Mother Goddess Durga, Symbolism of Endless Astounding Attributes

 Mothers are always loving and caring towards their children in every situation. The unconditional love of a mother is beyond any comparison. She tries to pull every chord in order to make her children's wishes come true. She tries to protect her children from all negativities, and mishappenings and stretches herself even beyond human limits if required. 

Can you imagine if a mother in human form can do so much more than what a divine deity can do? Yes, a divine deity can be referred to as God or Goddess and the supernatural being present in the universe. Goddess Durga represents the form of a mother in divine form. She is the Mother Goddess of the entire universe who has created the universe and creatures residing in it. 

About Durga 

Mother Goddess Durga is the main Hindu deity who appeared to conquer the devil Mahishsura for the goodness of human beings. She is the wife of Lord Shiva as Parvati, the daughter of Daksh as Sati and the Goddess of war as Kali. Durga is perceived in numerous ways by her devotees as the Goddess of love, care, motherhood, compassion and protection. She is also depicted as the Goddess of war, preservation, energy and strength.

Each and every part of Goddess Durga imparts a vibrant energy which is symbolic of her immense power and divinity. Goddess Durga is extremely magnificent in her appearance who is seen elegantly sitting on a lion in red saree bedecked with golden jewellery. She is the Goddess with eight hands popular as Ashtabhuja devi. 

Symbolism of Durga 

There are numerous symbols attached to Mother Goddess Durga that define some or the other attributes of Durga. Her different names, forms, nine-forms during Navratri, her eight arms and various texts containing pooja slokas are the symbolism of her in different ways. 

• Goddess Durga is the symbolism of motherhood as she has immense love and care towards her devotees.  

• Durga is also referred to Durgatinashini 

• She is depicted as the Devi of Protection during wars and destruction. She usually combats evil and protects her devotees. 

• She is the epitome of strength possessing excessive power, strength and strong determination to remove evils. 

• She is symbolised as the Goddess of peace and purity as her worship brings peace to the mind and soul. Also the rituals involved in the worship spread an aura of positivity around.

• She is admired as the Goddess of looks and beauty and also considered when it comes to be a responsible wife and mother as Devi Parvati. 

• Mother Goddess also symbolises fearlessness when she appears as Maa Kali and conquers devils.   

• She is also referred to as the one in charge and  the protector of the universe by her name which is made up of ‘Durg’.

  

Other than the depiction of Goddess Durga on the basis of features or powers she holds there are other symbols which define her. Goddess Durga appears as a warrior on the lion with eight hands holding different weapons each of which symbolises special characteristics.

• Conch: Goddess Durga carries a conch in the first upper left hand which symbolises happiness. This symbol encourages people to carry out their duties with cheerfulness and not discontentment. 

• Chakra: Goddess holds Chakra in her first upper right hand which symbolises her dedication towards duties and responsibilities to establish dharma. 

• Sword: There is a sword in the second right lower hand which symbolises removal of evils. This symbol indicates that eradication of evil and bad qualities is must for the development of self.  

• Lotus: There is a lotus flower in the third lower left hand symbolising detachment. It spreads a message that we should live like a lotus flower in the world without any attachments. This is the perfect way of living and getting the blessings of the divine.

• Bow and arrow: Another symbol is that of a bow and arrow in the second left lower hand which is a symbol dedicated to Lord Rama's character. It symbolises that even in the adverse situations in life we must not lose our character.

• Club: In the third right lower hand is the club which is the symbol of Lord Hanuman and symbolises devotion and surrender.

• Trident: In the fourth left lower hand is the Trident the symbol of courage. This is the symbol of removing evil, facing challenges and becoming courageous.

• Hand raised : The fourth lower right hand symbolises forgiveness and blessings by Durga. This tells us that we must forgive ourselves and others for mistakes in order to move ahead and rise.  

• Tiger/Lion: Tiger is the symbolism of power and fearlessness which Goddess Durga grants to her devotees. 

• Red Saree: Red Saree worn by Goddess Durga is the symbolism of action taken by Goddess to destroy evil and protect the universe from sufferings.