Navadurga

Navadurga (नवदुर्गा), 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. According to Hindu mythology, the nine forms are considered the nine stages of Durga during the nine-day long duration of the war with demon-king Mahishasura, where the tenth day is celebrated as the Vijayadashami (victory day) among the Hindus and is considered as one of the most important festivals. Navaratri During the festival of Navaratri, nine unmarried virgin girls up to the age of nine years are worshiped and fed as they are considered to be the incarnations of these nine goddesses. Then, the Nabapatrika ritual during Durga Puja involves tying the branches of eight plants with their leaves with a banana plant (naba meaning 'nine', and patrika meaning 'leaves'). According to traditions and Hindu scriptures Navadurga has different forms. The Agni Purana lists them as: Rudrachanda Prachanda Chandogra Chandanayika Chanda Chandavati Chandarupa Atichandika Ugrachanda Nine forms of Rajarajeshwari are worshiped as Navadurga forms on the nine days of Navaratri at the famous Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.