Durga–the Mother of the Universe
THE GODDESS DURGA
Known by many other names such as Shakti and Devi, the goddess Durga is the possessor of enormous amounts of force and power and eradicates evil to protect her followers and believers and gives them a safe haven. Thus she has been called the protector of the world and of the universe, often also referred to as the mother of the universe.
Durga popularly stands for moral righteousness and well doing in all of mankind. She encourages people to do good and behave well with each other and trump the desires of the world. Durga is believed to have multiple avatars and reincarnations, each of which is widely celebrated and revered by the Hindus.
SYMBOLISM HIDDEN IN DURGA
The pictograph of Durga is also riddled with symbolic objects and things that are worth exploring as they define her attributes and her responsibilities.
Chakra
Durga holds a spinning chakra on the index finger of her hand. This Chakra or discus symbolizes that Durga is holding the world on her finger and has power and control over everything. She has the power to remove all evil at her will and keep the world growing and fruiting.
Conch
The conch in her hand is representative of her connection to God and how she is holding onto Him. it is also a symbol of happiness and how she chooses to perform her duties with happiness and glee rather than for the sake of it.
Thunderbolt
The thunderbolt signifies the firmness one holds in their beliefs and how they should not deviate from it. It shows her power to strike like lightning; quick and strong.
Bow and Arrows
The bow and arrows in her hands symbolizes the extent of her control over beings and all kinds of energy that exists. They also show the need to carry on with life through the struggles and never bow down.
Sword
The sword symbolizes the power of knowledge which can cut through ignorance and darkness with the utter sharpness and shine of its blade. Durga uses her sword to eradicate all evil like we should try to do as well.
Trident
The trident, like Shiva, represents Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
Lotus
The lotus in one of her hands represents the need for us to detach ourselves from the world and its worldly needs and greeds and look to serve our purpose regardless of our situation just like a lotus in muddy water. It is also of note that the lotus is not fully bloomed, signifying that success will be achieved but it is not certain.
Lion
Lions are generally considered to be vicious, uncontrolled creatures that take dominance over all other creatures. The lion symbolizes all of the negativities of the world which tend to overpower the good including greed, jealousy, anger, envy, selfishness, etc. and Durga sitting on the lion or riding it symbolizes that she has control over these damaging desires, as should we.
