From HUA – Hindu Univ of American
(I bow down to the Goddess Narayani, who makes everything auspicious as she is the most auspicious one and also fulfills all the desires of those who come for the shelter of the Three-eyed Gauri.)
Team HUA wishes each one of you a Shubh Navaratri. May your home be blessed with the lotus feet of Maa Durga which bring into your life eternal happiness and smile. We also wish this festive occasion brings along new beginnings for you.
During nine nights of Navaratri, Maa Durga is worshiped and celebrated in her nine avatars. Maa Durga, also known as Shakti or Devi, is the protective Mother of the universe.
First day – Shailaputri: on the first day, the saadhak worships Devi Shailaputri to appease her to attain the highest state of consciousness.
Second day – Brahmacharini: Devi Brahmacharini is the form of Devi Parvati and is worshiped during Navratri for knowledge and determination. This day is also to meditate upon and explore our inner divinity.
Third day – Chandraghanta: Devi Chandraghanta is the special form taken by Devi Parvathi at the time of her marriage with Lord Shiva. As a form of Durga, she is the symbol overcoming physical and mental sufferings.
Fourth day – Kushmanda: On this day, we worship Devi Kushmanda who is considered to be creative and who radiates energy.
Fifth day – Skandamata: The motherly form of Devi Parvati is worshiped. Worshiping Skandmata brings wisdom, wealth and prosperity.
Sixth day – Katyayani: This form was taken by Maa Durga to destroy the demonic forces. She is worshiped to let go of our inner demons and follow the path of spirituality.
Seventh day – Kalaratri: Devi Kalratri has the power to bestow knowledge and dispassion.
Eight day – Mahagauri: Devi Mahagauri is the embodiment of the beautiful and serene aspect of Nature. She is the epitome of beauty in all forms.
Ninth day – Siddhidatri: on the ninth and final day of the pooja, Devi Siddhidatri is invoked. The Devi brings perfection and bestows us with exceptional qualities
On the tenth day, Dassehra, also known as Vijayadashami is celebrated to mark the end of nine nights of Navaratri and victory of Maa Durga over the demon Mahishasura.