9 Beshas of Goddess Durga on the nine days of Navratri in Odisha
During the nine-day Navratri festival, Goddess Durga is worshipped in nine different forms, each with its unique significance and attire.
Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to observe the Durga Puja festivities starting from tomorrow. Since tomorrow marks the beginning of the Navratri this year, the idols of Goddess Durga, in the pandals where Navratri puja is going on, will be adorned with different beshas (attires) on the nine days of Navratri. Let us know the 9 Beshas of Goddess Durga in Navratri.
During the nine-day Navratri festival, Goddess Durga is worshipped in nine different forms, each with its unique significance and attire.
On the first day of Navratri the Goddess appears in the avatar of Maa Shailputri. In this first avtar, the Goddess rides a white bull called Nandi, symbolizing strength and purity. She holds a trishul (trident) in one hand and a lotus in the other. The colour associated with Shailputri is orange, representing energy and enthusiasm.
On the second day the Goddess is worshipped as Mata Brahmacharini. In this second form, she is adorned with white clothes, signifying purity and simplicity. She holds a rudraksha mala in her right hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in her left hand. White is the color associated with Goddess Brahmacharini, representing peace and serenity.
On the third day the Goddess is attired in the Chandraghanta Besha in which she appears with ten hands, each holding a different weapon or symbol. She wears a crescent moon on her forehead, symbolizing her connection to the lunar cycle. Red is the color associated with Goddess Chandraghanta.
On the fourth day Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped. In this Besha, the Goddess appears riding a lion and has eight hands. Royal blue is the colour associated with Goddess Kushmanda.
On the fifth day of Navratri, Goddess Skandamata is worshipped. In this fifth form, the Goddess carries Lord Kartikeya (Skanda) on her lap and holds a lotus and kamandalu in her four hands. Yellow is the colour associated with Goddess Skandamata.
On the sixth day the Goddess is attired with the Katyayani Besha in which she rides a lion and holds a sword, shield, lotus, and trident in her four hands. Green is the colour associated with Goddess Katyayani.
On the 7th day the Goddess takes the form of Maa Kalaratri. In this attire she rides a donkey and holds a sword, trident, and noose in her four hands. Grey is the color associated with Goddess Kalaratri.
The eighth form of Goddess Durga is Goddess Mahagauri. In this attire, the Goddess rides a bull or white elephant and carries a trishul and damru in her four hands. Purple is the colour associated with Goddess Mahagauri.
On the 9th day, the Goddess appears as Maa Siddhidatri. In this avatar the Goddess sits on a lotus and holds a mace, discus, book, and lotus in her four hands. Peacock green is the colour associated with Goddess Siddhidatri.
