Shailputri

After her self-sacrifice, immolation, Goddess Parvati took birth as Lord Himalaya’s daughter. In this form, she is called Shailputri. A girl’s journey begins with role of a daughter. In Sanskrit, Shail means mountain. Hence, Shailputri means the daughter of the mountain. Shailputri represents the early and innocent stage of life of a girl.  She loved spending time in the beautiful hills and valleys surrounding her home. She is  often depicted riding a bull (Nandi) and adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead. Shailputri holds a trident in her right hand and a lotus flower damru (power drum)  in her left, which showcases her powerful yet nurturing nature. Shailpautri rules our Muladhar Chakra. The Muladhara chakra, also known as the root chakra which , is the foundation of the energy body, situated at the base of the spine and associated with grounding, stability, and a sense of security. Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri.

Brahmacharini

Shailaputri grows and becomes Brahmacharini to learn, to study different arts, science. She is the second form of Goddess Durga who is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. She symbolizes devotion, penance, and inner strength, with devotees seeking blessings for spiritual growth and purity. “Brahma” signifies penance or tapasya, and “Charini” means one who practices or performs.  At this stage of life, a girl is a learner of arts, culture, science etc. She gains distinct knowledge. She is a student. Brahmacharini is  associated with the Swadhisthana chakra, also known as the sacral chakra, which is linked to creativity, emotional well-being, and the ability to be in touch with oneself. She is symbolised as a serene figure, often walking barefoot, carrying a rosary (japamala) and a water pot (kamandalu), representing her simple life and intense meditation. Worshipping her is believed to gain strength, patience, and spiritual growth in devotees. She embodies peace, sacrifice, and resilience.  She is adorned with white colour which is the auspicious colour for Maa Brahmacharini, representing her intense penance and sacrifice. 

Chandraghanta

Brahmacharini marries Shiva and becomes Chndraghanta. This fearsome form of Parvati, with the knife in one hand and Ghanta in the other; Moon on the forehead and sitting on a wolf is named Chandraghanta by Brahmadev. Here she is married Shiva. She carries the crescent moon of her husband. She embodies  peace, bravery, and serenity, and is believed to grant devotees strength to overcome obstacles and fear, guiding them towards harmony and spiritual growth. Chandraghanta is associated with the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra), which is located at the navel and is associated with personal power, determination, and self-esteem. This chakra is considered the energy powerhouse of the body, located in the solar plexus area. Chandgraghanta cares about her husband’s wellbeing, and she cares for his self-esteem too. She is caring and loving towards her husband, and she supports his endeavours. She is his best friend and supporter. During the battle between her and the demons, the thunderous sound produced by her bell paralyzed and stunned the demons. She is ever ready to fight which shows her eagerness to destroy the foes of her devotees. She appreciates her husband Shiva’s devotees.

Kushmanda

Chandraghanta is now ready to become a mother. She is portrayed carrying “little warm cosmic egg,” signifying her role as the mother, creator of the universe with a divine smile. “Kushmanda” is a compound word made up of “Ku” (meaning little), “Ushma” (meaning warmth), and “Anda” (meaning cosmic egg). She is considered the creator of the universe, believed to have brought the universe into existence with her divine smile. A lady becomes a mother when she gives birth to a child or adopts a child. This marks a significant transition in her life, involving physical, emotional, and psychological changes. A woman is a grown from of a female child, while a mother is a woman with child/children, or any women that exhibits motherly attributes. All Female Child Are Mothers! A woman is a woman until she becomes a mother. Kumari Puja, also known as Kanya Puja, which is performed to honour young girls as pictures of Goddess Durga, signifying the divine feminine energy and seeking her blessings for health and prosperity. Maa Kushmanda stays in the Anahata Chakra (or heart chakra), which is also known as the green-hued chakra which is considered the centre of love, compassion, and emotional balance. 

Katyayini

Maa Kushmanda becomes Katyayini. A woman goes through many up and downs in her life because life is complex. But a woman also has lots of inner strength. Katyayini is known as the destroyer of evil, praying to Maa Katyayani is said to cleanse the sins of the devotees, she drives out evil spirits and removes obstacles from our life. The sixth avatar, who is also known as Mahalakshmi was guided to kill the demon Mahishasura.  For  doing this job,  Katyayeni, had been given powers by all gods. It is said that Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and other gods produced and emitted out energy from their eyes, and this energy formed “Devi Katyayeni”. She is the one who killed “Mahishasur”  and thus she is also called as “Mahishasurmardini”. She is considered as the deity of the “Ajna Chakra”, which is called “Third Eye Chakra” in English. Yogis and sadhakas concentrate on this chakra to for getting empowered internally. The third eye chakra helps us make sense of the world by connecting the dots between what we see externally and what we understand internally. It is our inner teacher, the source of intuition that leads us toward clarity and meaning in our everyday experiences.

Kaalratri

Katyayini becomes Kaalratri known for her fierce appearance and power to destroy darkness and ignorance, while also granting blessings and protection on her devotees. The appearance of Kalaratri can be seen as bearing catastrophe for evil doers. But she always bears good fruits for her devotees who avoid fear and worship her. She removes the darkness of worry from life of such devotees.  She is the goddess who removes darkness and ushers in light. Her name is derived from two words: ‘Kala’, meaning time or death, and ‘Ratri’, meaning night. Maa Kalratri is often depicted with a dark complexion, fiery eyes, and dishevelled hair. Kaal Ratri, a fierce manifestation of Durga which is associated with both the Muladhara (root) chakra and the Sahasrara (crown) chakra. She is believed to reside in the Muladhara chakra, which represents the base of the spine and is associated with stability and grounding. Additionally, she is linked to the Sahasrara chakra, the crown chakra, which is located at the top of the head and is associated with higher consciousness, spiritual awakening, and the dissolution of time.  Fierce women are those who are not afraid to speak their minds, they accept challenge to fight against injustice, and advocate for their rights and the rights of others. They demonstrate resilience and strength in the face of challenges, not giving up easily and pushing through obstacles. 

Mahagauri

Kaalratri takes the form of Mahagauri. Mahagauri is the eighth form of Goddess Durga among the Navadurgas, representing purity, peace, and tranquillity. She is known for her fair, glowing complexion, symbolizing her superiority over darkness and impurities. Devotees seek her blessings for spiritual growth, inner peace, and the removal of obstacles. Mahagauri is depicted as a radiant figure, often wearing white garments and riding a white bull, “Maha” means great and “Gauri” means fair or bright, reflecting her radiant and pure nature, she is also considered the embodiment of wisdom and spiritual transformation. Her name, “Mahagauri,” literally translates to “extremely fair” or “greatly radiant,” reflecting her luminous complexion and purity. Mahagauri is traditionally associated with the Sahasrara Chakra, also known as the Crown Chakra, which is located at the top of the head. This chakra is considered the seat of spiritual awakening, enlightenment, and divine consciousness. Mahagauri’s energy is believed to activate and purify the Sahasrara Chakra, facilitating spiritual growth and connection with the divine. 

Mahagauri, an aspect of the goddess Durga, depicts a woman who endured a transformative spiritual journey. She is characterized by her fair complexion, a symbol of purity, and her serene nature. Her story involves performing intense penance, which initially caused her skin to darken, followed by a cleansing by Lord Shiva, which restored her radiant glow. This transformation symbolizes the ability to shed burdens and emerge renewed through devotion and self-purification which comes when a lady who has seen adversities but has crossed them with grace and dignity.

Siddhidatri

Mahagauri becomes Siddhidatri, the ninth form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped for her supernatural powers and the giver of divine blessings. She is revered on the ninth day of Navaratri and is believed to grant devotees their desires, spiritual upliftment, and the achievement of both worldly and spiritual goals. “Siddhi” means supernatural power or perfection, while “Datri” means giver or bestower. She is often depicted sitting on a lotus or riding a lion. Devotees believe she grants blessings, fulfilment of  desires, and provides spiritual upliftment. She symbolizes spiritual wisdom, execution, and divine blessings. 

There are eight Siddhis in maa Sddhidatri: Anima which means the ability to become extremely small, one can become small to achieve big things in life. Here becoming small means minus ego.  Mahima means the greatness or glory. Garima means bestower of perfection.  Laghima is the ability to become extremely light or weightless, again this means to get rid of ego and become selfless.  Prapti is the ability to acquire something.  Prakamya is bestower of knowledge and refinement, Lishitva means someone who is distinguished and Vashitva means someone who is mesmerising.

Maa Siddhidatri is associated with both the Ajna chakra (third eye) and the Sahasrara chakra (crown chakra). The Ajna chakra is linked to intuition and foresight, while the Sahasrara chakra represents divine connection and unlimited knowledge. Siddhidatri is depicted in a way that suggests a woman who feels satisfied one who has fulfilled her desires. She is shown as a divine figure radiance, serenity and calmness, often seated on a lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and spiritual power. 

Conclusion

Each avatar embodies different qualities as Shailaputri embodies supreme strength in oneself, Brahmacharini is purity and devotion of the soul, Chandraghanta is serenity and peace within, Kushmanda is creativity and nourishment, Skandamata is motherly love and protection of the family and mankind, Katyayani is courage, Kaalratri is destroyer of bad things,  Mahagowri as wisdom and Siddhidatri as lady who has lived her life, fulfilled her desires and is full of insights who blesses people.   

Human body has no way to store water and needs fresh supplies to function better. The best source of fluids is fresh tap water. From children to aged people need different amounts of fluid, depending on their age and gender. Women should have about 2 litres (8 cups) of fluids a day, and men about 2.6 litres (10 cups). Children should drink the number of 8-ounce cups of water equal to their age, with a minimum of 64 ounces of water for children over the age of 8. These amounts do not include other beverages they may consume in a day such as milk and juice.

It’s important to note that our overall brain health depends on our water intake. Staying hydrated is linked to good concentration and increased short-term memory. During interviews, exams, for higher scores our water intake is most important.

Yes, water is vital to our health. It and plays a key role in many of our body’s functions, including cleansing our bodies:

• The main toxin in the body is blood urea nitrogen, a water-soluble waste that can pass through the kidneys to be excreted in the urine. Our kidneys do an amazing job of cleansing and removing body of toxins hence, our intake of fluids must be adequate.  
• When wastes are eliminated from our body, it encourages healthy digestion and transporting nutrients to whole body where they are needed. 
• Water regulates body temperature. Moistening tissues, water moistens tissues in the eyes, nose and mouth. People who stay hydrated, get lesser wrinkles. And they have a sheen on their skin.
• It protects body organs and tissues.
• Water lubricates our joints.
• It dissolves minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to our body.
• It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues.
• It forms saliva and mucus.
• It delivers oxygen throughout the body.

The amount of water a person needs to consume each day to survive varies by age, gender, and where they live. On average, the exact amount can be affected by factors such as activity level, hormone levels, and body weight. For example, pregnant or breastfeeding ladies need more fluids than usual, and people should increase their water intake on hot days or when they’re physically active. Dehydration can occur when the body’s fluids are low, and it can be life threatening, especially for babies, children, and the elderly. 

It’s good to note that drinking water can help stabilize our emotions and combat feelings of anxiety. But it’s best to stay away from sweetened beverages trying to stay hydrated.

The human body is made up of about 60–70% water, but the exact percentage can vary from person to person depending on age, sex, and hydration levels. The organs in the human body with the highest percentages of water are the brain (80-85%), kidneys (80-85%), heart (75-80%), lungs (75-80%), liver (70-75%), muscles (70-75%), and skin (70-75%).

Drinking water before bed helps us sleep better. Dehydration impacts our sleep-wake cycle and the quality of sleep. Drinking water helps prevent dehydration and regulate our body temperature, which can help you sleep more comfortably and uninterrupted. 

Conclusion

Water is important to nearly every part of our body. Water therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is the practice of using water to treat a variety of conditions and symptoms such as pain, stiffness, bruising, swelling, muscle pain, menstrual pain, arthritis, joint problems, muscle disorders, and nervous system disorders and mental sickness such as depression and stress. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. This way you can drink whenever the need occurs. And importantly keep track of your water intake to stay healthy.

In our society we are tremendously obsessed with academic qualifications; as a result, we check qualifications of the bride and groom before finalizing matrimony, before giving membership in a club, an association, a forum, in a sports club, while applying for a job, qualifications are checked. A person’s aptitude, ability and skill are judged by his/her academic qualifications. Any bio-data résumé or curriculum vitae are deplorable without the inclusion of education qualifications. Therefore it is an impromptu rule of both the corporate world and the social world that a man’s academic qualification is a key to his entry to a coveted position in society.

Education does help add finesse to life; it helps developing moral, civic values. It prepares us with good manners, proper behavior, hygienic living. Aacademic education gives people an encompassing experience of life, with lots of opportunities to meet people from different walks of life and to consider the importance in life of values and culture. These are necessary for a person’s growth. Educated citizens help in building a civilized nation. It uplifts our morals and ethics by exposing us to the great thinkers of the past. It makes us aware of our rights and liberties, and helps establish a liberal democracy with active citizens and an active media.

But when we spend twelve years of our life in schooling, and several more years of our precious life in college on graduation and often post graduation, and then one fine day it strikes us that our degrees are not required for success; why because Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Dhirubhai Ambani and many other rich people were schools dropouts and they built great fortunes!! Unfortunately the materialistic world has changed the concept of success.

We are also a fixated society about grades in qualifications. We have a wrong notion that grades alone can help getting success in life. If success and opportunities were measured by grades then the corporate world and potential marriage partners would not ask for bio-data, where other credentials are also mentioned. Nor would they interview the candidates in order to find out what they are like as people. Education helps us modify our people skills, our thinking, our character and our inventiveness. It prepares us for life life’s success. IT helps in honing our physical characteristics, personality, and a willingness to work hard. Grades are really irrelevant.

We have somewhere misinterpreted grades/marks in education. We attach so much importance to marks that it has become a rat-race where every student chases grades and therefore the entire perception of success and affluence has changed. Rather than studying to reach one’s full potential, children simply mug up for examinations. Further, they get frustrated when they don’t get jobs. More time is spent in job hunting than in education. Many people find themselves in the wrong profession and lacking job satisfaction. The business atmosphere is highly politicized, favoritism plays key role, and we see wrong people in big positions. In short, our idea of education has got mistaken, our idea of prosperity is mistaken, and our definition of success is changed. With so many years of education finally we misread that if anyone is able to save his/her job then he/she is successful!

If we look at some very successful people in the world, who are doctors, engineers, researchers and IT, professionals, many of them are employed by people like Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Ambani who have built empires devoid of formal educational qualifications.

Does education corrupt minds? I think yes, because by going to schools and college students do rote learning and taking multiple examinations. It forces people to learn and think like millions of other graduates. This spoils chances of some brilliant minds which can come up with the truly mould-breaking insights and “disruptive” ideas on which successful innovations and new business models are built. Our education is not outcome based; today’s students cannot implement and apply what they have learned, they are not capable of putting their knowledge into practice in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. The emphasis, therefore, should be on practical, sensible, workable learning — rather than simply accumulating information which becomes outmoded in shorter span.

And what about those fake degrees sold by thriving illegal rackets in the market? So many dubious agents are selling degrees and people are buying them. Nexus between state universities, education intermediaries and private/public educational institutions are flouting norms, often jeopardizing the careers of students by conferring on them a degree, which may not be legitimate. And, if such students get trapped, he/she loses job, reputation and chances of making a decent living thereafter.

Another question is raised against academic qualification – that is whether it can stop us from becoming a civilization of drunkards, rapists, war-mongers, immoral money launders, criminals, and villains. If you look at countries where the largest numbers of people have higher academic qualifications, they are the ones most affected by social breakdown. Can we call America a successful nation for its wars on Iraq and Afghanistan? Can we call it superior by any chance? Can we call Russia a mighty nation for creating the Crimean crisis? Can we call some fluent Indian and Pakistani politicians wise for not solving the Kashmir issue? Are the “educated” politicians of India and Pakistan solving problems of the innocent Kasmiris?  India and Pakistan have fought at least three wars over Kashmir, but still the problem is not resolved.  Does education teach us to delay and drag important decisions?

Academic qualifications may not be enough on their own to ensure success, but they indicate that their possessor has got courage, daring, moral values to speak out against any kind of injustice. I think it’s high time we bring in changes in our education system. Today’s academic qualifications have no real relevance to the jobs graduates are employed to do. A few decades ago employers in areas such as banking, engineering, management and government service recruited people straight from school at the age of 15 or 16, trained them on the job and promoted them to higher levels of responsibility according to their ability. And, those people contributed to the growth of businesses and society.  Today none of these jobs has changed very much, but all of them require applicants with university degrees. Why has this changed? One reason is that the upper and middle classes are trying to protect their own jobs – demanding new recruits have expensive academic qualifications.

Our nation needs an education system that excites and stimulates children, providing them with the learning they need and be worthy of to accomplish their potential.  This means we need a curriculum of practical and vocational learning alongside theoretical study. This need for change has become more and more critical.  Let’s except a simple fact that the world has changed whereas our education system has not changed. The gap is very big. Indeed, it is largely based on a system developed over a century ago. Our assessment standards need change, our pedagogies need change, and we need to educate teachers first. Let’s not make our schools and colleges mere factories churning out graduates – where children are placed on a learning conveyor belt, then sorted, packaged and labeled with degrees.

And finally please understand this – academic qualifications are futile if they are not helping you to lead a happy and peaceful life.