Navratri 2025: Nine Forms Of Goddess Durga, Vahan And Significance

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 09:15 IST

Navratri 2025 Nine Forms Of Goddess Durga: Each day celebrates a unique form of the Goddess, her Vahan, and symbols — reflecting a vibrant blend of spiritual meaning and tradition.

The nine forms of Goddess Durga represent different aspects of the sacred feminine, each embodying unique powers and qualities. (Image: Shutterstock)

Nine Forms Of Goddess Durga: Navaratri 2025, beginning September 22, and concluding on October 2, marks a significant period in the Hindu calendar, celebrating the triumph of good over evil and the divine feminine. This nine-day festival honours the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga, each embodying unique qualities and powers.

Known as Navadurga, these forms are worshipped with great devotion across India, particularly in regions like Gujarat, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to a specific form of Durga, her Vahan (mount), and her symbolic attributes, creating a rich tapestry of spiritual and cultural significance.

The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga, Their Vahans, and History

1. Shailaputri: The daughter of the mountains, Shailputri rides a bull, symbolising strength and the power of nature. She represents the purest form of energy and is often depicted with a trident.

2. Brahmacharini: Representing penance and devotion, Brahmacharini rides a swan. She embodies the power of self-discipline and is often shown with a rosary and a Kamandalu (water pot).

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3. Chandraghanta: With a crescent moon on her forehead, she rides a tiger, symbolising bravery and grace, embodying beauty and courage.

4. Kushmanda: The creator of the universe, she rides a lion, associated with creation, often depicted with eight or ten arms.

5. Skandamata: Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), she rides a lion, symbolising maternal love and protection.

6. Katyayani: Born from sage Katyayan’s penance, she rides a lion, known for her fierce form and power to overcome obstacles.

7. Kalaratri: The dark night, she rides a donkey, destroying darkness and ignorance, embodying transformation.

8. Mahagauri: Known for her fair complexion, she rides a bull, representing purity and forgiveness, often depicted with four arms.

9. Siddhidatri: The giver of supernatural powers, she rides a lotus, symbolising knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.

Spiritual Significance

These nine forms of Goddess Durga represent different aspects of the sacred feminine, each embodying unique powers and qualities. They guide us through life’s challenges, teaching resilience. In today’s society, these forms remain relevant as always, reminding us of our inner strength to overcome obstacles and achieve spiritual growth.

These ancient teachings offer timeless guidance to empower us. As before, this year’s Navaratri presents an opportunity for us to embrace our inner strength and connect with the divine feminine energy within.

About the Author

Nibandh Vinod

Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals, as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A tech-savv…Read More

Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals, as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A tech-savv… Read More

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Author: News18