fear to fearlessness, from limitation to liberation.

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