Durga

For other uses of "Durga", see Durga (disambiguation).

"Mahishasuramardini" redirects here. For the radio programme of All India Radio, see Mahisasuramardini (radio programme).

Durga
Goddess of Victory of Good over Evil and Motherhood
Devanagari	दुर्गा
Sanskrit transliteration	Durgā
Affiliation	Devi, Mother Goddess, original manifested form of Mother Adi-Parashakti/Parvati, Goddess Shakti, manifestation of Mahashakti Consort Lord Shiva
Abode	Forest of Madamba Kadamba
Planet	Rahu
Mantra	Om Durgaye Namaha / Om Aim Hreem Kleem Durga Devi Namaha
Weapon	Trident, discus, scimitar, lasso, conch shell, mace, bow and arrow, spear, sword (longsword), shield, bell, pink lotus flower, battle-axe, thunderbolt, elephant goad, snake, rod, spade, vajra, goblet, hammer weapon, iron weapon, weapon made out of thorns, javelin, dagger
Consort	Shiva
Mount	lion or tiger

Durga (Sanskrit: दुर्गा Durgā 'invincible', Hindustani pronunciation: [ˈd̪ʊrɡaː]) is the principal form of the Mother Goddess in Hinduism. There are many incarnations of Goddess Durga: Kali, Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, Kandalini, Java, Rajeswari, and has nine appellations: Skandamata, Kushmanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Brahmacharini, Maha Gauri, Katyayani, Chandraghanta and Siddhidatri. A list of 108 names that is used to describe her is very popularly in use by Hindus and is called Ashtottara Shatanamavali of Goddess Durga. She is known by a variety of names: including Amba, Ambika, Jagadamba, Parvathi, Shakti, Adishakti, Adi Parashakti and Devi. According to Shaktism, Adi Para Shakti—the Goddess, Devi—is the Supreme Being and the believers regard Durga as the root cause of creation, sustenance and annihilation. She is pure energy (referred to as "Shakti" in Sanskrit and Hindu religious context). Being innately formless (known as Adi Parashakti), she manifests herself within the gods and demi-gods so that she may fulfill the tasks of the universe via them. At times of distress, such as when Mahishasura terrorised the universe, she manifests herself in divine form to protect the world. Hence, Durga is also known as Mahishasura Mardini (Bengali: মহিষাসুরমর্দ্দিনী, The Annihilator of Mahishasur).

Origins and development

The historian Ramaprasad Chanda wrote in 1916, the following treatise about the ideological development of Goddess Durga from primitive goddess to her current form:

"...it is possible to distinguish two different strata – one primitive and the other advanced. The primitive form of Durga (Parvati) is the result of syncretism of a mountain-goddess worshiped by the dwellers of the Himalaya and the Vindhyas, a goddess worshiped by the nomadic Abhira shepherd, a vegetation spirit conceived as female, and a war-goddess. As her votaries advanced in civilization the primitive war-goddess was transformed into the personification of the all-destroying time (Kali), the vegetation spirit into the primordial energy (Adya Sakti) and the saviouress from “samsara” (cycle of rebirths), and gradually brought into line with the Brahmanic mythology and philosophy...."

The Devi Puranas state that Durga is the warrior manifestation of Goddess Adishakti. Durga means the "Invincible One". Therefore, Goddess Adishakti is the Divine Mother of the Universe who had taken birth on Earth as Parvati to win and woo Shiva. The Lalita Sahasranamam bestows Durga as a name of her indicating that Lalita is none other than a form of Ma Adishakti Parvati.

Durga is the supreme soul, otherwise called Shakti (primordial cosmic energy). As such, she is the original cause of all the present or past worldly occurrences. From Durga, all phenomenon of creation, existence and destruction is generated - through the emergence of two triads of Supreme Powers:

• The masculine Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva)
• The feminine Tridevi (Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati)

Different terms all referring to the same concept referenced above are - Adhyashakti, Paramatma Shakti or Ati Prakrutika Shakti. Durga is believe to create and control two types of power:

• Natural (Atma Shakti, Prakrutika Shakti, Pancha Mahabhuta Shakti, etc.)
• General (Jada Shakti, Tamashakti)

Durga, as the Mother of the Universe, provides man with the opportunity for salvation and enjoyment of life. Vyasa, the eminent sage and poet of the Devi Bhagavata Purana, has aptly stated "Rudrahinam Vishnuhinam na vadanti janastatha Shaktihinam Yathasarbe probodhanti Naradhamam". This verse translates loosely as "Powerless persons are despised as mean persons. So, by being devoted to the Supreme, we should be strong and powerful by her grace."

Stories

The Shiva Purana gives an account of the origin of Durga. At the beginning of time, Lord Shiva invoked Durga, the primordial energy from his left half to create. Together they created their eternal abode, Shivaloka, also known as Kashi. Thereafter, they created Vishnu and Brahma.

Durga on a lion

As per the Shiva Purana and Devi Mahatmyam, Mahishasura, the son of the demon Rambha, unleashed a reign of terror on earth. When the gods intervened, Mahishasura defeated them, banishing them from heaven.

The vanquished gods went to the Trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. As they narrated their woeful tale, an immense mass of light manifested from Lord Vishnu's mouth. This was joined by similar rays that emerged from the enraged faces of gods. This mass of light transformed into a woman. The gods bestowed gifts of divine weapons to this woman who was Adishakti manifested as Durga, to slay Mahishasura.

Other sources say that Durga did not arise from the Devas as she was a form of Goddess Adishakti. The Mother took birth on Earth as Parvati to be united with her lord, Shiva. After marriage, Shiva helps Parvati realize and gain control of her powers as Adi-shakti, the pure energy of the universe. Later on, she slays Mahishasura as Durga and Raktabija as Kali.

Armed with celestial weapons gifted by the deities and decked with divine ornaments, Durga rode into the battle field and challenged the demons for battle. Mahishasura's entire army, led by demons like Chikshur, Chamar, Asiloma, Vidalaksha, Durdhara, Durmukha, Mahahanu and many more, attacked Durga simultaneously. But Durga slew all of them with unparalleled fearlessness. An enraged Mahishasura attacked Durga in the guise of a buffalo. But Durga bound him in this form with ropes. The buffalo then morphed into a lion and leapt on Durga, but she beheaded it with her sword. At this, Mahishasura began to fight with his sword. Durga pinned him down with a torrent of arrows. Mahishasura assumed the form of a giant elephant and tugged at Durga's mount, itself a lion. Durga lopped off the trunk of the elephant with her sword and freed her lion. The elephant turned into a buffalo and charged at Durga. Durga flung her trident and beheaded Mahishasura, finally killing him.

Weapons

• Chakra – Given by Narayana, the Sudarshan Chakra that spins in the little index finger of the Goddess symbolizes righteousness or dharma. The Goddess uses this weapon to destroy evil and protect righteousness.
• Conch – Given by Varuna, this is seen in her first upper left hand. The Conch stands for the cosmic sound of OM vibration. The sound destroys all evil negative forces and when one prays to her, the vibrations fill one with peace and tranquillity.
• Bow and Arrow – Given by Vayu, she holds them in her second left hand to destroy the difficulties arising in one`s path in life. Her blessings are needed for success in all spheres of life. All hindrances get removed by this powerful weapon.
• Sword – She holds it in her second right lower hand that depicts knowledge and keen intellect. She bestows one with the gift of knowledge to remove the veil of ignorance that binds a soul due to wrong deeds and karmic entanglements.
• Spear – This weapon helps to destroy the negative and evil forces and grants auspiciousness.
• Club – This is seen in her third right lower hand. This weapon destroys the power of the enemy, however powerful he may be. Durga`s grace will help defeat one`s enemies in life through the power of this weapon.
• Trident – Given by Shiva, Trishul or trident seen in her fourth left hand symbolizes the three qualities- sattwa, rajas and tamas in a human. These qualities have to be balanced to lead a peaceful life. Her grace will give one the courage to fight the dark qualities arising in one due to the imbalance of the three qualities.
• Thunderbolt – Given by Indra, this weapon symbolizes firmness of spirit. Praying to Mother Durga will help shatter the problems encountered in life without losing confidence. She empowers her devotee with unshaken confidence and will.
• Lotus – It stands for awakening of spiritual consciousness in a soul. Divine Mother will help her devotees to understand the transience of life and seek the ultimate truth.

Worship

Main article: Durga Puja

Durga idol in Hiranandani Gardens.

A traditional Durga idol at a pandal in Kolkata.

The four-day-long (Saptami to Dashami) Durga Puja is the biggest annual festival in Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand and Nepal, where it is known as Dashain. Dashain is the longest national holiday of Nepal. In Dashain, Durga is worshipped in ten forms (Kushmanda, chandraghanta, brahmacharini, shailaputri, skandamata, katyayani, kalaratri, mahagauri, Mahakali and Durga) with one form for each day in Nepal. It is celebrated likewise with much fervour in various parts of India, especially the Himalayan region, but is celebrated in various forms throughout India and the world.

An idol of Durga Pooja, comprising Goddess Durga, her daughters Laxmi, Saraswati and her sons Ganesha, Karitik

The day of Durga's victory is celebrated as Vijayadashami (Bijoya in Bengali), Dashain (Nepali) or Dussehra (in Hindi) – these words literally mean "the Victory on the Tenth (day)".

In Andhra Pradesh she is also worshipped as Kanaka Durgammathalli, where there is also famous temple for Goddess Kanaka Durga in Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada. She is also known by the name of Chandi Bhavani.

In Kashmir she is worshipped as Shaarika (the main temple is in Hari Parbat in Srinagar).

The actual period of the worship however may be on the preceding nine days (Navaratri) followed by the last day called Vijayadashami in North India or five days in Bengal (from the sixth to tenth day of the waxing-moon fortnight). Nine aspects of Durga known as Navadurga are meditated upon, one by one during the nine-day festival by devout Shakti worshippers. Durga Puja also includes the worship of Shiva, who is Durga's consort, in addition to Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya, who are considered to be Durga's children. Worship of Mother nature is done, through nine types of plant (called "Kala Bou"), including a plantain (banana) tree, which represent nine divine forms of Goddess Durga. In South India, especially Andhra Pradesh, Dussera Navaratri is also celebrated and the goddess is dressed each day as a different devi – Shailputri, Bramhacharini, Chandraghanta, etc. – for the nine days.

In Telangana, people celebrate Bathukamma, a flower festival during Navarathri, to honor the 'life-giver' goddess Bathukamma (Durga) with the belief that if young girls pray with devotion, their wishes of getting a good spouse will be fulfilled. On the other hand, married women seek Durga's blessings for prosperity and good year. Women folk arrange flowers in concentric layers to form conical shape and place Durga, made out turmeric on top. Bathukamma is a cultural icon of Telangana.

In North India, the tenth day, is celebrated as Dussehra, the day Rama emerged victorious in his battle against the demon, Ravana. Gigantic straw effigies of Ravana are burnt in designated open spaces (e.g. Delhi's Ram Lila grounds), watched by thousands of families and little children.

In Mysore in Karnataka, Durga is worshipped as Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the city during Dussehra (Dasara) as it is believed that she saved all the people here from Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, who terrorised them. Hence, the city, the then larger region comprising other Kannada regions, got the name "Mysoru" after Goddess Mahishasura Mardhini (ie. slayer of the demon Mahishasura).

In Gujarat it is celebrated as the last day of Navaratri, during which the Garba dance is performed to celebrate the victory of Durga over Mahishasura.

Durga is worshipped in her peaceful form as Maha Gauri, The Fair Lady. Shantadurga also known as Santeri, the patron Goddess of Goa. She is worshipped by all Goan Hindus.

In Maharashtra, Tulja Bhavani, Hedavde Mahalaxmi and Ambabai are worshipped as Mahishasura Mardini, (Bengali: মহিষাসুরমর্দ্দিনী, The Annihilator of Mahishasur) and considered the patron goddess of the land. Bhavani is known as Tulaja, Amba, Renuka, Yamai Saptshrungi and Jogai in different places of Maharashtra. She is the inspirational goddess of Raja Shivaji. As per legends, Bhavani appeared after Shivaji prayed to her and blessed him to be able to make Hindustan or the then India (ruled by the Mughals) independent – the kingdom he established eventually became the Hindu Pad Padshahi (sometimes also called the Maratha Empire), which comprised all the land ruled by the Mughals and brought India back under Hindu sovereignty.

In Bangladesh also, the four-day long Sharadiya Durga Puja (Bengali: শারদীয়া দুর্গা পুজো, ‘autumnal Durga worship’) is the biggest religious festivals for the Hindus and celebrated across the country with Vijayadashami being a national holiday.

The prominence of Durga Puja increased gradually during the British Raj in Bengal. After the Hindu reformists identified Durga with India, she became an icon for the Indian independence movement.

Durga and Ashtanayika

In Hinduism whenever a priest worships Goddess Durga, he has to utter a mantra which gives an account of Goddess Durga together with Ashtanayika (her eight eternal companions). The priest then deeply concentrates his mind upon Goddess Durga together with Ashtanayika.

Western references

Some early Western accounts refer to a deity known as Deumus, Demus or Deumo. Western (Portuguese) sailors first came face to face with the murti of Deumus at Calicut on the Malabar Coast and they concluded it to be the deity of Calicut. Deumus is sometimes interpreted as an aspect of Durga in Hindu mythology and sometimes as deva.

It is described that the ruler of Calicut (Zamorin) had a murti of Deumus in his temple inside his royal palace. The temple was two paces wide in each of the four sides and three paces high, with a wooden door covered with gods carved in relief. At the centre of the temple, there was a metal idol of Deumus placed in a seat, which was also made of metal.

Western accounts also describe the ruler of Calicut worshiping an ultimate god called Tamerani ("Tamburan"). The accounts also describes a misunderstood form of the "hook-swinging" ritual once commonly performed as part of some popular Hindu religious festivals.

Notable temples of Durga

In India

Image of Durga in a small temple next to Rewalsar Lake, Himachal Pradesh, India

Assam

• Deopani Temple, in Golaghat district, Assam

Andhra Pradesh

• Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada

Delhi

• Shri Adya Katyani Shakti Peeth Mandir in Chattarpur

Goa

• Shanta Durga temple in Goa

Gujarat

• Arasuri Ambaji Temple in Gujarat
• Umiya Mataji Temple at Unjha & Sidsar
• Kali Mataji Temple in Pavagadh
• Chamunda Mataji in Chotila

Himachal Pradesh

• Shoolini Devi temple at Solan Himachal Pradesh

Jammu

• Bahu Fort Temple in Jammu
• Bala Sundri Temple in Billawar Jammu
• ChiChi Mata Temple in Jammu
• Kol Kandoli Temple in Jammu
• Mahamaya Temple in Jammu
• Sukrala Mata Temple in Jammu
• Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra Jammu

Karnataka

• Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore Karnataka
• Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple, near Mangalore, Karnataka
• Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple, near Udupi, Karnataka
• Renuka (Yellamma) temple ,Saudatti, Belgavi

Kerala

• Adichikkavu Sree Durga Devi Kshetram, Pandanad, Kerala
• Ammathiruvadi Temple, Thrissur, Kerala
• Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple, Thrissur, Kerala
• Kodikkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Pallippuram, Kerala
• Vengoor Sree Durga Devi Temple, near Perumbavoor- Kerala
• Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala
• Padappad Sree Devi Temple, Thiruvalla, Kerala
• Bhagavathinada Sree Durga Temple, Venganoor, Trivandrum, Kerala
• Shankhumugham Durga Temple, Trivandrum, Kerala
• Aruvikkara Durga Temple, Trivandrum, Kerala
• Kalarivathikkal Devi Temple, Kannur, Kerala
• Pattathil Durga & Bhadra Temple, Vallikunnam, Kerala
• Tirumanthamkunnu Temple Angadippuram, Malappuram, Kerala

Maharashtra

• Tulja Bhavani Temple, in Tuljapur, Maharashtra
• Hedavde Mahalaxmi Temple, in Hedavde near Mumbai close to Virar on Nh8 Highway, Maharashtra
• Saptashrungi Devi Temple, Vani/Nanduri, Nashik

Odisha

• Biraja Temple, Jajpur, Odisha
• Durga Temple, Baideshwar, Odisha
• Katak Chandi Temple, Cuttack, Odisha
• Kichakeshwari Temple, Odisha
• Manikeshwari Temple, Bhawanipatna, Odisha.

Punjab

• Durgiana Temple, Amritsar

Rajasthan

• Ambika Mata Temple in the village of Jagat near Mount Abu in Rajasthan
• Shila Devi temple at Amber, Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Aai Mata Temple at Bilara Dist Jodhpur
• Mata Tripura Sundari at Banswara

Madhya Pradesh

• Bhadwa Mata Temple at Bhadwa Mata near Neemuch

Tripura

• Udaipur, Tripura

Uttar Pradesh

• Vindhyachal temple at Mirzapur

West Bengal

• Kanak Durga Temple, Chikligarh, Medinipur, West Bengal
• Nava Durga Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal
• 23 Palli Durga Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal
• Sarbamongala Mandir, Burdwan, West Bengal
• Durga Mandir, Malbazar, West Bengal

Outside India

• Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Prambanan Temple, Indonesia

See also

• Ayindri
• Devi-Bhagavata Purana
• Devi Mahatmya
• Durga Puja
• Lehara Durga Mandir
• Shaktism
• Jwaladevi Temple

Further reading

• Amazzone, Laura (2010). Goddess Durga and Sacred Female Power. University Press of America, Lanham. ISBN 0761853146.
• Bandyopadhyay, Pranab (1993). Mother Goddess Durga. United Writers, Calcutta. ISBN 81-85328-13-7.
• Kinsley, David (1986). Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions. Motilal Banarsidass Publ., Delhi. ISBN 81-208-0379-5.
• Sen Ramprasad (1720–1781). Grace and Mercy in Her Wild Hair: Selected Poems to the Mother Goddess. Hohm Press. ISBN 0-934252-94-7.

External links

• Durga at DMOZ
• 108 names of Durga from the Durgāsaptaśatī
• http://www.barishachandipuja.com/ (The website in Bengali language displays the image of Goddesss Chandi together with her eight eternal companions)