Navaratri is derived from the words nava and ratri; nava meaning new as well as nine and ratri meaning night. Navaratri is a period of nine days starting on the first day of Ashwayuja (September-October) when Durga Devi, also known as Mother Goddess in Hindu tradition is worshipped through her various forms. The Puranas give detailed accounts of these forms as well as the three most significant forms, namely Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. These three feminine forms represent the active energies – generally referred to as Shakti – of the Divine Triumvirate Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. The tradition, worship, rituals and significance attached to each Shakti have regional variations. But the festival is celebrated on the same days of the Hindu calendar all over. It is believed that each of these three major Shaktis gave rise to two more forms each, thus manifesting the Navadurgas.
Goddess Durga is believed to have fought the demon Mahisha for nine days and destroyed him on the tenth day. It is said that sincere, devoted, worship of the Durgas during Navaratri purifies a person and washes away his sins, thus laying a foundation for his liberation (night here signifies the darkness of ignorance). The tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami or the day of success when the sadhaka or worshipper wakes up from the state of ignorance, conquering his internal enemies.

The first three nights are devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga, Who dispels the ignorance of laziness, anger and fear clearing the path for receiving and sharing love. The next three nights are devoted to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi ,Who is the bestower of abundance, love, prosperity and joy of life. Goddess Lakshmi destroys the ignorance of desire/lust, greed and attachment. The next three nights are devoted to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, Who bestows divine wisdom on the worshipper by removing the qualities of jealousy and pride from him and by destroying his ego. The sincere sadhaka is thus lead gently and lovingly by the Divine Mother to Herself.

Let us read about each of the Navadurgas, worship Them with devotion, win Their grace and attain liberation.

Navaratri Durga Puja

1. Shailaputri

The first form of mother Durga among Her nine aspects is Shailaputri.
Goddess Shailaputri has a half moon on her forehead. She is known as such, because she has incarnated from Himalaya the Emperor of mountains. Mounting a bullock the mother has a lance in her right hand and a lotus flower in the left.

Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya and among Nava Durgas referred to as Shailaputri was also known as Haimavati. According to one of the Upanishadic tales Durga, in her Haimavati aspect defeated all prominent gods. Like her previous birth in this life also Shailaputri got married to Lord Shiva. The first and the most prominent among Nava Durgas, Shailaputri is of immense importance and her glories are endless. On the first day of Navaratri worship, it is Shailaputri Who is worshipped. In this puja of the first day Yogis keep their mind concentrated on Muladhara. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline.