The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism (2 Vol Set)

characteristic of the Goddess; all female
divinities are ultimately seen as
manifestations of some single great
Goddess. The nine Durgas, in the
order in which they are worshiped,
are Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati,
Yogmaya, Raktadantika, Shakumbhari
Devi, Durga, Bhramari, and Chandika.

Navadvip

City and sacred site (tirtha) on the Hugli
River, about sixty-five miles north of the
city of Calcutta. Navadvip is traditionally
regarded as the birthplace of the Bengali
saint Chaitanya(1486–1533), although
in the twentieth century, the same claim

has been made for the city of Mayapur,

on the other side of the river. For

extensive information about Navadvip,

see E. Alan Morinis, Pilgrimage in the

Hindu Tradition, 1984.

Navaratri

(“nine nights”) Festival dedicated to the

Goddesscelebrated twice during the

year. The spring Navaratri occurs during

the bright, waxing half of the lunar

monthof Chaitra (March–April), and

the fall Navaratri falls during the bright

half of the lunar month of Ashvin

(September–October). Each Navaratri

celebration lasts for the first nine nights

Navadvip

Worshipers celebrating the Navaratri festival carry an image of the Goddess in the form of Durga.