Anand Mahindra explains why nine forms of the Goddess are celebrated in Navratri: ‘No single quality is enough….’

Navratri is more than just a festival that celebrates the goddess Durga and pays homage to the divine feminine; it is also a tribute to the various qualities a human being needs to possess to brave life's challenges. From courage to resilience to empathy, each of the Goddess’s nine forms represents a deeper aspect of strength that can guide people through their inner struggles. Business tycoon Anand Mahindra recently paid a moving tribute to the nine forms and explained that each form signifies one virtue a man needs to combat various challenges in life – not just external but internal challenges as well, such as “Fear, anger, ego, and self-doubt". He explained that this is what made the festival’s appeal so timeless.

"No single quality is enough to take on life’s battles. We need courage, but also compassion. Strength, but also wisdom..." he wrote.

What Is Navratri?

Navratri, translating to nine nights, is a festival based on ancient insights into the connection between human existence, nature, and cosmic energies. Spiritual leader Sadhguru states that the festival celebrates Devi, the feminine aspect of the Divine, over nine days dedicated to three forms: Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Each signifies a unique facet of life, ranging from power and financial security to wisdom and spiritual elevation. The initial three days pay tribute to Durga, the subsequent three honour Lakshmi, and the last three focus on Saraswati. Vijayadashami, the tenth day, represents triumph and the potential to transcend life's constraints.


Navratri means nine nights. The interval starts on the day after Amavasya, which is the new moon. This tradition holds that the initial nine days of the lunar cycle represent feminine energy and are devoted to Devi, the feminine aspect of the Divine.

The ninth day is referred to as Navami. The timeframe lasting roughly a day and a half surrounding the full moon is viewed as energetically neutral, whereas the remaining eighteen days of the lunar cycle are linked to masculine energy. As the initial phase symbolises the feminine aspect, Devi is revered during the time leading up to Navami.

Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati embody three unique manifestations of female energy. They relate to the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon, respectively, along with three essential qualities of existence: tamas, symbolising inertia; rajas, embodying activity and passion; and sattva, indicating purity, knowledge, and transcendence.

Individuals in search of courage, strength, and power have historically honoured feminine representations like Mother Earth, Durga, and Kali. Individuals seeking wealth, material richness, and fervour look to Lakshmi or the Sun. Simultaneously, those in search of wisdom, freedom, and release from the constraints of human life seek the favours of Saraswati, or the Moon.

The nine days of Navratri are structured according to these three aspects. The first three days are dedicated to Durga, the next three to Lakshmi, and the last three to Saraswati. Vijayadashami, celebrated on the tenth day, symbolises triumph by unifying and rising above these three elements of life.

Sadhguru clarifies that these differences go beyond religious symbols and are also seen in the dynamics of energy. Humans come from the Earth, engage in a vibrant phase of life, and ultimately revert to a state of rest. He notes that a similar pattern functions across the galaxy and the larger universe. The universe arises from rest, transitions into a vibrant state, and ultimately returns to tranquility. However, humans have the capacity to transcend this ongoing pattern.

The initial two dimensions of Devi are crucial for maintaining human existence and promoting well-being. The third signifies an increased potential: surpassing ordinary boundaries and achieving transcendence. Sadhguru suggests that attaining the realm represented by Saraswati demands intentional effort and desire. Spiritual development doesn't occur on its own; people need to put in effort to achieve a more elevated level of being.

Ananda Mahindra’s profound take on Navratri explores the beauty of diversity – just as one hand has five fingers, people are an amalgam of various attributes and cannot be put into boxes. The Goddess has nine forms, as each form represents how human beings need not just one, but many virtues to win in life, and someone who is strength personified can also be a well of compassion.