Our ancient masters understood how easily the human mind can be swayed by external distractions. To help us reconnect with our higher purpose, they established rituals and festivals throughout the year. One such celebration in the Hindu tradition is Navratri, where we honor the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga, also known as Shakti, symbolizing "Nari Shakti"—the essence of divine feminine energy.

For me, painting serves as a way to find my center, a personal ritual of creation. This Navratri, I felt inspired to create a painting—a vision that has been with me for some time now—as a lasting reminder of the energy and reflection these nine days bring.
Navdurga represents the evolution of a woman through different stages of life, and Navratri celebrates these nine phases: from infancy to grandmotherhood. Each day of Navratri symbolizes one stage in a woman's journey:
Day 1 – Shailputri: Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains (also known as Parvati), represents the beginning: a child, a daughter.
Day 2 – Brahmacharini: Depicted as an ascetic, this form symbolizes Parvati's penance to marry Lord Shiva, reflecting a teenage girl’s determination as she enters the next stage of life.
Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta : Here, the goddess embodies a married woman, strong and mature in a fulfilling relationship.
Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda: Though still fierce, she holds a pot of honey in addition to weapons, symbolizing her transition to motherhood.
Day 5 – Skandmata: Now the mother of Kartikeya (Skand), she remains powerful, riding a lion without weapons, embodying maternal strength.
Day 6 – Maa Katyayani: Perhaps the most well-known form, Maa Katyayani shows the goddess as a powerful force, capable of defeating what even the gods could not—Mahishasura. Her life doesn't end after becoming a mother; she continues to evolve.
Day 7 – Maa Kali: The fiercest form of the goddess, Maa Kali, shows a woman as independent, fierce, and fully in control, defeating even the deadliest demons.
Day 8 – Mahagauri: After fulfilling all these roles, she attains the form of Mahagauri. At this stage, she is no longer defined by her relationships but by her own divinity.
Day 9 – Siddhidhatri: Close to Maa Lakshmi in essence, Siddhidhatri is worshipped by both gods and demons. She teaches us that life’s ultimate goal is self-realization, a state of inner peace and calmness despite the struggles.
We are reminded that the goddess's teachings extend beyond roles like daughter, wife, or mother. You are more than the roles you play—you are yourself. Each stage of life offers wisdom: when to be patient, when to be fierce, and when to nurture. These lessons should not be confined to these nine days but carried with us throughout life.


As I work on my painting, I am reminded of these teachings. Just as Navratri doesn’t truly end, neither does this painting. It will evolve at its own pace, much like the journey of self-discovery.
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