Navratri is dedicated to various manifestations of Mother
Goddess Shakti. But which Goddess is worshipped during Navratri? During
Navratri Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped. Nine forms of
Durga known as Navadurga are worshipped on nine days in most regions in India .
The nine forms are Goddess Shailputri, Brahmacharini,
Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and
Siddhidatri.
In some regions, the first three days of Navratri are
dedicated to Goddess Durga, next three to Lakshmi and the last three to
Saraswati.
Goddess Saraswati is worshipped mainly in western and southern
parts of India
during Navrati.
The main theme of Navratri in all regions is the annihilation
of demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. Various forms of Goddess Durga are
worshipped on the eighth and ninth day of Navratri. This includes the ferocious
forms of Goddess Chamunda and Goddess Kali.
On the ninth day small children are worshipped in a ritual
known as Kanya Puja.
In South India , the ninth
day and the tenth day (dasam) is also dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Children
are initiated into the world of knowledge on the Dasami day.