Durga, is a Sanskrit word which means “one who is difficult to reach.” By Durga worship, we worship a form of Shakti for her frightening as well as courteous aspects. She is the Mother as well as the infinite power of the universe and signifies its female energy. The form of Goddess Durga is the manifestation of her formless essence, and both are one and the same.
Goddess Durga is also called by different names, like Kali, Parvati and Ambika. As Parvati, She is worshipped as the divine partner of Lord Shiva. She is the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya, the two sons, and Jyoti, the daughter. During Durga puja festival, which is popular among Bengalis, she is worshipped as the destroyer of demons.
Appearance of Goddess Durga:
Puranas and Agamas describe the limitless features of Goddess Durga with a wide range of illustrations. In a typical version she is illustrated as having ten arms carrying Conch, Sword, Discus, Bow, Arrow, Bell, Rosary, Wine cup, Shield, and Spear. She is usually shown riding a lion and hence got the name, ‘Simhavahini’. She is beautifully dressed in royal red cloth and is adorned with several ornaments. Her hair is decorated with a beautiful crown and the long, dark and luminous hair flows out giving a comfortable visual treat. The divine tools holding in her hands represent the outstanding supremacy by which she controls the whole universe to obey as per her will.
Wielding Energy:
Always remaining in her beautiful nature, Goddess Durga exists forever, and conquers the heart and soul of her blissful devotees. In the form of Shakti she creates, develops and dissolves all names and forms. As Kundalini, the subtle spiritual energy coiled in the sacred human body, she illuminates the seven energy centres of awareness in the human body. In the form of Goddess Durga she killed the demon Mahishasura thus demolishing the evils from this world. It is the divine law that when evil forces try to create imbalance in this world, all gods will unite to form one divine force called Shakti or Durga, which is supreme and eternal.
