In Hinduism, NavaDurga refers to the nine different manifestations of Goddess Durga.
They are worshipped on each of the nine days during Navaratri.
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Goddess Durga is an embodiment of love, courage, and the feminine force (which is also known as the adi shakti). It's believed that she appears in nine different forms during Navaratri. These symbolize the nine stages of Durga over her nine-day-long war with demon-king Mahishasura.
Shailaputri
Mata Shailaputri is sometimes also called Sati Parvati, Bhavani, or Hemavati. She is the embodiment of the Powers of the Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar. She is considered to be the purest form of Maa Durga. She rides a bull and holds a trident and a lotus blossom.
Brahmacharini
The second manifestation of Goddess Durga, Mata Brahmacharini is the embodiment of peace, happiness, and prosperity. Her name means "one who practices devout austerity". She holds a rosary and a water utensil in her right and left hands respectfully.
Chandraghanta
Mata Chandraghanta represents peace, tranquility, and prosperity in life. Her name means "the one having a crescent moon shaped like a bell". She rides a lion and has three eyes and 10 limbs (each holding a weapon). It's believed that she eliminates the sins and physical sufferings of her devotees.
Kushmanda
It's said in Hinduism that Mata Kushmanda has created the entire universe with her divine smile. She is the embodiment of health, wealth, and strength. She holds a glitter that symbolizes the sparkling light that she empowers us with.
Skandamata
As the name suggests, Skandamata is the mother of Skanda - who was the commander-in-chief of Durga in the war against the demons. She sits on a lotus and has three eyes and four arms. She grants her devotees power, salvation, and prosperity.
Katyayani
Also called Bhadrakali, Mata Katyayani is the most ferocious manifestation of Durga. She rides a lion, which represents strength and courage in a fit of divine rage. She emits a bright light that can reveal all the evil forces of the universe.
Kalaratri
The fiercest form of Goddess Durga, Mata Kalaratri is worshipped on the seventh day of Navaratri. She sits on a donkey and has four arms, three eyes, and disheveled hair. She is considered to be the destroyer of all spirits, demons, and negative energy.
Mahagauri
Mata Mahagauri (the name means fair complexion) is the soft and intelligent form of Goddess Durga. It's believed that she washes away all the past, present, & future sins of her devotees. She also rewards her devotees with a sense of inner peace, and a prosperous life ahead. She rides on a bull and has four arms.
Siddhidhatri
Mata Siddhidhatri - the final manifestation of Goddess Durga - offers all the 8 siddhis such as Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva, and Vashitva. She carries a trident, a conch shell, a lotus, and a Sudarshana Chakra. She is worshipped by all, including Lord Shiva.
Each of these nine manifestations of Goddess Durga comes to earth for a specific purpose.
