Are you in Varanasi during the Durga Puja celebrations/Navaratri? Did you know Varanasi is home to 9 different temples for 9 avatars of Shakti as well? Varanasi, popularly known by many names, including the City of Lights, the Spiritual Capital of India and the City of Temples, has a number of local tourist attractions, including the popular temples in Varanasi. Explore the top Shaktipeethas, temples and hidden gems in Varanasi for your trip to Kashi with Chiku Cab. Make your Navaratri celebrations divine this year by visiting Varanasi and enjoying the celebrations in different Durga Puja Pandals.
Therefore, we have created this blog to guide you with the names of the Nine Avatars of Goddess Durga (Navadurga) and their respective temples in Varanasi for your convenience. Planning a little weekend getaway for Dussehra/Vijayadashami? Hire a reliable taxi service in Varanasi with Chiku Cab to comfortably travel around these locations with your loved ones.
Navaratri/Durga Puja 2025 Dates
This year, the Durga Puja celebrations will start from the 21st of September, 2025, and will last until the 2nd of October, 2025, on Gandhi Jayanti.
The following dates are for the celebration of Navaratri in 2025.
- Mahalaya Amawasya: 21st September, 2025
- Prathama/Pratipada: Maa Shailputri: 22nd September, 2025
- Dwitiya: Maa Brahmacharini: 23rd September, 2025
- Tritiya: Chandraghanta: 24th-25th September, 2025
- Chaturthi: Kushmanda: 26th September, 2025
- Panchmi: Skandmata: 27th September, 2025
- Maha Sashthi: Katyayani: 28th September, 2025
- Maha Saptami: Maa Kaalratri: 29th September, 2025
- Maha Ashtami: Mahagauri: 30th September, 2025
- Maha Navami: Maa Siddhidatri: 01st October, 2025
- Vijayadashami/Dusshera: 2nd October, 2025
The above dates for Navaratri/Durga Puja in 2025 will help you plan your journey, where Durga Puja officially begins on the Maha Sashthi, from 28th September and lasts till the visarjan of Durga Idol on 2nd October, 2025 on Vijaya Dashami.
Why do we celebrate Durga Puja/Navaratri?
Durga Puja/Navaratri is one of the most auspicious times for everyone, which celebrates not only the victory of Lord Rama against Ravana, but also Goddess Durga, who killed Mahishasura. This symbolises the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness. Hence, the tenth day is celebrated as Dusshera/Vijayadashami in different parts of India, followed by a range of practices, such as the Visarjan of the Durga Idol in the morning and the burning of Ravana at night.
Names and Locations of Nav Durga Temples – Nine Goddesses Avatar
Do you know the names of all the 9 Avatars of Maa Durga? We have listed the Navadurgas, along with their respective temples, spread throughout the Kashi Khand. So let’s start the journey to the Nine Nav Durga Temples in Varanasi with the Navadurga Mantra to invoke Goddess Durga in her nine forms.
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं महादुर्गायै नमो नमः !!
Now let’s move on to the main part of this blog.
1- Maa Shailputri Mandir, Jalalipura, Varanasi
The First Avatar of Ma Durga is Shailaputri, the manifestation of Goddess Parvati on a bull, decorated in red and pink robes. Use the following mantra to pray to Shailaputri Ma on the first day of Puja during the Navaratri.
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः !
वंदे वाञ्छितलाभाय चंद्रार्धकृतशेखराम |
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्री यशस्विनीम् | |
Her name ‘Shailaputri’ comes from ‘Shaila’, meaning ‘mountains’ and ‘Putri’, meaning ‘daughter’ (of the mountain king Himawat). She holds a Trishula (trident) in her right hand, while there is a lotus in the other. Due to her initial phase, she is tender like a child and is also referred to as the reincarnation of Goddess Sati.
2- Maa Brahmacharini Mandir, Ghasi Tola, near Panchganga Ghat
‘Brahmacharini’, as the name suggests, implies celibacy or the follower of the ‘Brahmacharya’ Dharma, abstaining from greed, lust and other worldly expectations. Brahmacharini also refers to a female devotee student who resides in an Ashrama with her Guru and other students. She is the second out of the 9 forms of Maa Durga, so let’s learn her mantra as well.
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नम: !
दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलू।
देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥
Dressed like a simple female ascetic and loaded with Rudraksha beads and flowers as her ornaments, the Brahmacharini Devi holds a japamala (Beads for Prayers/Mantras) in her right hand and a Kamandala in her left hand. Goddess Brahmacharini is known to have performed rigorous rituals and penance to win the hand of Lord Shiva as her husband. She is an ideal form of learning, and devotees believe praying to her helps in improving overall wisdom.
3- Maa Chandraghanta, Chandraghanta Gali, Chowk
Located just outside the Chowk Police Station, you can visit the Chandraghanta Temple to witness Durga in her third form of Shakti. Prayed on the third day of Durga Puja, she is the destroyer of demons, sitting on a tiger, and has ‘Dashbhuja’, or Ten arms, six of which are armed with weapons, while the other four have a lotus, bell, and waterpot, along with a bare hand to bless her devotees.
ॐ देवी चंद्रघण्टायै नम: !
पिण्डजप्रवरारुढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥
Seated upon a tiger, Goddess Chandraghanta is known to be fierce as her third eye remains open at all times. You can easily reach Chowk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple or Manikarnika Ghat to reach the Chandraghanta Temple in Chowk.
4- Maa Kushmanda Temple, Durgakund, Varanasi
Ashtabhuja Devi Kushmanda is known to have created the world by her mere laughter. Her eight hands hold weapons and a lotus, rosary, honey and waterpot. She sits on a lion, and her mantra is:
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्मांडायै नम: !
सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥
Ma Kushmanda, as her name suggests, refers to ‘Ku – A little’, ‘Ushma – Warmth/Energy’, and ‘Anda – Cosmic Egg’. Hence, the Goddess has the power of the Sun and is celebrated on the fourth day of Navaratri.
5- Maa Skandmata, Jaitpura
The fifth Goddess, also seated on a lion, has four hands, two of which hold lotuses, the third holds her son, Kartikeya, and the fourth blesses her devotees in the Abhaymudra position. She is often considered the Goddess of Fire, and as her name suggests, she is the mother of the war god Skanda (Kartikeya).
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नम: !
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
Skandamata is known to fulfil all the desires of her devotees, blessing them with salvation, power and wisdom. Often witnessed as being seated on a lotus, she is also known as Padmasani.
6- Maa Katyayani – Atma Veereshwar temple, Scindia Ghat
Located within the Atmaveereshwar Temple near Scindia Ghat, the sixth avatar of Goddess Durga is worshipped for strength, clarity and marriage resolution. Part of the Pancha Mudra Maha Peeth, she is dressed in green and pink clothes. Here is the mantra to get blessings from Maa Katyayani.
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नम: !
चंद्रहासोज्जवलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दध्यादेवी दानवघातिनि।।
Her four hands carry a Sword, a Trident, a Shield and a Lotus. You can witness her seated on a fierce lion. Pray to Maa Katyayani on the sixth day of Navaratri and get her blessings from the Atma Veereshwar Temple in Varanasi.
7- Maa Kaalratri Annapurna temple, Kashi Vishwanath Gali
With bloodshot eyes, the overall appearance of Maa Kalaratri is fear-inducing to many visitors. Her hair is wavering everywhere, she wears a garland of skulls around her neck and is seated on a donkey. She is the seventh Goddess among the Nava Durgas, symbolising death and time.
ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नम: !
एकवेणी जपकर्णपुरा नग्न कालरात्री भीषणा|
दंष्ट्रकराल्वदनं घोरं मुक्तकेश्वरम्||
ललजतक्षं लंबोष्टिं शतकर्णं तथैव च|
वामपादोल्लासोल्लोह लतकन्तकभूशणम्||
Durga in the form of destruction may look very dangerous. Her hands are filled with a Trident (Trishula), Kripan, Vajra and a cup full of blood. Praying to her helps the devotees in being protected and fearless.
8- Maa Mahagauri, Annapurna Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple
With four hands carrying a trident (Trishul) and a Damru, while the other two hands in the Abhay Mudra and Varada Mudra, Maa Mahagauri is the eighth form of Durga Mata, whose Mantra is:
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नम: !
श्वेते वृषे समारुढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः।
महागौरी शुभं दघान्महादेवप्रमोददा॥
She wears white clothes, riding on a bull, which showcases her purity, who shines like the moon. In order to slaughter the Shumbh and Nishumbh demons, this avatar was born when Parvati took a dip in the Ganges in the Himalayas.
9- Maa Siddhidatri, Siddhmata Gali, Golghar, Maidagin
Siddhidatri means the giver of Siddhis (or Superpower), who sits on a lotus, about to reach the highest form of Mahashakti. She carries a discus, conch shell, pink lotus and a mace in her hands.
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं सिद्धिदात्र्यै नम: !
सिद्धगन्धर्वयक्षाघैरसुरैरमरैरपि।
सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी॥
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वन्दे वांछित मनोरथार्थ चन्द्रार्घकृत शेखराम्।
कमलस्थितां चतुर्भुजा सिद्धीदात्री यशस्वनीम्॥
स्वर्णावर्णा निर्वाणचक्रस्थितां नवम् दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
शख, चक्र, गदा, पदम, धरां सिद्धीदात्री भजेम्॥
Maa Siddhidatri is the goddess providing wisdom, as she is believed to be the first light when the universe did not have a recognisable shape. She is the final avatar of the Durga Goddess, who is celebrated on the ninth day of Navaratri. Take the divine blessings from Maa Siddhidatri Mandir in Golghar on the Mahanavami.
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Why Visit Varanasi during Durga Puja/Navaratri Celebrations?
Popular as the Spiritual Capital of India and the City of Temples, you can already find thousands of ancient and modern temples, and various cultural events, in this ancient Indian city. This includes the beautifully decorated Nav Durga Temples in Varanasi, where you can find a crowd of devotees in line to pay respect to Goddess Durga. The Ghats of Varanasi are usually lit by beautiful Ganga Aartis, especially at the Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat.
During the Durga Puja, you can see a number of Pandals in Varanasi, making the city look even more divine and beautiful. Alongside, the Navaratri celebrations are usually grand, with Dusshera making the city look powerfully spiritual. Furthermore, the illuminated ghats with thousands of Diyas (earthen lamps) raise the city’s charm to the next level.
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Bonus Tip: Try out some of the tastiest cuisines and desserts, especially the Malaiyo, which is created with natural morning dew on milk. This is available only in the winters (Nov to January), and hence, you cannot skip it at any cost.
What to do in Varanasi during Durga Puja /Navaratri 2025?
Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India for Hindus. Hence, every festival is beautiful in the Cultural Capital of India. Since Dussehra/Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of light over darkness, the City of Lights celebrates it enthusiastically. Hence, some of the top things to do in Varanasi during Navaratri/Durga Puja 2025 are listed below.
- Nava Durga Yatra:
Participate in the above Nava Durga Temples in Varanasi for a surreal experience of the aura of the divine energy of Kashi. This will help you submit all your worries and open your mind further for exploring the culture of India and Varanasi.
- Nava Gauri Yatra:
The nine forms of Gauri are located in different locations across Varanasi, where devotees pray to the Goddesses for various reasons. These temples include: Mukhnirmalika/Sukhnirvanika Gauri (Gai Ghat), Jyeshtha Gauri (Maidagin), Saubhagya Gauri (Adi Vishwanath Gali), Shringar Gauri (Kashi Vishwanath Temple), Vishalakshi Gauri (Mir Ghat), Lalita Gauri (Lalita Ghat), Bhavani Gauri (Annapurna Temple), Mangala Gauri (Panchganga Ghat), and Mahalaxmi Gauri (Laxmi Kund).
- Ram Leela:
Witness the grand 10-day Ramlila at Ramnagar Fort, along with other locations in Varanasi. This is followed by the Bharat Milap celebrations, a day after Lord Rama kills Ravana on Dusshera day (i.e. on 3rd October, 2025), at Nati Imli and Ramnagar Fort.
- Pandal Hopping:
Love Kolkata’s Pandal Hopping culture? Witness the same flavours in Varanasi with a range of cultural activities across the city, in hundreds of beautifully organised Pandals by the Bengali and other communities.
- Navaratri Mela:
Many Temples, like the Durga Mandir at Durgakund, are decorated beautifully with grand fairs for the Navaratri Mela. This includes cultural events/shows, food stalls and much more in the city of Temples.
- Dusshera/Durga Idol Visarjan (Vijayadashami):
Participate in the idol submersion of Goddess Durga during the day in the Ganga Ghats, while at night, you can witness the grand celebration of burning Ravana with fireworks, celebrating the victory of truth over evil.
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Final Words
Durga Puja is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, especially in Bengal, but Varanasi has it for you, and in a better way! You can enjoy the taste of the City of Lights with a vibe of Kolkata in the hundreds of big and small pandals in the city. Get the best cab services in Varanasi with Chiku Cab and travel around the top attractions in the city comfortably.
FAQs
1- What are the names of Nava Durga (Nine forms of Goddesses)?
The names of 9 Durga Avatars include: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Book a Chiku Cab to comfortably travel around these popular temples with an expert local driver.
2- How is Dusshera celebrated in Varanasi?
Dusshera is celebrated with great pomp and show in Banaras. You can take a holy dip in the Ganges and witness the submersion of Durga idols in the morning, while in the evening, you can witness the burning of Ravana’s effigy.
3- Which Shaktipeeth is in Kashi?
The Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi is considered one of the 51 Shaktipeethas in India, believed to be the place where Sati’s eyes fell. In addition to it, the Manikarnika Ghat is also considered a Maha Shaktipeeth as Sati’s earrings fell here.
4- Is Navaratri celebrated in Varanasi?
Yes. Navaratri is celebrated with great pomp and show in Varanasi. Witness a heavy crowd in Durgakund and Maa Annapurna Temple.
5- What are the 9 Gauris in Banaras?
9 Gauri Temples in Varanasi refer to the Nav Gauri Yatra, which is a special pilgrimage to visit nine different temples dedicated to nine forms of Gauri Devi (another form of Parvati). These include the Mukhnirmalika Gauri Temple, Jyestha Gauri Temple, Saubhagya Gauri Temple, Shringar Gauri Temple, Vishalakshi Gauri Temple, Lalita Gauri Temple, Bhavani Gauri Temple, Mangala Gauri Temple, and the Mahalaxmi Gauri Temple.
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