Navarathiri is one of the biggest and grandest celebration, celebrated across India and several other countries. This festival signifies the triumph of good over evil, the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura.

During the war between Durga and Mahishasura, Durga takes nine different forms over nine days to win over the demon. These forms are celebrated over 9 days and the victory at the end is celebrated as Vijaya Dasami.

Day 1: Maaheswari / Bala


On the first day of Navarathiri, Durga is worshipped as Goddess Maaheswari who slayed demons Madhu and Kaidaba. It's auspicious to offer ven ponggal during the prayers.

Day 2: Rajarajeswari / Kowmaari


On the second day, Durga is worshipped as Rajarajeswari, also known as Kowmaari. Offer puliyodarai, puttu or mangoes as the neivedyam.

Day 3: Varali Ambigai / Vaaraahi


On the third day, Durga took the form of Varali Ambigai to fight Mahishasura. It's best to offer sakkarai ponggal and ellu podi on this day.

Day 4: Lakshmi


On the fourth day, the form of Lakshmi was taken to rage war against the demon king. You can offer curd rice, green peas, groundnut sundal or leman rice during the prayers.

Day 5: Vaishnavi


On the fifth day, Durga is worshipped in the form of Vaishnavi. Ven ponggal, vadagam and payasam are among the neivedyam that can be offered.

Day 6: Indraani


On the sixth day, Durga took the form of Indraani. And it's best to prepare coconut rice and ellu sadam for the prayers.

Day 7: Saraswathi / Annapoorani


On the seventh day, goddess appeared as Saraswathi, also worshipped as Annapoorani. Lemon rice, kalkanu sadham or sakkarai ponggal can be offered as the neivedyam today.

Day 8: Narasimhi


On the eight day, the goddess took the form of Narasimhi and kills demon Rakhtabeehan. Offer paal saadam and appam as the offering.

Day 9: Chamundi


On the ninth day, the form of goddess Chamundi was taken with a bow and arrows. Offer ellu sadham and konda kadalai sundal as the neivedyam.