Navratri 2024 Celebration: NavratriOne of the most celebrated festivals in India, it is a time of devotion, dance and feminine energy. The nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of nine different forms or incarnations of Goddess Durga, each symbolizing a specific aspect of the divine feminine. These goddesses represent strength, protection, wisdom and motherhood and are worshiped with great reverence throughout India. There are nine temples, big and small, dedicated to the nine incarnations of the Goddess.

Shailputri Devi Temple, Varanasi

The first form of Durga, Shailputri, represents the daughter of the mountains and is a symbol of power and purity. Shailputri Maa is also addressed as Mata Sati Bhavani, Goddess Parvati and Maa Hemavati. She is also called the ‘first Shailputri’. One of the temples dedicated to Shailputri Devi is within a complex of temples in Varanasi, located in the heart of the city near Marhiya Ghat, about 2 kilometers from the railway station. During Navratri, thousands of pilgrims come here to seek blessings of health, peace and prosperity from the Mother Goddess.

Brahmacharini Devi Temple, Varanasi

The second form of Durga, Brahmacharini, is a symbol of devotion and penance. Brahmacharini Devi Temple in Varanasi is a serene place where devotees come to pay homage to this calm and meditative incarnation. Brahmacharini Devi blesses her followers with wisdom, patience and strength to overcome the challenges of life. To offer your prayers visit Brahmeshwar Temple near Dashashwamedh Ghat and Maa Brahmeshwar Temple at Balaji Ghat in Varanasi.

Chandraghanta Devi Temple, Varanasi

The third form, Chandraghanta, is a warrior goddess known for her courage and fierce strength. Chandraghanta Devi Temple in Varanasi is located in Jaitpura, where thousands of devotees gather every Navratri with offerings, which include coconuts, pieces of red cloth (chunni) and red flowers.

Kushmanda Devi Temple, Kanpur

Kushmanda, the fourth form of Mother Durga, is considered the creator of the universe. A temple dedicated to her is located in the Ghatampur area of ​​Kanpur, where devotees believe that worshiping the goddess will bring them clarity and positivity. During Navratri, the temple is illuminated and beautifully decorated, attracting thousands of devotees from all over India.

Skandamata Devi Temple, Varanasi

The fifth incarnation, Skandamata, is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) and is a symbol of maternal love and protection. Skandamata Temple is also located in Jaitpura area of ​​Varanasi. Devotees come to this temple to seek blessings for the welfare and well-being of their families.

Katyayani Devi Temple, Vrindavan

According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined their energies to create Mother Katyayani, who killed the demon Mahishasura. Goddess Katyayani is known as Mahishasurmardini. Katyayani Devi Temple in Vrindavan is one of the most famous temples dedicated to her. The sword of the goddess, called Uchaval Chandrahasa, is also worshiped here.

Kalratri Devi Temple, Varanasi

The seventh form of Durga, Kaalratri, is the most fierce incarnation, symbolizing the destruction of evil. He is depicted with dark blue or black complexion, four hands, thick hair and riding on a donkey. Kalratri Devi Temple, located in Kalika Gali in Varanasi, is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Goddess Kalratri. During Navratri, the temple becomes a center of spiritual activities, where devotees worship Goddess Kaalratri for protection from negative forces and obstacles.

Mahagauri Devi Temple, Ludhiana

Mahagauri, the eighth incarnation of Durga, is a symbol of purity, peace and patience. Mahagauri Temple located in Ludhiana becomes a magnet for devotees who seek his blessings to wash away sins, attain inner peace and promote harmony in their lives.

Also read: From Gujarat to Bengal: 8 Unique Navratri Festivals You Must Experience

Siddhidatri Devi Temple, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

The ninth and final form of Durga, Siddhidatri, grants supernatural powers (siddhis) to her devotees. Siddhidatri temple in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh is one of the most revered Shaktipeeths dedicated to this form of the goddess. Pilgrims gather in large numbers during Navratri to seek the blessings of Siddhidatri for spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment of their desires.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from destinations, travel and around the world.