Navratri Special – Lesser-Known Facts About the Festival (By Talks With Astro)

Navratri, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals, is a nine-day celebration dedicated to honoring the divine feminine energy—Maa Durga. Each day of Navratri represents a different form of the Goddess, known collectively as Navdurga. Across India, devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and celebrate the victory of good over evil with great devotion.

At Talks With Astro, we believe Navratri is not just a festival—it’s a spiritual journey of self-purification, devotion, and connecting with the cosmic energy of the Goddess. Let’s explore the significance of each day and the divine forms worshipped during Navratri.

 

Day 1: Shailputri (Daughter of the Mountains)

The first day begins with the worship of Maa Shailputri, a form of Goddess Parvati. She is depicted with a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other, riding a bull. Worshipping her brings blessings of prosperity and health. Devotees often wear red and offer pure ghee for vitality and strength.

Mantra:

“वन्दे वांछितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम।

वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥”

 

Day 2: Brahmacharini

On the second day, devotees honor Maa Brahmacharini, the goddess of penance, wisdom, and austerity. She holds a rosary in one hand and a kamandal in the other. Worshipping her enhances patience, discipline, and inner strength. Devotees wear yellow and offer sugar or fruits.

Mantra:

“दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलू।

देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥”

 

Day 3: Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day. She symbolizes courage and fearlessness, blessing her devotees with strength and serenity. She is portrayed with ten hands holding weapons, ready to protect her children from negativity. Green is the color of the day, and kheer made of milk is a special offering.

Mantra:

“पिण्डजप्रवरारूढ़ा चण्डकोपास्त्रकेर्युता।

प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चंद्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥”

 

Day 4: Kushmanda

The fourth day is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, the creator of the universe with her radiant smile. She rides a lion and blesses devotees with health, wealth, and long life. Wearing grey and offering malpua is considered auspicious.

Mantra:

“सुरासंपूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।

दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥”

 

Day 5: Skandamata

On the fifth day, Maa Skandamata—the mother of Lord Kartikeya—is worshipped. She sits on a lotus, carrying her divine son in her lap. She represents motherly love, compassion, and protection. Devotees wear orange and offer bananas.

Mantra:

“सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।

शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥”

 

Day 6: Katyayani

The sixth day is devoted to Maa Katyayani, born to the sage Katyayan to destroy the demon Mahishasura. She is a warrior goddess, symbolizing courage and righteousness. Devotees wear white and offer honey to seek her blessings.

Mantra:

“चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरी शार्दूलवरवाहना।

कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद्देवी दानवघातिनी॥”

 

Day 7: Kalaratri

On the seventh day, devotees worship Maa Kalaratri, the fiercest form of Durga, with a dark complexion, three eyes, and immense power. She destroys fear, negativity, and evil. Wearing pink and offering jaggery brings her blessings.

Mantra:

“एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता।

लम्बोष्ठी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी॥”

 

Day 8: Mahagauri

The eighth day honors Maa Mahagauri, the goddess of purity, forgiveness, and peace. She blesses her devotees with happiness, prosperity, and harmony. Wearing blue and offering coconut is considered sacred.

Mantra:

“समारूढ़ा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचि:।

महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोदया॥”

 

Day 9: Siddhidatri

On the final day, devotees worship Maa Siddhidatri, the granter of supernatural powers (siddhis) and spiritual wisdom. She sits on a lotus, radiating divine grace. Wearing purple and worshipping little girls (Kanya Pujan) is an important ritual.

Mantra:

“सिद्धगंधर्वयक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि।

सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी॥”

 

Conclusion

Navratri is more than a festival—it is a celebration of inner strength, faith, and the triumph of good over evil. Each form of the Goddess teaches us values like courage, discipline, forgiveness, and devotion.

At Talks With Astro, we encourage you to use these nine days to purify your soul, connect with the divine, and invite positive energy into your life. May Maa Durga bless you with wisdom, health, and prosperity."