According to Hindu mythology, there are three major schools of Vedanta (the conclusion/summarization of the Vedas): Dvaita Vedanta, Advaita Vedanta, and Vishishtadvaita Vedanta.
Dvaita Vedanta: This school emphasizes a clear distinction between the Supreme reality, Brahman, and the individual souls, Atman. According to Dvaita, Atman is eternally separate from Brahman.
Advaita Vedanta: In contrast, this school advocates non-dualism, asserting that there is no distinction between Brahman and Atman. Here, Atman is considered identical to Brahman.
Vishishtadvaita Vedanta: This perspective maintains that while Brahman is the Supreme reality and Atman is distinct from Brahman, they are eternally connected.
During the nine nights of Navaratri, Devi Durga is worshipped in nine distinct forms, collectively known as Navadurga. According to Advaita Vedanta, since Brahman and Atman are the same, the nine forms of the Devi symbolize the nine stages of a woman’s life. Let’s take a closer look at these nine forms:
– Shailaputri – The Daughter of the Mountains: The first role a woman embodies is that of a daughter. Hence, Devi Shailaputri represents this stage. She is adorned with light ornaments and dressed in red and pink garments, holding a lotus and a trident in each hand while seated on a white bull.
– Brahmacharini – The Ascetic Goddess: This phase represents a period of learning and growth, which is why she carries no weapons and does not ride a tiger or lion. Dressed as a female ascetic, she is adorned with dried Rudraksha beads and flowers. She holds a water pot and a rosary in her hands.
– Chandraghanta – The One with a Half-Moon on Her Forehead: After marriage, she shares the crescent moon symbolizing her husband. Devi Chandraghanta has ten arms, holding a trident, mace, bow and arrow, sword, lotus, bell, and water pot, while one hand remains in a blessing posture (abhaya mudra). She rides a fierce tiger.
– Kushmanda – The Creator of the Universe: At this stage, she is ready to become a mother, earning the name ‘Kushmanda’ (where ‘Kusha’ means cosmic and ‘Anda’ means egg). She has eight arms, six of which hold a sword, rosary, mace, lotus, bow, and arrow, while the other two hold a water pot and jar of honey. She rides a lion.
– Skandamata – The Mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya): As a mother, she is called ‘Skandamata’, marking the beginning of her internal journey. She has four arms—two holding lotuses, one holding her son Kartikeya, and the fourth protecting her devotees. She sits on a lion.
– Katyayani – The Fierce Warrior, Slayer of Mahishasura: Mahishasura symbolizes both her internal struggles and external battles against societal norms. Clad in pink and green robes, she is adorned with jewelry and wields a sword, shield, trident, and lotus in her four hands while seated on a lion.
– Kalratri – The Dark and Terrifying Form: When a woman breaks societal norms and embraces both her positive and negative aspects, she embodies ‘Kalratri’. With disheveled hair and three bloodshot eyes, she wears a necklace of skulls that gleams like lightning. Her four hands hold a cup, scimitar, vajra, and trident, while she rides a donkey.
– Mahagauri – The Pure and Serene Goddess: A woman who gracefully navigates all these life phases becomes an inspiration for others. She has four hands—three holding a trident, mini-drum, and pink lotus, while one hand is raised in protection for her devotees. She sits on a white ox.
– Siddhidatri – The Bestower of Boons and Power: She embodies the power to uplift other women and society as a whole. With a mace, discus, conch shell, and pink lotus in her four hands, she is seated atop a fully bloomed lotus.
The term “Devi” embodies the divine feminine and holds great significance in Indian culture and spirituality. Every woman carries within her the essence of Devi—the strength, grace, and transformative power that connect her to the cosmic feminine energy.
