Durga

Durga slaying buffalo composite, 2nd-century to 13th-century Devi Mahatmya

Unknown (Indian) - Durga in Combat with the Bull, Mahishasura - 69.428 - Detroit Institute of Arts

Durga 2005

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A Durga festival collage

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Sikh mural of Durga from a gurdwara

Durga is a principal and popular form of the Hindu Goddess. She is depicted as a goddess with eight or ten arms, each holding the weapon of one of the gods, who gave them to her for her battle against the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. She sits on her lion or tiger, which acts as her mount. Durga is revered for her warrior spirit and protective energy, embodying the divine feminine force (Shakti) that combats evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, prosperity, and the Dharma of the good. She is widely worshipped in the Indian subcontinent, especially during the festival of Navaratri.

Mythology

According to ancient Hindu mythology, Durga was created by the gods to slay the invincible buffalo demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura had obtained a boon from Brahma that no man or god could kill him, which made him invincible. The terrorized gods combined their divine energies to create a woman with unparalleled strength and beauty, Durga. Endowed with powers from the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and equipped with weapons given by other gods, Durga fought Mahishasura in a fierce battle and ultimately killed him, thus restoring Dharma and peace.

Worship and Festivals

Durga is worshipped in various forms, each representing a distinct aspect of her character. The most famous festival associated with her is Navaratri, a nine-night festival celebrated with great fervor across India and the diaspora. During Navaratri, devotees fast, pray, and perform rituals to honor Durga and her nine avatars. The festival culminates in Dussehra, marking the victory of Durga over Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil.

In Bengal, Durga Puja is a significant and grand celebration, where elaborate clay statues of Durga slaying Mahishasura are worshipped. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the motherly love of Durga for her devotees.

Iconography

Durga's iconography is rich and symbolic. She is often depicted riding a lion or tiger, symbolizing her mastery over power, will, and determination. Each of her arms holds a different weapon of the gods, signifying the unity of divine forces in the battle against evil. Her depiction with eight or ten arms represents her omnipotent nature, capable of performing multiple acts simultaneously to protect the cosmos and her devotees.

Philosophy and Symbolism

Durga embodies the power of the divine feminine or Shakti, which is a central concept in Hindu philosophy. She represents the power inherent in creation, protection, and destruction, which are necessary for the preservation of the universe. Durga's battle against Mahishasura symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

Temples and Shrines

Numerous temples across India are dedicated to Goddess Durga, with some of the most famous being the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata, and the Kamakhya Temple in Assam. These temples are significant pilgrimage sites, attracting millions of devotees annually to seek blessings and pay homage to the goddess.

In Popular Culture

Durga's image and stories have been adapted into various forms of art, literature, and media. She remains a symbol of strength, courage, and protection, inspiring women and girls across generations and geographies.