Durga Puja is one of the most significant religious Hindu festivals. The nine-day period starts from the first day of Hindi calendar, Ashvina. The nine different forms of deity Durga are worshiped over the nine days. These are the most popular forms under which she is worshiped:

First Shailputri
Shailputri is the first among nine Durgas. Durga is daughter of Himalaya in the name of Parvati - Hemvati and got married with Lord Shiva

Second BrahmachariniThe second Durga Shakti is "Brahamcharini." Brahma that is who observes penance (tapa) and good conduct. Here "Brahma" means "Tapa." The idol of this Goddess is very gorgeous. There is rosary in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand.

Third Chandraghanta
The name of third Shakti is "Chandraghanta." There is a half-circular moon in her forehead. She is full of charm and is bright. She is golden  in colour. She has three eyes and ten hands, holding with ten types of swords - etc weapons and arrows etc. She is seated on Lion and ready for going in war to fight.

Fourth Kushmanda
Name of fourth Durga is "Kushmanda." She has eight hands, seven types of weapons are shining in her seven hands. Rosary is in her right hand. She seems brilliant riding on Lion. She likes the offerings of "Kumhde." Therefore her name "Kushmanda" has become famous.

Fifth Skanda Mata
Fifth name of Durga is "Skanda Mata." She had a son named "Skanda." Skanda is a leader of the army of Gods. Skanda Mata is a deity of fire. She has three eyes and four hands. She is white and seated on a lotus.

Sixth Katyayani
Sixth Durga is "Katyayani." She took birth as a daughter of Katyayan. Therefore her name is "Katyayani." She has three eyes and eight hands. These are eight types of weapons missiles in her seven hands. Her vehicle is Lion.

Seventh Kalratri
Seventh Durga is "Kalratri. " She is black like night. Durga has three eyes, which are round like universe. Her eyes are bright. Thousands of flames of fire come out while respiring from nose. She rides on Shava (dead body). There is sharp sword in her right hand. Her lower hand is in blessing mood.

Maha Gauri
The Eighth Durga is "Maha Gauri." She is as white as a conch, moon and Jasmine. It is said that when the body of Gauri became dirty due to dust and earth while observing penance, Shiva makes it clean with the waters of Ganges. Then her body became bright like lightening. Therefore, she is known as "Maha Gauri."

Ninth Siddhidatri
Ninth Durga as "Siddhidatri". There are eight Siddhis , they are- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva and Vashitva. Maha Shakti gives all these Siddhies. She has four hands and looks pleased. This form of Durga is worshiped by all Gods, Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Yogis, Sadhakas and devotees for attaining the best religious asset.

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