Navadurga, also spelled Navdurga and Navadurgas, are nine manifestations and forms of Durga in Hinduism, especially worshipped during Navaratri and Durga Puja. They are often considered collectively as a single deity, mainly among the followers of Shaktism and Shaivism sect of Hinduism.
Navadurgas – the nine forms of Durga
Image: Shailaputri Sanghasri 2010 Arnab Dutta
Image: Brahmacharini
Image: Chandraghanta Sanghasri 2010 Arnab Dutta
Durga is a major Hindu goddess, worshipped as a principal aspect of the mother goddess Mahadevi. She is associated with protection, strength, motherhood, destruction, and wars.
18th-century painting of Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura
'Durga in Combat with the Bull, Mahishasura', 19th century painting
Durga killing Mahishasura in a Durga Puja celebration in Bengal
Durga festival images (clockwise from top): Durga Puja pandal with a Durga idol with 1 million hands standing on top a bull's head to symbolize her victory over Mahishasura in Kolkata, Dancing on Vijaya Dashami, women smearing each other with colour, and family get together for Dashain in Nepal.