Goddess Durga is mother goddess or Devi. She is considered to be the supreme power and represents the feminine energy or Shakti. Goddess Durga was created by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva to fight against the demon king Mahishasura, who had unleashed terror on the earth and heaven. She is believed to have battled with the demon for nine days and nights and finally defeated him on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Goddess Durga is depicted with multiple arms, each holding a different weapon, symbolising her power and strength. She is often depicted riding a lion or a tiger, which represents courage and fearlessness. In Hinduism, Goddess Durga is worshipped in various forms, including Kali, Parvati, Ambika, and Chamunda. She is also considered to be the consort of Lord Shiva and the mother of their two sons, Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha. During the festival of Navratri, which is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, devotees offer prayers, perform special rituals and ceremonies, and fast as a way of seeking her blessings and protection. Devotees pray to Nav Durga, also known as the nine forms of Goddess Durga, are a group of nine goddesses worshipped during the festival of Navratri. Each form of Durga represents a different aspect of power and is associated with a particular day of Navratri. The nine forms of Durga are: Mata Shailaputri: She is worshipped on the first day of Navratri and is associated with the energy of the mountains. She is depicted as riding a bull and carrying a trident and lotus. Mata Brahmacharini: She is worshipped on the second day of Navratri and is associated with devotion and penance. She is depicted as carrying a rosary and water pot. Mata Chandraghanta: She is worshipped on the third day of Navratri and is associated with bravery and peace. She is depicted as riding a tiger and having a half-moon on her forehead. Mata Kushmanda: She is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri and is associated with the energy of the sun. She is depicted as having eight arms and riding a lion. Mata Skandamata: She is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri and is associated with motherhood and compassion. She is depicted as riding a lion and holding her son Skanda on her lap. Mata Katyayani: She is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri and is associated with courage and victory. She is depicted as having four arms and riding a lion. Mata Kalratri: She is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri and is associated with destruction of evil. She is depicted as having a dark complexion and riding a donkey. Mata Mahagauri: She is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri and is associated with purity and serenity. She is depicted as having four arms and riding a bull. Mata Siddhidatri: She is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri and is associated with accomplishment and spiritual power. She is depicted as having four arms and sitting on a lotus. Each of the Nav Durga forms represents a different aspect of the divine feminine energy and can be worshipped for various benefits and blessings, such as protection, success, peace, and enlightenment.
