दुर्गा
Durga
The Invincible Goddess
Sacred Stories
Divine tales and sacred legends
The Birth of Durga to Defeat Mahishasura
When the buffalo demon Mahishasura received a boon that no man or god could kill him, he conquered the three worlds and drove the gods from heaven. Unable to defeat him, the gods combined their energies to create Goddess Durga. Each god gave her their most powerful weapon—Shiva's trident, Vishnu's discus, Indra's thunderbolt, and more. Riding a lion, Durga battled Mahishasura for nine days and nights, finally slaying him on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami.
Slaying the Demons Shumbha and Nishumbha
Two demon brothers, Shumbha and Nishumbha, terrorized the universe after receiving boons making them nearly invincible. They desired Goddess Parvati for her beauty. In response, Parvati manifested as the fierce Kali from her forehead and created the Matrikas (divine mothers) to battle the demon armies. After a long war, Durga killed both brothers, restoring peace to the cosmos. This battle showcases her role as the supreme protector.
The Manifestation of Kali
During the battle with demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, two generals named Chanda and Munda attacked Durga. From her forehead emerged Goddess Kali in her most terrifying form—dark as night, wearing a garland of skulls, tongue lolling out. Kali swiftly beheaded both demons. Pleased, Durga named her Chamunda. This story shows how Durga manifests different aspects of Shakti depending on what the situation demands.
Durga as the Universal Mother
The Devi Mahatmyam describes Durga as the primordial cosmic energy (Adi Shakti) from whom all creation springs. She is Mahamaya, the great illusion that veils reality, and also Mahavidya, the great knowledge that reveals truth. She exists before creation as pure consciousness and manifests as the material universe. All goddesses—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kali, Parvati—are considered her various forms.
Durga's Nine Forms (Navadurga)
During Navratri, Durga is worshipped in nine forms over nine nights: Shailaputri (daughter of mountains), Brahmacharini (the ascetic), Chandraghanta (bell of the moon), Kushmanda (creator of the universe), Skandamata (mother of Skanda), Katyayani (warrior goddess), Kalaratri (the dark night), Mahagauri (the bright one), and Siddhidatri (giver of perfection). Each form represents a different aspect of divine feminine power and grace.
The Story of Raktabija
The demon Raktabija had a boon that every drop of his blood that touched the ground would create a clone of himself. When Durga wounded him, thousands of Raktabijas emerged. Durga then manifested Kali, who spread her tongue across the battlefield, drinking every drop of blood before it hit the ground while Durga slew the demon. This demonstrates the perfect coordination between different aspects of Shakti.
Durga as Mahishasuramardini
The iconic image of Durga standing on the buffalo demon Mahishasura represents the triumph of good over evil, dharma over adharma. Mahishasura could change forms, and in the final battle, he transformed between buffalo, lion, elephant, and human. But Durga, maintaining perfect composure on her lion mount, pierced him with her trident at the moment he emerged from the buffalo form, ending his reign of terror.
The Blessing of Rama
Before his battle with Ravana, Lord Rama invoked Goddess Durga through the Chandi Path, performing puja for nine days to receive her blessings. Though traditionally worshipped in spring (Vasant Navratri), Rama performed this worship in autumn (Sharad Navratri), establishing the tradition of autumn Durga Puja. The goddess blessed Rama, ensuring his victory over evil. This is why Vijayadashami follows Navratri.
Timeline of Events
Adi Shakti - The Primordial Energy
Durga exists as the eternal feminine cosmic energy (Shakti) from which all creation emerges. She is both the mother and the material of the universe.
Manifestation to Destroy Mahishasura
Created from the combined energies of all gods to defeat the buffalo demon Mahishasura who had conquered the three worlds.
Victory Over Mahishasura
After nine days of fierce battle, Durga slew Mahishasura on the tenth day, establishing Vijayadashami as the celebration of good over evil.
Blessing Lord Rama
Invoked by Rama before his battle with Ravana, Durga blessed him with victory, establishing the tradition of Sharad Navratri.
Defeat of Shumbha-Nishumbha
Manifested with the Matrikas and Kali to destroy the demon brothers Shumbha and Nishumbha and their vast armies.
Eternal Protector
Durga remains accessible to all devotees, manifesting whenever dharma is threatened and evil rises. She is invoked for strength, protection, and victory over obstacles.
Sacred Iconography
Understanding the divine symbols and their meanings
Ten Arms
Ten powerful arms holding divine weapons
Omnipotence, ability to protect from all ten directions
Lion
Majestic lion as vehicle
Fearlessness, courage, royal power over animal instincts
Trident
Three-pronged weapon in right hand
Destruction of three types of evil - physical, mental, spiritual
Demon Under Feet
Buffalo demon being slain
Victory over ego and animal tendencies
Worship & Rituals
Sacred practices to honor and connect with the divine
Durga Puja (Navratri)
The grand nine-night festival celebrating Goddess Durga, observed twice yearly—Chaitra Navratri (spring) and Sharad Navratri (autumn). The autumn celebration is especially grand in Bengal and eastern India. Devotees fast, perform daily pujas, recite Devi Mahatmyam, sing devotional songs, and on the tenth day (Vijayadashami), celebrate Durga's victory. The festival culminates with the immersion of Durga idols in water.
Materials needed:
- Durga idol
- Red flowers
- Fruits
- Sweets
- Incense
- Lamps
- Red cloth
- Kumkum
- Durva grass
- Bilva leaves
Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam) Recitation
The 700-verse scripture glorifying Goddess Durga is recited during Navratri and on special occasions. It narrates the victories of Durga over various demons and praises her as the supreme power. Regular recitation removes obstacles, grants protection, and bestows spiritual and material prosperity.
Materials needed:
- Durga Saptashati book
- Red flowers
- Kumkum
- Incense
- Lamp
- Fruits as offering
Friday Durga Puja
Friday is sacred to Goddess Durga and all forms of Shakti. Devotees offer red flowers, light lamps, recite Durga mantras, and observe fasts. This weekly worship brings strength, courage, protection from negative forces, and the removal of obstacles.
Materials needed:
- Red flowers (hibiscus)
- Kumkum
- Red cloth
- Sweets
- Fruits
- Incense
- Camphor
- Coconut
Durga Ashtami and Sandhi Puja
The eighth day (Ashtami) of Navratri is the most auspicious for Durga worship. The Sandhi Puja, performed at the juncture (sandhi kaal) between Ashtami and Navami, marks the exact moment when Durga slew Mahishasura. 108 lamps are lit and special offerings made during this powerful time.
Materials needed:
- 108 lamps
- Red flowers
- Durga idol
- Sweets
- Fruits
- Bilva leaves
- Special bhog
Sacred Temples
Holy places of worship and pilgrimage
Kamakhya Temple
Guwahati, Assam
One of 51 Shakti Peethas, most revered
Vaishno Devi
Jammu & Kashmir
Cave shrine in Trikuta mountains
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Kolkata, West Bengal
Temple where Ramakrishna worshipped
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
Sacred Mantras
Powerful chants to invoke divine blessings
ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः
Om Dum Durgayai Namah
"Salutations to Goddess Durga"
Benefits: Protection and strength
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
"Durga Stuti for blessings"
Benefits: Auspiciousness and fulfillment
Related Stories & Teachings
Navratri - Nine Nights of Goddess Worship
Discover the nine-night celebration of Goddess Durga with fasting, prayers, and cultural celebrations
Read MoreDurga Saptashati - 700 Verses of Divine Glory
Read the complete Devi Mahatmyam praising Goddess Durga and her victories over demons
Read MoreGoddess Kali - Fierce Form of Durga
Explore Goddess Kali, the fierce manifestation of Durga's power and energy
Read MoreGoddess Parvati - Gentle Form of Shakti
Learn about Goddess Parvati, another manifestation of the divine feminine energy
Read MoreVijayadashami - Victory Day
Celebrate the tenth day marking Durga's victory over Mahishasura and Rama's victory over Ravana
Read MoreVaishno Devi Temple - Shrine of Divine Mother
Discover the famous Vaishno Devi temple, one of the holiest shrines of Goddess Durga
Read MoreDivine Wisdom
Inspiring verses and timeless teachings
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
"To the Goddess who resides in all beings in the form of power and energy, salutations to Her, salutations to Her, salutations to Her again and again."
— Devi Mahatmyam
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके। शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute
"Salutations to you, Narayani, who are the auspiciousness in all auspicious things, the consort of Shiva, the fulfiller of all objectives, the giver of refuge, the three-eyed Goddess Gauri."
— Devi Mahatmyam
ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः
Om Dum Durgayai Namah
"Salutations to Goddess Durga. This is the beej (seed) mantra of Durga, invoking her protection and power to overcome all obstacles and difficulties."
— Durga Beej Mantra
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Matri Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
"To the Goddess who dwells in all beings in the form of the Mother, salutations to Her, salutations to Her, salutations to Her again and again."
— Devi Mahatmyam
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