Story
Maa Durga was born from the combined energies of all the gods when the demon Mahishasura terrorized the heavens and earth. Armed with weapons given by each deity, riding a magnificent lion, she fought the buffalo demon for nine days and nights. Her victory represents the triumph of good over evil and the protective power of the Divine Mother who emerges when righteousness is threatened.
Sacred Iconography
Ten Arms
दशभुजा (Dashabhuja)
Multiple arms carrying divine weapons from all gods
Represents the combined power of all deities working through the Divine Mother
Lion Vehicle
सिंहवाहिनी (Simhavahini)
Riding the king of beasts
Symbolizes mastery over ego, courage, and untamed power under divine control
Trident
त्रिशूल (Trishul)
Three-pointed spear of Shiva
Represents destruction of ignorance and control over three gunas
Divine Radiance
दिव्य तेज (Divya Tej)
Brilliant luminous aura
The combined brilliance of all gods that destroys darkness and evil
Sacred Stories
Birth from Divine Fire
When the gods could not defeat Mahishasura, their collective anger created a brilliant divine fire from which emerged Durga, more beautiful and powerful than any being. Each god gave her their most potent weapon, creating the ultimate warrior goddess.
The Great Battle
For nine days, Durga fought Mahishasura and his demon army. Each time the demon changed his form, she adapted her strategy. On the tenth day, she finally pierced his heart with her trident, ending his reign of terror.
The Protective Mother
After her victory, the gods praised Durga and she promised to return whenever dharma is threatened. She embodies both the nurturing mother who protects her children and the fierce warrior who destroys evil forces.
Divine Symbolism
Mahishasura Mardini
As the slayer of Mahishasura, Durga represents the divine feminine power that emerges to destroy evil when it becomes overwhelming. She shows that the ultimate protection comes from the Divine Mother.
Shakti Embodiment
Durga is the pure embodiment of Shakti (divine feminine energy) in her most dynamic form. She demonstrates that spiritual power, when awakened, can overcome any obstacle or negative force.
Protective Mother
Despite her fierce appearance, Durga is the loving mother who protects her devotees. Her anger is directed only at evil forces, while she showers compassion and blessings on those who seek her refuge.
Festivals & Celebrations
Navaratri
September/October
Nine nights celebrating nine forms of Durga
Durga Puja
September/October
Grand celebration in Bengal and other regions
Chaitra Navratri
March/April
Spring celebration of divine mother
Famous/Sacred Temples
Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu
Sacred cave shrine where Durga manifested as Vaishno Devi. One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India, requiring a challenging trek that tests devotion.
Kamakhya Temple, Assam
Ancient Shakti Pitha where Durga is worshipped in her primal form. Famous for tantric worship and the annual Ambubachi Mela celebrating divine feminine power.
Kalighat Temple, Kolkata
One of the 51 Shakti Pithas where Sati's toe fell. Important center for Durga worship in Bengal, where she is revered as the protective mother of the city.
Sacred Mantras and Prayers
ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः
Om Dum Durgayai Namah
Salutations to Goddess Durga
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
Durga Stuti for blessings
Essential Facts
Durga was created from the combined energies of all gods to defeat Mahishasura
She has multiple arms, each carrying a divine weapon from different deities
Her lion vehicle represents controlled power and mastery over ego
She is worshipped as the supreme mother goddess across India
Durga Puja in Bengal is UNESCO recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage