Now, for the first time, Swamiji describes the nine forms of the Goddess and how they manifest in our spiritual life.
The nine forms of Durga describe the different aspects of the Goddess. By chanting the Nava Durga Stotram, you attain perfection in all endeavors.
We will begin with the first Goddess and add to it every day or two until all nine forms of Durga are illustrated. Read more:
Goddess Who Grants Perfection, Siddhidatri
On this journey to Perfect Attainment, we arrive at the ninth and final form of the Goddess, Siddhidatri, She who Grants Perfection.
The word “siddhi” means perfection, and “datri” means giver. So, She is the grantor of perfection (siddhi daan) and achievements to sincere devotees and spiritual aspirants.
This beautiful Goddess is worshiped by all those desiring the Ultimate Perfection.
She sits on a lotus flower and in her four arms, She holds a club, discus, conch, and lotus. She is surrounded on all sides by sadhus, sages, rishis, and Gods, who worship Her as Jaya-Victory.
She is the culmination of the nine forms of Durga, and Her illumination completely fills the three worlds.
How do we please Siddhidatri Devi and achieve the Ultimate Perfection? It is done by methodically following the nine step path – step by step!
FAQ: Swamiji, on the Path to Perfect Attainment, can we skip a step or hurry the process in any way?
Swamiji Says:
“There is no way to skip a step, and everyone progresses at their own natural pace.
To quicken the process – start now! Get inspired to live in dharma (your ideal of perfection), increase your sadhana, and perform tapasya.
As you increase in purity, you will become more receptive to the abundance of Goddess Durga’s blessings.
Above all, have faith that the fruits will come to you when the time is right.”
Let’s remind ourselves of this nine step Path to Perfect Attainment:
First we became inspired (Shailaputri Devi) to learn the sacred scriptures (Brahmacharini Devi), and to practice sadhana (Chandraghanta Devi) in an effort to purify ourselves in such a way that all of our actions become tapasya (Kushmanda Devi).
Upon performing tapasya, support came our way to nurture our divinity (Skandamata Devi), so that we are enabled to experience the purity of our true nature (Katyayani Devi).
Then, at the right time in our spiritual journey, when we are ripened and ready, our selfish ego is destroyed (Kalaratri Devi) and replaced with radiant divine light (Mahagauri Devi).
Finally, when our minds are completely matured, and we are ready to shoulder additional responsibilities, we experience perfection (Siddhidatri Devi).
When we reach the ninth step, our responsibilities naturally increase. Up until now we have been solely focused on elevating ourselves on the spiritual path.
With the blessings of perfection, we are now called upon and compelled to help others in the same way that we have been helped.
Swamiji has shared two mantras for Siddhidatri Devi from the Nava Durga Puja in the Samasti Upasana (Cosmic Puja):
Click here for a Printable PDF of the Siddhidatri Mantras
As an alternative, you may chant to all nine forms of Durga using the Nava Durga Stotram.
May you enjoy your journey toward perfect attainment and arrive at your destination efficiently!
Jai Maa!
Goddess of the Great Radiant Light, Mahagauri
Mother Durga’s eighth form is Mahagauri, the Goddess of the Great Radiant Light.
On the Path to Perfect Attainment, recall that the seventh Goddess, Kalaratri Devi, slays our ego, opening up space for the Divine Light.
Ushering in this Divine Light is the role of the most radiant Goddess, Mahagauri.
Therefore, Kalaratri Devi and Mahaguari Devi work as a team – they are “two sides of the same coin,” so to speak.
The root “Maha” means great, and the word “Gauri” means white or light. So, Mahagauri is the Goddess who is extremely white or the great radiant light.
The story is told that Mahadeva would call Parvati Devi “Kaalike” because She was dark in color. Once, after Parvati Devi did intense tapasya, Mahadeva was so pleased with Her that He showered Her with Ganga water. After that, She became a pure white color, totally illuminated.
Not only is Her complexion very fair, but also, both Her clothing and her vehicle, the bull, are white.
Looking at the depiction of this great Goddess, Her purity and calm nature come to life. In Her upper right hand, She shows the mudra granting boons and blessings, and in Her lower right hand, She holds a trishul (like Mahadeva). In Her upper left, She bestows fearlessness, and in Her lower left, She holds a drum (damaru).
Swamiji has shared two mantras for Mahaguari Devi from the Nava Durga Puja in the Samasti Upasana (Cosmic Puja):
Click here for a Printable PDF of the Mahagauri Mantras
As an alternative, you may chant to all nine forms of Durga using the Nava Durga Stotram.
May Goddess Mahagauri illumine your hearts and minds with Her Divine Radiance!
Jai Maa!
Goddess of the Dark Night of Overcoming Egotism, Kalaratri
Inevitably on the spiritual path we become acutely aware of our egoistic tendencies.
We witness the ideas of “me, mine, and I,” which are so conditioned in our thinking process that we blindly, yet ambitiously, go through life, trying to get more and more for ourselves.
Unfortunately, unless we get help, these thoughts are an endless succession in a perpetual cycle. What do we do?
To the rescue is the seventh form of Durga, Kalaratri Devi!
The word “Kal” means time – the darkness of time, She who is beyond time; “Kal” also means Darkness. The root “ratri” means night. So Kalaratri is She who is beyond time, the darkness of night. Kalaratri Devi is the great Dark Night Mother of overcoming egotism.
She is a fierce form of Durga, who burns our egoistic tendencies in the fire of sacrifice.
For a spiritual aspirant the process of surrendering the ego can feel painful. Ultimately though, the removal of the darkness opens up space for the Divine Light to penetrate our awareness, moving us to a more elevated blissful state. This is a great blessing!
We recognize Kalaratri Devi, because Her color is dark. Her hair is unbound and flies wildly in all directions. She wears a garland of lightning, and from her body emanates a light, that is as bright as fire.
Though Her appearance appears fearful to the eye, She is not to be feared, because when She is pleased, She grants very auspicious fruits to spiritual aspirants. She takes aspirants beyond the darkness of attachment into the illumination of wisdom.
Her vehicle is a donkey, who is strong and sure footed. In Her upper right hand She holds a mudra granting boons and with Her lower right hand She grants fearlessness. In Her upper left hand She holds a curved sword and a form of the energy of lightning in her lower left hand.
This energy of lightning has a very special significance. Lord Shiva gave Rishi Dadhici the boon that his bones would be indestructible. Indra needed a very strong weapon with which to fight the asuras, and so he asked the rishi for his bones. Rishi Dadhici gladly gave up his life so that his bones could be fashioned into Indra’s weapon. The weapon had so much energy and shined with the radiance of tapasya, and it was that weapon which was used to slay many of the asuras. For that reason it is often called shakti (energy), vajra (lightning or diamond hard), or parigham (fashioned like an iron bar).
Swamiji has shared two mantras for Kalaratri Devi from the Nava Durga Puja in the Samasti Upasana (Cosmic Puja):
Click here for a Printable PDF of the Kalaratri Mantras
As an alternative, you may chant to all nine forms of Durga using the Nava Durga Stotram.
May Kalaratri Devi slay the ego and open us up to the Divine Light!
Jai Maa!
Goddess Who is Ever Pure, Katyayani
The sixth form of Durga represents the Mother who blesses Her children with ultimate purity, because She destroys our negativeness.
She is Katyayani Devi, and She is a pure reflection of the divine radiance of all of the Gods.
The story is told that when the Gods were troubled by the demons, they gathered together at the ashram of Maharishi Katyayana to enlist his help.
In their anger over the situation with the demons, the Gods, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara, concentrated their light and energy into a united form of pure radiance. This radiance was so powerful that from it, an ever pure form of the Goddess Durga was manifest.
As Maharishi Katyayana was the first to worship Her, and She became manifest in the Katyayana Ashram, She was named Katyayani, the Goddess who is eternally pure. Maharishi Katyayana worshiped Her during the last three days of Ashwin (Fall Navaratri). On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashmi (the day of Victory), this captivating form of Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura, who we know as the Great Ruler of Duality, otherwise called the Great Ego.
On the Path to Perfect Attainment, Goddess Katyayani represents the sixth step, which is to experience the purity of our true nature by destroying all of our negative selfishness.
Devotees who worship Mother Katyayani are blessed with pure devotion and their requirements for dharma (ideal of perfection), artha (necessary resources), kama (fulfillment of desires), and moksha (liberation) are granted.
Mother Katyayani is depicted as having four hands. In her upper-right hand she bestows boons and in her lower-right hand She grants freedom from fear. In her upper-left hand she holds a lotus flower and a sword in her lower-left hand.
Swamiji has shared two mantras for Katyayani Devi from the Nava Durga Puja in the Samasti Upasana (Cosmic Puja):
Click Here for a Printable PDF of the Katyayani Mantras
As an alternative, you may chant to all nine forms of Durga using the Nava Durga Stotram.
May the Ever Pure Mother Katyayani grant you Pure Devotion!
Jai Maa!
Goddess who Nurtures Divinity, Skandamata
On this Path to Perfect Attainment given to us by the nine forms of the compassionate Durga, we now learn about Skandamata Devi, the Goddess who Nurtures Divinity.
But, before we get too far, let’s step back and calibrate the steps we have taken so far and summarize the Path.
First we became inspired (Shailaputri Devi) to learn the sacred scriptures (Brahmacharini Devi), and to practice sadhana (Chandraghanta Devi) in an effort to purify ourselves in such a way that all of our actions become tapasya (Kushmanda Devi).
The fifth Goddess, Skandamata Devi, supports and nurtures our divinity, enabling our spirituality to blossom as it envelopes everything we touch.
It is believed that Mother Durga married Lord Shiva for the purpose of blessing the Devas with a commander-in-chief to lead the forces of unity in the war between the forces of duality (asuras) and the forces of unity (devas). Lord Shiva and Parvati’s son, Kartikeya (also called “Skanda”), became the General of the Armies of the Gods.
The word “Mata” means Mother. Skandamata Devi is the Mother of Skanda, Parvati’s son, Kartikeya, the Commander of the forces of Divine Light.
She represents our dearly Beloved Mother, who tenderly guides us on the path – just like our very own Mother, Shree Maa!
Swamiji explains, “Skandamata Devi is the gentle, compassionate Mother, who inspires, nurtures, exemplifies, and cultivates in such a way so that all of our actions become divine offerings.”
With the grace of Skandamata Devi, we come to experience divinity in everything – everything becomes an expression of the divine. Our offerings (through actions and worship) are divine, the divine accepts our offerings, because who are making the offering are the sons of Shiva, divine beings!”
This precious form of Durga is depicted as holding the baby child Skanda in Her lap while She sits on the lion of dharma. She has four arms. The upper hands each hold a lotus. One of the lower hands holds Her son, Skanda, while the other hand is used to grant blessings.
Swamiji has shared two mantras for Skandamata Devi from the Nava Durga Puja in the Samasti Upasana (Cosmic Puja):
Click Here for a Printable PDF of the Skandamata Mantras
As an alternative, you may chant to all nine forms of Durga using the Nava Durga Stotram.
May the the loving Mother known as Skandamata nurture your soul and propel you on this path to perfect attainment!
Jai Maa!
Goddess of Purifying Austerity, Kushmanda
The fourth form of Goddess Durga is Kushmanda Devi, the Goddess of Purifying Austerity.
As we become inspired to learn the sacred studies and commit to practicing our chosen sadhana, grace falls upon us in the form of Kushmanda Devi.
This illumined Goddess of Purification elevates us on our Path by purifing all of our actions, making everything we do a form of puja.
The word “Kushma” means little and the root “anda” means egg. The word “Kushma” also means the shining light or the heat that belongs to one who resides with the Sun.
Her illumination is so great that She resides in the realm of the Sun and all of the energy in creation is Kushmanda alone!
Her role is to add heat and light to the cosmic egg, the egg or bija which gives the essence of all the possibilities for creation. So, Kushmanda Devi cooks the Cosmic egg.
For spiritual aspirants, She is the Goddess of Purification, of Tapasya – adding heat and light to purify all of the actions we perform.
Think about the variety of activities you perform every day. Swamiji says, “Upon obtaining the grace of Goddess Kushmanda, all of our actions are continuously purified so that they become the most expressive demonstration of the sincerity of our love!”
He continues, “When She is pleased, She blesses us with efficiency, a magnificent attitude, and allows us to enjoy the sacrifice through every action we perform.”
Ultimately, with Her purifying grace, all actions become sadhana, a sacrificial offering, leaving no separation between the spiritual life and worldly life. It all becomes “one” and we enjoy the highest illumination, contentment, and peace with no room for conflict and strife. Such is the grace of this revered Goddess!
Kushmanda Devi is depicted as having eight arms and riding on a lion (representing dharma). In Her hands She holds a water pot (kamandalu), arrows, the revolving discus (chakra), club, lotus flower of peace, a pot filled with immortal nectar and a japa mala.
Swamiji has shared two mantras for Kushmanda Devi from the Nava Durga Puja in the Samasti Upasana (Cosmic Puja):
Click Here for a Printable PDF of the Kushmanda Mantras
As an alternative, you may chant to all nine forms of Durga using the Nava Durga Stotram.
May Kushmanda Devi’s purifying grace elevate you on this Path to Perfect Attainment!
Jai Maa!
Goddess of Delight of Practice, Chandraghanta
The first Goddess, Shailaputri, gives us inspiration. Goddess Brahmacharini, the second form, graces us with knowledge. The blessings of the third form, Goddess Chandraghanta, endow us with the devotion to perform spiritual practices.
She is The Goddess of Delight of Practice and is depicted with a form like gold.
She rides on a tiger (symbolic of dharma) and has ten hands which hold various weapons such as kadga (sword of wisdom), baan (sharp arrows), trishul (Trident), and padma (Lotus of Peace).
Diving deeper into the meaning of Chandraghanta, Swamiji explains that the word “Chandra” here represents the Moon of Devotion. The word “ghanta” is the bell. So, Chandraghanta Devi is She who rings the bell of devotion.
When She is pleased, She compels devotees to demonstrate their devotion through spiritual practices, such as ringing the bell, doing the pujas, reciting the scriptures, and singing bhajans.
Her invigorating energy can easily be experienced by spending time at the Devi Mandir. Her spirit of devotion infiltrates us with the enthusiasm to perform spiritual practices. And, of course, there is never a day that passes without Shree Maa and Swamiji ringing the bell!
How has Chandraghanta Devi blessed your practices? Isn’t it comforting to know that when we perform a puja, chant a scripture, or participate in Shree Maa’s sankalpa, our ability to do so is the grace of Goddess Chandraghanta? This is why we often here Swamiji say “it is such a privilege to be able to sit in front of the altar and worship.”
Swamiji has shared two mantras for Chandraghanta Devi from the Nava Durga Puja in the Samasti Upasana (Cosmic Puja):
Click Here for a Printable PDF of the Chandraghanta Mantras
As an alternative, you may chant to all nine forms of Durga using the Nava Durga Stotram.
May gratitude fill our hearts for the compassionate Durga who makes the Path so clear – inspiration, knowledge, and practice!
Jai Maa!
Goddess of Learning and Sacred Study, Brahmacharini
Watch closely the daily lives of Shree Maa and Swamiji.
Observe how they live, their discipline, their daily practices, their sacrifices, their rhythm.
One thing stands out – they are perfect examples of dharma, performing their spiritual practices consistently, and with great discipline and devotion.
They are embodiments of Brahmacharini, the second form of Durga.
Who is Goddess Brahmacharini and how do we recognize Her?
Brahmacharini Devi is the revered Goddess of Learning and Sacred Studies. The word “Brahma” here represents Supreme Divinity. The root “charini” means the female who moves with. So, Brahmacharini moves with God, moves towards God. She is the Goddess of Sacred Study, the Goddess who blesses sadhus with knowledge.
Legend has it that Goddess Brahmacharini performed severe austerities for thousands of years to obtain Lord Shiva as Her husband. Her penance included sacrificing personal comforts, maintaining a strict diet, and even sleeping on the floor.
Such was Her penance that Sages, Rishis and Munis all had great respect for Her.
In this austere form of Durga, She holds a japa mala in Her right hand and water pot in Her left hand. She is seen barefoot, which represents the sacrifice of comforts.
The blessing of Brahmacharini Devi will grace you with the ability to perform great austerities as you calmly detach from worldly affairs. If the Goddess is pleased, She will grant the ultimate in sacred wisdom – the wisdom of the Supreme (Brahma Gyaan; knowledge of Brahman).
Swamiji has shared two mantras for Brahmacharini Devi from the Nava Durga Puja in the Samasti Upasana (Cosmic Puja):
Click Here for a Printable PDF of the Brahmacharini Mantras
As an alternative, you may chant to all nine forms of Durga using the Nava Durga Stotram.
May we all be inspired to worship Goddess Brahamacharini and become full of the divine light of wisdom!
Jai Maa!
Goddess of Inspiration, Shailaputri
What motivates your journey on the spiritual path? What keeps you going day after day, making more meaningful sankalpas, while trying to improve all aspects of your life?
It is none other than the grace of the Goddess of Inspiration, Shailaputri. Her blessings give us the energy to make progress in our lives, to overcome our ego, and to elevate ourselves spiritually.
When we are inspired, we are living with Shailaputri!
This is why Shailaputri is the first form of Durga. The root “Shaila” means mountain and “putri” means daughter, so Shailaputri literally means daughter of the Mountains – Himalaya.
Legend has it that King Himalaya and his wife Menaka performed many austerities. The Divine Mother was so pleased with them that She manifest on earth as their daughter, Shailaputri, and all the rishis and sadhus were inspired to go to the mountains for their sadhana.
This captivating form of Durga is easily recognizable. Her vehicle is the Bull, Nandi (symbolic of Determination). In Her right hand She holds a Trishul (Trident), and in Her left hand She holds a Lotus flower.
Invite the Goddess of Inspiration into your life! Swamiji instructs that you can chant Her mantras as given in the Samasti Upasana (Cosmic Puja):
Click Here for a Printable PDF of the Shailaputri Mantras
As an alternative, you may chant to all nine forms of Durga using the Nava Durga Stotram.
May we all bow to Shailaputri Devi who inspires us on this spiritual path.
Jai Maa!