Durga
Goddess Durga, (Maa Shakti or Devi
Maa) is the protective mother of the universe.
She is one of the most popular
deities, a protector of all that is good and harmonious in the world.
Sitting astride a lion or tiger, the
multi-limbed Maa Durga battles the forces of evil in the world.
In Sanskrit, Durga means "a
fort" or "a place that is difficult to overrun," an apt metaphor
for this deity's protective, militant nature.
Maa Durga is sometimes referred to as
Durgatinashini, which literally translates into "the one who eliminates
sufferings."
As major gods and goddesses have
multiple incarnations, Durga is no different; among her many avatars are Kali,
Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, Kandalini, Java, and Rajeswari.
When Durga appears as herself, she
manifests in one of nine appellations or forms: Skandamata, Kusumanda,
Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Brahmacharini, Maha Gauri, Katyayani, Chandraghanta,
and Siddhidatri. Collectively known as the Navadurga.
Befitting her role as mother
protector, Maa Durga is multi-limbed so that she may always be ready to battle
evil from any direction.
In most depictions, she has between
eighteen arms and holds a symbolic object in each hand.
Durga carries a variety of weapons
and other items that she uses in her fight against evil. Each has a symbolic
meaning.
Maa Durga is frequently depicted
standing atop or riding a tiger or lion, which represents power, will, and
determination.
In riding this fearsome beast, Maa
Durga symbolizes her mastery over all these qualities. Her bold pose is called
Abhay Mudra, which means "freedom from fear."
