Navaratri, the nine-day Hindu festival begins on Oct 10, 2018. Nine different forms of the goddess Durga (known as the Navadurga) are worshipped on each of the nine days. Know the nine different manifestations of Durga.

Mata Shailaputri: Shailaputri means the daughter (putri) of the mountains (shaila). She is the first of the nine avatars of Durga (the Navadurgas). The embodiment of the powers of the Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, she rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus in her hands.

Mata Brahmacharini: This is the second avatar of Goddess Durga. He name means one who practices penance, with Brahma meaning penance and Charini meaning a female follower. She holds rosary beads in her right hand and a water utensil in her left.

Mata Chandraghanta: This is the third form of goddess Durga. Literally translated, her name means the one who has a "crescent moon shaped like a bell". She is believed to reward devotees with her elegance and bravery, and eliminate all their sins, physical sufferings, mental tribulations and ghostly hurdles.

Mata Kushmanda: She is the fourth form of the Hindu goddess Durga. Ku means a "little,' Ushman means "warmth" or "energy", and "Anda" means "cosmic egg." She is considered to have created the universe with her divine smile. She is believed to improve health and bestow wealth and strength.

Skanda Mata: This is the fifth of the nine avatars. "Skanda" is another name for Kartikeya and "Mata" meas mother. She rewards devotees with salvation, power and prosperity. She can grant oceans of wisdom even to the most illeterate, if they happen to be a devotee.

Mata Katyayini: The sixth of the avatars, she is regarded as the ferocious forms of Shakti or Durga. She is also called Bhadrakali or Chandika. Traditionally she is associated with the colour red, the primordial form of Shakti.

Mata Kaalratri: Kaalratri or Kali is worshipped on the seventh day of Navaratri. She is one of the lividest forms of Durga. Kaalratri is the one who destroys ignorance and removes darkness. This form primarily depicts the darker side of life - Mother Nature's fury.

Mata Maha Gauri: She is worshipped on the eighth day of Navaratri. He power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. She washes away all the past, present and future sins of her devotees. Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm.

Mata Siddhidatri: She is worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri. Maha Shakti gives all the eight siddhis – Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva and Vashitva. According to ‘Devi Puran’, the supreme God Shiva got all these siddhis by worshipping the supreme Goddess Maha Shakti. While some scriptures say she rides on a lion, while others say she is seated on a lotus. Siddhidatri Devi is worshipped by all Gods, Rushis, Muniswaras, Siddha yogis, and all common devotees.