The nine forms of Maa Durga are worshiped during Navratri with nine different prasad or bhog. Let’s know about these nine forms of Goddess Durga and the special bhog offered to them.
1. Goddess Shailputri
The first manifestation of Goddess Durga holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other while riding a bull called Nandi. Goddess Parvati, born as the daughter of Himalaya, was known as Shailputri as in Sanskrit, Shail means the mountain. Being the daughter of Shail, she was named as Shailputri.
What to offer: Pure ghee on the foot of Goddess Shailputri. It is believed that by offering pure ghee, devotees are blessed with a life free of diseases and illness.
2. Goddess Brahmacharini
The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini. The goddess walks bare feet with a rudraksh mala in one hand and a sacred Kamandalu in her other hand. Their form reflects a meditative form of goddess symbolising Goddess Parvati when she engaged in deep meditation to please Lord Shiva.
What to offer: Goddess Brahmacharini is offered sugar which brings in the longevity of the family members.
3. Goddess Chandraghanta
The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Chandraghanta who is a fierce 10-armed goddess with a crescent moon on her forehead, due to which she gets her name. Chandra in Sanskrit stands for moon. She rides a tiger to destroy all evil and wicked and drives away all your pains.
What to offer: The ferocious goddess is pleased with Kheer.
4. Goddess Kushmanda
Chaturthi or the fourth day of Navratri is of Devi Kushmanda. This name has three words – ‘Ku’ which means little, ‘Ushma’ meaning warmth or energy and ‘Amnda’ (egg), which means the creator of the universe.
What to offer: She is offered Malpua which helps devotees to improve their intellect and decision-making ability.
5. Goddess Skandmata
Goddess Skandmata worshipped on the fifth day is also known as Panchami. She is a four-armed deity, carrying a lotus in two of her arms with a sacred Kamandalu and a bell in the other two. She also carries a little Kartikay on her lap. She is seated on a lotus.
What to offer: Bananas
6. Goddess Katyayani
The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, who is also known as the warrior goddess and is considered as one of the most violent forms of Goddess Parvati. She has four arms and carries a sword. The daughter of Sage Katyayan, she rides on a lion.
What to offer: Honey is offered as prasad to Devi Katyayani.
7. Goddess Kaalratri
Saptami or the seventh day of Navratri is of Goddess Kaalratri. As per legends she sacrificed her skin colour and embraced a dark complexion to kill demons. She is a four-armed deity who rides a donkey, carries a sword, a trident, and a noose. She has a third eye on her forehead that is believed to contain the entire universe.
What to offer: Offer Jaggery as prasad to get relief from pains, obstacles and to get happiness.
8. Goddess Mahagauri
Durga Asthami is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri who is a four-armed deity riding a bull or a white elephant. She carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands.
What to offer: Goddess Mahagauri is offered coconut by devotees.
9. Goddess Siddhidatri
The ninth or the final day of Navratri is of Goddess Siddhidhatri who is projected as a four-armed deity sitting on a lotus, holding a mace, discus, a book and lotus in her hands. This form of Goddess Durga signifies perfection.
What to offer: Sesame Seeds are being offered to Devi Siddhidatri for safety and security from unnatural events.