Introduction
Among the myriad of deities in the Hindu pantheon, goddess Durga stands as a formidable symbol of strength, courage, and maternal protection. She represents the power of the supreme being that preserves moral order and righteousness, and protects the universe against the forces of evil.
Durga is a manifestation of the primordial cosmic energy, the god mother Adi Shakti or Mahadevi. Commonly referred to as Maa Durga, meaning mother Durga, she is one of the most popular goddesses of the Hindu religion. The word Durga is derived from the Sanskrit word “durg” meaning fortress and invincible, signifying her role as a powerful and fierce protector in combating evil.
Maa Durga, is commonly portrayed wearing red clothes and riding a lion, symbolizing bravery, power and authority. As a divine mother and guardian, she is often depicted with either eight or ten hands wielding an array of weapons, signifying her role as protector of the universe and the dharma, against demonic forces from all directions.
Featured Image: lensnmatter, Good over evil…. (35893580270), CC BY 2.0
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Origins of Goddess Durga
- Navadurga: The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga
- Iconography & Symbolism of Goddess Durga
- The Celestial Weapons of Goddess Durga
- Goddess Durga Mantras
- Goddess Durga Celebrations
- Temples Dedicated to Goddess Durga
- The Symbolic Significance of Goddess Durga
- Global Reverence for Goddess Durga
- Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Origins of Goddess Durga
It appears that towards the end of the Vedic period the various goddesses worshipped throughout India eventually merged into one great goddess, the Mahadevi, whose origin may be traced to the Mother Goddess of the Indus valley civilization. Evidence and various inscriptions suggest that Durga is an ancient goddess. Specifically, in the “Devi-Bhagavata” Purana and the “Devi Mahatmyam” Hindu texts there is a story where the ultimate goddess and creator of the universe, Mahadevi or Adishakti, manifests as Durga in order to defeat Mahahishasura. Moreover, in the “Devi Atharvashirhsa” Upanishad, Durga is described as the Supreme being and the Absolute aspect of Brahman.
The Birth and Genealogy of Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga’s origins are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, tracing her lineage to the divine trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Therefore, her birth is associated with the collective energy of the gods, who created her in order to vanquish the demon Mahishasura, a malevolent force wreaking havoc on earth and in the celestial realms.
According to mythology, Lord Vishnu discharged a vast burst of light that blended with the radiant beams emitted by other gods. This formidable light transformed into a mighty female deity called Durga, who confronted Mahishasura in a battle.
A slight variation of the legend, states the three gods asked their consorts Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati, to use their powers to create the ultimate female warrior.
The Epic Battle of Goddess Durga Against Mahishasura
The legend of Goddess Durga revolves around her fierce battle against the buffalo demon Mahishasura, a demon blessed with invincibility by Brahma’s boon, a boon that no man would be able to kill him, except for a female. Eventually, Mahishasura started terrorizing and killing people and wrecking havoc in the heavens, so the gods formed an alliance and each god contributed their divine attributes to shape Durga, endowing her with unparalleled strength, weaponry, and wisdom.
According to legend, when Mahishasura’s demonic army attacked her, goddess Durga took a deep breath and as she exhaled she destroyed them. The remaining demons together with Mahishasura assaulted her all at one. Armed with her celestial weapons, Durga took on all of them. A fierce battle ensued between Durga and Mahishasura, during which the demon transformed into different ferocious forms to escape her attacks.
The battle raged on for nine days and nights, a period celebrated as Navaratri. On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, Mahishasura transformed into a powerful buffalo to evade Durga’s prowess. The goddess managed to pin him down with her foot and beheaded him. Her victory over the demon earned her the name “Mahishasura Mardini”, meaning the slayer of Mahishasura.
Navadurga: The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga
According to the Vedas, Durga is regarded as a divine form of Shakti and serves as a symbol of power, receiving worship in nine different forms. The Navadurga, or the Nine Forms of Durga, are revered manifestations of the divine feminine energy. Each form represents a distinct facet of her power and is associated with a specific episode from Hindu mythology. The Navadurga are worshiped during the festival of Navaratri, with each day dedicated to one of these forms.
Shailaputri (Daughter of the Mountains)
Shailaputri is depicted with a crescent moon on her forehead, riding a bull and holding a trident and a lotus. The trident represents the past, the present and the future, while the lotus represents purity and devotion. She is the daughter of Himavan, the king of the Himalayas, and she symbolizes the embodiment of nature. Shailaputri is revered during the first day of Navaratri.
Shailaputri mantra
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah
Meaning: Salutations to goddess Shailaputri
Brahmacharini (One who Practices Celibacy)
Brahmacahrini is depicted in a simple and ascetic form, holding a rosary and a water pot. This form symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and austerity. It is believed that she performed severe penance to attain Lord Shiva as her consort. She is celebrated on the second day of Navaratri. She is believed to be the way to spiritual freedom, helping devotees attain moksha (liberation).
Brahmacharini mantra
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नम
Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah
Meaning: Salutations to goddess Brahmacharini
Chandraghanta (Bearer of the Moon)
Chandraghanta, from the Sanskrit words “chandra” meaning moon and “ghanta” meaning bell, is depicted with a third eye, and a a bell-shaped crescent moon mark on her forehead. She rides a tiger and in her ten arms she is holding various weapons. Chandraghanta represents bravery and fortitude. She is celebrated on the third day of Navaratri.
Chandraghanta mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नम
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
Meaning: Salutations to goddess Chandraghanta
Kushmanda (Creator of the Universe)
Kushmanda is portrayed riding a lion and holding various weapons in her eight arms. Revered as the creator of the universe, Kushmanda is believed to have created the cosmic egg with her divine smile, bringing light to the dark cosmos. She is celebrated on the fourth day of Navaratri.
Kushmanda mantra
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नम
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
Meaning: Salutations to goddess Kushmanda
Skandamata (Mother of Skanda)
Skandamata, derived from the name “Skanda” and “mata” meaning mother, is depicted with a four-armed form, riding a lion and carrying her son Skanda (also known as Kartikeya) on her lap. In her two rear hands she holds lotus flowers, and with the one remaining free hand she makes the “abhaya mudra” (gesture of fearlessness). Skandamata is the nurturing mother and her worship is believed to bestow motherhood and protection upon her devotees. She is celebrated on the fifth day of Navaratri.
Skandamata mantra
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नम
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah
Meaning: Salutations to goddess Skandamata
Katyayani (Daughter of Sage Katyayana)
Katyayani is depicted as a warrior goddess with four arms, holding a sword, lotus, and a bell. She rides a lion and her fierce form symbolizes courage and victory over evil. Katyayani emerged to destroy the demon Mahishasura. She is celebrated on the sixth day of Navaratri.
Katyayani mantra
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नम
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah
Meaning: Salutations to goddess Katyayani
Kaalratri or Kalaratri (The Dark Night)
As the destroyer of ignorance and darkness, Kalaratri is associated with the fierce aspect of Durga, bringing an end to negativity and ignorance. She destroys demon entities, evil spirits and negative energies. Kalaratri is depicted with a dark complexion, wild hair and four arms, riding a mule (or a lion or tiger). In two of her arms she is wielding a vajra (thunderbolt) and a curved sword, while with the other two she makes the “abhaya” and “varada” mudras, signifying fearlessness and dispensing of boons respectively. Kalaratri is worshipped during the seventh day of the Navaratri.
Kalaratri mantra
ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नम
Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah
Meaning: Salutations to goddess Kalaratri
Mahagauri (The Fair One)
Mahagauri is depicted in a calm and white-clad form, radiating peace and compassion. She rides a bull and has four arms. In two of her arms she is carrying a trishul (trident) and a damaru (drum) while with the other two she makes the “abhaya” and “varada” mudras. Mahagauri is believed to have undergone severe penance to win the heart of Lord Shiva and her worship is considered auspicious for marital harmony and purity. She is celebrated on the eighth day of Navaratri.
Mahagauri mantra
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नम
Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
Meaning: Salutations to goddess Mahagauri
Siddhidatri (Provider of Siddhis & Mystic Powers)
Siddhidatri is depicted with four arms, holding a mace, a conch shell, a lotus, and the Sudarshana Chakra or discus. She is portrayed riding a lion or seating on a lotus flower. Siddhidatri is the bestower of spiritual powers and divine knowledge, and her worship is believed to grant siddhis (supernatural abilities) to devotees. She is celebrated on the ninth day of Navaratri.
Siddhidatri mantra
ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नम
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah
Meaning: Salutations to goddess Siddhidatri
Devotees worship each of these forms with devotion and reverence during the nine nights of Navaratri, seeking blessings, protection, and spiritual growth from the divine energy of Goddess Durga in her various manifestations.
Iconography & Symbolism of Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga is commonly shown riding a lion or tiger. The lion represents power, while the tiger symbolizes strength and energy. This aspect of her iconography underscores her dominance over the forces of nature. She is typically depicted with multiple arms, often ranging from eight to eighteen. Each arm holds a different weapon, gifted to her by each of the gods, symbolizing the culmination of all divine powers in her and her ability to combat and defeat various forces of evil simultaneously.
Durga is said to be extraordinarily beautiful. She has three eyes and she is also referred to as Triyambake, the three-eyed goddess. Her left eye signifies desire, symbolized by the moon. Her right eye represents action, symbolized by the sun, and her middle eye symbolizes knowledge, represented by fire.
The iconography of Goddess Durga varies across regions and artistic interpretations, but these common elements convey her role as a powerful and benevolent deity who protects the cosmos from evil forces.
The Celestial Weapons of Goddess Durga
Each of the gods bestowed upon Durga the weapons she holds, symbolizing the amalgamation of all divine powers within her. Depending on tradition and region there are slight differences among the various weapons the goddess wields, however, the following are the ones most commonly used in her iconography:
Trishul (Trident)
The Trident was given by Lord Shiva and its three prongs symbolize the past, present and future, but can also interpreted as a representation of the three “gunas”, fundamental energy forces that are present in all creation.
Sudarshan Chakra (Discus)
The divine Sudarshana Chakra with its million spikes is a weapon in the shape of a discus. It was given by Lord Vishnu, and according to the Rigveda, it represents the wheel of time.
Kamandala or Kamandalu (Water Pot)
The Kamandalu was given by Lord Brahma. It is related to asceticism but also represents Amrita, the divine elixir of life. In addition, the Kamandalu also symbolizes purity, wisdom and creation.
Vajra (Thunderbolt)
The thunderbolt was given by Lord Indra, the god of thunder and lightning. It symbolizes strength and indestructibility.
Danush & Tir (Bow & Arrows)
Given by Vayu, the god of the wind (or Surya, the sun god, by other accounts), the bow and arrows signify how Shakti exists as different forms of energy.
Sankha (Conch Shell)
The Sankha was gifted by Varuna, the god of the sea. It represents the sound of AUM, the primordial sound of creation.
Barchee (Spear)
Given by Agni, the god of fire, the spear with the burning head is a symbol of power and courage.
Khanda (Sword)
Gifted by Yama, the god of death, the Khanda represents death and justice, but also bravery and power.
Parasu (Axe)
Given by Vishwakarma, the divine architect and son of Vishnu, the Parasu represents the creative and destructive aspects of energy.
Gada (Mace)
Given by Lord Kubera, the god of wealth. The mace symbolizes administration of justice.
Kamala or Pankaja (Lotus)
The lotus was gifted by Lord Brahma and it symbolizes purity and enlightenment.
Goddess Durga Mantras
There are several mantras that devotees chant throughout the year and especially during Navaratri, in order to awaken the divine energy of the powerful goddess.
Goddess Durga Mantra
The chanting of this mantra is a common practice during various celebrations, rituals, and events. Consistent recitation is believed to impart wisdom and strength, leading to a life filled with prosperity.
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Sive Sarvartha Sadhike
Saranye Trayambike Gauri Narayani Namostute
Meaning : She is the embodiment of great blessings, showering auspiciousness upon the entire world. She is pure and holy. She protects her devotees, she is known as the Mother of the three worlds, Gauri, the daughter of the mountain king. We humbly bow to Mother Durga repeatedly, offering our worship and reverence.
Durga Chalisa
According to the Durga Chalisa, a forty stanza prayer to the goddess, “Lord Shiva and all yogis chant her praise and even Brahma, the creator god, and Vishnu the preserver, and all other gods of the heavens meditate on her” (“Shiv Yogi Tumhre Guna Gaven | Brahma Vishnu Tumhen Nit Dhyayeb”).
Mahishasura Mardini Stotram
The Mahishasura Mardini Stotram, also known as Aigiri Nandini, is a 21 verse hymn dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, and it encapsulates beautifully her various attributes and the significance of her victory over Mahishasura. Each verse reverberates with divine energy, praising her as the ultimate embodiment of righteousness and strength.
The first verse of the Strotram praises the goddess and reads:
अयि गिरिनन्दिनि नन्दितमेदिनि विश्वविनोदिनि नन्दिनुते
गिरिवरविन्ध्यशिरोऽधिनिवासिनि विष्णुविलासिनि जिष्णुनुते ।
भगवति हे शितिकण्ठकुटुम्बिनि भूरिकुटुम्बिनि भूरिकृते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥ १ ॥
Aigiri Nandini Nandita Medini Vishva Vinodini Nandi Nute
Giri Vara Vindhya Shirodi Nivaasini Vishnu Vilasini Jisnu Nute |
Bhagavati He Shiti Kantha Kutumbini Bhuri Kutumbini Bhuri Krte
Jaya Jaya He Mahishasura Mardini Ramya Kapardini Shaila Sute ||
O divine daughter of the mountains, delight of the earth, who spreads joy to the whole universe,
who is praised by Nandi,
who resides on the summit of the Vidhya mountains, who gives joy to Vishnu, who is praised by Indra |
O goddess who is the consort of the blue throat one (Lord Shiva), mother of the whole universe, who has created abudance
victory, victory to you, destroyer of Mahishasura, who has beautifully braided hair, the daughter of the mountains ||
Goddess Durga Celebrations
Goddess Durga is widely celebrated in Hinduism, and the most significant celebration dedicated to her is the festival of Navaratri, also known as Durga Puja. Navaratri, meaning “nine nights” in Sanskrit, is a major Hindu festival which spans nine nights and ten days, during which devotees engage in prayer, fasting, and various cultural festivities. Clay images of Durga are made, which are then taken out in procession with singing and dancing, before they are finally immersed into water or nearby rivers.
During Navaratri, which typically falls in the lunar month of Ashwin (September-October) devotees worship the various forms of Goddess Durga, representing different aspects of divine femininity. Each day is dedicated to a specific form of the goddess. The festival culminates on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra and marks the triumph of Durga over Mahishasura.
The festival is celebrated with diverse customs and rituals across India, showcasing the rich tapestry of regional cultures. In West Bengal, the festival of Durga Puja is a grand affair with elaborate decorations, processions, and artistic renditions of the goddess. In Gujarat, the festival is synonymous with vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas dances.
At the heart of the significance of Navaratri lies its deep spiritual essence. It serves as a symbolic representation of the victory of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, over the forces of darkness and ignorance. Throughout these nine days, Hindus seek the blessings of the Goddess in her various forms, imploring her guidance and protection.
On a deeper level, Navaratri acts as a profound guide for inner transformation and the awakening of the chakras, intertwining the divine and the spiritual aspects of existence.
Goddess Durga Celebrations Outside India
In Nepal, Durga Puja in Nepal is called Dashain, meaning ten, and is celebrated for 15 days. The first nine days are dedicated to the forms of Durga, the tenth celebrates her victory over Mahishasura, and the last five days celebrate the victory of good over evil. In Bangladesh, the Sharadiya Durga Puja, spanning four days, holds paramount religious significance for Hindus. Celebrated nationwide, Vijayadashami marks a national holiday in honor of this festival.
Temples Dedicated to Goddess Durga
There are numerous temples dedicated to Goddess Durga across India and other parts of the world where Hindu communities reside. Here are some of the most important and revered ones:
Vaishno Devi Temple (Jammu & Kashmir)
Located in the Trikuta Mountains, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, a form of Durga. It is one of the most visited and sacred pilgrimage sites in India. Pilgrims embark on a challenging trek to reach the sacred cave, symbolizing the arduous journey of self-discovery and devotion.
Kamakhya Temple (Guwahati, Assam)
Kamakhya Temple is one of the Shakti Peethas and is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, a form of Durga. It is a significant pilgrimage site and hosts the Ambubachi Mela, an annual festival.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple (Kolkata, West Bengal)
Dedicated to Goddess Kali, a form of Durga, this temple is famous for its association with the mystic Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
Chamunda Devi Temple (Kangra, Himachal Pradesh)
This temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, a fierce form of Durga. It is situated on the banks of the Baner River.
Jwalamukhi Temple (Himachal Pradesh)
The Jwalamukhi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Jwalamukhi, one of the forms of Durga. It is famous for the eternal flame that is believed to represent the goddess.
Ambaji Temple (Banaskantha, Gujarat)
Ambaji Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is dedicated to Goddess Amba, a form of Durga. The temple attracts pilgrims from various parts of the country.
Vindhyachal Temple (Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh)
Vindhyachal Temple is one of the Shakti Peethas and is dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini, another form of Durga.
Durga Mandir (Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh)
The Durga Mandir is celebrated for its exquisite stone craftsmanship, serving as a splendid illustration of North Indian stone artistry. The temple is also accompanied by a sizable stone-built pond.
Karni Mata Temple (Deshnoke, Rajasthan)
The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of goddess Durga and is a popular destinations for pilgrims and tourists. It is known as the “Temple of Rats” because of the abundant mice, referred to as “kaba”, which are regarded as sacred and handled with great reverence by the worshipers.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more temples dedicated to goddess Durga, each with its own unique significance and rituals. The worship of Durga is an integral part of Hinduism, and her temples are centers of spiritual and cultural significance.
The Symbolic Significance of Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga holds immense symbolic significance in Hinduism, representing various aspects of divine feminine energy and embodying the principles of power, protection, and the triumph of good over evil. Durga is a manifestation of Shakti, the feminine divine energy that represents the dynamic and creative force of the universe. She symbolizes the nurturing and protective aspects of the mother goddess. Her image as a warrior goddess underscores the strength inherent in womanhood, inspiring millions to recognize and harness their inner strength and resilience.
On a deeper level, goddess Durga’s symbolism extends to the inner struggles individuals face. Devotees invoke her to overcome personal demons, be they fear, ignorance, or ego. The great goddess becomes a guiding force in navigating the complexities of life.
In addition, Durga, revered as the mother goddess, served as the muse for the song “Vande Mataram,” penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee during the Indian independence movement. The song eventually became the official national song of India. Durga’s influence extends into Indian nationalism, where Bharat Mata, signifying Mother India, is perceived as a manifestation of Durga. This perspective aligns with the secular interpretation and upholds the age-old ideology of Durga as the Mother and guardian of the Indian people.
Global Reverence for Goddess Durga
The worship of Goddess Durga has transcended geographical boundaries, with communities worldwide participating in Durga Puja celebrations. The diaspora’s fervent observance of the festival reflects the goddess’s universal appeal and enduring relevance. In addition, the goddess has served as a muse for countless artists, poets, and writers. From classical sculptures to contemporary paintings, her divine form has inspired creativity across diverse artistic mediums.
Goddess Durga in Jainism
The goddess Sachiya mata, present in prominent Jain temples from the medieval era, bears a resemblance to Durga, leading Jain scholars to recognize her as either the same deity or sharing a more ancient common lineage. In the magnificent rock cut temples of the Ellora Caves, Durga is depicted in Jain temples alongside her lion mount. However, she is portrayed not as the slayer of the buffalo demon but as a peaceful deity.
Goddess Durga in Sikhism
In Sikhism, Durga is revered as the divine figure in Dasam Granth, a sacred Sikh text traditionally ascribed to Guru Gobind Singh. However, this perspective has faced criticism from Sikhs adhering to the belief in Sikhism as a monotheistic faith. They argue that the concept of a feminine form of the Supreme Being and the veneration of the Goddess are unmistakably reminiscent of Hindu characteristics.
Goddess Durga in Buddhism
There are numerous depictions of Durga at Buddhist temple sites, signifying her great influence on the Buddhist religion.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the great goddess Tara, seems to have inherited some of her aspects, especially the fierce ones, from Durga. Moreover, a form of Tara, called Durgottarini, is a protector deity depicted sitting on a lion. Also, the protector goddess Palden Lhamo shares common features with Durga.
In Chinese Buddhism, the goddesses Cundi or Zhunti, and Guanyin, seem to have inherited some of their characteristics from Durga.
In Japanese Buddhism, the goddess Cundi or Butsu-mo, seems to have been influenced by Durga. There is a debate on the subject where some scholars believe that the two deities are the same while others argue that they are not related.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The divine aura of Goddess Durga extends far beyond her mythological origins. She represents the power of the divine mother of the universe, guarding against demonic forces that threaten peace and prosperity. In essence, Durga can be viewed as the way supreme consciousness manifests on its own.
As the embodiment of feminine power and strength, she continues to captivate hearts, instill courage, and inspire devotion across the globe. Whether celebrated through grand festivals, hymns, or artistic expressions, goddess Durga remains a timeless symbol of the indomitable spirit that resides within every individual. In venerating Durga, Hindus find a reflection of the divine feminine that guides them on the path of righteousness and spiritual fulfillment.
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