By Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik - Author, Speaker, Illustrator, Mythologist
The concept of Nava-durga is extremely popular during Navaratri. Navaratri refers to the nine nights that lead to the celebration of Vijayadashami. The Goddess is worshipped in nine forms. The nine forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Kaatyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddharaatri. These are not nine separate Goddesses. They represent the nine phases of the Goddess’ life. The nine nights of Navaratri are a celebration of the Goddess in her entirety.
