Mata Shakti, also known as the Divine Mother or Supreme Energy, has been revered in many forms throughout the ages. These nine forms, known as the Navadurga (Nine Durgas), represent different facets of Shakti that embody her divine powers. Each form symbolizes a different aspect of life, from creation to destruction, and embodies qualities like strength, compassion, wisdom, and protection.
Below are the names, meanings, symbolism, attributes, beej mantras, and their first mention in the Vedas for the nine forms of Mata Shakti.
Table of Contents
1. Shailaputri – शैलपुत्री
The first form of Navadurga, daughter of the Mountain (Himalayas), also known as Parvati, Bhavani, or Hemavati.
Symbolism: Represents the power of creation and nature.
Attributes:
- Weapon: Trident (Trishul)
- Vehicle (Vahana): Nandi (Bull)
- Color: White
Beej Mantra:ॐ शैलपुत्र्यै नमः।
Om Shailaputryai Namah
First Mention in Vedas: While Shailaputri is primarily mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya and Durga Saptashati, she is also connected to the Rigveda as the daughter of the Himalayas, symbolizing the natural power of the earth.
2. Brahmacharini – ब्रह्मचारिणी
The second form of Navdurga, One Who Practices Penance.
Symbolism: Represents asceticism and spiritual purity.
Attributes:
- Weapon: No weapons, only a water pot and a rosary (Jap Mala).
- Vehicle (Vahana): None
- Color: White or yellow
Beej Mantra:ॐ ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः।
Om Brahmacharinyai Namah
First Mention in Vedas: Brahmacharini is associated with the Yajurveda, particularly in the context of ascetic practices and meditation.
3. Chandraghanta – चंद्रघंटा
The third form of Navadurga, Her name means “one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell (on Her Head).
Symbolism: Represents the power of destruction of evil and the protection of dharma.
Attributes:
- Weapon: Sword, Bell
- Vehicle (Vahana): Tiger
- Color: Golden
Beej Mantra:ॐ चंद्रघंटायै नमः।
Om Chandraghantayai Namah
First Mention in Vedas: Chandraghanta is described in the Devi Mahatmya as a form of Shakti who brings the light of moon to destroy darkness.
4. Kushmanda – कूष्मांडा
The fourth form of Navadurga, also known as the Creator of the Universe
The name Kushmanda is derived from three Sanskrit words:
- Ku (कु): meaning “a little”
- Ushma (उष्म): meaning “warmth” or “energy”
- Anda (अण्ड): meaning “cosmic egg”
This symbolizes her role as the creator of the universe. According to Hindu belief, she produced the cosmic egg with her radiant smile, bringing the universe into existence. Her divine warmth and energy represent the source of life and creation.
Symbolism: Represents the cosmic energy that creates life.
Attributes:
- Weapon: No weapons, holds a bowl of nectar (Amrita).
- Vehicle (Vahana): Lion
- Color: Orange
Beej Mantra:ॐ कूष्माण्डायै नमः।
Om Kushmandayai Namah
First Mention in Vedas: Kushmanda is seen in Tantric texts and is believed to be the cosmic energy of creation from the Atharvaveda, where she is said to create life and sustain the world.
5. Skandamata – स्कंदमाता
Skandamata is revered as the Goddess of motherhood and children. Her name is derived from two Sanskrit words:
- Skanda (स्कन्द): another name for Lord Kartikeya, the God of War and the commander of the divine army.
- Mātā (माता): meaning “mother.”
As the mother of Lord Skanda, she symbolizes maternal love, protection, and nurturing care. Skandamata is often depicted with her child on her lap, highlighting her role as a compassionate and protective mother, bestowing blessings and wisdom upon her devotees.
Symbolism: Represents the nurturing aspect of the divine mother.
Attributes:
- Weapon: Lotus, sword
- Vehicle (Vahana): Lion
- Color: Green
Beej Mantra:ॐ स्कन्दमातायै नमः।
Om Skandamatayai Namah
First Mention in Vedas: Skandamata is described in the Devi Mahatmya, and her nurturing aspect is closely associated with the Rigveda, where the importance of motherhood and divine protection is emphasized.
6. Katyayani – कात्यायनी
Katyayani, the sixth form of Navadurga, is revered as the Goddess of power and strength. She is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri, also known as Shashtami. According to Hindu mythology, Katyayani was born to Rishi Katyayan as his daughter after his penance on the banks of the Yamuna River.
Symbolism: Represents courage, fearlessness, and the destructive power to eradicate evil.
Attributes:
- Weapon: Sword, Lotus
- Vehicle (Vahana): Lion
- Color: Red
Beej Mantra:ॐ कट्यायन्यै नमः।
Om Katyayanayai Namah
First Mention in Vedas: Katyayani is mentioned in the Rigveda and Yajurveda, where she is invoked as the embodiment of protection and strength.
7. Kalaratri – कालरात्रि
Kalaratri, the seventh form of Navadurga, symbolizes the fierce and destructive aspect of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri, also known as Saptami.
She rides a donkey and is depicted with a dark complexion, disheveled hair, and a fiery aura. She holds a sword and iron hook, with one hand in Abhaya Mudra to remove fear. Kalaratri is revered as the destroyer of evil forces, granting her devotees protection, courage, and liberation from negativity.
Symbolism: Represents the most ferocious and fearsome form of the Goddess, associated with destruction.
Attributes:
- Weapon: Sword, Iron hook
- Vehicle (Vahana): Donkey
- Color: Black
Beej Mantra:ॐ कालरात्र्यै नमः।
Om Kalaratryai Namah
First Mention in Vedas: Kalaratri is mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya, with her fierce nature linked to Tantric practices in Vedic texts.
8. Mahagauri – महागौरी
Mahagauri, the eighth form of Navadurga, symbolizes purity, serenity, and devotion. She is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri, also known as Ashtami. Her complexion is radiant and fair, resembling the glow of the moon, which is why she is called “Mahagauri” (the extremely fair one). She rides a bull (Nandi) and is depicted holding a trident and damaru, with one hand in Abhaya Mudra, offering fearlessness and blessings. Mahagauri is revered for her ability to cleanse sins, bestow peace, and fulfill the desires of her devotees.
Symbolism: Represents purity, wisdom, and liberation.
Attributes:
- Weapon: Trishul, Damaru (Drum)
- Vehicle (Vahana): White Bull
- Color: White
Beej Mantra:ॐ महागौर्यै नमः।
Om Mahagauryai Namah
First Mention in Vedas: Mahagauri is revered in Vedic texts as a symbol of purity, transformation, and liberation from the cycles of life and death.
9. Siddhidhatri – सिद्धिदात्री
Goddess Siddhidhatri, the ninth form of Navdurga, is revered as the granter of all spiritual and worldly achievements (siddhis). She embodies perfection, divine knowledge, and boundless compassion, seated on a lotus flower and radiating a serene, nurturing aura. Holding symbolic items like a lotus, mace, and conch, she signifies purity, strength, and divine wisdom. Siddhidhatri’s motherly nature and tranquil demeanor bring solace to her devotees, guiding them toward liberation (moksha) and fulfillment. She is associated with the color blue, representing depth, stability, and infinite spiritual potential.
Symbolism: Represents the ultimate energy that grants spiritual attainments and divine knowledge.
Attributes:
- Weapon: No weapons, holds a lotus, and a conch.
- Vehicle (Vahana): None
- Color: Multicolored
Beej Mantra:ॐ सिद्धिधात्र्यै नमः।
Om Siddhidhatryai Namah
First Mention in Vedas: Siddhidhatri is described in the Devi Mahatmya and Vedic Tantras, where she is associated with the bestowing of divine knowledge and power.
Conclusion:
The nine forms of Mata Shakti (Navadurga) symbolize the different facets of the Goddess’s power and her role in the cosmic creation, preservation, and destruction cycle. Each form embodies a different attribute—creation, protection, destruction, wisdom, and purity. The worship of these nine forms, particularly during the Navratri festival, holds immense significance in Hindu culture, allowing devotees to seek blessings for spiritual growth, health, wealth, and protection from evil forces. The Beej Mantras associated with each form have powerful vibrations that connect the devotee to the cosmic energies of the Divine Mother.