Devi & Shakti

Sharad Navratri 2026

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on October 11. Explore Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Navratri dates, nine forms of Goddess Durga, daily Puja, fasting, Navratri colors, Ashtami, Navami and Vijayadashami.

How Parvati Won Shiva: The Story of Brahmacharini (Navratri Day 2)

Shiva was a hermit lost in meditation, and Parvati was a princess. She won him with years of penance, giving up even leaves. The story of Brahmacharini, the second form of Durga, worshipped on 12 October 2026.

Kalaratri and Raktabija: The Fiercest Form of Durga (Navratri Day 7)

A demon whose every drop of blood created another demon, and the dark, fierce goddess who ended the battle. The story of Kalaratri, the seventh form of Durga, worshipped on 17 October 2026.

Katyayani: The Warrior Goddess Born for Sage Katyayana and Worshipped by the Gopis (Navratri Day 6)

A sage's penance, the gods' combined fury, and a month-long vow by the gopis of Vrindavan. The story of Katyayani, the sixth form of Durga.

Kushmanda: The Goddess Who Created the Universe with a Smile (Navratri Day 4)

Before the sun, the stars or time itself, there was only darkness. Then a gentle smile created everything. The story of Kushmanda, the fourth form of Durga, worshipped on 14 October 2026.

Mahagauri and Kanya Puja: The Story of Durga Ashtami (Navratri Day 8

After years of penance, Parvati's complexion darkened, until Shiva bathed her in the Ganga and she became radiant. The story of Mahagauri, and what Sandhi Puja and Kanya Puja mean on Durga Ashtami, 18 October 2026.

Rama's Untimely Worship of Durga: The Story Behind Dussehra (Vijayadashami 2026)

Before the war with Ravana, Rama worshipped Goddess Durga with 108 blue lotuses, and when one went missing, he was ready to offer his own eye. The Akal Bodhan story that joins Navratri to Dussehra, on 20 October 2026.

Sati to Shailaputri: The Story of Goddess Durga's First Form (Navratri Day 1)

Navratri begins with Shailaputri, the "daughter of the mountain." But she was Sati first. How a goddess who gave up her life at her father's yajna returned as Parvati, and why every Navratri starts with her.

Savitri and Yama: The Sacred Debate That Defeated Death

Discover the inspiring story of Savitri's dialogue with Lord Yama from the Mahabharata, highlighting the power of devotion, intelligence, and dharma.

Siddhidatri and Maha Navami: The Goddess Who Grants Perfection (Navratri Day 9)

The ninth night of Navratri ends with the goddess who grants siddhis, the eight perfections. The story of Siddhidatri, the half-and-half form of Shiva, and what Maha Navami means, on 19 October 2026.