During Dashain, one of Nepal's most significant festivals, devotees honor Goddess Durga in her nine different forms. As this year’s celebration begins today, we look at the nine forms of Goddess Durga and their characteristics.

Shailaputri
Worshiped on the first day of Navaratri (known as Ghatasthapana), Shailaputri is depicted with a crescent moon on her forehead, holding a lotus in her left hand and a trident in her right, while riding a bull. "Shailaputri" translates to "daughter of the mountains" and refers to Parvati, who was born to the Himalayas after her previous incarnation, Sati, self-immolated. From this day, yogis begin their spiritual practices.

Brahmacharini
On the second day of Navaratri, devotees worship Brahmacharini, portrayed holding a rosary in her right hand and a water pot (kamandalu) in her left. Named for her ascetic lifestyle, she is believed to inspire discipline, virtue, and abstinence.

Chandraghanta
On the third day, Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped. She has ten hands and wears a crescent moon (shaped like a bell, or "ghanta") on her forehead. Depicted holding a sword, trident, and lotus, she rides a lion. It is believed that she vanquished evil with the sound of her moon-bell, earning the name Chandraghanta.

Kushmanda
Honored on the fourth day, Kushmanda is shown with eight hands carrying items such as a bow, arrow, and pot of nectar. She is called Kushmanda because it’s believed she created the universe with a smile. Offerings of ash gourd ("kushmanda") are made to her.

Skandamata
Skandamata is worshiped on the fifth day, depicted carrying her son Skanda (Kartikeya) and holding a lotus. Riding a lion, she symbolizes the nurturing power of motherhood. Worshiping her is believed to awaken pure consciousness.

Katyayani
On the sixth day, Goddess Katyayani is honored. She is depicted with four hands holding a lotus and a sword, sitting in a gesture of granting protection and blessings. Riding a tiger, she was first worshiped by Maharshi Katyayana. According to Hindu scriptures, worshiping her brings prosperity and salvation.

Kaalaratri
On the seventh night, devotees worship Kaalaratri, the fiercest form of Durga. With her black complexion, three eyes, and four hands, she is portrayed riding a donkey. Despite her terrifying appearance, she is believed to bring auspicious results.

Mahagauri
On the eighth day, Mahagauri is worshiped. She is depicted with four hands holding a drum and trident, wearing white clothing and sitting on a bull. Worshiping Mahagauri is said to purify the souls of her devotees and fulfill their desires.

Siddhidhatri
On the final day of Navaratri, Goddess Siddhidhatri is worshipped by humans, demons, gods, and celestial beings. She is depicted with four hands, carrying a conch shell, mace, discus, and lotus, seated on a lotus flower. It is believed that she grants her devotees various supernatural powers (siddhis). According to the Markandeya Purana, there are eight types of siddhis she bestows.

In conclusion, during Dashain, devotees across Nepal honor Goddess Durga by worshiping her in her nine divine forms, each representing different virtues and powers. From the first day of Navaratri to the final day, each form of the goddess symbolizes a unique aspect of life—strength, discipline, protection, nurturing, and spiritual enlightenment. Through this reverence, devotees seek blessings for prosperity, protection, and the fulfillment of their desires, while also embracing the deeper spiritual and moral teachings embodied by each form of the goddess.