Each day honours a different form of Durga, symbolising power, wisdom and protection. For nine nights the Goddess fought. Each night she defeated one demon.
Day 1. Shailaputri
Daughter of the mountains, embodying strength and resolve.
On the first night she quelled Kama, the demon of Lust.
Offer pure ghee diya. Removes health issues.
Day 2. Brahmacharini
Goddess of penance and devotion, representing discipline.
On the second night she extinguished Krodha, the demon of Anger.
Offer sugar. Brings peace of mind.
Day 3. Chandraghanta
Adorned with a crescent moon, symbol of courage and grace.
On the third night she dispelled Moha, the demon of Attraction.
Offer milk sweets. Removes family conflicts.
Day 4. Kushmanda
Creator of the universe, radiating energy and vitality.
On the fourth night, she shattered Lobha, the demon of Greed.
Offer Malpua. Improves finances.
Day 5. Skandamata
Mother of Kartikeya, embodying nurturing and motherly love.
On the fifth night, she vanquished Hubris, the demon Mada.
Offer bananas. Blesses children and relationships.
Day 6. Katyayani
Warrior goddess, fierce protector against injustice.
On the sixth night, she defeated Matsara, the demon of Jealousy.
Offer honey. Removes marriage delays.
Day 7. Kalaratri
Dark and powerful form, destroyer of evil and fear.
On the seventh night with the energy of beauty, she smote Swartha, the demon of selfishness.
Offer jaggery. Destroys enemies and fears.
Day 8. Mahagauri
Goddess of purity, serenity and compassion.
On the eighth night, she killed Anyaya, the demon of Injustice.
Offer coconut. Brings purity and harmony in relationships.
Day 9. Siddidatri
Bestower of wisdom and supernatural powers, completing the cycle of divinity.
On the ninth night using only her kindness, she banished the dreadful demon of cruelty, Amanavata.
Offer navrang flowers. Grants success and wish fulfillment.
Then on the morning after the ninth night, she was about to rest when she realised that her most difficult foe was upon her. She sat in the Lotus position, laid down all her weapons and with a gentle sigh and a quiet smile, she dissolved the final demon, Ahankara, her ego.
My take
Happy Navaratri to all of you and your families! Praying that all your demons get conquered!
Tailpiece.
Got up at 5, sent all my messages, swtched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the lamp in the puja room and opened up the house for the day.
Made our morning cuppa; the cats failed to fetch up today too.
Bath, followed by breakfast.
A quiet Sunday.
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