Introduction to Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga is considered one of the most powerful and revered goddesses of Hinduism. She is known by many divine names like Adishakti, Jagadamba, Narayani and Shakti Swarupa. In the Panchadev Upasana of Hinduism, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Suryadev and Goddess Durga are worshipped. According to religious beliefs, Goddess Durga took an incarnation to protect religion, the welfare of the nobles and the destruction of evil forces. She became famous as “Durga” after killing the demon named Durgam. Goddess Durga is considered a symbol of strength, courage, compassion and justice.
Divine form and importance of Mother Durga
In the Vedas and Puranas, Goddess Durga is described as the primal power of the entire universe. According to the Rigveda and Devi Bhagavata Purana, Mother Durga is the supreme power that governs the entire universe. She is considered indestructible and omnipotent. The virgin girl and the Kalash are considered the symbols of Mother Durga. Devotees believe that Mother Durga controls the powers of the planets and the universe and saves her devotees from every danger.
Origin story of Goddess Durga
According to the Puranas, one incarnation of Goddess Durga was as Mother Sati. She was born as the daughter of King Daksha Prajapati. Once Daksha Prajapati organized a huge yagna in which all the gods were invited, but Lord Shiva and Mother Sati were not invited. Despite not being invited, Mother Sati reached her father's yagna. When Lord Shiva was insulted there, Mother Sati got angry and assumed the terrifying form of Ugrachandi and destroyed the yagna. Later, this same power gained fame in the world as Durga by destroying the impenetrable demon.
The powerful form of Goddess Ugrachandi
Goddess Ugrachandi is considered to be the most fierce and powerful form of Mother Durga. This form was especially manifested to destroy evil forces. According to beliefs, she has eighteen arms and each hand has different divine weapons. Goddess Ugrachandi is specially worshipped in many places on the ninth day of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Ashwin. This day is considered very auspicious for Shakti Upasana.
Family of Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga is considered to be the form of Shakti of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya are considered her sons. Also Ashokasundari, Jyoti and Manasa Devi are described as her daughters. Mother Durga's family is considered to be a symbol of knowledge, power, prosperity and patience.
Forms and weapons of Mother Durga
In religious texts, many divine forms of Goddess Durga are described. She is depicted as an octagonal or eighteen-armed form riding a lion. Her hands are adorned with a trident, chakra, mace, sword, conch, bow, lotus, noose and other weapons. This form of Goddess Durga symbolizes the victory of truth and the destruction of evil. Her lion vehicle is considered a symbol of courage and fearlessness.
Worship of Goddess Durga and Importance of Navratri
Navratri has special importance in the worship of Goddess Durga. Four main Navratris are celebrated during the year, including Chaitra Navratri, Sharadiya Navratri, Magh Gupta Navratri and Ashadh Gupta Navratri. Out of these, Sharadiya Navratri is considered the most popular and important. For nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga and observe fasts. Durga Puja is celebrated in a grand manner across India.
Powerful Mantras of Goddess Durga
Devotees chant various mantras to obtain the grace of Goddess Durga. “Om Shri Durgayai Namah” is one of the most popular mantras. Also, the seed mantra “Om Du Durgayai Namah” has special significance. Regular chanting of Durga Gayatri Mantra provides mental peace, confidence and positive energy.
Major festivals associated with Goddess Durga
Festivals like Durga Puja, Chaitra Navratri, Sharadiya Navratri, Durgashtami and Gupta Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga. During these festivals, special pujas and religious programs are organized in temples and pandals across the country. Devotees worship the Goddess through fasting, bhajans and aarti.
Famous Temples of Goddess Durga
There are many famous temples of Goddess Durga in India where lakhs of devotees visit every year. Ambaji Temple in Gujarat, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple in Kolkata, Durgakund Temple in Varanasi and Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir are considered to be very famous Shaktipeeths.