Sharad Navratri 2012

The first form — Parvati as the daughter of Himavan, riding Nandi with trishul and lotus. She is the root of all, worshipped first at Ghatasthapana.

The form of tapasya — barefoot, holding a rosary and water-pot, who won Shiva through austerity. She grants restraint, devotion and steadiness.

Ten-armed, a half-moon like a bell on her brow, riding a tiger. Her sound scatters demons; she gives courage and drives away fear and sorrow.

The smile that lit the void — eight-armed, seated on a lioness, she birthed the universe with a laugh. She grants health, strength and radiance.

The mother, holding the infant Skanda on her lap, seated on a lion. She is worshipped for the wellbeing of children and the peace of the household.

The warrior form born of the sages' collective fire to slay Mahishasura. Fierce and golden, she removes obstacles to marriage and grants a worthy partner.

The most fearsome form — dark as night, riding a donkey, destroyer of demons and of all fear. Called Shubhankari, the doer of good, for those who worship her.

Purity restored — dazzling white after her penance, riding a bull, calm and forgiving. On Ashtami the kanya pujan honours girls as her living forms.

The final form, seated on a lotus, granting all attainments — even Shiva gained his siddhis from her. Navami completes the nine and prepares for Vijayadashami.