'Devi Aadi Shakti's names with meanings' - Page 103

Navdurga, are the nine forms of Durga collectively worshipped by Shakti devotees. Scriptures differ in naming the nine incarnations. Pictures and paintings of the Nava-Durga also varies from region to region. The most widely accepted account of the nine forms of Durga is the one found in the Devi Mahatmya Sailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Maha Gowri and Siddhidayini.
The nine forms of Durga are worshipped during the nine days of nava ratri

Among the Nine Durgas, Maa Shailputri is considered to be the first manifestation of goddess Durga. She carries the trishul and the lotus in her hands. Her vehicle is the Bull, Nandi.

• Bhooma roopa
• who is what we see , hear and understand

The worship of Maa Brahmchaarini is conducive to penance, renunciation, virtue and nobility. Her devotees are endowed with peace and prosperity.

Chandra ghanta

One who has the crescent moon on her forehead which is in the form of a bell.

She is the third form of Nine Durgas.

In this form Durga is 10-armed and rides a tiger. This is a terrible aspect and is roaring in anger. This form of Durga is completely different from earlier forms and shows when provoked she can be the terrible or malevolent. Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navarathri.

Her forehead is bedecked with the crescent moon resembling the shape of a ghantaa. That is why she is called Maa Chandraghantaa' by devotees.

Kushmanda

She who created the universe in the cosmic egg.

The fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is adored and worshipped on the fourth day of the Navaraatri. She dwells in the abode of the Sun God. That is why her hue and spendour is as brilliant as the sun itself. It is her spendour that pervades every plant and creature of this universe. All the ten quarters are illuminated by her divine refulgence.

When this universe was non-existent and darkness prevailed everywhere, it was Maa Kushmaandaa who produced the Cosmic Egg with her mere smile. So Maa Kushmanda is also known as the creator the whole universe. Maa Kushmanda is also named as "Adi Shakti. She is the only one who has the power and strength to live in the core of Suryaloka.