Skanda Mata

The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as ‘Skanda Mata’ - the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. She is worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri. She is accompanied by the Lord Skanda in his infant form. Skanda Mata has four arms and three eyes, holds the infant Skanda in her right upper arm and a lotus in her right hand which is slightly raised upwards. The left arm is in pose to grant boons with grace and in left lower hand which is raised also holds a lotus. She has a bright complexion and often depicted as seated on a lotus.

Kushmanda

Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. So she is considered the creator of the universe. The universe was no more than a void full of darkness, until her light spreads in all directions like rays from the sun. Often she is depicted as having eight or ten hands. She holds weapons, glitter, rosary, etc., in her hands, and she rides a lion.

Chandragantha

She is the third form of the goddess and she represents bravery. She is depicted as having three eyes and ten hands, each one bearing a different type of weapon. Her skin is golden colour and the sound of her bell terrifies demons as well as all enemies.

Chandraghanta

The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta’, who is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri, for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a ‘chandra’ or half moon in her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called ‘Chandraghanta’. She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a lion. She has ten hands, three eyes and holds weapons in her hands. She is the apostle of bravery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against demons. 

Brahmacharini

Brahmacharini is the second Goddess of nine Durgas – Navadurga Goddesses. Brahmacharini is one who performs penance. As per the Hindusim, Veda, Tattva and Tapa are three synonyms for the word Brahma. Bramhacharini mata is worshipped on the second day during Durga Puja in Durga Navratri. Brahmacharini Pooja 2010 date is October 9th.
Brahmacharini – Previous incarnation:
In her previous incarnation, Goddess Bramhacharini was the daughter of King Himvanth, the emperor of Mountains. She was influenced by Sage Narada and observed austere penance for several thousands of years without taking any food and water. Dedication and devotion of Brahmacharini attracts Lord Shiva and he makes her his consort.
Brahmacharini Mata – Spiritual Practice:

Brahmachari Mata blesses her devotees with courage, strength, dedication and concentration. She also gives her devotee to face any challenge with courage and self-confidence. Yogis and other Sadhaks keep their mind on Swadhisthana Chakra to maintain their devotion and dedication in a steady phase. Brahmacharini Mata represents the Swadhishtana Chakra in spiritual practice.

Navratri 2010 Dates - Navaratri Calendar – Navratras 2010

The nine-day festival of Navratri, or Navaratri, in Hindu religion dedicated to the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. Navratri 2010 dates are from October 8 to October 16, 2010. The most important Navratri in a year is the Sharadiya Navratra which begins on the first day of the bright half of Ashvin or Ashwayuja (September-October) as per traditional Hindu calendar.

Apart from the Navratri in September – October, there are three other Navratris in a year. The most important among the three is the Chaitra Navratri or the Navaratri in March-April. This is also known as Vasant Navratri or Ram Navaratri.

The other two Navratris are Magh Navratri (January – February) and Ashad Navratri (June – July). These two Navratris are also known as Gupt Navratri and is mainly observed only in certain regions of North India.

Thus there are four important Navratris in a year in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar.

Navratri in 2010 October dates

Navratri Day 1 – October 8, 2010 – Ghatsthapana

Navratri Day 2 – October 9, 2010 – Chandra Darshan

Navratri Day 3 – October 10, 2010 – Sindoor Tritiya

Navratri Day 4 – October 11, 2010 – Varad Vinayak Chaturthi and Lalit Panchami

Navratri Day 5 – October 12, 2010 – Upang Lalita Vrat

Navratri Day 6 – October 13, 2010 – Saraswati Awahan in some regions

Navratri Day 7 – October 14, 2010 – Saraswathi Puja - Maha Lakshmi Puja

Navratri Day 8 – October 15, 2010 – Saraswathi Puja ends – Mahashtami - Annapoorna Parikrama

Navratri Day 9 – October 16, 2010 – Saraswati Visarjan - Mahanavami

October 17, 2010 - The tenth day is celebrated as Dasara or Vijaya Dashami. Vidyarambham in Kerala.

South India

In South India, Goddess Durga is worshipped during the first three days.

Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during the next three days

Goddess Saraswathi is worshipped during the last three days.

Navratri Fasting – How to do Navaratri Upvaas?

There are many Hindus who observe Navratri Vrat or fasting during the nine days of Navratras. Most people observe a partial fast during Navaratri and abstain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol etc. The fasting is generally dedicated to Goddess Durga. In South India, especially in Kerala, Navratri Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi. Puranas indicated that the importance of Navarathri fast was narrated by Goddess Durga to one of her devotees. In 2010, Navratri begins on October 8 .

There are no strict rules for any fasting in Hindu religion and usually, the devotees decide how they want to do the fasting during the period.

In South India, the nine days of Navratri is divided into three parts – three days each for Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. In North India, there is no division but is dedicated to Mother Goddess or Shakti.

People take bath in the morning and evening during Navratri period. Some devotees only consume food after bathing. After pujas and meditation, most people only take simple food. Some opt for fruits and milk only. There are devotees who only take a single meal. Any of the bhajans dedicated to Mother Goddess is recited during the period.

Some people only observe fast during three days i.e., first fast during any one of the first three days and second fast during any one of the next three and last on any one of final three days.

People who skip the Navratri fasting just visit temples on all the nine days or just meditate for sometime in the puja room or in some quiet place. Some people read Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Vasishta or any other holy books during the period.

A Kalash which represents Mother Goddess is worshipped in most places. But there are also people who opt to pray to idols or portraits of Mother Goddess in any form.