Mahalaya Amavasya that marks the culmination of Pitr Paksha and beginning of Devi Paksha symbolises calls for shifting gears to celebrate Navrathri by praying to the Supreme Mother or Devi. She will reside on earth during this time of Dhashara.
Shloka
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति-रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhutessu Shakti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||
To that Devi, who in all beings is present in the form of power and strength!
Salutations to her, Salutations to her, Salutations to her, Salutations again and again!!
The Nine Avatars of Goddess Durga
- Shailaputri: Daughter of the Mountains, symbolizing strength.
- Brahmacharini: The goddess of devotion and austerity.
- Chandraghanta: The warrior goddess who carries the moon on her forehead.
- Kushmanda: The creator of the universe, radiating light.
- Skandamata:The nurturing mother of Lord Kartikeya.
- Katyayani: The fierce warrior goddess, destroyer of evil.
- Kalaratri: The destroyer of darkness and demons.
- Mahagauri: The goddess of purity and serenity.
- Siddhidatri: The goddess of perfection and wisdom.