Ninth Siddhidatri

Ninth Durga us Siddhidatri. There are eight Siddhis - Viz- Anima,
Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva Vashitva. Maha
Shakti gives all these Siddhies. It is said in "Devipuran" that the
Supreme God Shiv got all these Siddhies by worshipping Maha Shakti.
With her gratitude the half body of Shiv has became of Goddess and
there fore his name "Ardhanarishvar" has became famous. The Goddess
drives on Lion. She has four hands and looks pleased. This form of
Durga is worshipped by all Gods, Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Yogis,
Sadhakas and devotees for attaining the best religious asset.

Eighth Maha Gauri

The Eighth Durga is "Maha Gauri." She is as white as a conch, moon
and Jasmine. She is of eight years old. Her clothes and ornaments are
white and clean. She has three eyes. She rides on bull She has four
hands. The above left hand is in "Fearless - Mudra" and lower left
hand holds "Trishul." The above right hand has tambourine and lower
right hand is in blessing style. She is calm and peaceful and exists
in peaceful style. It is said that when the body of Gauri became
dirty due to dust and earth while observing penance, Shivaji makes it
clean with the waters of Gangas. Then her body became bright like
lightning. There fore, she is known as "Maha Gauri" in world.

Seventh Kalratri

Seventh Durga is Kalratri. She is black like night. Durga hairs are
unlocked. She has put on neckles shining like lightning. She has
three eyes which are round like universe. Her eyes are bright.
Thousands of flames of fire come out while respiring with nose. She
rides on donkey. There is sharp sword in her right hand. Her lower
hand is in blessing mood. The burning torch is in her left hand and
her lower left hand is in fearless style, by which she makes her
devotees fearless. Being auspicious she is called "Shubhamkari."

Sixth Katyayani

Sixth Durga is Katyayani. The son of "Kat" as "Katya". Rishi Katyayan
born in this "Katya" linege. Katyayan had observed penance with a
desire to get paramba as his daughter. As a result she took birth as
a daughter of Katyayan. Therefore her name is "Katyayani" on the bank
of Jamuna for getting Krishna as a husband. It proves that she is
prime deity of Vraj mandal. Her appearance is very sublime. She has
three eyes and eight hands. These are eight types of weapons missiles
in her seven hands. Her vehicle is Lion.

Fifth Skanda Mata

Fifth name of Durga is "Skanda Mata". The daughter of Himalaya, after
observing penance got married with Shiva. She had a son
named "Skanda." Skanda is a leader of the army of Gods. Skanda Mata
is a deity of fire. Skanda is seated in her lap. She has three eyes
and four hands. She is white and seated on a lotus.

Fourth Kushmanda

The Shakti creates egg. I.e. Universe by mere laughing she resides in solar systems.
She shines brightly in all the ten directions as like Sun. She has eight hands.
Seven types of weapons are shining in her seven hands. Rosary is in
her right hand. She seems brilliant riding on Lion. She likes the
offerings of "Kumhde." Therefore her name "Kushmanda" has become
famous.

Third Chandraghanta

The name of third Shakti is Chandraghanta. There is a half-circular
moon in her forehead. She is charmful and bright. She is Golden
colour. She has three eyes and ten hands holding with ten types of
swords - etc. weapons and arrows etc. missiles. She is seated on Lion
and ready for going in war to fight. She is unprecedented image of
bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all the villans,
demons and denavas.

Second Brahmacharini

The second Durga Shakti is Brahamcharini. Brahma that is who observes
panance and good conduct. Here "Brahma" means "Tapa". The idol of
this Goddess is very gorgeous. There is rosary in her right hand and
Kamandal in left hand. She is full with merriment. One story is
famous about her. In previous birth she was Parvati Hemavati the
daughter of Himvan. Once when she was busy in games with her friends.
Naradaji came to her and predicted seeing her Palm-lines that, "You
will get married with a naked-terrible 'Bhole baba' who was with you
in the form of Sati, the daughter of Daksh in previous birth. But now
you have to perform penance for him." There upon Parvati her mother
Menaka that she would marry none except Shambhu, otherwise she would
remain unmarried. Saying this she went to observe penance (tap). That
is why her name is famous as tapacharini - Brahmacharini. But as she
was engrossed in Tapa her mother told her, " Beti, please do not make
penance." From that time her name Uma became familiar.

First Durga Shailputri (Daughter of Mountain)

She is a daughter of Himalaya and first among nine Durgas. In
previous birth she was the daughter of Daksha. Her name was Sati -
Bhavani. I.e. the wife of Shiv. Once Daksha had organized a big Yagna
and did not invite Shivaji. But Sati being obstinate, reached there.
Thereupon Daksha insulted Shivaji. Sati could not tolerate the insult
of husband and burnt herself in the fire of Yagns.

In other birth she became the daughter of Himalaya in the name of
Parvati - Hemvati and got married with Shivaji.

As per Upnishad she had torn and the egotism of Indra, etc. Devtas.
Being ashamed they bowed and prayed that, "In fact, thou are Shakti,
we all - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv are capable by getting Shakti from
you."