Navratri is a celebration of Maa Durga in many forms. Each of the nine nights is traditionally dedicated to one form of the goddess, known together as the Navadurga.
Each form has a different name, appearance and story, and represents qualities such as courage, devotion, strength, wisdom and compassion.
For children, the nine forms can be a wonderful way to discover the many sides of Maa Durga; one story at a time.
1. Shailaputri – The Daughter of the Mountains
Who is she?
Shailaputri is the first form of Maa Durga and is known as the daughter of the Himalayas. She is often shown riding a bull and carrying a trident and lotus.
What does she represent?
Shailaputri represents strength, stability and determination.
For children:
Like a mountain that stands tall and steady, Shailaputri reminds us to stay strong even when things around us feel difficult.
2. Brahmacharini – The One Who Walks the Path of Devotion
Who is she?
Brahmacharini is the second form of Maa Durga. She is often depicted walking barefoot, carrying a rosary and a water pot.
What does she represent?
She represents devotion, patience and determination.
For children:
Brahmacharini teaches us that some things take time. Whether it is learning to swim, read or do something new, patience and practice help us get there.
3. Chandraghanta – The Courageous Protector
Who is she?
Chandraghanta is the third form of Maa Durga. She is named after the crescent moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) that adorns her forehead.
What does she represent?
She represents courage, bravery and peace.
For children:
Chandraghanta reminds us that being brave doesn't mean never feeling afraid. It means finding the courage to do what is right.
4. Kushmanda – The Source of Energy
Who is she?
Kushmanda is the fourth form of Maa Durga. She is traditionally associated with creating and bringing energy to the universe.
What does she represent?
She represents energy, creativity and life.
For children:
Kushmanda reminds us that even a small spark of an idea can grow into something wonderful.
5. Skandamata – The Loving Mother
Who is she?
Skandamata is the fifth form of Maa Durga and the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda. She is often shown holding her young son in her lap.
What does she represent?
She represents love, nurturing and compassion.
For children:
Skandamata reminds us of the love and care that help children feel safe, confident and ready to explore the world.
6. Katyayani – The Fearless Warrior
Who is she?
Katyayani is the sixth form of Maa Durga and is known as a powerful warrior goddess. She is often depicted riding a lion.
What does she represent?
She represents strength, courage and the determination to stand up against injustice.
For children:
Katyayani teaches us that strength can be used to protect others and stand up for what is right.
7. Kaalratri – The Fierce Protector
Who is she?
Kaalratri is the seventh and one of the fiercest forms of Maa Durga. She has a dark appearance and is traditionally shown riding a donkey.
What does she represent?
She represents protection, courage and the destruction of fear and negativity.
For children:
Kaalratri shows us that even the things that look frightening can be faced with courage.
8. Mahagauri – The Radiant and Peaceful One
Who is she?
Mahagauri is the eighth form of Maa Durga. She is associated with purity, peace and serenity and is traditionally depicted in white.
What does she represent?
She represents peace, purity and compassion.
For children:
Mahagauri reminds us that kindness, calmness and a gentle heart are also forms of strength.
9. Siddhidatri – The Giver of Wisdom and Blessings
Who is she?
Siddhidatri is the ninth and final form of Maa Durga. She is associated with divine wisdom, knowledge and blessings.
What does she represent?
She represents wisdom, fulfilment and spiritual knowledge.
For children:
Siddhidatri reminds us that growing isn't just about becoming stronger — it is also about becoming wiser, kinder and more thoughtful.
The 9 Forms, At a Glance
The nine forms of Maa Durga each bring a different quality:
Shailaputri – Strength
Brahmacharini – Devotion
Chandraghanta – Courage
Kushmanda – Energy
Skandamata – Love
Katyayani – Bravery
Kaalratri – Protection
Mahagauri – Peace
Siddhidatri – Wisdom
Together, they show the many different ways strength can look — sometimes fierce, sometimes gentle, sometimes quiet and sometimes protective.
Helping Children Get to Know These Stories
Children often become familiar with Indian gods and traditions through little moments repeated over time — hearing a name, seeing an image, listening to a prayer or hearing the same story again.
Devotional audio can be a natural part of this. WonderBuddy’s Let's Sing for Our Gods musical book introduces young children to familiar mantras, aartis and bhajans, giving them the opportunity to hear these sounds as part of everyday family life.
Because sometimes, the stories and traditions we grow up hearing become the ones we remember for years to come.
Nine Forms. Nine Qualities. One Powerful Story.
From the steady strength of Shailaputri to the wisdom of Siddhidatri, the nine forms of Maa Durga tell us that strength has many faces.
And that's what makes Navratri such a beautiful story to share with children: there is always another form, another quality and another story to discover.
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