Durga | |
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Devanagari | दुर्गा |
In Hinduism, Durga (दुर्गा, "the inaccessible"[1] or "the invincible") or Maa Durga (Mother Durga) "one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress".[citation needed] Durga is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having ten arms, riding a lion or a tiger, carrying weapons (including a lotus flower), maintaining a meditative smile, and practicing mudras, or symbolic hand gestures.
An embodiment of creative feminine force (Shakti), Durga exists in a state of svātantrya (independence from the universe and anything/anybody else, i.e., self-sufficiency) and fierce compassion. Durga is considered by Hindus to be an aspect of Kali, and the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya.[2] She is thus considered the fiercer, demon-fighting form of Shiva's wife, goddess Parvati. Durga manifests fearlessness and patience, and never loses her sense of humor, even during spiritual battles of epic proportion.
Legend
The word Shakti means divine feminine force, and Durga is the warrior aspect of the Divine Mother. Other incarnations include Annapurna and Karunamayi (karuna = kindness). Durga's darker aspect Kali is represented as the consort of the god Shiva, on whose body she is often seen standing.
Durga's form is blindingly bright, as a radiant goddess (devi), 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 attire emitting fierce rays. Her jewellery is beautifully made of gold with ocean pearls and precious stones embedded in it.
As a goddess, Durga's feminine power contains the energies of the gods. Each of her weapons was gifted to her by various gods: Rudra's trident, Vishnu's discus, Indra's thunderbolt, Brahma's kamandalu, Kuber's Ratnahar, etc.
According to a narrative in the Devi Mahatmya story of the Markandeya Purana text, Durga was created as a warrior goddess to fight an asura (an inhumane force/demon) named Mahishasur. He had unleashed a reign of terror on earth, heaven and the nether worlds, and he could not be defeated by any man or god, anywhere. The gods went to Brahma, who had given Mahishasura the power to be the invincible conqueror of the universe. Brahma could do nothing. They made Brahma their leader and went to Vaikuntha — the place where Vishnu lay on Ananta Naag. They found both Vishnu and Shiva, and Brahma eloquently related the reign of terror Mahishasur had unleashed on the three worlds. Hearing this Vishnu, Shiva and all of the gods became very angry and beams of fierce light emerged from their bodies. The blinding sea of light met at the Ashram of a priest named Katyan. The goddess Durga took the name Katyani from the priest and emerged from the sea of light. She introduced herself in the language of the Rig-Veda, saying she was the form of the supreme Brahman who had created all the gods. Now she had come to fight the demon to save the gods. They did not create her; it was her lila that she emerged from their combined energy. The gods were blessed with her compassion.
It is said that upon initially encountering Durga, Mahishasura underestimated her, thinking: "How can a woman kill me, Mahishasur — the one who has defeated the trinity of gods?"[citation needed] However, Durga roared with laughter, which caused an earthquake which made Mahishasur aware of her powers.
And the terrible Mahishasur rampaged against her, changing forms many times. First he was a buffalo demon, and she defeated him with her sword. The he changed forms and became an elephant that tied up the goddess's tiger and began to pull it towards him. The goddess cut off his trunk with her Khorgo. The demon Mahishasur continued his terrorizing, taking the form of a lion, and then the form of a man, but both of them were gracefully slain by Durga.
Then Mahishasur began attacking once more, starting to take the form of a buffalo again. The patient goddess became very angry, and as she sipped divine wine from a cup she smiled and proclaimed to Mahishasur in a colorful tone — "Roar with delight while you still can, O illiterate demon, because when I will kill you after drinking this, the gods themselves will roar with delight".[This quote needs a citation] When Mahashaur had half emerged into his buffalo form, he was paralyzed by the extreme light emitting from the goddess's body. The goddess then resounded with laughter before cutting Mahishasur's head down with her Khorgo.
Thus Durga slew Mahishasur, thus is the power of the fierce compassion of Durga. Hence, Mata Durga is also known as Mahishasurmardhini — the slayer of Mahishasur. According to one legend, the goddess Durga created an army to fight against the forces of the demon-king Mahishasur, who was terrorizing Heaven and Earth. After ten days of fighting, Durga and her army defeated Mahishasur and killed him. As a reward for their service, Durga bestowed upon her army the knowledge of jewelry-making. Ever since, the Sonara community has been involved in the jewelry profession [3].
The goddess as Mahisasuramardhini appears quite early in Indian art. The Archaeological Museum in Matura has several statues on display including a 6-armed Kushana period Mahisasuramardhini that depicts her pressing down the buffalo with her lower hands [4]. A Nagar plaque from the first century BC - first century AD depicts a 4-armed Mahisamardhini accompanied by a lion. But it is in the Gupta period that we see the finest representations of Mahisasuramardhini (2-, 4-, 6-, and at Udayagiri, 12-armed). The spear and trident are her most common weapons. a Mamallapuram relief shows the goddess with 8 arms riding her lion subduing a bufalo-faced demon (as contrasted with a buffalo demon); a variation also seen at Ellora. In later sculptures (post-seventh Century), sculptures show the goddess having decapitated the buffalo demon.
Worship
The four day long Durga Puja is the biggest annual festival in Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, and Assam. It is celebrated likewise with much fervour in other parts of India, especially the Himalayan region, but is celebrated in various forms throughout the Hindu universe.
The day of Durga's victory is celebrated as Vijayadashami (Bengali), Dashain (Nepali) or Dussehra (Hindi) - these words literally mean "the Victory Tenth" (day).[5]
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 (Navaratri) 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, the 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 Mysore Karnataka, she is worshipped as Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the city during Dussehra
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 is worshiped in her peaceful form as Maha Gauri, The Fair Lady, Shree Shantadurga also known as santeri, is the patron Goddess of Goa. She is worshiped by all Goan Hindus.
The Rituals of Durga Puja
The festival of Durga Puja starts with Mahalaya, the first phase of the waxing moon in Aswin. Thousands offer prayers to their ancestors at the city's river banks, a ritual called Tarpan. The inauguration of the Goddess idol starts on Mahashasthi. The main puja is for three days - Mahasaptami, Mahaastami, Mahanavami. The puja rituals are long and very detailed and complicated. Three days of Mantras and Shlokas and Arati and offerings - needs an expert priest to do this kind of Puja. Because of these facts, the number of Pujas held in the family has reduced and Durga Puja has mostly emerged as a community festival.
Mahashashthi On this day Goddess Durga arrives to the mortal world from her heavenly abode, accompanied by her children. She is welcomed with much fanfare amidst the beats of dhak. Unveiling the face of the idol is the main ritual on this day. Kalaparambho, the ritual performed before the commencement of the puja precedes Bodhon, Amontron and Adibas.
Mahasaptami Saptami is the first day of Durga puja. Kola Bow or Nabapatrika is given a pre-dawn bath. This is an ancient ritual of worshiping nine types of plants. They are together worshiped as a symbol of the goddess. The main Saptami Puja follows Kalparambho and Mahasnan.
Mahaastami The day began with a recital of Sanskrit hymns in community puja pandals as thousands of devotees offered anjali to the goddess. Kumari Puja or the worship of little girls as the mother goddess was a special part of the rituals observed in a number of traditional and household pujas. As the day wore on, it was time for the important Sandhi Puja, which marks the inter-linking of the Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami.
Mahanavami This is the concluding day of Durga Puja. The main Navami puja begins after the end of Sandhi Puja. The Navami Bhog is offered to the goddess. This is later partaken as prasad by the devotees.
Dashami After the three days of Puja, in Dashami , in the last day, a tearful farewell is offered to the Goddess. Most of the community pujas postpone the farewell as long as possible and arrange a grand send-off. The images are carried in processions around the locality and finally is immersed in a nearby river or lake. Vijaya Dashami is an event celebrated all over the country.
Notable temples in India and Indonesia
- Ammathiruvadi Temple, Thrissur, Kerala, India
- Matrimandir in the city of Auroville near Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu.
- Ambika Mata Temple in the village of Jagat near Mount Abu in Rajasthan, India.
- Bhairabi Devalaya, in Tezpur, Assam
- Kalighat Temple, Kolkata.
- Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam
- Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
- Shanta Durga temple in Goa
- Shila Devi temple at Amber Jaipur Rajasthan
- Shitla Mata temple at Patna Bihar
- Vindhyachal temple near Kashi
- Amaramkavu temple at Kolani Thodupuzha Kerala
- Chintpurni Temple at una Himachal Pradesh
- Jwalamukhi Temple - Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
- Chamunda Devi - Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
- Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore Karnataka
- Mookambika Temple - Kollur, Karnataka
- Kateel Temple - Kateel, Karnataka
- Jhakhu Temple - Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Naina Devi Temple - Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh
- Bhimakali Temple - Sarhan Himachal Pradesh
- Hadimba Devi Temple - Manali Himachal Pradesh
- Balasundari Temple - Nahan Himachal Pradesh
- Prambanan Temple - Indonesia
Name Meaning
Durga The Inaccessible
Devi The Diety
Tribhuvaneshwari Goddess of The Three Worlds
Yashodagarba Sambhoota Emerging From Yashoda's Womb
Narayanavarapriya Fond of Narayana's Boons
Nandagopakulajata Daughter Of The Nandagopa Race
Mangalya Auspicious
Kulavardhini Developer Of The Race
Kamsavidravanakari Threatened Kamsa
Asurakshayamkari Reducer Of The Number Of Demons
Shilathata Vinikshibda At Birth,Slammed By Kamsa
Akashagamini Flew In The Sky
Vasudevabhagini Sister Of Vasudeva
Divamalya Vibhooshita Adorned With Beautiful Garlands
Divyambaradhara Beautifully Robed
Khadgaketaka Dharini Holder Of Sword And Shield
Shiva Auspicious
Papadharini Bearer Of Others' Sins
Varada Granter Of Boons
Krishna Sister Of Krishna
Kumari Young Girl
Brahmacharini Seeker Of Brahman
Balarkasadrushakara Like The Rising Sun
Purnachandra Nibhanana Beautiful Like The Full Moon
Chaturbhuja Four-Armed
Chaturvakttra Four-Faced
Peenashroni Payodhara Large Bosomed
Mayoora Pichhavalaya Wearer Of Peacock-Feathered Bangles
Keyurangadadharini Bejewelled With Armlets And Bracelets
Krishnachhavisama Like Krishna's Radiance
Krishna Dark-Complexioned
Sankarshanasamanana Equal To Sankarshana
Indradhwaja Samabahudharini With Shoulders Like Indra's Flag
Patradharini Vessel-Holder
Pankajadharini Lotus-Holder
Kanttadhara Holder of Shiva's Neck
Pashadharini Holder Of Rope
Dhanurdharini Holder Of Bow
Mahachakradharini Holder Of Chakra
Vividayudhadhara Bearer Of Various Weapons
Kundalapurnakarna Vibhooshita Wearer Of Earrings Covering The Ears
Chandravispardimukha Beautiful Like The Moon
Mukutavirajita Shining With Crown Adorned
Shikhipichhadwaja Virajita Having Peacock-Feathered Flag
Kaumaravratadhara Observer Of Fasts Like Young Girls Do
Tridivabhavayirtri Goddess Of The Three Worlds
Tridashapujita The Goddess Of The Celestials
Trailokyarakshini Protector Of The Three Worlds
Mahishasuranashini Destroyer Of Mahisha
Prasanna Cheerful
Surashreshtta Supreme Among The Celestials
Shiva Shiva's Half
Jaya Victorious
Vijaya Conqueror
Sangramajayaprada Granter Of Victory In The War
Varada Bestower
Vindhyavasini` Resident Of The Vindhyas
Kali Dark-Complexioned
Kali Goddess Of Death
Mahakali Wife Of Mahakala
Seedupriya Fond Of Drinks
Mamsapriya Fond Of Flesh
Pashupriya Fond Of All Beings
Bhootanushruta Well-Wisher Of Bhootaganas
Varada Bestower
Kamacharini Acting On One's Own Accord
Papaharini Destroyer Of Sins
Kirti Famed
Shree Auspicious
Dhruti Valiant
Siddhi Successful
Hri Holy Chant Of Hymns
Vidhya Wisdom
Santati Granter Of Issues
Mati Wise
Sandhya Twilight
Ratri Night
Prabha Dawn
Nitya Eternal
Jyotsana Radiant Like Flames
Kantha Radiant
Khama Embodiment Of Forgiveness
Daya Compassionate
Bandhananashini Detacher Of Attachments
Mohanashini Destroyer Of Desires
Putrapamrityunashini Sustainer Of Son's Untimely Death
Dhanakshayanashini Controller Of Wealth Decrease
Vyadhinashini Vanquisher Of Ailments
Mruthyunashini Destroyer Of Death
Bhayanashini Remover Of Fear
Padmapatrakshi Eyes Like The Lotus Leaf
Durga Remover Of Distress
Sharanya Granter Of Refuge
Bhaktavatsala Lover Of Devotees
Saukhyada Bestower Of Well-Being
Arogyada Granter Of Good Health
Rajyada Bestower Of Kingdom
Ayurda Granter Of Longevity
Vapurda Granter Of Beautiful Appearance
Sutada Granter Of Issues
Pravasarakshika Protector Of Travellers
Nagararakshika Protector Of Land
Sangramarakshika Protector Of Wars
Shatrusankata Rakshika Protector From Distress Caused By Foes
Ataviduhkhandhara Rakshika Protector From Ignorance And Distress
Sagaragirirakshika Protector Of Seas And Hills
Sarvakaryasiddhi Pradayika Granter Of Success In All Attempts
Durga Deity Durga
See also
- Kali
- Durga Puja
- Shantadurga
- Hindu Goddess
- Kala, husband of Durga in Javanese mythology.
- List of women warriors in folklore, literature, and popular culture
- Tomb Raider: The Ride, an amusement park attraction in which Durga protects an ancient artifact by hurling fire and ice at intruders.
References
- ^ "Durga". Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Retrieved October 7, 2009.
- ^ McDaniel, June. Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal. p. 225.
- ^ G. S. Purswani "Incredible Origin and History of Khudabadi Sindhi Swarankar"-2005 Jaipur
- ^ R. C. Agrawala, "The Goddess Mahisasuramardini in Early Indian Art", Artibus Asiae, Vol. 21, No. 2 (1958), pp. 123-130
- ^ Esposito, John L. (2007). Religion & globalization: world religions in historical perspective. Oxford University Press. p. 341. ISBN 0195176952.
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108 Names of Durga Puja
Further reading
- Durga Puja: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Sudeshna Banerjee, Rupa and Co, Calcutta, 2004. (ISBN 81-291-0547-0)
- Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions, David Kinsley. (ISBN 81-208-0379-5)
- Grace and Mercy in Her Wild Hair : Selected Poems to the Mother Goddess, Ramprasad Sen (1720–1781). (ISBN 0-934252-94-7)
- Durga Puja Beginner, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Devi Mandir, 2001. (ISBN 1-887472-89-4)
- "Chandi Path", Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Devi Mandir (ISBN 1-877795-52-6)
- "Chandi Path: Study of Chapter One", Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Devi Mandir (ISBN 1-877795-58-5)
- "Chandi Path: Study of Chapter Two", Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Devi Mandir (ISBN 1-877795-60-7)
- Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal, June McDaniel, Oxford University Press, 2004. (ISBN 0195167910)
- "Pronunciation and the Chandi Samputs", Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Devi Mandir (ISBN 1-877795-61-5)
- "Devi Gita", Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Devi Mandir (ISBN 1-877795-56-9)
- The Bond Between Women: A Journey to Fierce Compassion, China Galland, Riverhead Trade Publishing, U.S., 1999.
- Mahishasura Mardini Stotram (Prayer to the Goddess who killed Mahishasura), Sri Sri Sri Shankara Bhagavatpadacharya