Forms of Goddess Durga
| Form | Description |
|---|---|
| Sherawali / Matarani | Durga seated on a lion, blessing devotees; popular for homes |
| Mahishasuramardini | Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura; central to Durga Puja |
| Nava Durga | The nine forms worshipped on the nine days of Navratri |
| Durga with family | With Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya, as in Bengal pandals |
Placement at home
- North-east or east of the home, on a chowki with a red cloth.
- At eye level, with space for a diya and offerings.
- Many families keep a calm, blessing form for daily worship.
- Keep the area clean, especially during Navratri.
Choosing material and size
Stone dust idols offer rich detail and colour at accessible prices; brass is lasting; white metal gives a silver look. For homes, small to medium sizes suit most mandirs; see our idol size guide. Explore the stone dust Durga Maa and the stone dust Matarani.
Navratri worship at home
- Clean the mandir and place the idol on a red cloth.
- Set up the kalash (ghatasthapana) on the first day.
- Light an akhand diya for the nine days if your family does so.
- Offer a red chunri, flowers, sindoor and bhog daily.
- Recite Durga Saptashati or chant mantras.
See our Navratri decoration ideas and Durga Puja home decor.
The nine forms of Navratri (Nava Durga)
| Day | Form |
|---|---|
| 1 | Shailaputri |
| 2 | Brahmacharini |
| 3 | Chandraghanta |
| 4 | Kushmanda |
| 5 | Skandamata |
| 6 | Katyayani |
| 7 | Kalaratri |
| 8 | Mahagauri |
| 9 | Siddhidatri |
Care
Dust stone dust idols with a soft brush and keep them dry; avoid abhishekam with water on painted idols. See stone dust care.
