By Dr Sandeep Sadanand Chaugule: Durga is a Sanskrit word, which literally means unbound, impassable, unbeatable. The word Durga is derived from a word “Durg” means something which is difficult to conquer or a fortress. Some say that Durga means something which is “beyond defeat”
Sculpture of Katyayani in Pattadakalla Karnataka
We will see the forms of this unbound and invincible. When we call any power which is unbeatable or invincible then it cannot be of one type, it will take multiple forms. Sometimes this energy can be of softer nature, sometimes it will be of harsh or fearful nature.
Just like a flame, it can be a lamp flame or a jungle fire. It can light the darkness or it can burn the vastness.
Durga is such an unbound in nature, sometimes motherly sometime one who can kill the demons with spear. Let us see the 9 forms of this invincible energy- Durga
1. *Shailaputri* : Shail means mountain and Putri means daughter. Shailaputri is daughter of Himalaya. The vastness, soothing as well as fearsome nature of Himalayas is basic nature of Shailaputri. She rides on Bull with Trident and a lotus in het two hands. Trident signifies the Universe and Lotus represents the blooming in all odd conditions. She was born to be energy of Shiva.
2. *Brahmacharini* : Unmarried form of Energy is Brahma-Charini. She carries the rosary and walks bare-foot. She also carries a water pot. Somehow she has similarity with the form of deity Brahmi or Brahmani, which we have seen in last few blogs.
3. *Chandra Ghanta:* She is married in nature, she is married to Shiva. She wears the crescent moon. She rides on Tiger. The moon on her forehead looks like a bell, hence she is called as Chandra (Moon) Ghanta (Bell). She carries various weapons and also a rosary. She has 4 arms.
4. *Kushmanda* : She is the essence of the universe. Kush means Little warmth and Anda means the egg. The cosmic egg or the universe i.e Sun. She radiates the energy like Sun, rides on lion. She holds the nectar pot, as sun radiates life to all the human beings
5. *Skhandamata* : She is mother. She is mother of a warrior. She carries that warrior on her lap. She holds the child who gave great knowledge to his father i.e. Shiva.
6. *Katyayani* : She is daughter os sage Katyayana. She participated in the war against Kolhasura in Karveer area (today’s Kolhapur). She accompanied Mahalaxmi in the war to kill Kolhasura
7. *Kalratri* : She is dark like a new moon night. She is ferocious. She punishes the one who makes unpardonable mistakes. She is against the luring desire sitting in the deep mind of a man. She rides on Donkey
8. *Mahagauri* : Fair complexion, soothing, beautiful is Mahagauri. She is mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya (Skanda). She is same as Shailaputri or Brahmacharini, however she is married to Shiva and she is goddess of fertility and a purifier. She pardons the mistakes.
9. *Siddhidatri* : One who gives knowledge (Siddhi) is Siddhidatri. She sometimes seen as formless and vast. Just like knowledge is unending and vast. She is worshipped by all types of devotees including ghosts, spirits
The progression of these Nav-durga is as per the human life. It depicts all forms and formats of life, and the energy to face these life moments is Nava- Durga.
Salute to such a Human who faces all odds and evens of life, holding trust to his/ her inner 9 energies – Nav- Durga
This energy is described by sage Markandeya as विशुद्धज्ञानदेहाय त्रिवेदीदिव्यचक्षुषे one who is pure knowledge an experience, with the ability to discriminates what is right and what is wrong further he says this energy is useful for श्रेयःप्राप्तिनिमित्ताय for the success in life one needs to experiment with these 9 energy sources.
This article is for that श्रेयःप्राप्तिनिमित्ताय – success in life
Compiled by : Dr Sandeep Sadanand Chaugule
You can follow the author on Twitter @sandipchaugulle
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