9 GODDESSES that are worshiped on the 9 days of Navratri

Day 1: SHAILPUTRI Mata

Maa Shailputri is the part of Goddess that was born as the daughter of the mountain king Himavant (or the Himalaya). She is also known as Parvati, a name that comes from 'parvat' which is the Sanskrit word for mountains. Goddess Parvati was Sati in her previous birth.

Day 2: BRAHMACHARINI Mata

Goddess Durga is worshiped in the form of ' Uma' or Brahmacharini. This is the avatar of the Goddess in which she performs 'tapa' or deep penance to reach the ultimate truth.

Day 3: CHANDRAGHANTA Mata

Maa Durga appears as ' Sherawali ' mata or Chandraghanta. This is a popular avatar of Durga that is worshiped in Vaishno Devi.

Day 4: KUSHMANDA Mata

Kushmanda Mata sits on a growling lion & holds 7 types of weapons in her 8 hands.

Day 5: SKANDA Mata

On 5^th day Skanda Mata holds her son named ' Skanda ' in her arms. She is a Goddess who comes from the fire & is worshiped for gaining knowledge or wisdom.

Day 6: KATYAYANI Mata

A sage Katyayani prayed for years to Maa Durga to have her as his daughter. She granted his wish & was born as the sage's daughter by the banks of the river Yamuna.

Day 7: Kalratri Mata

This avatar of Goddess Durga is dark as moonless night & hence the name is 'Kalratri'. She rides a donkey & her hair is left open in a dishevelled way. Mata Kalratri is a protector of mankind & destroyer of the Dark forces.

Day 8: Maha Gauri Mata

Maha Gouri is a household Goddess. She blesses the family with peace, food & prosperity. She rides a bull & is often dressed in white.

Day 9: Siddhidatri Mata

Siddhidatri is the ultimate form of Shakti or the 'female Goddess' who is worshiped by all other Gods. Mata Siddidatri has achieved all the 8 siddhis & is thus half the body of Lord Shiva. When we see Lord Shiva in the Ardhnareshwar avatar, half his body is comprised by Mata Siddhidatri.