In Hinduism, Goddess Durga Ma is the fiercely courageous mother of everything and represents the epitome of feminine strength, power, and protection. She is revered as the warrior goddess, the divine mother, and the slayer of evil, embodying both nurturing compassion and fierce determination. Her name translates as 'invincible' or 'impassable'.
She is the combined energies of all the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Despite her fierce nature, she is a caring mother who wildly protects, bestowing empowerment and inner strength to help overcome obstacles in life. Her multiple arms carry various weapons, each representing a different deity's contribution to her strength and symbolizing her ability to ward off different forms of evil.
Durga is one of the most celebrated deities in the Hindu pantheon, particularly during the festival of Navaratri, which honors her various forms and her triumph over chaos and injustice.
Who is Durga?
Durga’s origins stem from one of the most important myths in Hindu mythology. According to the legends, the gods were being terrorized by the powerful demon Mahishasura, who could not be defeated by any male deity or human. In response to their plea for help, the supreme trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva combined their divine energies to create Durga, an invincible goddess whose strength surpasses that of any other.
Durga is typically depicted riding a lion or tiger, symbolizing her mastery over power, will, and determination. She holds multiple weapons in her ten hands, each gifted to her by the gods, including a trident, sword, bow, and discus. Her image is majestic and awe-inspiring, embodying both a motherly protector and a fierce warrior who defends the righteous.
Qualities of Durga
Durga is a complex deity, embodying a balance of seemingly contrasting qualities:
- Power (Shakti): Durga is the personification of cosmic energy and the primordial force that maintains the balance of the universe. Her power (Shakti) is both creative and destructive—she is the creator and sustainer of the world, but she also destroys ignorance and evil.
- Courage (Veerata): As the slayer of the demon Mahishasura, Durga’s courage is unparalleled. She represents the triumph of good over evil and the unwavering resolve to confront challenges head-on.
- Compassion (Karuna): Despite her fierce appearance, Durga is also known for her nurturing and motherly love. She is revered as a protective figure who safeguards her devotees from harm and leads them on the path of righteousness.
- Wisdom (Pragya): Durga is not just a powerful warrior; she is also a goddess of wisdom and insight. Her ability to discern between good and evil enables her to protect the world with righteousness and justice.
- Detachment (Vairagya): Although Durga takes on the role of a mother and protector, she remains detached from the material world, emphasizing that true power lies in overcoming attachments and desires.
Durga is especially revered during the festival of Navaratri, a nine-day celebration dedicated to her nine different forms, each representing a unique aspect of the goddess. Devotees worship her with prayers, fasting, and offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets. Temples and homes are decorated, and vibrant cultural performances like Garba and Dandiya are performed in her honor.
How Durga is worshipped in Bali
In Bali, where Hinduism is practiced in a unique blend of local traditions and Hindu beliefs, Goddess Durga is also revered, albeit with some variations from the Indian tradition. In Balinese Hinduism, Durga is closely associated with the divine mother and the consort of Shiva, locally known as Batari Durga.
Durga is worshipped in her role as a protective and fierce goddess, but she is also integrated into Bali’s deeply rooted animistic traditions. While in India, Durga is primarily seen as a warrior goddess, in Bali, she is also associated with death, transformation, and the balance of life and nature, aspects deeply connected to Balinese philosophy.
Durga is worshipped at Pura Dalem as the consort of Shiva, especially in her role as part of destruction, which is necessary for the balance of life and death in the universe. For the living, Durga is also prayed to for the dissolution of negative traits within oneself, striving for a balance between positive and negative forces. All thoughts are purified in this process.
Durga is also honored during the Balinese festivals of Galungan and Kuningan, which celebrate the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil). Offerings, prayers, and dance performances are central to these festivals, with Durga invoked as a protector of the island and its people.
How she calls us into action
Our new Durga pieces depict the strong mother goddess with multiple arms carrying weapons and boons, symbolizing her power to stand against evil. Durga and her ‘vahana’ (vehicle) - her lion - are surrounded by three small Citrine stones.
The backside of the pendant shows an intricately embellished doorway, protecting whatever lies behind it. The portal symbolizes an impassable fortress that wards off evil and protects that which is held safely within the warm embrace of these walls.
Whether navigating a threshold or transitioning between old and new chapters, may the energy of Durga support any kind of passage to a world that is more true and just to your being.
Citrine is a true power stone that represents the fierceness of the lion. It is the stone of the solar plexus chakra – the center of our inner fire, aligned action and passion. Citrine invokes the courage to follow our personal will.
Calling upon Goddess Durga Ma through her mantra can be a powerful spiritual practice and is especially helpful during times of fear, challenges, or negativity. Her divine energy offers protection, courage, and the strength to overcome obstacles. Whether you're facing anxiety, finding yourself in a battlefield with your own inner demons, battling with a challenge, are needing to call for extra strength, seeking inner resilience, or wishing to remove negative influences – chanting her mantra can awaken you to peace and empowerment. Durga's energy is also beneficial during meditation, fostering inner transformation and removing self-doubt. Additionally, invoking her during festivals like Navaratri or when seeking protection for your home and loved ones can create a shield of positivity and divine grace.
Om Dum Durgaye Namaha
