Navratri is amongst the most important Hindu festivals. This auspicious festival is celebrated with great zeal and devotion throughout the country. The literal meaning of 'Navratri' is 'nine auspicious nights'. Navratri is a pious festival celebrated in the honor of nine different forms of the Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati for nine continuous days. The Goddess of Power is worshipped during these days in order to seek her blessings and protection from any unknown fear and possible threat.The devotees ask for peace and prosperity from the Goddess.
Goddess Durga is Worshipped under nine different names in Navratri.Goddess Durga is workshipped in nine days as respectively
- Shailputri
- Brahmacharini
- Chandraghanta
- Kuchmanda
- Skand Mata
- Katyayani
- Kalratri
- Maha Gauri
- Siddhidatri
History of Navratri
You can checkout the important things for Navratri puja vidhi by Navratri Puja Vidhi
First Day Pooja - Shailaputri Puja
The first day of Navratri Pooja is devoted to Shailputri. Goddess Shailputri is daughter of Himalayas. She is a form of Mata Shakti (Goddess of Power) and spouse of Lord Shiva.
Second Day Pooja - Brahmacharini puja
On the second day of Navratri Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped in homes and temples. The word 'Brahmcharini' is derivative of the word Brahma, which stands for Tapa (Penance). This form of mata Shakti is close to Uma or Parvati.
Third Day Pooja - Chandraghanta puja
Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. She is considered to be Goddess of beauty and bravery.
Fourth Day Pooja - Kushmanda puja
The form of Mata Shakti which is worshipped fourth day of Navratri is Kushmanda. As per Hindu mythology, it is considered that the Goddess Kushmanda has originated this entire Universe by her laugh.
Fifth Day Pooja - Skanda mata Puja
Devotees worship Skand Mata on the fifth day of Navratri. Skanda is chief warrior of God's army and Goddess is mother of Skanda that is why the Goddess is called Skand Mata.
Sixth Day Pooja - Katyayani Mata puja
Sixth day of Navratri is intended for Devi Katyayani. In her typical image, the goddess Katyayani seated on lion and has tree eyes and four legs.
Seventh Day Pooja - Kalaratri puja
On the seventh day of Navratri festival, devotees worship and adore the Goddess Kalratri. As name indicates Devi Kalratri is as black as a dark night and she is notorious to eliminate fear from her devotee's heart.
Eighth Day Pooja - Mahagouri puja
Maha Gauri is the form of Mother Durga which is worshipped on eighth day of Navratri. The Goddess Maha Gauri signifies calmness and endorses wisdom. As name suggest, she is considered enormously beautiful. Her color is like snow and adorned with white colored jewelries.
Ninth Day Pooja - Siddhidatri Puja
Ninth form of the Goddess Durga, Siddhidatri is worshiped on the ninth day of Navratri. She is Goddess of all eight siddhis and is worshipped by all Yogis, Sadhakas, Siddhas and Rishis-Munis.