Durga
Maa (Mother) Durga symbolizes the power of the Supreme Being that maintains moral order and righteousness in the universe. Worship of the goddess Shakti is very popular among the Hindus. Durga stands for the unified symbol of all divine forces (Shaktis). Goddess Durga is the divine mother, who protects people from evil forces of selfishness, jealousy, hatred, anger and ego. Mother's love and her kindness towards her child, is the best example of pure love in this whole universe.
Likewise, the love of Maa Bhagwati (Durga) towards her devotee (Child) is pure and serene. Maa (Mother) never asks for a favour from her child. She pours her kindness and warmth on the child without desiring anything in return. The love of Jagdamba is like a free flowing river. Durga loves her each and every devotee (Child) without any discrimination.
Origin of Goddess
Durga It is believed that once the existence of the universe was under a threat by Mahishasura (the demon). The Gods pleaded Shiva to protect their world from the evil forces. Lord Shiva asked the three goddesses, Saraswati, Maa Kali and Maa Lakshami to release their powers (shaktis). The Power emerged in a female form. The Divine light emerged and a goddess of exceptional power appeared with many arms. She was beautiful as well as ferocious.
Durga was an extremely gorgeous girl with full of rage. The gods named her Durga, the invincible one and they furnished her with all their arms. Durga rode on a lion to the top of a mountain. In a violent battle, she killed Mahishasura and thus, saved the world from the demon's threat.
Durga - The Image
The word Durga has been derived from Sanskrit language which means a fort or a place that is difficult to reach. In the Images, Shakti is visible in the female form, wearing red clothes. Goddess has eighteen arms, carrying many items in her hands. The red color symbolizes fierceness and it suggests that goddess destroys evil and protects people from pain and misery caused by evil forces. Durga riding a tiger shows that she holds infinite power and uses it to save virtue and destroy evil. The eighteen arms holding weapons signify the unattainable energy that Maa Durga possesses. Different weapons suggest the idea that she can face any evil force without consideration.
Durga Chalisa
Shri Durga Chalisa is a "forty verse" prayer. These verses are usually recited or chanted by groups. The acts and deeds of Sri Durga are recalled in these verses to aid the devotee to meditate on virtuous and noble qualities.
Names of Durga
Goddess Durga is the embodiment of the divine force of the Almighty. The word Durga, in Sanskrit means "the invincible". Durga Devi represents power, strength, morality and protection. Maa Durga is the destroyer of sin and protector of morality. Goddess Durga is also known as Shakti (Power).
Durga came into being, when Maha lakshmi, Maha Saraswati and Maha Kali assimilated their powers. So, Durga is the ultimate power. Durga is the mother, as well as the slayer of evils at the same time. Goddess Durga is known by 108 different names. It is believed that Maa Durga gets happy if, these names are spoken with a dedicated heart. So, recite these names of Durga and make her happy.
Names
Meanings
Sati One who got burned alive
Saadhvi The Sanguine
Bhavaprita One who is loved by the universe
Bhavaani The abode of the universe
Bhavamochani The absolver of the universe
Aarya Goddess
Durga The Invincible
Jaya The Victorious
Aadya The Initial reality
Trinetra One who has three-eyes
Shooldharini One who holds a monodent
Pinaakadharini One who holds the trident of Shiva
Chitra The Picturesque
Chandaghanta One who has mighty bells
Mahatapa With severe penance
Manah Mind
Buddhi Intelligence
Ahankaara One with Pride
Chittarupa One who is in thought-state
Chita Death-bed
Chiti The thinking mind
Sarvamantramayi One who possess all the instruments of thought
Satta One who is above all
Satyanandasvarupini Form of Eternal bliss
Ananta One who is Infinite or beyond measure
Bhaavini The Beautiful Woman
Bhaavya Represents Future
Bhavya With Magnificence
Abhavya Improper or fear-causing
Sadagati Always in motion, bestowing Moksha (salvation)
Shaambhavi Consort of Shambhu
Devamata Mother Goddess
Chinta Tension
Ratnapriya Adorned or loved by jewels
Sarvavidya Knowledgeable
Dakshakanya Daughter of Daksha
Dakshayajñavinaashini Interrupter of the sacrifice of Daksha
Aparna One who doesnt eat even leaves while fasting
Anekavarna One who has many complexions
Paatala Red in color
Paatalavati Wearing red-color attire
Pattaambaraparidhaana Wearing a dress made of leather
Kalamanjiiraranjini Wearing a musical anklet
Ameyaa One who is beyond measure
Vikrama Violent
Krrooraa Brutal (on demons)
Sundari The Gorgeous
Sursundari Extremely Beautiful
Vandurga Goddess of forests
Maatangi Goddess of Matanga
Matangamunipujita Worshipped by Sage Matanga
Braahmi Power of God Brahma
Maaheshvari Power of Lord Mahesha (Shiva)
Aeindri Power of God Indra
Kaumaari The adolescent
Vaishnavi The invincible
Chaamunda Slayer of Chanda and Munda(demons)
Vaarahi One who rides on Varaah
Lakshmi Goddess of Wealth
Purushaakriti One who takes the form of a man
Vimalauttkarshini One who provides joy
Gyaana Full of Knowledge
Kriya One who is in action
Nitya The eternal one
Buddhida The bestower of wisdom
Bahula One who is in various forms
Bahulaprema One who is loved by all
Sarvavahanavahana One who rides all vehicles
NishumbhaShumbhaHanani Slayer of the demon-brothers Shumbha Nishumbha
MahishasuraMardini Slayer of the bull-demon Mahishaasura
MadhuKaitabhaHantri Slayer of the demon-duo Madhu and Kaitabha
ChandaMundaVinashini Destroyer of the ferocious asuras Chanda and Munda
Sarvasuravinasha Destroyer of all demons
Sarvadaanavaghaatini Possessing the power to kill all the demons
Sarvashaastramayi One who is deft in all theories
Satya The truth
Sarvaastradhaarini Possessor of all the missile weapons
Anekashastrahasta Possessor of many hand weapons
AnekastraDhaarini Possessor of many missile weapons
Komaari The beautiful adolescent
Ekakanya The girl child
Kaishori The adolescent
Yuvati The Woman
Yati Ascetic, one who renounces the world
Apraudha One who never gets old
Praudha One who is old
Vriddhamaata The old mother (loosely)
Balaprada The bestower of strength
Mahodari One who has huge belly which stores the universe
Muktakesha One who has open tresses
Ghorarupa Having a fierce outlook
Mahaabala Having immense strength
Agnijwaala One who is poignant like fire
Raudramukhi One who has a fierce face like destroyer Rudra
Kaalaratri Goddess who is black like night
Tapasvini one who is engaged in penance
Narayani The destructive aspect of Lord Narayana (Brahma)
Bhadrakaali Fierce form of Kali
Vishnumaya Spell of Lord Vishnu
Jalodari Abode of the ethereal universe
Shivadooti Ambassador of Lord Shiva
Karaali The Violent
Ananta The Infinite
Parameshvari The Ultimate Goddess
Katyayani One who is worshipped by sage Katyanan
Savitri Daughter of the Sun God Savitr
Pratyaksha One who is real
Brahmavaadini One who is present everywhere
During the festive season of Navratri, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the nine days, each symbolizing a religious significance. Named differently, each form of the deity had different goals, when they assumed their avatars. Worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga is considered auspicious, because the deity brings the qualities of power, wisdom and courage to her devotees.
Nine Forms Of Goddess Durga
Shailputri
The first form of Goddess Durga is referred to as Shailputri or the Daughter of the Mountain. She is a daughter of Himalayas. In the previous birth, she was born as Sati-Bhavani, the daughter of Daksha. She had married Lord Shiva, without her father's consent. One fine day, Daksha organized a Yagna, wherein he didn't invite Lord Shiva. Since Sati was obstinate, she went to her father's place and attended the Yagna. Thereupon, Daksha insulted Lord Shiva. Humiliated and angered by her father, because he insulted her husband, Sati burnt herself in the fire of the Yagna.
Brahmacharini
The second form of Goddess Durga is called 'Brahmacharini'. Her name is derived from the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace. Brahmacharini is gorgeous and has a good conduct. She holder a rosary in her right hand, while Kamandal in her left hand. Full of merriment, Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Durga Puja. A famous story is associated with Brahmacharini. According to the legend, she was born as Parvati Hemavati, the daughter of Himvan. One fine day, when Parvati was playing with her friends, sage Narada approached her.
Sage Narada told that she would marry her husband from her previous birth on a condition that she would have to observe penance. After hearing this, she decided that she would tie the wedding knot with none other than Shambhu (Lord Shiva), her husband in the previous birth. After saying this, she went to observe penance. This is the reason, why she is referred as Tapacharini or Brahmnacharini. From that time, she also came to be known as Uma.
Chandraghanta
The third form of Goddess Durga, referred to as Chandraghanta, represents bravery. The charming, bright Chandraghanta looks gorgeous. She has a half-circular moon in her forehead, hence the name 'Chandraghanta'. With three eyes, she is golden in color. Ten types of weapons, including sword and arrows are held by her ten hands. Seated on a lion, she is always ready to go to war. The unprecedented bravery of Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Durga Puja.
Kushmanda
Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, resides in solar systems. It is believed that Kushmanda is the creator of the entire Universe. According to the legends, she created the Universe by merely laughing. She hands eight hands out of which, seven hold weapons and the eight one bears a string of beads. With rosary in her right hand, she sits on Lion. The deity is worshipped on the fourth day of Durga Pooja.
Skanda Mata
In her fifth form, Goddess Durga is known as 'Skanda Mata'. After observing penance, Goddess Parvati tied the wedding knot with Lord Shiva. Their son is Skanda, the leader of the army of Gods. Therefore, the fourth form of Goddess Durga is referred to as Skanda Mata, the Mother of Skanda. The deity of fire - Skanda Mata - is white in color, has three eyes and four hand. She is seated on a lion, with her son (Skanda), on her lap.
Katyayani
Katyayani is the sixth form of Goddess Durga. As per the legends, Rishi Katyayan was born in his 'Katya' lineage. He observed penance, because he wanted to get paramba as his daughter. Pleased with her prayers, Goddess Durga blessed him and took birth as his daughter. The daughter was then named as 'Katyayani'. Seated on her vehicle lion, Katyayani has three eyes and four hands.
Kalratri
The seventh form of Goddess Durga is popularly known as 'Kalratri'. As the name suggests, Kalrati is as black as a dark night. With bountiful unlocked hair, Kalratri wears necklaces that shine like lightening. She is personified as the deity of power, with large eyes and fire that is breathed by her. Kalratri is also referred to as Shubhamkari, as she makes her devotees fearless. She has four hands, with a sharp sword in her left hand and a burning torch in her lower left hand, her lower and upper right hand that shows blessings.
Maha Gauri
The eighth form of Ma Durga is called 'Maha Gauri'. She is as white as a conch and is eight years old. She is clad in a snow white cloth and is accessorized with white colored ornaments. With three eyes and four hands, she rides on a bull. Her left hand shows the fearless Mudra, while her lower left hand holds a Trishul. Calm and peaceful Maha Gauri observed penance. According to the legends, when she observed penance and got dirty due to dust, Lord Shiva cleansed her body with the Holy Water of Ganges, flowing through his head.
Siddhidatri
The ninth and last form of Goddess Durga is known as Siddhidatri. It is believed that Lord Shiva all the eight Siddhis (Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Lishitya and Vashitva) by offering prayers to Maha Shakti. With her gratitude, the half portion of the body of Lord Shiva became of Goddess Shakti. Hence, he is called 'Ardhanarishwaran'. Siddhidatri has all the eight Siddhis. She rides on a lotus. Siddhidatri is worshipped by all the other Gods and the Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Sadhakas and Yogis. It is believed that worshipping her is best for attaining religious asset.
Goddess Durga is the mother of the universe and believed to be the power behind the work of creation, preservation, and destruction of the world. Since time immemorial she has been worshipped as the supreme power of the Supreme Being and has been mentioned in many scriptures - Yajur Veda, Vajasaneyi Samhita and Taittareya Brahman.
The Meaning of "Durga"
The word "Durga" in Sanskrit means a fort, or a place which is difficult to overrun. Another meaning of "Durga" is "Durgatinashini," which literally translates into "the one who eliminates sufferings." Thus, Hindus believe that goddess Durga protects her devotees from the evils of the world and at the same time removes their miseries.
The Many Forms of Durga
There are many incarnations of Durga: Kali, Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, Kandalini, Java, Rajeswari, et al. Durga incarnated as the united power of all divine beings, who offered her the required physical attributes and weapons to kill the demon "Mahishasur". Her nine appellations are Skondamata, Kusumanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Brahmacharini, Maha Gauri, Katyayani, Chandraghanta and Siddhidatri.
Durga's Many Arms
Durga is depicted as having eight or ten hands. These represent eight quadrants or ten directions in Hinduism. This suggests that she protects the devotees from all directions.
Durga's Three Eyes
Like Shiva, Mother Durga is also referred to as "Triyambake" meaning the three eyed Goddess. The left eye represents desire (the moon), the right eye represents action (the sun), and the central eye knowledge (fire).
Durga's Vehicle - the Lion
The lion represents power, will and determination. Mother Durga riding the lion symbolises her mastery over all these qualities. This suggests to the devotee that one has to possess all these qualities to get over the demon of ego.
Durga's Many Weapons
· The conch shell in Durga's hand symbolizes the 'Pranava' or the mystic word 'Om', which indicates her holding on to God in the form of sound.
· The bow and arrows represent energy. By holding both the bow and arrows in one hand "Mother Durga" is indicating her control over both aspects of energy - potential and kinetic.
· The thunderbolt signifies firmness. The devotee of Durga must be firm like thunderbolt in one's convictions. Like the thunderbolt that can break anything against which it strikes, without being affected itself, the devotee needs to attack a challenge without losing his confidence.
· The lotus in Durga's hand is not in fully bloomed, It symbolizing certainty of success but not finality. The lotus in Sanskrit is called "pankaja" which means born of mud. Thus, lotus stands for the continuous evolution of the spiritual quality of devotees amidst the worldly mud of lust and greed.
· The "Sudarshan-Chakra" or beautiful discus, which spins around the index finger of the Goddess, while not touching it, signifies that the entire world is subservient to the will of Durga and is at her command. She uses this unfailing weapon to destroy evil and produce an environment conducive to the growth of righteousness.
· The sword that Durga holds in one of her hands symbolizes knowledge, which has the sharpness of a sword. Knowledge which is free from all doubts, is symbolized by the shine of the sword.
· Durga's trident or "trishul" is a symbol of three qualities - Satwa (inactivity), Rajas (activity) and Tamas (non-activity) - and she is remover of all the three types of miseries - physical, mental and spiritual.
Devi Durga stands on a lion in a fearless pose of "Abhay Mudra", signifying assurance of freedom from fear. The universal mother seems to be saying to all her devotees: "Surrender all actions and duties onto me and I shall release thee from all fears".
Every year during the lunar month of Ashwin or Kartik (September-October), Hindus observe ten days of ceremonies, rituals, fasts and feasts in honor of the supreme mother goddess. It begins with the fast of “Navaratri”, and ends with the festivities of “Dusshera” and “Vijayadashami.”
Maa (Mother) Durga symbolizes the power of the Supreme Being that maintains moral order and righteousness in the universe. Worship of the goddess Shakti is very popular among the Hindus. Durga stands for the unified symbol of all divine forces (Shaktis). Goddess Durga is the divine mother, who protects people from evil forces of selfishness, jealousy, hatred, anger and ego. Mother's love and her kindness towards her child, is the best example of pure love in this whole universe.
Likewise, the love of Maa Bhagwati (Durga) towards her devotee (Child) is pure and serene. Maa (Mother) never asks for a favour from her child. She pours her kindness and warmth on the child without desiring anything in return. The love of Jagdamba is like a free flowing river. Durga loves her each and every devotee (Child) without any discrimination.
Origin of Goddess
Durga It is believed that once the existence of the universe was under a threat by Mahishasura (the demon). The Gods pleaded Shiva to protect their world from the evil forces. Lord Shiva asked the three goddesses, Saraswati, Maa Kali and Maa Lakshami to release their powers (shaktis). The Power emerged in a female form. The Divine light emerged and a goddess of exceptional power appeared with many arms. She was beautiful as well as ferocious.
Durga was an extremely gorgeous girl with full of rage. The gods named her Durga, the invincible one and they furnished her with all their arms. Durga rode on a lion to the top of a mountain. In a violent battle, she killed Mahishasura and thus, saved the world from the demon's threat.
Durga - The Image
The word Durga has been derived from Sanskrit language which means a fort or a place that is difficult to reach. In the Images, Shakti is visible in the female form, wearing red clothes. Goddess has eighteen arms, carrying many items in her hands. The red color symbolizes fierceness and it suggests that goddess destroys evil and protects people from pain and misery caused by evil forces. Durga riding a tiger shows that she holds infinite power and uses it to save virtue and destroy evil. The eighteen arms holding weapons signify the unattainable energy that Maa Durga possesses. Different weapons suggest the idea that she can face any evil force without consideration.
Durga Chalisa
Shri Durga Chalisa is a "forty verse" prayer. These verses are usually recited or chanted by groups. The acts and deeds of Sri Durga are recalled in these verses to aid the devotee to meditate on virtuous and noble qualities.
Names of Durga
Goddess Durga is the embodiment of the divine force of the Almighty. The word Durga, in Sanskrit means "the invincible". Durga Devi represents power, strength, morality and protection. Maa Durga is the destroyer of sin and protector of morality. Goddess Durga is also known as Shakti (Power).
Durga came into being, when Maha lakshmi, Maha Saraswati and Maha Kali assimilated their powers. So, Durga is the ultimate power. Durga is the mother, as well as the slayer of evils at the same time. Goddess Durga is known by 108 different names. It is believed that Maa Durga gets happy if, these names are spoken with a dedicated heart. So, recite these names of Durga and make her happy.
Names
Meanings
Sati One who got burned alive
Saadhvi The Sanguine
Bhavaprita One who is loved by the universe
Bhavaani The abode of the universe
Bhavamochani The absolver of the universe
Aarya Goddess
Durga The Invincible
Jaya The Victorious
Aadya The Initial reality
Trinetra One who has three-eyes
Shooldharini One who holds a monodent
Pinaakadharini One who holds the trident of Shiva
Chitra The Picturesque
Chandaghanta One who has mighty bells
Mahatapa With severe penance
Manah Mind
Buddhi Intelligence
Ahankaara One with Pride
Chittarupa One who is in thought-state
Chita Death-bed
Chiti The thinking mind
Sarvamantramayi One who possess all the instruments of thought
Satta One who is above all
Satyanandasvarupini Form of Eternal bliss
Ananta One who is Infinite or beyond measure
Bhaavini The Beautiful Woman
Bhaavya Represents Future
Bhavya With Magnificence
Abhavya Improper or fear-causing
Sadagati Always in motion, bestowing Moksha (salvation)
Shaambhavi Consort of Shambhu
Devamata Mother Goddess
Chinta Tension
Ratnapriya Adorned or loved by jewels
Sarvavidya Knowledgeable
Dakshakanya Daughter of Daksha
Dakshayajñavinaashini Interrupter of the sacrifice of Daksha
Aparna One who doesnt eat even leaves while fasting
Anekavarna One who has many complexions
Paatala Red in color
Paatalavati Wearing red-color attire
Pattaambaraparidhaana Wearing a dress made of leather
Kalamanjiiraranjini Wearing a musical anklet
Ameyaa One who is beyond measure
Vikrama Violent
Krrooraa Brutal (on demons)
Sundari The Gorgeous
Sursundari Extremely Beautiful
Vandurga Goddess of forests
Maatangi Goddess of Matanga
Matangamunipujita Worshipped by Sage Matanga
Braahmi Power of God Brahma
Maaheshvari Power of Lord Mahesha (Shiva)
Aeindri Power of God Indra
Kaumaari The adolescent
Vaishnavi The invincible
Chaamunda Slayer of Chanda and Munda(demons)
Vaarahi One who rides on Varaah
Lakshmi Goddess of Wealth
Purushaakriti One who takes the form of a man
Vimalauttkarshini One who provides joy
Gyaana Full of Knowledge
Kriya One who is in action
Nitya The eternal one
Buddhida The bestower of wisdom
Bahula One who is in various forms
Bahulaprema One who is loved by all
Sarvavahanavahana One who rides all vehicles
NishumbhaShumbhaHanani Slayer of the demon-brothers Shumbha Nishumbha
MahishasuraMardini Slayer of the bull-demon Mahishaasura
MadhuKaitabhaHantri Slayer of the demon-duo Madhu and Kaitabha
ChandaMundaVinashini Destroyer of the ferocious asuras Chanda and Munda
Sarvasuravinasha Destroyer of all demons
Sarvadaanavaghaatini Possessing the power to kill all the demons
Sarvashaastramayi One who is deft in all theories
Satya The truth
Sarvaastradhaarini Possessor of all the missile weapons
Anekashastrahasta Possessor of many hand weapons
AnekastraDhaarini Possessor of many missile weapons
Komaari The beautiful adolescent
Ekakanya The girl child
Kaishori The adolescent
Yuvati The Woman
Yati Ascetic, one who renounces the world
Apraudha One who never gets old
Praudha One who is old
Vriddhamaata The old mother (loosely)
Balaprada The bestower of strength
Mahodari One who has huge belly which stores the universe
Muktakesha One who has open tresses
Ghorarupa Having a fierce outlook
Mahaabala Having immense strength
Agnijwaala One who is poignant like fire
Raudramukhi One who has a fierce face like destroyer Rudra
Kaalaratri Goddess who is black like night
Tapasvini one who is engaged in penance
Narayani The destructive aspect of Lord Narayana (Brahma)
Bhadrakaali Fierce form of Kali
Vishnumaya Spell of Lord Vishnu
Jalodari Abode of the ethereal universe
Shivadooti Ambassador of Lord Shiva
Karaali The Violent
Ananta The Infinite
Parameshvari The Ultimate Goddess
Katyayani One who is worshipped by sage Katyanan
Savitri Daughter of the Sun God Savitr
Pratyaksha One who is real
Brahmavaadini One who is present everywhere
During the festive season of Navratri, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the nine days, each symbolizing a religious significance. Named differently, each form of the deity had different goals, when they assumed their avatars. Worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga is considered auspicious, because the deity brings the qualities of power, wisdom and courage to her devotees.
Nine Forms Of Goddess Durga
Shailputri
The first form of Goddess Durga is referred to as Shailputri or the Daughter of the Mountain. She is a daughter of Himalayas. In the previous birth, she was born as Sati-Bhavani, the daughter of Daksha. She had married Lord Shiva, without her father's consent. One fine day, Daksha organized a Yagna, wherein he didn't invite Lord Shiva. Since Sati was obstinate, she went to her father's place and attended the Yagna. Thereupon, Daksha insulted Lord Shiva. Humiliated and angered by her father, because he insulted her husband, Sati burnt herself in the fire of the Yagna.
Brahmacharini
The second form of Goddess Durga is called 'Brahmacharini'. Her name is derived from the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace. Brahmacharini is gorgeous and has a good conduct. She holder a rosary in her right hand, while Kamandal in her left hand. Full of merriment, Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Durga Puja. A famous story is associated with Brahmacharini. According to the legend, she was born as Parvati Hemavati, the daughter of Himvan. One fine day, when Parvati was playing with her friends, sage Narada approached her.
Sage Narada told that she would marry her husband from her previous birth on a condition that she would have to observe penance. After hearing this, she decided that she would tie the wedding knot with none other than Shambhu (Lord Shiva), her husband in the previous birth. After saying this, she went to observe penance. This is the reason, why she is referred as Tapacharini or Brahmnacharini. From that time, she also came to be known as Uma.
Chandraghanta
The third form of Goddess Durga, referred to as Chandraghanta, represents bravery. The charming, bright Chandraghanta looks gorgeous. She has a half-circular moon in her forehead, hence the name 'Chandraghanta'. With three eyes, she is golden in color. Ten types of weapons, including sword and arrows are held by her ten hands. Seated on a lion, she is always ready to go to war. The unprecedented bravery of Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Durga Puja.
Kushmanda
Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, resides in solar systems. It is believed that Kushmanda is the creator of the entire Universe. According to the legends, she created the Universe by merely laughing. She hands eight hands out of which, seven hold weapons and the eight one bears a string of beads. With rosary in her right hand, she sits on Lion. The deity is worshipped on the fourth day of Durga Pooja.
Skanda Mata
In her fifth form, Goddess Durga is known as 'Skanda Mata'. After observing penance, Goddess Parvati tied the wedding knot with Lord Shiva. Their son is Skanda, the leader of the army of Gods. Therefore, the fourth form of Goddess Durga is referred to as Skanda Mata, the Mother of Skanda. The deity of fire - Skanda Mata - is white in color, has three eyes and four hand. She is seated on a lion, with her son (Skanda), on her lap.
Katyayani
Katyayani is the sixth form of Goddess Durga. As per the legends, Rishi Katyayan was born in his 'Katya' lineage. He observed penance, because he wanted to get paramba as his daughter. Pleased with her prayers, Goddess Durga blessed him and took birth as his daughter. The daughter was then named as 'Katyayani'. Seated on her vehicle lion, Katyayani has three eyes and four hands.
Kalratri
The seventh form of Goddess Durga is popularly known as 'Kalratri'. As the name suggests, Kalrati is as black as a dark night. With bountiful unlocked hair, Kalratri wears necklaces that shine like lightening. She is personified as the deity of power, with large eyes and fire that is breathed by her. Kalratri is also referred to as Shubhamkari, as she makes her devotees fearless. She has four hands, with a sharp sword in her left hand and a burning torch in her lower left hand, her lower and upper right hand that shows blessings.
Maha Gauri
The eighth form of Ma Durga is called 'Maha Gauri'. She is as white as a conch and is eight years old. She is clad in a snow white cloth and is accessorized with white colored ornaments. With three eyes and four hands, she rides on a bull. Her left hand shows the fearless Mudra, while her lower left hand holds a Trishul. Calm and peaceful Maha Gauri observed penance. According to the legends, when she observed penance and got dirty due to dust, Lord Shiva cleansed her body with the Holy Water of Ganges, flowing through his head.
Siddhidatri
The ninth and last form of Goddess Durga is known as Siddhidatri. It is believed that Lord Shiva all the eight Siddhis (Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Lishitya and Vashitva) by offering prayers to Maha Shakti. With her gratitude, the half portion of the body of Lord Shiva became of Goddess Shakti. Hence, he is called 'Ardhanarishwaran'. Siddhidatri has all the eight Siddhis. She rides on a lotus. Siddhidatri is worshipped by all the other Gods and the Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Sadhakas and Yogis. It is believed that worshipping her is best for attaining religious asset.
Goddess Durga is the mother of the universe and believed to be the power behind the work of creation, preservation, and destruction of the world. Since time immemorial she has been worshipped as the supreme power of the Supreme Being and has been mentioned in many scriptures - Yajur Veda, Vajasaneyi Samhita and Taittareya Brahman.
The Meaning of "Durga"
The word "Durga" in Sanskrit means a fort, or a place which is difficult to overrun. Another meaning of "Durga" is "Durgatinashini," which literally translates into "the one who eliminates sufferings." Thus, Hindus believe that goddess Durga protects her devotees from the evils of the world and at the same time removes their miseries.
The Many Forms of Durga
There are many incarnations of Durga: Kali, Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, Kandalini, Java, Rajeswari, et al. Durga incarnated as the united power of all divine beings, who offered her the required physical attributes and weapons to kill the demon "Mahishasur". Her nine appellations are Skondamata, Kusumanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Brahmacharini, Maha Gauri, Katyayani, Chandraghanta and Siddhidatri.
Durga's Many Arms
Durga is depicted as having eight or ten hands. These represent eight quadrants or ten directions in Hinduism. This suggests that she protects the devotees from all directions.
Durga's Three Eyes
Like Shiva, Mother Durga is also referred to as "Triyambake" meaning the three eyed Goddess. The left eye represents desire (the moon), the right eye represents action (the sun), and the central eye knowledge (fire).
Durga's Vehicle - the Lion
The lion represents power, will and determination. Mother Durga riding the lion symbolises her mastery over all these qualities. This suggests to the devotee that one has to possess all these qualities to get over the demon of ego.
Durga's Many Weapons
· The conch shell in Durga's hand symbolizes the 'Pranava' or the mystic word 'Om', which indicates her holding on to God in the form of sound.
· The bow and arrows represent energy. By holding both the bow and arrows in one hand "Mother Durga" is indicating her control over both aspects of energy - potential and kinetic.
· The thunderbolt signifies firmness. The devotee of Durga must be firm like thunderbolt in one's convictions. Like the thunderbolt that can break anything against which it strikes, without being affected itself, the devotee needs to attack a challenge without losing his confidence.
· The lotus in Durga's hand is not in fully bloomed, It symbolizing certainty of success but not finality. The lotus in Sanskrit is called "pankaja" which means born of mud. Thus, lotus stands for the continuous evolution of the spiritual quality of devotees amidst the worldly mud of lust and greed.
· The "Sudarshan-Chakra" or beautiful discus, which spins around the index finger of the Goddess, while not touching it, signifies that the entire world is subservient to the will of Durga and is at her command. She uses this unfailing weapon to destroy evil and produce an environment conducive to the growth of righteousness.
· The sword that Durga holds in one of her hands symbolizes knowledge, which has the sharpness of a sword. Knowledge which is free from all doubts, is symbolized by the shine of the sword.
· Durga's trident or "trishul" is a symbol of three qualities - Satwa (inactivity), Rajas (activity) and Tamas (non-activity) - and she is remover of all the three types of miseries - physical, mental and spiritual.
Devi Durga stands on a lion in a fearless pose of "Abhay Mudra", signifying assurance of freedom from fear. The universal mother seems to be saying to all her devotees: "Surrender all actions and duties onto me and I shall release thee from all fears".
Every year during the lunar month of Ashwin or Kartik (September-October), Hindus observe ten days of ceremonies, rituals, fasts and feasts in honor of the supreme mother goddess. It begins with the fast of “Navaratri”, and ends with the festivities of “Dusshera” and “Vijayadashami.”