Durga Maa
Characteristics :
Strength, Morality, Power, Protector
Other Names :
Jagdamba, Shakti, Bhagwati, Devi, Maa
Weapon :
Trident, Chakra, Snake, Conch shell, Mace,
Bow, Long sword, Thunderbolt
Abode :
Trikoota Mountain
Vehicle (Vahana) :
Lion
Mula Mantra :
Om Sri Durgaya Namah
Durga Gayatri Mantra:
Aum Girijaye Cha Vidmahe
Shiva Priyaye Cha Dheemahi
Tanno Durga Prachodayat
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).
