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).
