Navaratri 2026: Nine Forms of Durga

This year, 2026, Navaratri begins on Sunday, October 11 and ends on Tuesday, October 20th. You can watch my video message to orient yourself and then read the short descriptions for each day below.

If you would like my guidance during these nine days to take a deep dive into Navaratri and tap the mysterious power of Durga through various practices, click here to be Transformed By Fire. 

During Navaratri, I invite you to become aware of nine aspects of Shakti, each traditionally venerated on a particular day. Each manifestation reveals a distinctive power of the Divine Feminine that we can invoke in our lives.

ŚAILAPUTRĪ — Sunday, October 11

The Daughter of the Mountains rides Shiva's bull, symbolizing unwavering dedication. She holds Shiva's trident, representing transformative power, and a lotus, symbolizing the flowering of spiritual awareness. Invoke her for strength and power.

BRAHMACĀRIṆĪ — Monday, October 12

This austere Shakti walks barefoot and unadorned, carrying a rudrākṣa mālā for mantra practice and a traditional water vessel for worship. Invoke her for purification.

CANDRAGHAṆṬĀ — Tuesday, October 13

This formidable manifestation of Durga has ten arms bearing various weapons and rides a tiger. She is determined to destroy ignorance in all its forms. Invoke her for protection.

KŪṢMĀṆḌĀ — Wednesday, October 14

We might playfully translate her name as the "happy egg," but don't let your ordinary image of an egg come to mind. The egg here is the universe itself! Invoke this Shakti for softness and warmth. Let's get cozy with Durga here, shall we?

SKANDAMĀTĀ — Thursday, October 15

The mother of Skanda, the warrior son of Shiva and Shakti, reveals a gentler expression of power. With four arms rather than ten, her imagery emphasizes motherhood and nurturing rather than weapons. Invoke her for soft power.

KĀTYĀYANĪ — Friday, October 16

One of the most potent manifestations of Durga, Kātyāyanī appears when the gods themselves cannot restore the balance between good and evil. Invoke her in the most challenging circumstances.

KĀLARĀTRI — Saturday, October 17

This mysterious manifestation resembles Kālī in certain respects. Her prominent third eye symbolizes omniscience, while her unusual donkey mount represents the unenlightened soul. Her noose suggests the power of the Divine Feminine to draw us toward transformation. Invoke her for the transformation of shadow.

MAHĀGAURĪ — Sunday, October 18

A shining manifestation of the Divine Feminine, Mahāgaurī carries the trident of spiritual power and the drum of creative energy. Her radiance recalls Lakshmi, although she belongs to the Shakti of Shiva. Invoke her for prosperity.

SIDDHIDĀTRĪ — Monday, October 19

This manifestation bestows siddhis, the extraordinary capacities and powers described in yogic traditions. Her mace and discus symbolize power and the ability to cut through obstacles. These symbols can also point toward aspects of ourselves awaiting transformation. Invoke her for spiritual accomplishment.

VIJAYADAŚAMĪ — Tuesday, October 20

The nine-day journey culminates in Vijayadaśamī, the celebration of victory. But what does victory mean when we approach Durga as a living spiritual power? And what might these nine manifestations awaken within us?

Would you like to explore these nine manifestations with me? 
Nine manifestations, nine dimensions of spiritual power,
and one extraordinary Divine Feminine presence.

In my newly expanded Transformed by Fire program, I invite you to join my own Navaratri practice and reflections. Each day, we go beyond the descriptions above to explore the Goddess, understand her Shakti, chant twelve of Durga's 108 sacred names, contemplate her significance, and bring that spiritual power into everyday life.

The nine-day journey also opens into four deeper areas of study: Durga's 108 Names, the Vedic Durgā Sūktam, Durga Havan, and the Devī Māhātmya.

Explore Transformed by Fire and join me for Navaratri.

TRANSFORMED BY FIRE
A Deep Dive Into Durga