Navratri and the nine forms of devi: Offerings for each day
From cow ghee to jaggery, and sugar to milk, a variety of bhogs are offered to Goddess Durga throughout the nine days.
Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, with each day honoring a distinct form of the divine feminine. Each goddess is associated with specific offerings that hold spiritual significance, believed to invoke her blessings.
Devi Shailputri
Worshipped on the first day of Navratri, Devi Shailputri symbolizes the strength of the mountains and purity of nature. She is offered cow ghee (clarified butter), which represents health and prosperity. Devotees believe that offering ghee brings peace and harmony to their homes.
Devi Brahmacharini
Honored on the second day, Devi Brahmacharini represents penance and devotion. She is offered sugar, symbolizing the sweetness of life and endurance through hardships.
Devi Chandraghanta
On the third day, Devi Chandraghanta, known for her warrior spirit and bravery, is worshipped with offerings of milk. Milk signifies purity and nourishment.
Devi Kushmanda
On the fourth day, Devi Kushmanda, the creator of the universe, is worshipped with malpua (a traditional sweet). This offering is made to invoke her blessings for energy, vitality, and creativity.
Devi Skanda Mata
On the fifth day, Devi Skanda Mata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), is worshipped with bananas. This simple fruit symbolizes nourishment and fertility.
Devi Katyayani
On the sixth day, Devi Katyayani, known for her fierce warrior form, is offered honey. Honey symbolizes sweetness and vitality, and offering it is believed to help overcome obstacles.
Devi Kalaratri
Worshipped on the seventh day, Devi Kalaratri is the fiercest form of Durga, representing destruction of evil and darkness. She is offered jaggery, a symbol of earthy simplicity and sweetness.
Devi Mahagauri
On the eighth day, Devi Mahagauri, representing purity, beauty, and peace, is offered coconuts. Coconuts signify purity and devotion.
Devi Siddhidatri
On the ninth day, Devi Siddhidatri, the goddess of supernatural powers and perfection, is offered til (sesame seeds). Til is known for its health benefits and symbolizes longevity and spiritual awakening.
By offering these simple yet significant items during Navratri, devotees honor each goddess and seek her divine blessings for a prosperous and fulfilled life.