Nava Durgas

 Mata Shailaputri Temple- Varanasi

Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah॥

॥Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim॥

Shailaputri (lit. daughter of the mountains) is a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Durga and is one of the first Navadurga's venerated during the first day of Navratri.She is also known as Sati,Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati. Mother Shailaputri is the absolute form of Mother Nature.

Goddess Shailaputri is depicted with two hands and has a crescent moon on her forehead. She holds a trident in her right hand and a lotus flower in the left. She rides on mount Nandi (bull).

Mythology

Shailaputri is an avatar of Goddess Durga, who was born in the house of King of Mountains “Parvat Raj Himalaya”. The name “Shailaputri” literally means the daughter (putri) of mountain (shaila). Variously known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Himavat - the king of the Himalayas.

The embodiment of the power of  Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, she rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus in her two hands. In previous birth, she was daughter of Daksha, Sati.Once Daksha had organized a big Yagna and did not invite Shiva. But Sati being obstinate, reached there. Thereupon Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati could not tolerate the insult of husband and burnt herself in the fire of Yagna. In other birth, she became the daughter of Himalaya in the name of Parvati - Hemavati and got married with Shiva. As per Upanishad, she had torn and the egotism of Indra, etc. Devtas. Being ashamed they bowed and prayed that, "In fact, thou are Shakti, we all - Brahma,  Vishnu and Shiva are capable by getting Shakti from you."

In some scriptures like Shiva Purana and Devi-Bhagavata Purana the story of Mother Goddess is written as follows: Maa Bhagwati in her earlier birth was born as a daughter of Daksha  Prajapati. Then her name was Sati and she was married to Lord Shiva. But in a sacrificial ceremony organised by her father Prajapati Daksha, she got her body burnt in the yogic fire, because she could not bear the insult of her husband Lord Shiva by her father Prajapati Daksha in the sacrificial ceremony.

In her next birth she incarnated her as Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Parvat Raj Himalaya and among Nava Durgas she has been referred to as Shailaputri, who was again known as Hemavati. In her Hemavati aspect, she defeated all prominent gods. Like her previous birth, in this life also Maa Shailaputri(Parvati) got married to Lord Shiva.

She is Devi of the root chakra, who, upon awakening, begins Her journey upwards. Sitting on Nandi and making her first journey from the  Muladhara chakra. As from her father to her husband – the awakening Shakti, beginning her search for Lord Shiva or making a move towards her Shiva. So that, in Navratri pooja the first day Yogis keep their minds concentrated on Muladhara. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline. They started their Yogasadha from here. Shailaputri is the Muladhara Shakti to be realized within Self and sought for higher depths, in the yogic meditation. It is the rock of spiritual standing and the whole world gets strength from the Shailaputri aspect of Purna Prakriti DURGA.

Before Mother Goddess was born as the daughter of King Himavan, in her previous birth, she was the daughter of King Daksha. In this form, her name was Sati, who was very much devoted to Shiva and in love with him. King Daksha was against Lord Shiva, and knew that his daughter fell in love with an ascetic and expressed his disapproval. Sati made every effort to make her father understand, but in vain.

Daksha's wife, and mother of Sati, Prasuti got Lord Shiva and Sati married, without the consent of King Daksha. He severed all ties and relations with his daughter and son-in-law and cut them out of his life. After the marriage, Sati happily made her residence at Kailash with Lord Shiva and both loved each other unconditionally. Meanwhile, Daksha had one intention, and that was to insult Lord Shiva. Deciding this, he had arranged for a ritual, in which all Gods, Goddesses and sages were invited but not Shiva and Sati.

Even though discouraged by Shiva, who told her not to go to a ceremony performed by Daksha where she and her husband were not invited; the parental bond made Sati ignore social etiquette and her husband's wishes. Sati went to the ceremony alone. She was snubbed by Daksha and insulted by him in front of the guests. Sati, unable to bear further insults, immolated herself in the sacrificial yajna fire.

Upon learning of the tragedy of his wife, consumed by fiery anger, rage and endless sorrow, Shiva invoked Veerbhadra and Bhadrakaali to put an end to Daksha's arrogance and to all the invitees who failed to speak out against him to protect Sati as she was offended and insulted. Upon obedience to their orders, Bhadrakali brought about great devastation to the Yajna and to the invitees present, and Veerbhadra hacked off the head of Daksha and threw it in the sacrificial fire, putting an end to him.

Later, in a subsequent turn of events, Mother Goddess took another birth as King Himavan and Queen Menavati's daughter in their house, this time, she was named Parvati. She was born to parents who always respected and worshipped Lord Shiva with heart.

From the Yogic point of view, the First Navratri is considered to be very auspicious day. This is the Yogic start for being in tune with the Divine Mother Durga. Those who want to have any kind of initiation in the Shakti Mantras, can have it on the First of Shukla Pratipada.

The aspiration of a devotee is to reach higher and further higher, for spiritual evolution, and for the attainment of Siddhi, which is perfection associated with Ananda (bliss). Verily, Shailaputri is the Muladhara Shakti to be realized within Self and sought for higher depths, in the YOGA -            meditation. This is an experience in the soul-searching of Immutable within human existence. Shailaputri is the physical consciousness of the Divine Mother Durga. She is truly Parvati, daughter of the King Hemavana, as described in the Shiva Purana. Shailaputri is the manifestation of this earth planet, which includes what is apparent on this earth, and within the globe. Shailaputri covers all the hills, vales, water resources, seas and oceans, including atmosphere.

Therefore, Shailaputri is the essence of the earthly existence. Her abode is in the Muladhara Chakra. The divine Energy is latent in every human being. It is to be realized. Its color is crimson. The Tattva (element) is Earth, with the Guna (quality) of coherence, and with the Bheda (distinct) characteristics of Ghraana(the smell).

Navaratri Day-2

Brahmacharini Devi Temple - Varanasi

|| Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah ||

||Dadhana Karpadma abhyamaksh Mala kamandalu |

Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinya Nuttama ||

Brahmacharini, also known as Tapaswini, Tapasyacharini or Parvati, is the second form of the Goddess Durga. Her name means one who practices penance or brahmacharya, with “Brahma” meaning penance and Charini” meaning a female follower. The Goddess is worshipped on the second day of Navratri (the nine divine nights of Navadurga). Those who are devoted to her are rewarded with virtue, emancipation, peace, prosperity, happiness and nobility. She holds a japa mala (rosary) in her right hand and Kamandal, a water utensil in her left hand.

Legend

When the Goddess Parvati realised that she was destined to marry Lord Shiva, she decided to please him in every possible way. Rishi Narad advised her to follow the path of extreme penance and dedication to please Lord Shiva.

Parvati immersed herself in a difficult penance or tapasya. She suffered all the torments of nature while performing the penance. She gave up food and water, living on a diet of leaves. This is the reason she is also known as Aparna. After many years, Parvati was finally successful. Lord Shiva accepted Parvati as his wife and named this form of her as “Brahmachari”.

This second form of Maa Durga grants her devotees unlimited wishes. By worshipping her the qualities like penance, sacrifice, freedom from wordly desires, discipline, self control etc. increase in a devotee. Even in adverse circumstances his mind does not waiver from his duties. Due to her blessings he attains victory and prosperity everywhere.

The Devi is described as paralyzing the enemies by sprinkling the holy water from the water jug. Those who worship this Devi daily will become adept in Brahma Vidya. In the modern day parlance, this can be taken for higher education. According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 70, in the vicinity of Brahmeshwar, devotees can find Brahma Devi (Brahmacharini).

Significance of Worship

The goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri to acquire the power to abstain from food and water for the festival’s nine days. With Devi Brahmacharini’s blessing, devotees can keep the fast for nine days with no adverse effect on their health.The following mantra is chanted to invoke Goddess Brahmacharini

||Dadhana Karpadma abhyamaksh Mala kamandalu |

Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinya Nuttama ||

The blessings of this form of Shakti, provide knowledge and the determination to overcome all of life’s difficulties

Navaratri Day -3

Chandraghanta Devi Temple - Varanasi

॥ Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥

॥ Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta।

Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥

Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga.Her name Chandra-Ghanta, means "one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell. Her third eye is always opened and she is always ready for war against demons". She is also known as Chandrakhanda, Chandika or Rannchandi. Her worship takes place on the third day of Navaratri(the nine divine nights of Navadurga). She is believed to reward people with her grace, bravery and courage. By her grace all the sins, distresses, physical sufferings, mental tribulations and ghostly hurdles of the devotees are eradicated.

Legend

After Lord Shiva gave Parvati his word that he would not marry any woman, her sufferings overwhelmed him so much that he gave up, followed by a tearful reunion and then agrees to marry her.Soon, the joyous moment of Parvati's life comes. Shiva brings a procession of gods, mortals, ghosts,ghouls,goblins, sages, ascetics, Aghoris and Shivaganas to the gates of King Himavan's palace to take away his bride Parvati, on the occasion of his remarriage. Shiva arrives at King Himavan's palace in a terrorising form and Parvati's mother Menavati Devi faints in terror. Parvati appears to Shiva and sees his fearsome form, so to save her parents and other family members she transforms herself into Goddess Chandraghanta.

Chandraghanta persuaded Shiva to re-appear in a charming form. On listening to the Goddess, Shiva appears as a prince decorated with countless jewels. Parvati revived her mother, father and friends then Shiva and Parvati get married and made promises to one another.

Chandraghanta has ten hands where two hands hold a Trishula(trident),Gada (mace), bow-arrow, khadak(sword),Kamala(lotus flower), Ghanta(bell) and kamandal(waterpot), while one of her hands remains in blessing posture or abhayamudra. She rides on a tiger or lion as her vehicle, which represents bravery and courage, she wears a half moon on her forehead and has a third eye in the middle of her forehead. Her complexion is golden. Shiva sees Chandraghanta's form as a great example of beauty, charm and grace.

Chandraghanta rides a tiger or lion as her vehicle, representing bravery. This is a terrible aspect and is roaring in anger.This form of Durga is not completely different from earlier forms. It shows that when provoked she can be malevolent. Her malevolent form is said to be Chandi or Chamunda  Devi. She is otherwise the very embodiment of serenity.

The devotees who adore and worship Chandraghanta develop an aura of divine splendor. Their persons emit invisible power-waves which exercise a great impact on those who come in contact with them. They easily achieve success in life. Chandraghanta is ready to destroy the wicked, but to her devotees she is a kind and compassionate Mother showering peace and prosperity. During the battle between her and the demons, the horrible sound produced by her bell sent thousands of wicked demons to the abode of the Death God. She is ever in a warring posture which shows her eagerness to destroy the foes of her devotees so that they may live in peace and prosperity. Divine vision is acquired by her grace. If a devotee happens to enjoy divine fragrance and hears diverse sounds, he is said to be blessed by the Mother.

Durga incarnated as Kaushiki, in order to vanquish demons Shumbh and Nishumbh and their hordes. The beauty of Kaushiki was to lure demons to their doom.Shumbh wanted to marry Kaushiki to his brother Nishumbh and thus sent demon Dhumralochan to bring her. When she resisted, Dhumralochan attacked her. Enraged, Mata Parvati just by a mere 'humkar' destroyed Dhumralochan.

Navaratri Day-4

Maa Kushmanda Devi Temple - Varanasi

ll Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah ll

ll Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha।

Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me ll

Maa Kushmanda is worshiped on the fourth day of the festival of Navratri and she is believed to improve health and bestow wealth and strength.She is also credited with creating the world with her divine smile.

Kushmanda is depicted with eight to ten hands holding a trident, discus, sword, hook, mace, bow, arrow and two jars of honey and blood. Her one hand is always in abhayamudra from which she blesses all her devotees. She rides on a tiger.

Durga Mandir built in 18th century is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Next to the temple, is a kund (pond) which was earlier connected to the river Ganges. It is believed that the existing icon of the goddess was not made by a man but  appeared on its own in the temple.

The temple is painted red with ochre to match the colours of the central icon of Durga, the goddess of strength and power. Inside the temple, lots of elaborately carved and engraved stones can be found. The temple is made up of many small shikaras conjoined together.

Legend is that Goddess Durga created the universe with a "little egg", i.e. “Ku + Ushma + Anda = “Little + Energy + egg" , means the one who create the universe as “Little Cosmic Egg” with the energy of Her divine smile is called “Kushmanda”..

 Secondly, as She liked the sacrifice of pumpkin (Sanskrit, कूष्माण्ड, pumpkin) so She is known by the name Kushmanda.

Thirdly, Kushmanda is also known as “Ashtabhuja” as she is often depicted as having eight arms. In her seven hands she holds kamandala, bow, arrow, lotus, a jar of nectar, discus and mace. In her eighth hand she holds a Japmaala (rosary)  capable of giving Ashta Siddhis and Nava Niddhis, also riding a lion which represents “Dharma”. 

During Navaratri devotees take bathe in Durga Kund and worship Goddess Kushmanda Durga Devi who washes away all sins accumulated over entire life time! Particulary the fourth day Durga Puja belongs to Goddess Kushmanda who eliminates ailments and sorrows and bestowes longevity, name, strength and health.

It is believed that Maa Kushmanda is the source of all the energy in the universe. Further, it is also believed that she lives in the core of the Sun and thus provides energy to all the beings. She is believed to provide direction to Surya, the Sun God.

After creating the Universe, Maa Kushmanda  created the first beings. These were three supreme goddesses. With her left eye, she created a terrorizing form and named her  Mahakali.  From her center eye  (on her forehead), she created another ferocious form and named her Mahalakshmi. From her right eye, came an extremely benevolent and smiling form, which she named Mahasaraswati.

From the body of Mahakali, a male and a female took birth.The male had five heads and ten arms. He was named as Shiva. The female had one head and four arms. Her name was kept  Saraswati.

From Mahalakshmi’s body also a male and a female took birth. The male had four heads and four arms. Maa Kushmanda  named him as Brahma whereas the female was named as Lakshmi. She had one head and four arms.

When Maa Kushmanda glanced at  Mahasaraswati, she also gave birth to a male and a female. The male had one head and four arms. He was named Vishnu. The female had one head and four arms and was named Shakti.

She then offered  Shakti to Shiva, Saraswati to  Brahma and Lakshmi to

Vishnu as consorts.

Thereafter, Maa Kushmanda absorbed the three supreme goddesses and herself entered Shakti as an orb of divine and unending energy.

Built in the eighteenth century in Nagara style by Rani Bhabani of Natore district in West Bengal, there is a story behind this belief. One of the sons of then Ayodhya king Dhruva Sandhi, Sudarsana, was a staunch believer of goddess Vaishnavi who blessed him with a spiritual bow and arrow to help win all battles. When Sudarsana went to the swayamwar of Sasikala, daughter of then Kashi king Subahu, he noticed his step-brother Satrijith whose maternal grandfather warned Sasikala to marry him or face dire consequences. But, Sasikala chose Sudarsana and assured her father that Vaishnavi would protect them. A battle erupted between Sudarsana and Satrijith but Durga appeared and killed the latter and his grandfather. This led to Subahu becoming a devotee of Vaishnavi who requested Maa to reside in Kashi and defend them.

Maa Kushmanda is a divine, eternal being and is the source of all energy. She is known to bless her devotees with strength, wisdom, prosperity and protects them from the troubles and hardships of life.

Navaratri Day -5

Goddess Skanda Mata Temple - Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

ll Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah ll

ll Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya।

Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini ll

The fifth day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the worship of fifth form of Goddess Durga that is Goddess Skandamata. This form of Goddess Durga is known as Skandamata as she is represented along with her child Skanda (Kartikeya) seated on her lap. It is believed that by worshipping her, all the desires of the devotees are fulfilled, they get peace and happiness and easily attain salvation. Skandamata is considered to be a powerful Goddess that blesses her devotees.

Lord Kartikeya was chosen by gods as their chief in the war against the demons. So being the mother of Skanda, Goddess Durga is called as Skanda Mata..

Goddess Skanda Mata rides on a lion accompanied by her son Lord Skanda seated in her lap, having four arms and three eyes. She holds a lotus in her two upper hands, lower-left-arm is in a mudra symbolizing benediction, at the same time riased fingers holds a lotus and lower-right-arms holds Skanda.

According to pandits this deity is known as Goddess Vageshwari (Ashwarooda) who is allowed to worship only on 2 days annually and on all other days, the door remains closed and devotees worship doors only

There is some confusion here. Some locals term Skanda Mata as Vageshwari , but according to learned Pandits, Vageshwari is Ashwarooda who is located inside the closed doors on the ground level but Goddess Skanda Mata is located in upper storey of the same temple, located at Jaitpura, Varanasi. 

 "Ashwa + Arooda",   "Horse + Mount" i.e. Goddess Vageshwari mounted on a horse back who is the captain of Cavalry of Horses, in the army of Supreme Goddess Sri Raja Rajeshwari.The horse which carries Goddess Vageshwari is called APARAJITA which means Insurmountable and unconquerable.

The idol of the goddess Durga appears with four hands. She has the lotus flower in each of the upper hand. The posture of giving blessings from her left hand. Her form is auspicious and she sits on a lotus flower. So she is named as goddess Padmasana Devi. She used lion as her vehicle. The devotees of her get all their desires wishes, they get life with more peace and happiness and their way to salvation becomes easy. Since she guards the Sun’s orbit, her devotees get a radiating light which surround them as an aura.

According to the legend demon Tarakasura, once pleased Lord Brahma with his extremely tough penance. When Lord Brahma asked him to make a wish Tarakasura asked Lord Brahma to make him immortal. Lord Brahma denied him this blessing, saying none can escape death. Tarakasura acted smart and asked for the death by the son of Lord Shiva, since he thought Lord Shiva would never get married. Tarakasura started torturing the people on the earth. Fearing his strength would cause destructions, the devatas requested Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to send their son Kartikeya to fight with Tarakasura. Lord Kartikeya/ Skand Kumara, demolished Tarakasura. Since then Devi Skand Mata is a symbol of the mother-son relationship.

Navratri is time to offer reverence to the Goddess of Shakti Maa Durga.

Navaratri Day-6

Katyayani Devi Temple- Varanasi

ll Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah ll

ll Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana।

Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini ll

The sixth day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the worship of sixth form of Goddess Durga that is Goddess Katyayani. It is believed that by worshipping this form of Goddess Durga, devotees are freed from all sorts of grief and fear. She is believed to radiate a supernatural energy. Goddess Katyayani is also known as Vikta Devi which is a well known Shakti Peeth.

Sri Katyayani Durga Devi, the sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Goddess Katyayani.She was pleased with the hard penance of Maharishi Kaatyaayana and took birth on earth in the form of his daughter in accordance with his desire. The goddess is known as Katyayani as she was born to Sage Katyayan and was first worshipped by him only. Her form is supposed to be simple and divine. The devotees of Goddess Katyayani throng the temple on the 6th day of Navaratri.

Katyayani is the sixth form of Navdurga or the nine forms or Goddess Parvati. She was the daughter of Sage Katya of the Katya clan. This is how she got her name Katyayani the daughter of Sage Katya. Sage Katya did  tapasya to Maa Durga. She was impressed by his prayer and gave him his wish of her being born as his daughter. This form of Goddess Durga is shown as serene and loving daughter. She has gold complexion. She has three eyes and four arms. One arm carries sword, one lotus. The other two are defending and pouring blessings on the devotees. She rides the tiger. It is believed that one who prays Devi Katyayani with a true heart and devotion he can lead to four objects- Dharma (religion),  Artha (meaning), Kama (desire) and Moksha (liberation from the cycle of births and re-births).

The Story of Devi Katyayani

The legend says that she was born to Sage Katyayana on the 14th dark of the month (krisha paksh) of Ashwina maasa. The Sage then worshipped Goddess Katyayani for three days 7th, 8th and 9th day of the brighter fortnight ( shukla paksh).

According to one story Goddess Katyayani was once travelling to Mysore Hills. The asuras or demons saw her.They were mesmerized by her beauty.  Asuras went straight to their king Mahishasur and told him about her. When he asked her for her hand, she said he must win a war. He came and fought with Goddess Durga who defeated him. She cut his head with her sword, which gave her the name  Mahishasramardini,the Slayer of Mahishasura.

According to Karveer Mahatmya, Goddess Katyayani along with Goddess Mahalaxmi went to Karvir (the town of Kolhapur) to participate in the war against Kolhasur. An ally of Kolhasur, Raktabeej, had vardan or a blessing, according to which with every drop of his blood which fell on Earth will spring a demon. Goddess Katyayani swallowed all of Raktabeej’s blood to prevent it from falling on Earth.

The word Katyayini means one who removes destructive ego. Katyayani Mantra is very effective in removing all obstacles such as Manglik Dosha or negative influences of planets in a girl’s horoscope.

Katyayani mantra is for those whose marriage has got delayed, this is a very effective mantra.

Navaratri Day-7

Kalratri Devi Temple- Varanasi

ll Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah ll

ll Ekaveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita।

Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini॥

Vamapadollasalloha Latakantakabhushana।

Vardhana Murdhadhwaja Krishna Kalaratrirbhayankar ll

The seventh day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the worship of seventh form of Goddess Durga that is Goddess Kalratri. According to a belief, body of Goddess Kalratri is depicted as pitch black skinned just like darkness, her hair appears disbanded, she wears a skull garland around her neck which shines like lightning, she has three eyes that are round like universe and light continuously radiate out from her eyes. She exhales fire flames continuously through her nose. Although her appearance is fierce, yet she always grant auspicious boons to her devotees, which is why she is believed to be a Shubhkari. With her blessings devotees are freed from any kind of fear. According to beliefs, Kalratri is a very powerful Goddess that blesses her devotees with fearless life. Her devotees are free from the fear of fire, water, animals, enemies and night etc.

Goddess Kalratri is widely regarded as one of the many destructive forms of Mother Goddess - Kali, Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Bhairavi, Mrityu, Rudrani, Chamunda, Chandi and Durga.

Once there were two demons named Shumbha and Nishumbha, who invaded devaloka and defeated the demigods. Indra the ruler of the gods, along with the demigods went to the Himalayas to get Lord Shiva's help in retrieving their abode. Together, they prayed to Goddess  Parvati  (Durga). Parvati heard their prayer while she was bathing, so she created another goddess, Chandi (Ambika) to assist the gods by vanquishing the demons. Chanda and Munda were two demon generals sent by Shumbha and Nishumbha. When they came to battle her, Goddess Chandi created a dark goddess, Kali (in some accounts, called Kaalratri). Kali/Kaalratri killed them, thereby acquiring the name  Chamunda.

Thereupon, a demon named Raktabija arrived. Raktabija had the boon that if any drop of blood of his fell onto the ground, a clone of him would be created. When Kalratri attacked on him, his spilt blood gave rise to several clones of him. As such, it became impossible to defeat him. So while battling, Kalratri furious at this, drank his blood to prevent it from falling down, eventually killing Raktabija and helping goddess Chandi to kill his commanders, Shumbha and Nishumbha.

Another legend says that Goddess Chamunda (Kali) was creator of Devi Kalratri. Riding a powerful donkey, Kalratri chased the demons Chanda and Munda and brought them to Kali after catching and incarcerating them. Then these demons were killed by goddess Chamunda.

Yet another legend recounts that, there was a demon named Durgasur who tried to attack Kailash, the abode of Parvati (Durga) in the absence of Shiva. Parvati got to know about this and created Kalratri, instructing her to warn Durgasur against an attack. Durgasur's guards however tried to capture Kaalratri when she turned up as a messenger. Kaalratri then assumed a gigantic form and delivered the warning to him. Subsequently, when Durgasur came to invade Kailash, Parvati battled him and killed him gaining the name Durga. Here Kaalratri serves as an agent who gives the message and warning from Parvati to Durgasur.

Blue, red and white colours should be used to wear on this day.

Navaratri Day -8

Mahagauri Mata Temple- Varanasi

ll Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah ll

ll Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih।

Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada ll

Mahagauri is the eighth manifestation of goddess Durga and amongst the Navadurgas. Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Mahagauri has the power to fulfill all the desires of her devotees. The one who worships the goddess gets relief from all the sufferings in life.Mahagauri has four arms. Her right arm is in the pose of allaying fear and right lower hand holds a trident in it. She holds a tambourine in her left upper arm and the lower one is in the form of a blessing.

The name Mahagauri means extremely white, as she was white in colour and very beautiful (Maha = great; Gauri = white). Mahagauri is usually depicted with four hands, the hands holding a trident, lotus and drum, while the fourth is in a blessing gesture.The lotus is sometimes replaced with a Japamaala( rosary). She rides a white bull, usually shown wearing white clothes.

The story of Mahagauri's origins is as follows: The demons Shumbha and  Nishumbha could only be killed by a female child of Parvati. Hence, as advised by Brahma, Shiva used his magic to turn Parvati's skin black, giving Parvati the epithet "Kali", meaning "black". However, the word "Kali" can also mean "death", so Parvati was teased. Parvati was agitated by this teasing, so she performed severe penance to Brahma so as to get her fair complexion back. She succeeded in her penance and was advised by Brahma to take a bath in the Mansarovar River in Himalaya. As she took a bath, her dark skin separated from her and took the form of a female. She was called Kaushiki, being born from the skin of Parvati. As a result of the separation of her black skin, Parvati got her white fair complexion back, and so she gained the epithet "Mahagauri". Still, for the task of demons' assassination, she gave her fair complexion to  Kaushiki and she (Parvati) again attained the form of Kali. Goddesses Saraswati

and Lakshmi provided their powers to Kali as a result of which Kali transformed into Chandi (Chandraghanta). Chandi killed demon Dhumralochan. Chanda

and Munda were killed by Goddess Chamunda who appeared out from the third eye of Chandi. Chandi then transformed into  Kaalratri  again to kill Raktabija and Kaushiki had killed Shumbh and Nishumbh, after which she got merged with Kali to transform her back into Gauri. Hence, Goddess Kaushiki too got merged with Parvati, hence giving her the titles of  Mahasaraswati and Ambika.

Another story tells that Parvati a dark complexion, but in a different version runs as follows: Goddess Parvati made up her mind to perform an austere penance as advised by Sage Narad so that she might beget Lord Shiva as her husband. So, she renounced all the comforts of the palace and started performing penance in the forest. Her severe penance continued for many years. She braved heat and cold, rains and drought and terrible storms. Her body was covered with dust, earth, soil and leaves of trees. She had developed a blackish skin over her body. At last, Lord Shiva appeared before her and gave his solemn word that he would marry her. He bathed her vigorously by the holy waters of the Ganga emanating from his matted hair. The holy and sacred waters of Ganga washed off all the dirt clinging to Parvati’s person and she became white-complexioned and glorious. Thus by virtue of having acquired a white complexion, Parvati came to be known as Mahagauri.

It is believed that by worshipping Goddess Mahagauri, devotees can get rid of their sins and can attain divine achievements. According to beliefs, by worshipping Goddess Mahagauri devotees can obtain benefits of worshipping all the goddesses in the world. 

Durga devi temple at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. 

Today is Vijaya Dashami.

Vijayadashami, also known as Dasara , is a major Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Navratri every year. It is observed on 10th day of Navaratri in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin.

Vijay dashami is celebrated as victory of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana and also triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo Demon Mahishasura.

Vijayadashami is a composite of two words “Vijaya” and “Dashami”, which respectively mean “victory” and “tenth”, connoting the festival on the tenth day celebrating the victory of good over evil. The same Hindu festival-related term, however, takes different forms in different regions of India and Nepal, as well as among Hindu minorities found elsewhere.

Vijayadasami is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. In the eastern and northeastern states of India, Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon to help restore Dharma. In the northern, southern and western states, the festival is synonymously called Dussehra (also spelled Dasara, Dashahara).

Vijayadasami Story 

Lord Shri Rama got victory on this day. On the tenth day of Ashwin Shukla, a star named Sandhya rises and during its rise a phase comes known as "Vijya Kaal" that is considered auspicious to complete any work. There is a story related to the celebration of this festival, which is as follows:

Once Devi Parvati was curious to know about the importance of this festival. She asked Lord Shiva to give her the answer and settle down her curiosity. Lord Shiva told her that in the evening of Ashwin Shukla's tenth day a star rises in the sky during which a phase comes knows as " Vijaya Kaal" and this phase is auspicious to get victory over enemies and all the wishes are fulfilled during this Kaal.

If Shravan Nakshatra is formed on this day, then it becomes more auspicious. Lord Rama attacked Lanka during this phase and got victory over Ravana.

Simollanghan

It is a significant festival for Kshatriyas. They believe that when there is no war, the kings must exceed the limit of their kingdom on this day. Once King Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna about the significance of this day on which Lord Krishna told him that on the day of Vijayadashmi all the kings should decorate their slaves, elephants and horses and celebrate the festival with full zeal and enthusiasm.

The king along with his priest should depart towards the eastern side of his kingdom to exceed the limit of his kingdom's boundaries and worship the Vastu Dev, Ashta-Digpal and Partha Deva. He should make a mannequin of his enemy and dig an arrow into his chest while chanting the Vedic Mantras. Complete all the rituals and head back to his kingdom. Any king who performs these rituals will always gets victory over his enemies.

Shami Puja:-

Shami Pujan and Ashmantak tree should also be worshipped on Vijayadashmi. There is a story related to this Pujan, according to which Devi Parvati asks Lord Shiva about the significance of Shami Tree on which lord Shiva says that Arjun hid his weapons in the hole of a Shami Tree during his time of exile and started living as a Vrihanna in the kingdom of King Virat.

Later on with the help of king's Son, Arjun collected his weapons from the tree and got victory over his enemies. This way Shami tree protected Arjun's weapons. Other than this, when Lord Rama was marching towards the Lanka, Shami tree told him that he will get victory. This is the reason that Shami tree is worshipped on the day of Vijayadashmi. If one is unable to find Shami tree, then Ashmantak tree can also be worshipped.

People exchange the leaves of the Shami tree among friends and relatives as gold. Aparijita and Vishnu Kranta plant is also worshipped on this day. This plant brings victory and is dear to lord Vishnu. Along with paying for victory people also pray for joy and prosperity.

Shastra Puja

By worshipping the weapons on this day people call for the power of god. They clean their weapons that are used in daily lives, arrange them in a row and worship them. This is an important festival of Kshatriya and they worship Devi Aparajita on this day. People achieve happiness in all spheres of life by worshipping on this day.