Durga
In Hinduism, Durga (Sanskrit: "the inaccessible") is a form of Devi, the supreme goddess. Goddess Durga is said to be the mother of Ganesha, Kartikeya as well of Saraswati and Lakshmi.
Durga is depicted as a warrior woman with 10 arms who rides a lion or a tiger, carries weapons and assumes mudras, or symbolic hand gestures. This form of the Goddess is the embodiment of feminine and creative energy (Shakti)
Durga in the Hindu tradition
The acknowledgment and reverence of the Female Principle, The Goddess, first appears in Hinduism in its most ancient authority, the most ancient of Indo-European texts, the Sanskrit Rig Ved itself. Whereas Indologist scholars have seen fit to suggest that the worship of the "Primal Mother" is an introduction into the religion from the Dravidian population, it cannot be ignored how tutelary The Goddess was to the Aryans themselves.
The "narration of energies" , known in Sanskrit as "sukt" appears in the Rig Ved as the (Rig Vedao'ktam - literally, "created of the Rig Ved") "Devi Suktam."
The personification of Nature, Shakti ("Energy"), or of Universal Consciousness was taken, rightly so, by the Vedic Indians to be utterly beyond human comprehension. Indeed, several Sanskritic verses often demonstrate an apologetic tone to the perceived gods, asking and stating the seeming impossibility of the task of "Divine Description".
The Vedic Goddess, known by various names, is commonly regarded as the collective strength of all that is. She is Aditi, the Solar Mother, Creatrix Superior, mother of the Sun and the creative potency of The Lord of the Universe Himself.
The Gayatri mantra, chanted with much fervour by practising Hindus, is dedicated to the Sun not as a star, but for His (the Sun's) energy, i.e. Shakti.
According to the narrative from the Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana, the form of Durga was created as a warrior goddess to fight a demon. The demon's father Rambha, king of the demons, once fell in love with a water buffalo, and Mahish Asur (the demon Mahish) was born out of this union. He is therefore able to change between human and buffalo form at will (mahish means "buffalo"). Through intense prayers to Brahma, Mahishasur had the boon that he could not be defeated by any man or god. He unleashed a reign of terror on earth, heaven and the nether worlds.
Eventually, since only a woman could kill him, the Holy Male Trinity bestowed a dazzling beam of energy upon their own consorts, transforming them into one generic goddess, Durga.
The Great Goddess is said to be exquisitely beautiful. Her form is blindingly bright, with three lotus-like eyes, ten powerful hands, lush hair with beautiful curls, a red-golden glow from her skin and a quarter moon on her forehead. She wears a shiny oceanic blue attire emitting fierce rays. Her ornaments were carved beautifully of gold, with ocean pearls and precious stones embedded in it. Her face was sculpted by Shiva, torso by Indra, breasts by Chandra (the moon), teeth by Brahma, bottom by the Earth, thighs and knees by Varuna (water), and her three eyes by Agni (fire). Each god also gave her their own most powerful weapons, Rudra's trident, Vishnu's discus, Indra's thunderbolt, Brahma's kamandal, Kuber's gada, etc.
The word Shakti, meaning strength, reflects the warrior aspect of the goddess, embodying a traditional male role. She is also strikingly beautiful, and initially Mahishasura tries to marry her. Other incarnations include Annapurna and Karunamayi (karuna = kindness).
Durga (Shakti / Devi) is one of the most popular goddesses among the Hindu people. Devi represents strength, morality, power and protection. Goddess Durga is the divine mother, who protects people from evil forces of selfishness, jealousy, hatred, anger and ego. Durga Devi Mantras form the part of prayers offered to the goddess. Mantras for Maa Durga are as follows:
Na Mantram No Yantram Tadapi Cha Na Jane Stutimaho Na Chavhanam Dhyanam Tadapi Cha Na Jane Stutikathah I
Na Jane Mudraste Tadapi Cha Na Jane Vilapanam Param Jane Matastvadanusaranam Kleshaharanam II
Meaning: O Maa Durga! I don't know any prayer or any magical summons to invoke you. Neither I know any mantra and have no idea how to meditate on you. I don't know your story or glory as well. I neither know your various postures nor am I given to crying in distress. The only thing I know is that seeking shelter under your protection and following your command will definitely end all sufferings.
Vidheragyanen Dravinavirhenalasataya Vidheyashakyatvattva Charanyorya Chyutirbhut I
Tadetat Kshantavyam Janani Sakaloddharini Shive Kuputro Jayet Kwachidapi Kumata Na Bhavti II
Meaning: O Durga, assure salvation to all troubled, I don't know how to worship you. I don't have resources or temperament since I am nasty by nature. I don't have special knowledge to conduct your worship as well. In rendering service to you if, I have made any mistakes or errors, forgive me Mother because there could be a bad son but never a bad mother.
Prithivyam Putraste Janani Vahavaha Santi Saralah Param Tesham Madhye Viralataraloaham Tava Sutah I
Madi Yoayam Tyagah Samuchitamidam No Taya Shive Kuputro Kwachidapi Kumata Na Bhavati II
Meaning: O Maa Durga, this earth has many of your naïve sons, but I am the most fickle among them. There would be hardly any one like me. Yet, O Shive! Rejecting me like this is not proper in this world, as there could be a bad son but never a bad mother.
Jaganmatarmatastava Charanseva Na Rachita Na Va Duttam Devi Dravinamapi Bhooyastava Maya I
Tathapi Tvam Sneham Mayi Nirupam Yatprakurushe Kuputro Jayet Kwachidapi Kumata Na Bhavati II
Meaning: O Mother of the World! I have never rendered any service to you. I never offered money to you. Yet, you bless me always for the reason that in this world there could be a bad son but never a bad mother.
Parittyakta Deva Vividhavidhisewa Kulataya Maya Panchasheeteradhikamapneete Tu Vayasi I
Idani Chenmatastava Yadi Kripa Napi Bhavata Niralambo Lambodar Janani Kam Yami Sharanam II
Meaning: O Parvati, mother of Lord Ganesha, I had been busy restlessly. But now, I have stopped worshipping other gods as I cannot worship them ritually. Therefore, I don't even expect any help from them. In such a condition I am absolutely helpless. From whom I seek shelter? I have no hope from any other god except you.
Shwapako Jalpako Bhavti Madhupako Magira Niratanko Ranko Viharati Chiram Kotikanakaih I
Tavaparne Karne Vishati Manvarne Phalamidam Janah Ko Janeete Janani Japaneeyam Japvidhhau II
Meaning: O Maa Aparna! One word of your holy prayer that falls in the ear of a foolish rascal is sufficient to make him utter sweet speech like an experienced scholar. With your blessing, a pauper then becomes rich owning millions of gold coins and enjoying life with all its joys till ripe old age. When listening to one word can work such wonders, who can presume the reward obtained by those, who continuously chant your name with full custom of worship.
Chitabhasmalepo Garalamashanam Dikpatdharo Jatadhari Kanthe Bhujagapati Hari Paushupatih I
Kapali Bhootesho Bhajati Jagdeeshai Ka Padavin Bhavani Tvatpanigrahan Paripati Phal Midam II
Meaning: O Durga Bhavani! The one, who keeps his body smeared with the ashes of the dead-bodies; who takes poison for food, who remains naked; who has matted hair on head and the serpent king Vasuki surrounding his neck; who has a cupal like container in his hands. If such a Bhootnath, Lord Shiva (Pashupati-Lord of Animals) is crowned with a title of Jagdeesh, then what is the reason behind it? How did he gain such importance? The clear evidence is your marriage with him.
Na Mokshasyakancha Bhavavibhavavancha Cha Na Mey Na Vigyanapeksha Shashimukh Sukheccha Na Punah I
Atastvan Sanyache Janani Jananam Yatu Mum Vai Mridani Rudrani Shiv-Shiv Bhavaneeti Japatah II
Meaning: O Maa Durga, with face of moon's elegance, I don't crave for Salvation or for material possessions. I don't even hope to get any expertise in sciences. I don't long for pleasure as well. My only request to you is to permit me to pass my entire life chanting "Mridani Rudrani Shiva-Shiva Bhavani".
Naradhitasi Vidhina Vividhopachareh Kim Rukshachintak Pareirna Kritam Vachobhib I
Shayme Tvameva Yadi Kinchan Maiyyanathe Dhatse Kripamuchitalam Param Tavaiva II
Meaning: O Maa Shyama! I never worshipped you with complete rituals or lots of offerings. I was always occupied in harsh words, which crime did my speech not commit? Yet, if you care for this shelter less orphan on your own, this is eligible only for you. Only a kind hearted mother like you can give refuge to such a bad son, as I am.
Aapatsu Magnah Smaranam Tvadeeyam Karomi Durge Karunarna Veshi I
Naitaccha Thatvam Mum Methah Kshudhartrisharta Jananim Smaranti II
Meaning: O Compassionate Goddess Durga! If I remember you after falling in trouble and not before, please do not treat me like a dishonest rogue for the reason that all children yell for mother when they are troubled.
Jagdamb Vichitramatra Kim Paripoorna Karunaasti Chenmayi I
Aparadha Parampara Param Na Hi Mata Samupekshate Sutam II
Meaning: O Mother of the World! If you still show your kindness towards me should not cause any surprise for the reason, if a son has bent on committing sin after sin, still his mother does not abandon him.
Matsamah Palaki Nasti Papaghni Twatsama Na Hi I
Evam Gyatva Mahadevi Yatha Yogyam Tatha Kuru II
Meaning: O Maa Durga! I am the greatest sinner and you are the greatest sin-destroyer. Considering this fact in mind, kindly do whatever you think proper.
| The sloka of 108 popular names of Goddess Durga are daily recited by Her devotees. The names and the meanings are as follows- | ||
| S. No. | Durga Name | Meaning |
| 1 | Devi | The Deity |
| 2 | Durga | The Inaccessible |
| 3 | Tribhuvaneshwari | Goddess of Sargya, Martya and Patal |
| 4 | Yashodagarba Sambhoota | Coming out from Yashoda's Womb |
| 5 | Narayanavarapriya | In liking of Narayana's Boons |
| 6 | Nandagopakulajata | Daughter of the Nandagopa Race |
| 7 | Mangalya | Auspicious, Sacred |
| 8 | Kulavardhini | Progressor of the Race |
| 9 | Kamsavidravanakari | Who made a threat to Kamsa |
| 10 | Asurakshayamkari | Who reduced the number Of Demons |
| 11 | Shilathata Vinikshibda | At the time of birth, slammed by Kamsa |
| 12 | Akashagamini | Move In the sky |
| 13 | Vasudevabhagini | Sister Of Vasudeva |
| 14 | Divamalya Vibhooshita | Ornamented with beautiful garlands |
| 15 | Divyambaradhara | Beautifully Robed |
| 16 | Khadgaketaka Dharini | Who hold Sword And Shield |
| 17 | Shiva | Auspicious,Sacred |
| 18 | Papadharini | Bearer of others' faults |
| 19 | | Sister of |
| 20 | Varada | One who grants the Boons |
| 21 | Kumari | Young and Virgin Girl |
| 22 | Brahmacharini | One who seeks for Brahman |
| 23 | Balarkasadrushakara | Like The Rising Sun |
| 24 | Purnachandra Nibhanana | Beautiful Like The Full Moon |
| 25 | Chaturbhuja | Who has four arms |
| 26 | Chaturvakttra | Who has four faces |
| 27 | Peenashroni Payodhara | Large Bosomed |
| 28 | Mayoora Pichhavalaya | Adorned with Peacock-Feathered Bangles |
| 29 | Keyurangadadharini | Ornamented with Armlets And Bracelets |
| 30 | Krishnachhavisama | Similar with |
| 31 | | Dark-Complexioned |
| 32 | Sankarshanasamanana | Equal to Sankarshana |
| 33 | Indradhwaja Samabahudharini | Whose shoulders like Indra's Flag |
| 34 | Patradharini | One who holds the Vessels |
| 35 | Pankajadharini | One who holds the Lotus |
| 36 | Kanttadhara | One who holds Shiva's neck |
| 37 | Pashadharini | One who holds the rope |
| 38 | Dhanurdharini | Who holds the Bow |
| 39 | Mahachakradharini | Who holds the Chakra |
| 40 | Vividayudhadhara | One who carries various Weapons |
| 41 | Kundalapurnakarna Vibhooshita | Wearer Of Earrings which Covers The ears |
| 42 | Chandravispardimukha | Beautiful Like The Moon |
| 43 | Mukutavirajita | Adorned with a Shining Crown |
| 44 | Shikhipichhadwaja Virajita | Having Peacock-Feathered Flag |
| 45 | Kaumaravratadhara | Observer Of Fasts Like Young Girls Do |
| 46 | Tridivabhavayirtri | Goddess Of Sargya, Martya, Patal |
| 47 | Tridashapujita | The Goddess Of The Celestials |
| 48 | Trailokyarakshini | Protector Of The Sargya, Martya, Patal |
| 49 | Mahishasuranashini | Destroyer of the great demon Mahisha |
| 50 | Prasanna | Cheerfulness |
| 51 | Surashreshtta | Supreme among the Celestials |
| 52 | Shiva | Shiva's better half |
| 53 | Jaya | Who can gain the victory over all |
| 54 | Vijaya | Who can conquer over all |
| 55 | Sangramajayaprada | Granter Of victory In the war |
| 56 | Varada | Bestower of all |
| 57 | Vindhyavasini` | Resident Of The Vindhyas |
| 58 | Kali | Goddess of Death |
| 59 | Kali | Dark-Complexioned |
| 60 | Mahakali | Mahakala's wife |
| 61 | Seedupriya | Who is fond of drinks |
| 62 | Mamsapriya | Who is fond of flesh |
| 63 | Pashupriya | Who is fond of all beings |
| 64 | Bhootanushruta | Well-Wisher Of Bhootaganas |
| 65 | Varada | Bestower |
| 66 | Kamacharini | Acting On One's Own Accord |
| 67 | Papaharini | Destroyer Of all Sins |
| 68 | Shree | Sacred |
| 69 | Kriti | Who gain fame over |
| 70 | Dhruti | Valiant |
| 71 | Siddhi | Having all Success |
| 72 | Hri | Holy Chant Of Hymns |
| 73 | Vidhya | Wisdom |
| 74 | Santati | Who grants all issues |
| 75 | Mati | Wise |
| 76 | Sandhya | Twilight,Evening |
| 77 | Ratri | Night, darkness |
| 78 | Prabha | Pre-Dawn hours |
| 79 | Nitya | Eternal and universal |
| 80 | Jyotsana | Radiant Like Flames |
| 81 | Kantha | Radiance |
| 82 | Khama | Forgiveness |
| 83 | Daya | Compassionate |
| 84 | Bandhananashini | One who detaches the Attachments |
| 85 | Mohanashini | One who destroys the Desires |
| 86 | Putrapamrityunashini | Sustainer Of Son's Untimely Death |
| 87 | Dhanakshayanashini | Controller Of Wealth Decrease |
| 88 | Vyadhinashini | Vanquisher Of Ailments |
| 89 | Mruthyunashini | Destroyer Of Death |
| 90 | Bhayanashini | Destroyer Of Fear |
| 91 | Padmapatrakshi | Eyes Like The Beauty of Lotus Leaf |
| 92 | Durga | Who can remove Distress |
| 93 | Sharanya | Who can grant Refuge |
| 94 | Bhaktavatsala | Bestower Of Devotees |
| 95 | Saukhyada | Bestower Of Well-Being |
| 96 | Arogyada | Granter Of Good Health |
| 97 | Rajyada | Bestower Of Kingdom |
| 98 | Ayurda | Granter Of Longevity |
| 99 | Vapurda | Granter Of Beautiful Appearance |
| 100 | Sutada | Granter Of all Issues |
| 101 | Pravasarakshika | Protects the Travellers |
| 102 | Nagararakshika | Protects the Land |
| 103 | Sangramarakshika | Protects the Wars |
| 104 | Shatrusankata Rakshika | Protects the Distressed from the foes |
| 105 | Ataviduhkhandhara Rakshika | Protects the Ignorant And Distressed |
| 106 | Sagaragirirakshika | Protects over the Seas And Hills |
| 107 | Sarvakaryasiddhi Pradayika | One who grants Success In All Attempts |
| 108 | Durga | Deity Durga |
| Besides these 108 names, Durga is also called by many other names, such as, Rati, Barani, Tamasi, Nanda, Tulsi Devi, Roudri, Naini Devi etc. | ||
The Worship of Durga;-
The 9 days Durga Puja is the biggest annual festival in Bengal, celebrated likewise with much fervour in the other extremity of
The day of Durga's victory is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi (East and South India), Dashain (Nepal) or Dussehra (North India) - these words literally mean "the Victorius Tenth" (day), vijaya means "of-victory". 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 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.
In North India, this tenth day, signifying Rama's victory in his battle against the demon Ravana, is celebrated as Dussehra - 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 Gujarat it is celebrated as the last day of Navaratri, during which the Garba dance is performed to celebrate the vigorous victory of Mahishasura-mardini Durga.
The Goddess Durga worshipped in her peaceful form as MahaGauri, The Fair Lady, Shree Shantadurga also known as santeri , is the patron Goddess of Goa. She is worshipped by all Goan Hindus irrespective of caste and even by some Christians in Goa.
Goddess Durga is worshipped in many temples of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.
List of Durga temples in India
- DurgaKund Temple in Varanasi , the biggest of all durga temples
- Matrimandir in the city of
- Sri Durga Parameshwari Mata Mandir,Karla
- Ambika Mata Temple in the
- Bhairabi Devalaya, in Tezpur, Assam
- Sri Vijaya Durga Saunsthan, Keri, GOA
- Kalighat
- Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam
- Devi Dol, Sibsagar, Assam
- Devi Dol,
- Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
- Shanta Durga temple in Goa
- Shri Siddha Peeth
- Shri Maihar Devi, Maihar, Madhya Pradesh
- Shri Vaishno Devi,
- Jamwa Mata temple at Jamwa Ramgarh district Jaipur Rajasthan
- Shila Devi temple at Amber Jaipur Rajasthan
- Sri Katyayani Peeth
- Sri Adya Katyayani Mandir,Chattarpur, New Delhi
- Sri Kalka Ji Mandir,Kalkaji, New Delhi
- Sri Sheetla Mata Mandir,Gurgaon
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