9 lessons from 9 days of Navaratri

Navaratri is the hindu festival, when devotees worship Maa durga for the span of nine days. Each day  of navaratri represents a distinct avatar of Maa durga and has an associated color to it. This festival is celebrated in different ways across different parts of India. Even though the form of celebration varies , the intention of the festival  is same which represents the win of good over evil. Destruction of all negativity around us and radiating positive energy.

Here is my take on what lessons Maa durga gives us in her various forms.

Day 1 : Goddess Shailaputri

Shailaputri is the first form of Maa durga who symbolizes the collective power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. She represents the mooladhar shakti or the root chakra. She is the epitome of all energy.

This form of the goddess depicts that,  without realizing our core energy and strength that lies inside us, we will not be able to face the challenges in our life. Each one of us has our unique abilities to achieve the goals of life. All we need is to focus on our inner chakra and channelize that positive energy.

Day 2: Goddess Brahmacharini

The second avatar of Maa Durga, is the representation of knowledge, wisdom, peace and happiness. In this form, Mata Parvati performed extreme "tapa" or penance to get lord Shiva. Hence she is also called as tapasyacharini.

This manifestation of the goddess teaches us to pursue our goals with utmost emotional strength and never get disheartened by the hurdles in life. Without determination and dedication, we can't achieve our dreams.

Day 3: Goddess Chandraghanta

Third avatar of Maa durga, goddess Chandraghanta is the symbol of bravery. In this form Mata chandraghanta is ready to demolish the negative power with all her weapons. At the same time she also represents peace for her devotees.

The third form of Maa durga, gives us the life lesson to be courageous. Always take your stand and believe in yourself. We can not convince the world, if we don't believe strongly in our own ideas. So its important to have our opinion and stand for ourselves.

Day 4: Goddess Kushmanda

Mata Kushmanda is worshiped on the 4th day of Navaratri. The birth of the universe is because of her. It is believed that, when there was complete darkness, Kushmanda enlightened the universe with her smile.

This form of the goddess, provides us the direction and energy. In the walk of life, its very important to have a clear direction where we are headed. Without proper direction, it will be complete waste of energy which will lead us to nowhere.

Day 5: Goddess Skandamata

The 5th day of Navaratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata. She is the mother of lord Kartikeya. She is the representation of motherhood, peace and prosperity.

This form signifies the brave mother, who can go to any extent when it comes to her child. The amount of love and  affection a mother bestows upon her child throughout her life is immeasurable. Motherhood should always be respected, celebrated and worshiped.

Day 6: Goddess Katyayani

Mata Katayani is the 6th form of Navadurga. Goddess Parvati took this form to kill the daemon Mahishasura. She represents the fighting spirit, wisdom and strength.

Maa katayani, depicts the strength that we all need to win our battles against our sorrows, fears, miseries and emerge as a warrior.

Day 7: Goddess Kalratri

This is the most fierce form of Maa Durga. She is the destroyer of all evils, negative energy, ghosts, spirits and daemons. She is also called subhankari as being a mother she blesses her devotees with fearlessness.

This form of the goddess shows us that , there is always a dark side to life. We will face negativity, fear and other evil sources in life. In spite of that, we have to rule out all these negativity and focus on the positive aspects.

Day 8: Goddess Mahagauri

8th day of Navaratri is known as "maha ashtami"  is dedicated to Maa Gauri. Its believed that due to the hard penance that Maa parvati did to get lord Shiva as her husband, her skin turned black. She gained her fair complexion back with the holy water sprinked by Lord  Shiva. Hence she bears the name "gauri"  which means white.

This avatar of Maa durga teaches us , how to remain calm in all situation of life. We should be in peace in both happiness and sadness.

Day 9: Goddess Siddhidatri

The last day of Navratri is known as maha navami. This form of maa durgra represents completion and prosperity. It is belived that there are nine type of siddhis. All the siddhis can be achieved by worshiping maa durga.

With all her nine forms Maa durga shows us the path to victory.