Durga Mantra for Nine Forms of the Goddess

Durga appears in nine different forms, each with unique traits and powers. Together, they are called “Navadurga” or the “nine Durgas.” In the festival called Navaratri, all of her forms are celebrated over nine nights. There are Durga mantras for each of her nine forms.

Durga Mantra to Shailaputri (First Day of Navarati)

During the first night of Navarati, Durga’s avatar Shailaputri is celebrated. This name means “daughter of the mountains.” She is the daughter of the king of the Himalayas. Shailaputri is the highest or purest form of Durga. In this form, Durga is the mother of nature. She is pictured riding a bull while holding a trident in one hand and a lotus blossom in the other.

Durga Mantra for the 1st Day: Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah

Durga Mantra to Brahmacharini (Second Day of Navarati)

The second day of Navaratri is devoted to Durga as Brahmacharini. This name means the “one who practices devout austerity.” She holds a rosary in her right hand and a water utensil in her left hand. The rosary symbolizes special Hindu prayers recited to her. The water is for marital bliss. Durga is believed to endow peace, prosperity, happiness, and grace upon her followers.

Durga Mantra for the 2nd Day: Oṃ Devī Brahmacāriṇyai Namaḥ

Durga Mantra to Chandraghanta (Third Day of Navarati)

The third manifestation of Durga is a representation of peace, tranquility, and prosperity. Her name, Chandraghanta, is derived from “Chandra” (a half moon depicted on her forehead) and the ghanta (a bell). Durga rides a lion in this form. Chandraghanta is celebrated on the third day of Navarati.

Durga Mantra for the 3rd Day: Oṃ Devī Chandraghantaye Namaḥ

Durga Mantra to Kushmanda (Fourth Day of Navarati)

Durga’s fourth form is Kushmanda, meaning “creator of the universe.” Kushmanda is the one who brought light to the dark cosmos. She also has multiple limbs holding weapons, glitter, a rosary, and holy objects. The glitter is symbolic of the light she brought to the world. In this form, Durga rides a lion. Kushmanda is celebrated on the fourth day of Navarati.

Durga Mantra for the 4th Day: Oṃ Devī Kuṣhmāṇḍā Namaḥ

Durga Mantra: Skandamata (Fifth Day)

Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by the gods as their commander-in-chief in the war against the asuras or demons. Skandamata has a pure and divine nature. She is seated on a lotus or lion, possessing four arms and three eyes. She holds the infant Skanda (Lord Kartikeya) in one arm. Skandamata is celebrated on the fifth day of Navarati.

Durga Mantra for the 5th Day: Oṃ Devī Skandamātāyai Namaḥ

Durga Mantra to Katyayani (6th Day of Navarati)

Katyayani is the sixth form of Durga celebrated in Navarati. Katyayani has wild hair, 18 arms (each holding a weapon) and rides a lion. Katyayani was born in a fit of divine rage and anger. She emits light that darkness and evil cannot hide from. Though Katyayani looks terrifying, she is believed to bestow a sense of calm and peace upon her followers.

Durga Mantra for the 6th Day: Oṃ Devī Kātyāyanyai Namaḥ

Durga Mantra to Kalaratri (7th Day of Navarati)

Kalaratri is also known as Shubhamkari. Her name means “one who does good” in spite of her fearsome looks. She has a dark complexion, wild hair, four arms, and three eyes. Lightning comes from her necklace and flames shoot from her mouth.

Kalaratri is similar to Kali: she has black skin and is worshipped as a protector of faithful Hindus. She is to be honored and feared. Kalaratri holds a spiked club and a dagger. Two of her other hands beckon to the faithful to be protected and dispel their fears. Kalaratri is celebrated the seventh day of Navaratri.

Durga Mantra for the 7th Day: Oṃ Devī Kālarātryai Namaḥ

Durga Mantra to Mahagauri (8th Day of Navarati)

Mahagauri means “extremely white.” This is the eighth form of Durga. The name Mahagauri refers to Durga’s luminous, radiating beauty. By worshipping her, Hindus believe that all sins – past, present, and future – will be washed away. She wears all white, has four arms, and rides a bull. Mahagauri holds a small tambourine and a trident. Another hand grants blessings. Another is held in a gesture allaying fear.

Durga Mantra for the 8th Day: Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah

Durga Mantra to Siddhidatri (9th Day of Navarati)

Siddhidatri is the final form of Durga. Her name means “giver of supernatural power.” Hindus believe she gives blessings to gods and worshippers alike. Siddhidatri grants wisdom and insight. She also rides a lion, carries a trident, a chakra discus, a conch shell, and a lotus.

Durga Mantra for the 9th Day: Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah