Hindus are followers of trinity of God alongwith Goddess Durga.
Namaste!
Welcome to the world of resolute readings at www.onindianpath.com. Let’s shed light on goddess Durga, her relevance today and worshipping rituals.
Introduction
As we know, Hinduism does not have a single deity. It includes many gods and goddesses, each offering inspiration and motivation to live a happy, righteous life.
Besides the trinity of gods—Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma—we also worship Shakti, the feminine power of the Supreme Being, in the form of Maa Parvati. Durga is considered an incarnation of Maa Parvati, who took this powerful form to defeat demons and protect the natural order.
Who is Maa Durga?
To me, Durga feels like the ultimate motherly figure—strong yet caring. She is often portrayed as a beautiful woman riding a lion or tiger, with her many arms holding weapons. Each time I see her image, I’m reminded of her power, as she stands tall, fearlessly defeating demons, protecting us all with her divine strength.
Moreover, Goddess Durga is a symbol of power, protection and divine strength. She is revered as the mother of the universe and the embodiment of feminine energy, known as Shakti.
According to religious texts, Shakti took the form of Durga to defeat the buffalo-shaped demon Mahishasura. But for me, Durga represents so much more than just this story. She embodies the victory of good over evil, reminding us that no matter how powerful darkness or ignorance may seem, righteousness always prevails. Her battle with Mahishasura is a powerful symbol of the strength we all have within us to fight our own battles and rise above negativity.
Why do Hindus worship Durga?
Hindus are firm believer and follower of Maa Durga. For us, she is more than a deity. She personifies motherly figure to Many Hindus.
Durga as protective shield
For many of us, worshipping Durga feels like turning to a protective, guiding force in our lives. Hindus look to Durga for so many reasons. Personally, I see her as a protector, shielding us from harm and leading us through life’s challenges.
Durga as symbol of strength and courage
She also symbolizes inner strength, courage, and determination—qualities I often find myself seeking to cultivate. Beyond that, Durga represents wisdom and compassion. Whenever I feel lost, I think of her as a source of guidance, helping me grow spiritually.
Motherly love of Durga
And let’s not forget her nurturing, motherly love. As the divine mother, Durga blesses her devotees with prosperity, health, and happiness, alwacaring for us like a protective parent.
Do you know why she is called Maa Durga? Maa is Hindi word used for mother. She is worshipped as a mother because of her motherly affection for her devotees. Just like mother, she protects us, nurture us with her divine awatar and associated symbolism for weapons.
Celebrating her in Durga Puja
Durga Puja, celebrated during Navratri, is a time when we all come together to honor her. It’s a celebration of her as both the fierce protector and the compassionate mother—a reminder that we are never truly alone in our struggles. Apparently, one can read my previous blog on Durga Puja.
Let’s look at the inspiring qualities of Maa as follows :
Serene smile
There’s something about the serene, charming smile of Goddess Durga that always captivates me. It feels like a gentle reminder that no matter how tough or overwhelming life gets, staying calm and composed is key. Her smile symbolizes more than just peace—it reflects her life’s vision of compassion and kindness.
Further, I feel so much connected with Durga’s motherly nature. She offers love, protection, and guidance to all who seek her blessings. Additionally, it’s comforting to know that, in her presence, we can find both strength and warmth, a combination that makes facing life’s challenges a little easier.
Embracing adaptability
Although, the nine forms of Durga are a powerful reminder that life requires adaptability. Each form teaches us to embrace new approaches and attitudes based on the circumstances we face. It’s not just about flexibility, but also about having the courage to stand tall in the face of challenges.
Subsequently, what resonates most with me is Durga’s fearless spirit. She encourages us to approach life with an open mind and unwavering bravery, ready to confront whatever comes our way. In doing so, we protect not just ourselves but also our families, staying strong and resilient in every situation.
Self sufficient
Particularly, I find truly inspiring about Goddess Durga is her independence. She’s a self-sufficient goddess, capable of defeating her enemies with her own power. Not only Durga serves as a powerful reminder to tap into my inner strength but also embrace my independence, no matter what challenges come my way.
Her story is even more remarkable when you consider that she’s an amalgamation of the energies of the trinity—Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Durga shows us that we each have the power within us to face life’s battles, and we don’t need to rely on anyone else to fight them for us.
Open minded approach
Indeed, Durga also teaches us the importance of continuous learning and keeping an open mind. Certainly, I believe that when we embrace this mindset, we become better equipped to handle whatever life throws at us. By staying open to new experiences and ideas, we can grow and overcome challenges with greater ease, just as Durga fearlessly faces her enemies. Thus, it’s a reminder that true strength lies not just in power, but in adaptability and learning.
Inner power
To me, Devi Durga’s entire existence is a symbol of harnessing inner power and conquering fear. Besides, she’s not just a goddess but a fierce warrior, riding her lion with unmatched confidence. Likewise, her strength and protection come from an unshakable belief in herself, and that’s what I find so inspiring.
But just like her, we too must believe in ourselves and never entertain the idea of giving up. Consequently, life throws challenges our way, but true success often comes to those who hold on and push through.
Hence, Durga’s example reminds us that with confidence and resilience, we can overcome any obstacle. Most importantly, she never wavers, we, too, must trust in our own power, knowing that victory may take time, but it will come.
How Durga inspires modern woman?
In today’s world, Goddess Durga’s image as “Ashtradhari” (the one with eight arms) feels more relevant than ever, especially when I think about the modern woman. Like Durga, many women today balance multiple roles—whether it’s managing a career, raising a family, or handling responsibilities inside and outside the home, often all at once.
Moreover, Durga’s eight arms symbolize her ability to multitask, something every working woman can relate to. Also, it’s a reminder that multitasking isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about being efficient, staying sharp, and managing time wisely.
For us, learning to juggle different tasks can mean the difference between feeling overwhelmed or thriving in our daily lives. By embracing this ability, much like Durga, we not only make the most of our time but also empower ourselves to take on anything life throws our way—just as she does, with grace and strength.
Conclusion
At the end, I would liek to conclude by emphasising the need of worshipping Goddess Durga as a deeply personal journey. She represents strength, compassion and the courage to face life’s challenges. Festivals like Durga Puja and Navratri bring us together, reminding us of the power of community and devotion.
As I reflect on her teachings, I realize that we all have the potential to tap into our inner strength, just like Durga. Her blessings inspire us to embrace both our power and our kindness, encouraging us to overcome obstacles with grace. May we carry her spirit with us, facing life with courage and love.