ADORING THE AVATARS OF GODDESS DURGA BY: MR. JAGMOHAN SHARMA : DIGITAL E-BOOK

PREFACE

Shardiya Navratras commencing with September 29, 2019, articles on nine Goddesses and nine Temples by different authors appear in the popular Newspaper Hindustan Times, on a regular basis on each of the nine days. An idea cropped up in my mind to compile those articles augmenting the material with brief notes on Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. I thought that the material given the shape of the book would be useful for generations, otherwise, the Newspaper articles would go the way to oblivion with the passage of time.
Navaratri is one of the most revered Hindu festivals celebrated across India. The devotees can be seen thronging temples to worship Goddess Durga. Stretched over nine days, each day of the festival is dedicated to nine different forms(avatars) of Goddess Durga.
The first manifestation of Goddess Durga, Shailputri stands for strong determination, courage, and self-existence. On the second day, Goddess Brahmacharini is worshiped with great pomp and show. The third day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta. Being the third manifestation of Goddess Durga, She adorns a half moon on her forehead.

The ten-headed Goddess Chandraghanta has a radiating golden body and a third eye. Goddess Kushmanda, the creator of the universe is worshipped with great devotion on the fourth day of Navaratri. She is known to bestow brightness, clarity and profound peace on her adorers. Mother of Lord Kartikeya, the commander in chief of army of Gods, Goddess Skandmata is worshipped on the fifth day of the Navratri Festival. She represents purity and is also the Goddess of endurance. The daughter of Sage Katyayan and slayer of demon Mahishasura, Goddess Katyayani is the sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga. There are many legends and stories about the 7 warrior goddess with a fearsome appearances. Goddess Kaalratri is known to destroy evil. Worshipped on the seventh day of Navaratri, she is considered to be auspicious and powerful.
Celebrated with different traditions all over India, Durga Ashtami involves worshiping Goddess Mahagauri. It is believed that all sins of devotees are washed by worshipping her. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. Goddess Siddhidatri blesses the devotees with success, wealth and prosperity. Worshipping the Goddess on the final day of Navaratri bestows all siddhis on her devotees.
A comprehensive narration of Goddess Durga and her nine Avatars has been given in the book to enlighten the readers. Over the course of Nine Glorious Days, the different Avatars of Goddess Durga are honoured. They are as under :
Day 1 : Goddess Shailputri – The mesmerising tales
Day 2 : Goddess Brahmacharni – The inspiring tale of true love
Day 3 : Goddess Chandraghanta – The blistering third eye
Day 4 : Goddess Kushmanda – The invisible creator of the universe
Day 5 : Goddess Skandmata – The mother of the warrior God Skanda
Day 6 : Goddess Katyayani – The destroyer of evil 8
Day 7 : Goddess Kalaratri – the one who removes darkness. With a fearsome appearance, she is known to destroy evil. She is considered to be auspicious and powerful.
Day 8 : Goddess Mahagauri – The symbol of peace and endurance
Day 9 : Goddess Siddhidatri – Omni present power of the universe It is my strong belief that by the kind grace of Maa Durga, the reader would be able to attain peace of mind, solace, contentment, and eventual salvation.
Author