Divine Shakti Durga and Interesting Story About Her

Maa Durga
Hinduism is the oldest religion in ancient times till date. It has its traces back to the 15th century in Indus Valley which is known as current Pakistan. Hinduism has no single founder yet defined by many beliefs and sects. Hinduism has many sects to be purposefully followed and maintained. These are Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. Hinduism is set on the pillars of Trimurti of gods, Vedas, Upanishads, and epics. Here, the trinity of God refers to Brahma (the creator),  Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). Apart from gods, goddesses are also an integral part of devotion and manifestation. These sects are actually groups of people who follow only one god of their own sect. In Vaishnavism, people follow and worship only Vishnu, the preserver of trinity. In Shaivism,  people follow and worship Shiva. In Smartism,  people do not follow any single god instead they believe in supreme being, oneness of gods and goddesses. They are Liberal and non sectarian. Lastly,  in Shaktism, people reverve the supreme as a mother,  shakti, or devi.

In Shaktism, Shakti is worshipped in many forms. People use tantra, mantra, japa, yagna, dhyana, yoga and puja to supplicate cosmic force. Shakti here refers to the goddess Durga who is an invisible power of nature who triumphs over those who want to defeat her. Durga means protection, savage, strength, motherhood, and destruction. She is known by many names like Bhagwati,  Bhawani, Ambe mata, Kali, Chandi, Rajeshwari, and many more names as per the stories associated in different geographical locations. Durga has manifest in nine forms majorly known as Navdurga, Skandmata, Shailputri, Katyani, Chandraghanta, Kaalratri, Baramcharini, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri and Kusumananda. 


All these forms are celebrated on each day in a nine-day long festival called Navratri. People worship Different forms of Durga in these Navratri.


Appearance


Durga is a mother figure who protects and garnishes her devotees. She is always shown as a multi-limbed deity. In many idols and images, she is shown with 8  hands to 18 hands carrying a different object with the depiction of worldly things. She wears a red saree which depicts happiness and confidence of doing the right things with the right motives and values.


She is sitting on a tiger or lion which depicts fearlessness. She is also called Ashtdati meaning a goddess having eight hands. All the objects and weapons she carries in her hands have symbolic significance. The conch shell depicts the mystic word Om. The bow and the arrow represent energy. Thunderbolt signifies attacking challenges without losing confidence. Lotus represents blooming without fear. The sudarshan chakra signifies time and immoral nature. Trishul symbolizes the trinity of human nature, rajshik, tamasik and satwik. Sword symbolizes eradication of all evils. Club denotes devotion and surrender. The last hand shows blessings and forgiveness.


BIRTH OF DURGA


According to Shiva Purana, Durga was invoked by Lord Shiva from his left² side and created Shivloka. She was given cosmic form at the time. of Mahisha Asur Vardhan. Mahisasur was a demon half human and half buffalo. He havoc the whole universe with his endangering acts and I’ll wish to capture Swarg ( heaven)and prith humans vi( earth). He was blessed by Brahma that no animal and no man can kill her. He endangered the existence of gods. Durga was morphed into a light first by Lord shiva and Vishnu to protect the universe from Mahishasura. She challenged Mahisasur to battle and killed all the demons he got in his army.  


One can find a variety of Durga idols and images depicting different acts and poses. These idols come in handy in different metals and materials. The idol could be of Mahisasur Vardhini(Durga killing the demon with Trishul) and many image show Durga riding a ferrous tiger or lion. In Maharashtra and southern parts of India. people go for immersioìn of the Durga idol after completitioń of nine-day long festival, Navratri.


Also read: Top 8 Hindu Temples in India Dedicated to Goddess Durga (statuestudio.com)


Worshipping Durga


Before placing a Durga idol or image, the North East corner should be decorated and clean.

It should be clean and hygienic. She is worshipped with many things like clay pots, durva, barley seeds and coconut, flower rice, and kumkum.


  • She should be decorated with flowers.
  • Offer her incense sticks.
  • Place sweets and fruits on a table. 
  • Chant Durga Chalisa or mantra daily in front of the statue.

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