9 Emotions a Mother Experience

Navratri, the festival celebrates nine forms of Goddess Durga, an ode to feminine power and divinity. Each form of Durga represents a different aspect of her personality and attributes, such as courage, wisdom, compassion, beauty, and more. These nine forms of Durga also reflect the nine emotions that a mother experiences in her journey of motherhood. This blog is our ode to each mother who braves through various emotions to do what is right for her child. 

Yes, you read that right. It is a first and we are very excited to bring this interpretation to you. In this blog post, we will explore how the nine forms of Durga symbolize the nine emotions that a mother experiences and how this Navratri celebration could also be about celebrating these emotions.

Shailputri - The Emotion of Joy

Shailputri is the first form of Durga that is worshiped on the first day of Navratri. Her name means “daughter of the mountains” and she is the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, who is the wife of Lord Shiva and the mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya.

Shailaputri represents the emotion of joy that fills a mother’s heart especially when she sees her child happy. As a Mother, you are a reflection of Shailputri when you hold your newborn or your child for the first time, that feeling of immense joy and happiness. The feeling of becoming a mother is indescribable. You feel a wave of gratitude for the precious gift of life that you have received. You also feel joy when you see your child smile, laugh, or do something new. You cherish every moment with your child and it fills your heart with joy.

You share your joy with others by being kind, generous, and helpful. Do you know that one can worship Shailaputri by offering her red flowers, cow’s milk, or honey and chanting her mantra: “Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah.”

Brahmacharini - The Emotion of Self-Control

Brahmacharini is the second form of Durga and is worshiped on the second day of Navratri. Her name means “the one who practices rigorous self-discipline” and she is the form of Goddess Parvati before her marriage to Lord Shiva.

Brahmacharini represents the emotion of self-control that you demonstrate as a mother when you control your own desires, put your comfort aside for your child, and prioritize your child’s needs.

You experience the Brahmacharini emotion when it comes to fulfilling your child’s needs.

You can worship Brahmacharini by offering her yellow flowers, sugar, or rice pudding and chanting her mantra: “Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah”.

Chandraghanta - The Emotion of Courage

Chandraghanta is the third form of Durga and is worshiped on the third day of Navratri. Her name means “the one who has a half-moon on her forehead” and she is the married form of Goddess Parvati. 

Chandraghanta represents courage and bravery. You display courage to make those tough decisions keeping your child in mind. You fight against all odds to ensure the best for your child.

You experience this emotion when you stand up for yourself and your loved ones. You are a role model for your child, to be brave and confident in their abilities.

Worship Chandraghanta by offering her green flowers, coconut, or milk and chanting her mantra: “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah”.

Kushmanda - The Emotion of Endurance

Kushmanda is the fourth form of Durga that is worshiped on the fourth day of Navratri. Her name means “the one who creates the universe with her smile” and she is the form of Goddess Parvati who resides in the sun and gives light and energy to the world.

Kushmanda represents the emotion of endurance and resilience that you display during childbirth and while raising your child through those ups and downs. You persevere through sleepless nights and several other challenges. You are the one who spreads positivity and cheerfulness with your smile through those tough times for your child and your family.

You can worship Kushmanda by offering her red flowers, pumpkin, or jaggery and chanting her mantra: “Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah”.

Skandamata - The Emotion of Nurturing

Skandamata is the fifth form of Durga and is worshiped on the fifth day of Navratri. Her name means “the mother of Skanda” and she is the form of Goddess Parvati who holds her son Skanda (also known as Kartikeya) on her lap.

Skandamata represents the emotion of nurturing and love that you feel for your child. You experience Skandamata each time you provide love and warmth to your child. You nurture your child in the true sense helping them grow into healthy and happy individuals.

You acknowledge and praise your child’s talents, skills, and accomplishments. You encourage your child to pursue their passion and goals and guide them through challenges.

You can worship Skandamata by offering her yellow flowers, banana, or honey and chanting her mantra: “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah”.

Katyayani - The Emotion of Protection

Katyayani is the sixth form of Durga that is worshiped on the sixth day of Navratri. Her name means “the daughter of sage Katyayan” and she is the form of Goddess Parvati who was born to destroy the demon Mahishasura. She protected her devotees from the tyranny of Mahishasura.

Katyayani represents the emotion of protection and empowerment that you feel for your child. You experience Katyayani when you protect your child from harm’s way and are brave through such moments protecting your child. You are a role model being courageous for your child.

As a mother, your emotion of protection also awakens when you see the wrongdoings and unfairness happening to your child. You channel your anger into positive actions and movements that can bring about a positive outcome for your child.

You can worship Katyayani by offering her orange flowers, sesame seeds, or pomegranate and chanting her mantra: “Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah”.

Kalaratri - The Emotion of Fearlessness

Kalaratri is the seventh form of Durga that is worshiped on the seventh day of Navratri. Her name means “the night of death” and she is the form of Goddess Parvati who is the destroyer of darkness and ignorance.

Kalaratri represents the emotion of fearlessness and determination that you display when facing challenges as a parent. You experience Kalaratri when you stay determined and persevere through the tough times. You are the one who confronts and overcomes your fears with confidence.

You can worship Kalaratri by offering her blue flowers, jaggery, or iron and chanting her mantra: “Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah”.

Mahagauri - The Emotion of Purity

Mahagauri is the eighth form of Durga that is worshiped on the eighth day of Navratri. Her name means “the great white one” and she is the form of Goddess Parvati who is the epitome of beauty, purity, and grace. 

Mahagauri represents the emotion of purity that you feel as a mother in your selfless love for your child. You experience Mahagauri with your selfless acts of love for your child. You maintain a clean and hygienic environment for your child to thrive in. 

You can worship Mahagauri by offering her pink flowers, coconut, sugandh (perfume) and chanting her mantra: “Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah”.

Siddhidatri - The Emotion of Wisdom

Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Durga that is worshiped on the ninth day of Navratri. Her name means “the giver of all siddhis (supernatural powers)” and she is the form of Goddess Parvati who grants all the wishes and desires of her devotees.

Siddhidatri represents the emotion of wisdom and satisfaction that you feel as a mother. You experience Siddhidatri when you guide your child, helping them make informed decisions. You also share your words of wisdom to help others through tough times.

You can worship Siddhidatri by offering her purple flowers, sesame seeds, or lotus and chanting her mantra: “Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah”.  

These, to us, are the nine emotions that a mother experiences, and these are related to the nine forms of Durga. Isn’t it really special being a mother! I hope that this blog has helped you see a new side of the emotions you experience as a mother. Also, join us as we celebrate each of these emotions during Navratri. We wish you and your lovely family a very happy and blessed Navratri.