Durga

Durga is one of the most powerful Hindu goddesses, worshipped as a principal aspect of the mother goddess Mahadevi. She is linked to defense, sturdiness, motherhood, devastation, and battles.

The central theme of Durga's narrative is the triumph of good over evil as she battles evils and demonic forces that threaten dharma, prosperity, and peace. For the sake of the oppressed's freedom, Durga is said to release her divine fury against the wicked, which involves destruction in order to strengthen creation. As a motherly deity, Durga is frequently portrayed as a stunning woman riding a lion or tiger, holding many weapons in her many arms, and frequently vanquishing demons. She is highly revered by adherents of the goddess-centered cult known as Shaktism, as well as by followers of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

Devi (the Goddess) is revered in the two most major Shaktism texts, the Devi Mahatmya and the Devi Bhagavata Purana, as the original creator of the cosmos and the Brahman (ultimate truth and reality). She is one of the five comparable deities in the Panchayatana Puja of the Hindu Smarta religion.

There is a sizable fan base for Durga in several nations, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and India. Following the spring and fall harvests, she is primarily venerated, particularly during the festivals of Durga Puja, Durga Ashtami, Vijayadashami, Deepavali, and Navaratri.