Navratri 2024: Visit These 9 Temples Dedicated To The Avatars Of Goddess Durga

Navratri, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, is a time of devotion, dance, and feminine energy. The nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine different forms or avatars, each embodying a distinct aspect of the divine feminine. These goddesses represent power, protection, wisdom, and motherhood, and are worshipped across India with great reverence. Here are nine temples, big and small, that are dedicated to the nine avatars of the goddess.

Shailputri Devi Temple, VaranasiThe first form of Durga, Shailputri, represents the daughter of the mountains and is symbolic of strength and purity. Shailputri Maa is also addressed as Mata Sati Bhavani, Goddess Parvati, and Maa Hemavati. She is also referred to as 'Pratham Shailputri’. One of the temples dedicated to Shailputri Devi is within a complex of temples in Varanasi, located deep within the heart of the city near Marhia Ghat, around 2 kms from the railway station. During Navratri, thousands of pilgrims flock here to seek her blessings for health, peace, and prosperity.

Brahmacharini Devi Temple, VaranasiThe second form of Durga, Brahmacharini, signifies devotion and penance. The Brahmacharini Devi Temple in Varanasi is a serene place where devotees come to pay homage to this calm and meditative avatar. Brahmacharini Devi blesses her followers with wisdom, patience, and the strength to overcome life’s challenges. Head to the Brahmeshwar Temple near Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi and Maa Brahmeshwar Temple at Balaji Ghat to offer your prayers. Chandraghanta Devi Temple, VaranasiThe third form, Chandraghanta, is a warrior goddess known for her courage and fierce power. The Chandraghanta Devi mandir in Varanasi is located at Jaitpura, where thousands of devotees assemble each Navratri with offerings that include coconuts, red cloth pieces (chunnis) and also red flowers.

Kushmanda Devi Temple, KanpurKushmanda, the fourth form of Durga, is considered the creator of the universe. A temple dedicated to her is located in Kanpur’s Ghatampur area, where devotees believe worshipping the goddess will bring them clarity and positivity. During Navratri, the temple is illuminated and decorated beautifully, attracting thousands of devotees from all over India. Skandamata Devi Temple, VaranasiThe fifth avatar, Skandamata, is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) and symbolises motherly love and protection. Skandamata Temple is also situated in Varanasi’s Jaitpura region. Devotees visit this temple seeking her blessings for the welfare and well-being of their families.

Katyayani Devi Temple, VrindavanAs per Hindu Scriptures, Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva combined their energies to create Maa Katyayani, who killed the demon Mahishasura. Goddess Katyayani is known as Mahishasurmardini. The Katyayani Devi Temple in Vrindavan is one of the most famous shrines dedicated to her. Here, the sword of the Devi, called Uchawal Chandrahaas, is also worshipped. Kalaratri Devi Temple, Varanasi The seventh form of Durga, Kalaratri, is the fiercest avatar, symbolising the destruction of evil. She is depicted with dark blue or black complexion with four hands, bountiful hair and rides on a donkey. TheKalaratri Devi Temple, located in Kalika Galli in Varanasi is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Devi Kalaratri. During Navratri, the temple becomes a hub of spiritual activity, with devotees offering prayers to Kalaratri Devi for protection against negative forces and obstacles.

Mahagauri Devi Temple, LudhianaMahagauri, the eighth avatar of Durga, symbolises purity, peace, and endurance. The Mahagauri Temple located in Ludhiana becomes a magnet for devotees who seek her blessings for cleansing sins, attaining inner peace, and fostering harmony in their lives. Also Read: From Gujarat to Bengal: 8 Unique Navratri Celebrations You Should Experience Siddhidhatri Devi Temple, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh The ninth and final form of Durga, Siddhidhatri, bestows supernatural powers (siddhis) upon her devotees. Siddhidatri Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district is one of the most revered Shakti Peeths dedicated to this form of the goddess. Pilgrims gather in large numbers during Navratri to seek Siddhidhatri’s blessings for spiritual enlightenment and the fulfilment of their desires.