As we celebrate Navaratri, a festival honouring the nine forms of Goddess Durga, I find myself reflecting on its deeper significance beyond the rituals. Each of these forms represents a unique trait of feminine power, yet the reality for women across the globe, especially in India, starkly contrasts the reverence we claim to offer.
If culturally we worship the feminine divine, why does a preference for a male child persist? Why did some states face such skewed sex ratios that they had to search for brides in distant lands? If we truly worship Nari Shakti, why do we need multiple legal protections for women—from laws against foeticide to safeguarding their modesty, from the need for women’s reservation to stringent laws against harassment? Are we really internalizing the messages these divine forms impart, or are we trapped in mere symbolism?
This blog delves into these questions, exploring how the nine forms of Durga represent the intrinsic qualities every woman possesses and how society can move from symbolism to genuine respect and equality.
I will attempt to relate each form of Durga to our real life situations and what can we learn from it:
Day 1: Shailaputri – The Grounded Strength
Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, embodies the innocence and adorability of a female child. She is a primal form of Mother Nature, symbolizing strength, purity, and the stability of the earth. In her child form, Shailaputri is revered for her deep connection with nature. Depicted riding a bull, holding a trident and a lotus, this imagery reminds me of the feminine capacity to control brute power through kindness and delicacy.
She is associated with the root chakra, representing grounding and material existence—qualities that are deeply intertwined with innocence, love, and kindness. As a fortunate father of a daughter, I am reminded of her ways of expressing love and care for me—from pretending to wash my T-shirt to playing the role of my ‘mother’ in playful innocence, enjoying my attempts to please her. This connection speaks to the intrinsic motherly affection women bring into the world from birth, reminding us of the nurturing force that binds families and communities together.
The child form of Goddess Durga, Shailaputri, represents the vital connection to nature, urging us to protect and preserve our natural resources. Her innocence and kindness reflect the familial and societal forces that hold the world together. Yet, when we look at opportunities for girls in education, why do we still see discrimination? Why are their career choices often restricted? This divine symbol of nurturing strength challenges us to rethink how we treat the young girls who will shape our future.
Day 2. Brahmacharini: The Pursuit of Knowledge
Brahmacharini, the second form of Durga, symbolizes severe penance, devotion, self-discipline, and persistence. Her portrayal represents the virtues of simplicity and the importance of infusing cultural values into our lives. She teaches us to build a family value system rooted in intellectualism and self-restraint, rather than being swept up in the pursuit of material gains. The image of Brahmacharini walking barefoot, holding a rosary in one hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in the other, conveys a profound message to humanity: to meditate, inspire spiritual growth, and pursue wisdom above all.
This form of the goddess, to me, also reflects wisdom and independence—qualities that we should encourage in our daughters and sisters. Yet, how many of us truly embrace these values in our daily lives? In many households, rules for sons and daughters differ significantly. Daughters are often not allowed outside after sunset, while sons enjoy more freedom. Brahmacharini, in my opinion, also stands as a reminder of the focused pursuit of knowledge, guiding young people through the critical phases of their education and careers.
In my family, we maintained strict rules during our children’s educational years, but without discrimination between male and female children. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, particularly in rural regions, female literacy rates still lag behind. Globally, girls are less likely to complete their education compared to boys. As we celebrate Brahmacharini’s embodiment of wisdom and the pursuit of knowledge, we must confront the reality that millions of girls continue to be denied their right to learn.
Day 3: Chandraghanta – The Fierce Protector
Chandraghanta, the third form of Durga, symbolizes peace, serenity, and prosperity, yet also represents courage and bravery. Known for her fearlessness, she wears a crescent moon (Chandra) on her forehead in the shape of a bell (Ghanta), which lends her name. Chandraghanta rides a tiger, embodying strength and the power to ward off enemies and negative forces. In Hindu culture, the moon symbolizes coolness, reminding us to cultivate calmness and composure in challenging situations. For daughters, this calmness is even more critical, as they often shoulder the responsibility of adapting to a new family and balancing multiple roles in their lives.
However, when depicted riding a tiger, Chandraghanta also conveys empowerment. To me, it sends a powerful message: while we should fully empower our daughters, they must also be trained to maintain a level-headed approach in life. In today’s world, empowerment stems from education and economic independence. This form of Durga symbolizes not just bravery but also wisdom, suggesting that daughters should be nurtured as problem solvers and leaders, capable of standing strong against injustice.
Yet, despite such profound symbolism, the reality for many women remains grim. Violence and harassment continue to plague societies globally. According to the UN, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Although legal frameworks exist to protect women, the persistence of violence shows how far society still has to go in accepting women as empowered warriors. The message of Chandraghanta—protection through strength and level-headedness—must inspire us to accelerate change and challenge these deeply rooted misconceptions about women.
.Day 4: Kushmanda – The Creator of Worlds
Kushmanda, the fourth form of Durga, is revered as the creator of the universe. It is said that she birthed the world through her divine smile, symbolizing the ultimate power of creation and light. Associated with inner strength, Kushmanda brings balance and harmony to the world. She is depicted with eight arms, riding a lion—a sign of empowerment—while holding a jar of nectar, symbolizing vitality and abundance. Her form reminds us that the smiles of women—mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters—are the foundation of a family’s happiness and the wellspring of life.
Kushmanda embodies the creative energy that sustains not only families but also entire communities and societies. In this form, Durga represents the motive force that propels family life and motivates men to fulfill their duties and contribute to sustaining the world. Through her nurturing, development, and sustenance, life on Earth flourishes. Culturally, Hindus revere this power, recognizing women as the heart of creation.
However, despite such deep-rooted respect for women as creators, the realities tell a different story. In many developing countries, maternal mortality remains alarmingly high. Women, the very creators celebrated in the form of Kushmanda, face immense struggles in balancing motherhood with professional life, often with inadequate support from society and institutions. While we celebrate the power of creation, the world’s systems frequently penalize women for stepping into their roles as mothers and creators of the next generation. The form of Kushmanda calls us to reflect on this contradiction and work towards a future where women’s creative power is fully honored and supported.
Day 5: Skandamata – Nurturer and Protector
Skandamata, the fifth form of Durga, represents the maternal love, nurture, and care that women naturally embody. As the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the god of war, she is depicted holding her infant son in her lap while riding a lion—a symbol of both empowerment and protection. Skandamata, to me, epitomizes the immense capacity of women to balance multiple roles when empowered, simultaneously adopting the responsibilities of earning, sustaining, and nurturing their children.
This form of the goddess reminds me of the real-life role that many women, especially those married to soldiers or men in similar demanding professions, assume when their partners are away. These women are often the sole caretakers, balancing work and family life, embodying strength and wisdom in their own right. Skandamata symbolizes this ability to protect, nurture, and provide for the family—qualities inherent in women across the world, regardless of their circumstances.
Yet, in our modern societies, while women are still the primary caregivers, they are often left without adequate support. From insufficient childcare to a lack of recognition for the immense emotional labor they contribute, society tends to take these nurturing roles for granted. Why are women expected to bear the full responsibility of nurturing without corresponding structures in place to support them, like paternity leave for fathers or flexible work environments for mothers?
The form of Skandamata calls us to reflect on these societal expectations and urges us to provide the necessary support for women so they can thrive in all aspects of their lives. It’s time we honour the nurturing power of women not only symbolically but through tangible change in policies and practices that support them in real life.
Day 6: Katyayani – The Warrior of Justice
Katyayani, the sixth form of Durga, is revered as a fierce warrior goddess born to the sage Katyayana. She symbolizes courage, strength, and victory over evil forces, most notably the defeat of demons. Depicted riding a lion and armed with various weapons, Katyayani represents the power to fight injustice and negativity. Her presence inspires women to embody strength and willpower while combating the wrongs in society.
Katyayani inspires to stand up for righteousness, reminding them that being caring does not mean being weak. The real demons of today are not mythical creatures but the entrenched evils of male domination, gender discrimination, and domestic violence. Durga as Katyayani calls on women to equip themselves with the weapons of knowledge, intellect, and confidence—tools that can repel the harmful designs of those with polluted minds.
However, this empowerment remains largely theoretical due to deep-rooted cultural taboos. Daughters are often taught to accommodate in the name of harmony, to bend in order to maintain peace. While compromise is a necessary part of life, it must not be confused with weakness. Yet, too often, society expects women to endure and accommodate, mistaking their tolerance for submission.
How often do women truly receive justice in today’s world with prolonged and misdirected legal battles over domestic violence, sexual harassment, and the fight for equal opportunities reveal a long road r for this form of Durga to be fully realized in everyday life. The warrior spirit of Katyayani encourages women to continue this fight, reminding us that the journey toward justice is far from over, but it is one that must be fought with unwavering courage.
Day 7: Kalaratri – The Destroyer of Fear
Kalaratri, the most fearsome form of Durga, embodies the power to destroy darkness, fear, and ignorance. She represents the feminine force capable of unleashing destruction when justice and righteousness are threatened. Kalaratri’s fierce nature is not born of cruelty but of necessity—to combat the deep-seated evils that refuse to be vanquished by ordinary means. She reminds us of the inner strength women possess when pushed to their limits, especially in a world that continues to marginalize them.
In mythology, Durga transformed into Kali to defeat the demon Raktabija, whose blood created new demons upon touching the ground. Durga’s weapons alone could not stop the endless cycle of his rebirth, so in the fierce form of Kali, she consumed his blood before it could spill, ensuring that no more demons could arise. This story mirrors the persistent injustices women face today. Like Raktabija’s blood spawning more demons, society’s ingrained attitudes and systemic failures—prolonging legal battles, corruption, and coercion—allow the same gender-based oppressions to proliferate.
To me, Kalaratri symbolizes the rage and power that emerge when women, oppressed by society’s inertia and a slow, often ineffective justice system, are forced to take matters into their own hands. She embodies the potential for transformative, even violent, action when all other routes have failed. The donkey Kalaratri rides can be seen as the symbol of this sluggish system, one that she must control and ride to victory. Her dark complexion and fierce demeanour serve as a reminder that when nurturing and patience are met with obstinate resistance, there comes a time for direct, decisive action.
As society continues to mock and sideline women’s calls for justice, Kalaratri’s fierce energy becomes a necessary force for change. Just as she purges the battlefield of evil, so too must the injustices against women be eradicated. In the words of Goswami Tulsidas, “Samrath Ke Nahi Dosh Gosain”, or “The negativities of a capable person are ignored.” When justice fails, society is forced to acknowledge the power of women, who will rise and restore balance, burning away the darkness that suppresses them.
Day 8 Mahagauri: The Embodiment of Purity
Mahagauri is the epitome of purity and serenity, symbolizing peace and calmness. She represents the fulfilment of desires and spiritual cleansing. She represents purity and penance and inspires to continue spiritual pursuits. Metamorphically, she is depicted as extremely fair skin that to my mind represents a pure inner soul not to be confused with concept of chastity as purity as often misdirected by the male dominated society. It represents an accomplished and self-sufficient empowered feminine energy, riding a bull-a symbol of strength that would only get agitated if forced to do so. She holds a trident- a symbol of protection of purity and a tambourine-a symbol of serine musical life of pure souls. Mahagauri is the embodiment of purity and is worshipped for her benevolence and grace.
Mahagauri is a symbol of purity and inner beauty. Purity here doesn’t imply chastity but rather the essence of truth and moral clarity. However, women are often judged harshly by Man made societal standards of purity and morality, particularly by conservative mindsets. We celebrate Mahagauri, but it is not uncommon to hear character assassination of women who dare to fight the system being used as the first weapon to stray the main issue! How often the society we criticize the women who dare to raise their voice against the powerful?
Day 9: Siddhidatri – The Granter of Power and Success
Siddhidatri, the final and ultimate form of Goddess Durga, is the granter of siddhis (supernatural powers) and symbolizes the attainment of divine wisdom and ultimate bliss. She represents the realization of the soul’s spiritual journey and reminds us of the continuous pursuit of wisdom and spiritual insight. Her depiction sitting on a lotus—a symbol of spirituality and purity in Hinduism—carries deep meaning. The lotus, which blossoms beautifully even in the midst of swamps, teaches us to maintain our quest for purity and spiritual thought even in challenging and dejected environments.
In this form, Siddhidatri’s true devotees are those who focus on the nectar of spiritual knowledge, like bees drawn to a flower, undistracted by the surrounding muck. She blesses her followers with wisdom and insight, guiding them toward enlightenment and the fulfilment of both material and spiritual aspirations.
In the modern context, Siddhidatri also symbolizes the success and accomplishments women are capable of achieving. Women today are making significant strides in politics, business, science, and every other field, embodying the power and success Siddhidatri grants. Yet, despite these achievements, societal structures still present barriers—such as glass ceilings and the constant need for women to prove themselves. This reflects the gap between the reverence for the goddess who grants ultimate success and the reality of how women’s accomplishments are often overlooked or underappreciated.
As we honour Siddhidatri, we are reminded that true progress lies not only in celebrating women’s successes but in dismantling the obstacles that stand in their way. Only then can we truly embody the values this form of Durga represents—acknowledging and supporting the spiritual and material achievements of women in every sphere of life.
From Symbolism to Realism
As brought out above, each form of Durga celebrated during Navratri symbolizes a different aspect of life—from strength and courage to love, purity, and knowledge. The worship of the Navadurga is considered essential for overcoming obstacles, purifying the soul, and progressing towards a state of spiritual enlightenment. These nine days reflect the journey of life and spiritual evolution, with each day helping devotees to conquer negativity and embrace divine virtues. But if we are to truly honour these traits, we must transform our societal structures to support realisation of full potential of ‘Nari Shakti’, rather than be judgemental and limit, women. This means equal opportunities in education and employment, the eradication of violence and discrimination, and a shift from seeing women as symbolic figures of purity and grace to recognizing their full human potential.
As we worship the goddess during Navratri, let’s move beyond rituals and reflection, ensuring that the divine feminine’ s power is mirrored in the way we treat every woman on Earth. The time has come for us to manifest the profound messages behind these celebrations into real-world practices.
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