Durga

Introduction

Goddess Durga is the supreme manifestation of Shakti (divine power) in Hinduism. The name Durga means “the invincible” or “she who is impossible to defeat.” She is worshipped as Adishakti, Jagadamba (mother of the universe), and Mahadevi. In the Shakta tradition, she is the very power of the Supreme Being.

Durga emerged from the combined energies of all the gods. She symbolizes the victory of good over evil and dharma over adharma. During Navratri, her nine forms — the Navadurga — are worshipped over nine nights.

Form and Iconography

Durga’s form is resplendent with power. She has ten arms (Dashabhuja), each bearing weapons given by the gods — Shiva’s trishula (trident), Vishnu’s chakra (discus), Indra’s vajra (thunderbolt), Brahma’s kamandalu (water pot), a conch, bow and arrow, sword, shield, mace, and lotus. Her vahana (mount) is a lion (simha), symbolizing power and fearlessness. Her face is serene yet majestic, and she wears red garments.

Mythological Stories

Slaying of Mahishasura: The demon Mahishasura received a boon from Brahma that no god or demon could kill him. Tormented by his tyranny, the gods pooled their energies, from which Goddess Durga manifested. After a fierce nine-day battle, Durga slew Mahishasura on the tenth day. She is therefore called Mahishasura Mardini (the slayer of Mahishasura).

Slaying of Raktabija: From every drop of the demon Raktabija’s blood, a new demon would arise. Durga assumed the form of Kali, who drank all his blood before it could touch the ground, thus destroying him.

Slaying of Shumbha and Nishumbha: These two powerful asuras seized control of heaven. Durga assumed multiple forms to vanquish both, as described in the Durga Saptashati.

Major Temples

• Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra, Jammu — A revered Shakti Peetha on the Trikuta hills
• Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam — One of the foremost among the 51 Shakti Peethas
• Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore, Karnataka — Ancient temple atop Chamundi Hill
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata — The temple associated with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Associated Festivals

Navratri is Durga’s principal festival, observed twice a year — in Chaitra (spring) and Ashwin (autumn). The Navadurga are worshipped over nine nights. Durga Puja is celebrated with grand splendour especially in West Bengal. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) marks the conclusion of Navratri.

Associated Mantras and Prayers

• Durga Beej Mantra: “Om Dum Durgayai Namaha”
• Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam): Seven hundred verses glorifying Durga, from the Markandeya Purana
• Mahishasura Mardini Stotram: “Ayi Girinandini Nanditamedini…”
• Durga Chalisa: A forty-verse hymn in praise of Durga