Images

Descriptions

Shaila Putri -The Daughter of a Mountain, a symbol of purity and devotion.

Vahana – Nandi/Bull. Stage- Parvati in her stage of childhood with the divine and principal form being Durga. Mantra - ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः

She is adorned with simple ornamentation on her limbs and is dressed in red and pink saree. She has two hands both holding a trident and lotus. She is seated on a white bull.

Brahmacharini: The Mother of devotion and penance, symbolizing spiritual austerity and knowledge. Vahana – None. Stage- Durga in her phase of asceticism. Mantra- ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नम:

She is dressed as a female ascetic and is adorned by Rudraksha mala and flowers as her ornamentation. She has two hands, both of which carried a Japa Mala and a Kamandal.

Chandraghanta (bell of the moon): The Destroyer of demons, associated with inner peace and the harmonious collective. Vahana -Tiger. Stage- Durga in the form of Shakti. Mantra- ॐ देवी चंद्रघण्टायै नम:

She has ten hands, nine of them are armed by a trident, mace, bow, arrow, lotus, sword, bell and a waterpot, while one other hand blesses her devotees. She is seated on a fierce tiger.

Kushmanda: The Goddess of The Cosmic Egg. The creator of the universe, representing the radiant essence of creation. Vahana -Loin. Stage- Durga in the form of Mahashakti. Mantra- ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्मांडायै नम:

She has eight hands, six of which held a discus, mace, lotus, bow, and arrow in one hand, sword, and Japa Mala and the two other hands carried a jar of honey and waterpot. She is mounted on the back of a lion.

Skanda Mata: The Goddess of motherhood and children. The mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), symbolizing motherly love and protection. Vahana -Loin.  Stage- Durga in her stage of motherhood. Mantra- ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नम:

She has four hands, two of which held lotuses, the third holding her son, the six-headed infant Kartikeya seated on her lap, and the fourth saves her devotees. She is seated on the back of a lion.

Katyayani: The Goddess of Power. The daughter of the sage Katyayana, representing transformation. Vahana -Loin.  Stage- Durga in the warrior stage, ready to fight any Asura. Mantra- ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नम:

She is adorned with heavy ornamentation on her limbs and is dressed in green and pink vestments. Her four hands each carried a sword, shield, lotus, and trident. She has seen seated on an impressive lion.

Kalaratri: The Goddess of Auspiciousness and Courage. The dark night of destruction, the destroyer of ignorance and darkness. Vahana – Donkey. Stage- Durga in her form of destruction. Mantra- ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नम:

She has three bloodshot eyes, frayed hair, and wears a garland of skulls around her neck, which stand out like lightning. Her four hands all held a trident, scimitar, vajra, and a cup. She is seated on a donkey as her vehicle mount.

Mahagauri: The Goddess of Beauty. The great, shining white form, symbolizing purity and wisdom. Vahana -Ox. Stage- Durga in her form of recovery. Mantra- ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नम:

She has four hands, three of which carried a trident, mini-drum, and a pink lotus while her one hand promised her devotees protection. She is seated on a white ox.

Siddhidatri: The Goddess of Supernatural Powers or Siddhis. The bestower of accomplishments, symbolizing liberation and spiritual power. Vahana – Lotus. Stage- Durga in her stage of reaching her highest and supreme form as Mahashakti. Mantra- ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं सिद्धिदात्र्यै नम:

Each of her four hands carried a discus, conch shell, pink lotus and a mace. She is seated upon a fully bloomed lotus.