Durga is one of the most popular goddesses in Hinduism . She is the primary object of worship in Shaktism, a major tradition within Hinduism. Durga means the invincible one.
Durga usually is portrayed with eight or ten arms and three eyes and riding a lion or tiger. In her hands she carries a combination of objects that represent different aspects of divinity. These objects include a bell, bow, club, conch shell, drum, shield, skull bowl, sword, and wheel.
A well-known story describes how Durga came into existence, and the feat for which she is best remembered and worshiped. According to this tale, a powerful buffalo demon and his minions threatened to destroy the universe. The gods, all male, found themselves powerless to contain the menace. Finally, they appealed to the great gods Shiva and Vishnu for assistance. But even Shiva and Vishnu were unable to control the demon army. Their solution was to put their combined anger into a goddess. Out of their fury, Durga, a goddess of great beauty and courage, appeared in a sea of light. Durga defeated the demons after a long and vicious battle. Following her triumph, she promised to return whenever the demons proved too powerful for Shiva and Vishnu to handle.
Today, Hindus celebrate Durga as the protector of dharma (moral and religious law) and the destroyer of evil. Hindus in various parts of India commemorate Durga’s victory with a huge annual festival. It is one of the most popular Hindu celebrations. Regional names for the festival include Dasara , Durga Puja, and Navaratri.
