Navratri celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga -- each with her own divine vahana or vehicle, usually an animal. Discover their symbolism through the choice of the creature and power.
The goddess riding Nandi the bull is a symbol of strength and determination.
On this day she is associated with walking barefoot and therefore no vahana and representing austerity and meditation.
She rides a bagh or tiger indicating her courage and destruction of evil.
The Devi is astride a lion and embodies energy, light and cosmic creation.
With baby Kartikeya on her lap, the goddess chooses a lion, underlining motherly strength and protection.
Again the fierce warrior, the goddess sits on a lion. It's about valour and victory.
Her dark form is on a donkey because she is the remover of fear, destroyer of darkness.
Once again on a Nandi bull, she is in a calm and peaceful roop or form and is the ambassador of purity and tranquility.
Seated gracefully and divinely on a lotus, the goddess grants siddhis or spiritual powers.