Why do we celebrate Durga Puja?

Durga, also known as Shakti or Devi is one of the most popular goddesses among the Hindus. She represents strength, morality, power and protection. She is the divine mother, who protects people from evil forces of selfishness, jealousy, hatred, anger and ego. Durga means something that is inaccessible, invincible or one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress. She is the supremely radiant goddess who has ten arms, rides on a lion, carries weapons and a lotus flower. She is an embodiment of feminine force (Shakti) and creative energy. She is mother of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Saraswati and Lakshmi. Actually, Durga is the warrior aspect of the Divine Mother. Other incarnations of Durga include Annapurna and Karunamayi. Durga’s darker aspect is called Kali. Kali is often represented to be standing on the body of God Shiva.

Maa Durga’s weapons:

• Rudra’s trident
• Vishnu’s discus
• Indra’s thunderbolt
• Brahma’s kamandalu
• Kuber’s Ratnahar

According to Markandeya Purana, Durga was a warrior goddess to fight a demon called Mahishasura. The demon’s father Rambha, king of the demons, once fell in love with a water buffalo, and Mahishasur was born out of this union. He is therefore able to change between human and buffalo form at will (mahisha means “buffalo”). Through intense prayers to Brahma, Mahishasura got the boon that he could not be defeated by any man or god. He unleashed a reign of terror on earth, heaven and the nether worlds. Mahishasur had unleashed on the three worlds.

Troubled by this powerful demon, the Gods went to Brahma but he said he could not do anything. Then all the Gods with Brahma went to Vaikuntha (the place where Vishnu lay on Ananta Naag). There they found Lord Shiva also. Brahma described the reign of terror of Mahishasur. Hearing this Vishnu, Shiva and all of the Gods became very angry and beams of fierce light emerged from their bodies. The blinding sea of light met at the Ashram of a priest named Katyan. The goddess Durga took the name Katyaayani from the priest and emerged from the sea of light. She introduced herself saying she was the form of the supreme Brahman who had created all the gods. Now she had come to fight the demon to save the gods.

On his initial encounter with Maa Durga, Mahishasura underestimated her, and said: “How can a woman kill me?” Hearing this, Durga roared with laughter, which caused an earthquake which made Mahishasur aware of the powers of Maa Durga.

And the terrible Mahishasur rampaged against her, changing forms many times. First he was a buffalo demon, and she defeated him with her sword. Then he changed forms and became an elephant that tied up the goddess’s lion and began to pull it towards him. The goddess cut off his trunk with her sword. The demon Mahishasur continued his terrorizing, taking the form of a lion, and then the form of a man, but both of them were gracefully slain by Durga.

Then Mahishasur began attacking once more, starting to take the form of a buffalo again. The patient goddess became very angry, and as she sipped divine wine from a cup she smiled and proclaimed to Mahishasur in a colorful tone – “Roar with delight while you still can, O illiterate demon, because when I will kill you after drinking this, the gods themselves will roar with delight”. When Mahashaur had half emerged into his buffalo form, he was paralyzed by the extreme light emitting from the goddess’s body. The goddess then resounded with laughter before cutting Mahishasur’s head down with her sword. Therefore, Maa Durga is also known as Mahishasurmardhini – the slayer of Mahishasur.

According to some other story, Maa Durga created an army to fight against the demon-king Mahishasur and after 10 days of fighting, She and her army defeated Mahishasur and killed him. That is the reason why the day of Durga’s victory is celebrated as Vijayadashami means victory on 10th day.

Durga Puja is celebrated for nine days (Navaratri) followed by one last day called Vijayadashami. However, in some parts of India, Vijayadashami also signifies Lord Ram’s victory in his battle against the demon Ravan.

In 2010, Durga Puja runs from October 13-17. The dates of the festival ::

13th October 2010 —- Sasthi
14th October 2010 —- Saptami
15th October 2010 —- Mahashtami
16th October 2010 —- Navami
17th October 2010 —- Vijaya Dasami

Nine forms of Maa Durga:

1) Shailputri

In this form Durga is two-armed and carries a trident and lotus. Her mount is an ox or bull. Shailputri means the daughter of the mountain, Himalaya. In this form we see the divine Mother holding a trident in her right hand and a lotus on her left. She is seen seated on an ox. In her previous birth, she was called Sati, Bhavani and was the daughter of King Daksha. After a lot of penance, she married Lord Shiva. But her father King Daksha was not too happy. He had arranged for a Yagya/Yagna (Ritual done around the sacrificial fire) where he invited everyone except his son-in-law, Lord Shiva. Upset and feeling humiliated, Sati decided to attend the event uninvited. There, her father insulted Lord Shiva and in fury she stood on the sacrificial fire and burnt herself alive. Lord Shiva enraged, ordered his followers to demolish the Yagya. Sati was reborn as the daughter of the king of the mountains, Himalaya in the name of Parvati – Hemvati and got married with Lord Shiva again. This form of her is worshipped on the first day of the Navratri celebrations.

2) Brahmacharini

In this form Durga is two-armed and carries a rosary and sacred water pot (Kamandal). She is in a highly pious and peaceful form or is in meditation. This form of Durga is related to the severe penance undertaken by Sati and Parvati in their respective births to attain Lord Shiva as husband. Some of the most important Vratas observed in different parts of India by women is based on the strict austerities followed by Brahmacharini. She is also known as Tapasyacharini and is worshipped on the second day of Navrathri.

3) Chandraghanta

Goddess Durga’s third form is known as Chandraghanta or Shakti. Chandra means moon and Ghanta is the bell. This name finds its explanation in the half-circular moon on the temple of the Goddess that resembles a bell. She is three eyed with ten hands. Each hand holds ten different weapons. She is seated on lion and is worshipped on the third day of the Navratri celebration. Her hue is golden and her appearance always spreads a calm and eternal peace all round. She is unprecedented image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all the evil and demon. Worship of this deity helps to eliminate the sorrow, hazards and dangers in ones life.

4) Kushmanda:

In this form Durga is eight-armed and rides on a tiger. She holds kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, pot containing wine, disc, rosary and a club. She is very happy in this form and it is believed that the eternal darkness ended when she smiled. And this led to the beginning of creation. Kushmanda form of Durga is worshipped on fourth day of Navratri.

5) Skanda Mata

Lord Kartik/Kartikeyan/Karthikeyan is also known as Skanda. As Goddess Durga is his mother, she is referred to as Skanda Mata. She is a deity of fire with four arms. She holds her son Skanda with the top right hand and lotus in her lower hand. The top left hand is positioned in a blessing gesture or Abhaya Mudra. She is fair complexioned, seated on a lotus and so also referred to as Padmasana.

6) Katyayani:

Sage Katyaayan was the son of the great sage Kat. He observed rigorous penance and worship of Bhagavati Paramba with a desire to get Paramba as his daughter. His wish was granted. The daughter born was named Katyayani. She has four hands. The top right hand is positioned in a gesture of providing courage while the other hand is positioned in a gesture of rendering a boon. The top left hand holds a sword and the other a lotus. The goddess rides a lion and worshiped on the sixth day of the Durga puja.

7) Kalratri:

Ratri means night so her complexion is as dark as the night. She has long, unmated hair with her three eyes that are shiny and bright. She has four arms and is seen mounted on a Shav/Shava or dead body. Her right hand holds a sword, while her lower hand is in a blessing stance. The left hand holds a burning torch and the lower left hand is in fearless position. She is known as Shubhamkari or the auspicious one. Her form encourages her devotees to be fearless.

8 ) Maha Gauri:

It is said that when the body of Goddess Gauri got dirty due to dust and earth while she was observing penance to attain Lord Shiva. So he cleansed her with the holy waters of Ganges. Her body transformed into bright and luminous like lightening and so her eighth form is known as “Maha Gauri” .Her clothes and ornaments are also white. Her visage is calm and peaceful and she is three eyed. She rides on a bull. Her four hands denote different meanings, like the left hand is in the fearless gesture and the lower on holds a trident. The above right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style.

9) Siddhidatri:

The ninth form is Siddhidatri. There are eight Siddhis (Special powers which can only be attained from severe penance and meditation)-Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva & Vashitva. Maha Shakti gives all these Siddhies. It is mentioned in the Devi Puran” that Lord Shiva got all these Siddhis by worshipping Maha Shakti. With her gratitude, Lord Shiva’s body also contains the Goddess and so he has the form and name of Ardha Narishvar. Ardha means half. The goddess rides on a lion. The Siddhidatri form is worshipped by all gods, rishis, munis (Saints and Sages), siddhas, yogis, sadhakas (Devotees) for attaining merit and boons of their severe penances.

Mantras for Maa Durga are as follows:

Na Mantram No Yantram Tadapi Cha Na Jane Stutimaho Na Chavhanam Dhyanam Tadapi Cha Na Jane Stutikathah I
Na Jane Mudraste Tadapi Cha Na Jane Vilapanam Param Jane Matastvadanusaranam Kleshaharanam II

Meaning: O Maa Durga! I don’t know any prayer or any magical summons to invoke you. Neither I know any mantra and have no idea how to meditate on you. I don’t know your story or glory as well. I neither know your various postures nor am I given to crying in distress. The only thing I know is that seeking shelter under your protection and following your command will definitely end all sufferings.

Vidheragyanen Dravinavirhenalasataya Vidheyashakyatvattva Charanyorya Chyutirbhut I
Tadetat Kshantavyam Janani Sakaloddharini Shive Kuputro Jayet Kwachidapi Kumata Na Bhavti II

Meaning: O Durga, assure salvation to all troubled, I don’t know how to worship you. I don’t have resources or temperament since I am nasty by nature. I don’t have special knowledge to conduct your worship as well. In rendering service to you if, I have made any mistakes or errors, forgive me Mother because there could be a bad son but never a bad mother.

Prithivyam Putraste Janani Vahavaha Santi Saralah Param Tesham Madhye Viralataraloaham Tava Sutah I
Madi Yoayam Tyagah Samuchitamidam No Taya Shive Kuputro Kwachidapi Kumata Na Bhavati II

Meaning: O Maa Durga, this earth has many of your naïve sons, but I am the most fickle among them. There would be hardly any one like me. Yet, O Shive! Rejecting me like this is not proper in this world, as there could be a bad son but never a bad mother.

Jaganmatarmatastava Charanseva Na Rachita Na Va Duttam Devi Dravinamapi Bhooyastava Maya I
Tathapi Tvam Sneham Mayi Nirupam Yatprakurushe Kuputro Jayet Kwachidapi Kumata Na Bhavati II

Meaning: O Mother of the World! I have never rendered any service to you. I never offered money to you. Yet, you bless me always for the reason that in this world there could be a bad son but never a bad mother.

Parittyakta Deva Vividhavidhisewa Kulataya Maya Panchasheeteradhikamapneete Tu Vayasi I
Idani Chenmatastava Yadi Kripa Napi Bhavata Niralambo Lambodar Janani Kam Yami Sharanam II

Meaning: O Parvati, mother of Lord Ganesha, I had been busy restlessly. But now, I have stopped worshipping other gods as I cannot worship them ritually. Therefore, I don’t even expect any help from them. In such a condition I am absolutely helpless. From whom I seek shelter? I have no hope from any other god except you.

Shwapako Jalpako Bhavti Madhupako Magira Niratanko Ranko Viharati Chiram Kotikanakaih I
Tavaparne Karne Vishati Manvarne Phalamidam Janah Ko Janeete Janani Japaneeyam Japvidhhau II

Meaning: O Maa Aparna! One word of your holy prayer that falls in the ear of a foolish rascal is sufficient to make him utter sweet speech like an experienced scholar. With your blessing, a pauper then becomes rich owning millions of gold coins and enjoying life with all its joys till ripe old age. When listening to one word can work such wonders, who can presume the reward obtained by those, who continuously chant your name with full custom of worship.

Chitabhasmalepo Garalamashanam Dikpatdharo Jatadhari Kanthe Bhujagapati Hari Paushupatih I
Kapali Bhootesho Bhajati Jagdeeshai Ka Padavin Bhavani Tvatpanigrahan Paripati Phal Midam II

Meaning: O Durga Bhavani! The one, who keeps his body smeared with the ashes of the dead-bodies; who takes poison for food, who remains naked; who has matted hair on head and the serpent king Vasuki surrounding his neck; who has a cupal like container in his hands. If such a Bhootnath, Lord Shiva (Pashupati-Lord of Animals) is crowned with a title of Jagdeesh, then what is the reason behind it? How did he gain such importance? The clear evidence is your marriage with him.

Na Mokshasyakancha Bhavavibhavavancha Cha Na Mey Na Vigyanapeksha Shashimukh Sukheccha Na Punah I
Atastvan Sanyache Janani Jananam Yatu Mum Vai Mridani Rudrani Shiv-Shiv Bhavaneeti Japatah II

Meaning: O Maa Durga, with face of moon’s elegance, I don’t crave for Salvation or for material possessions. I don’t even hope to get any expertise in sciences. I don’t long for pleasure as well. My only request to you is to permit me to pass my entire life chanting “Mridani Rudrani Shiva-Shiva Bhavani”.

Naradhitasi Vidhina Vividhopachareh Kim Rukshachintak Pareirna Kritam Vachobhib I
Shayme Tvameva Yadi Kinchan Maiyyanathe Dhatse Kripamuchitalam Param Tavaiva II

Meaning: O Maa Shyama! I never worshipped you with complete rituals or lots of offerings. I was always occupied in harsh words, which crime did my speech not commit? Yet, if you care for this shelter less orphan on your own, this is eligible only for you. Only a kind hearted mother like you can give refuge to such a bad son, as I am.

Aapatsu Magnah Smaranam Tvadeeyam Karomi Durge Karunarna Veshi I
Naitaccha Thatvam Mum Methah Kshudhartrisharta Jananim Smaranti II

Meaning: O Compassionate Goddess Durga! If I remember you after falling in trouble and not before, please do not treat me like a dishonest rogue for the reason that all children yell for mother when they are troubled.

Jagdamb Vichitramatra Kim Paripoorna Karunaasti Chenmayi I
Aparadha Parampara Param Na Hi Mata Samupekshate Sutam II

Meaning: O Mother of the World! If you still show your kindness towards me should not cause any surprise for the reason, if a son has bent on committing sin after sin, still his mother does not abandon him.

Matsamah Palaki Nasti Papaghni Twatsama Na Hi I
Evam Gyatva Mahadevi Yatha Yogyam Tatha Kuru II

Meaning: O Maa Durga! I am the greatest sinner and you are the greatest sin-destroyer. Considering this fact in mind, kindly do whatever you think proper.

108 Names of Maa Durga::

1. Bhaavya Represents Future
2. Bhavya With Magnificence
3. Mahatapa With severe penance
4. Manah Mind
5. Buddhi Intelligence
6. Ahankaara One with Pride
7. Chittarupa One who is in thought-state
8. Chita Death-bed
9. Chiti The thinking mind
10. Sati One who got burned alive
11. Saadhvi The Sanguine
12. Bhavaprita One who is loved by the universe
13. Bhavaani The abode of the universe
14. Bhavamochani The absolver of the universe
15. Aarya Goddess
16. Durga The Invincible
17. Jaya The Victorious
18. Aadya The Initial reality
19. Trinetra One who has three-eyes
20. Shooldharini One who holds a monodent
21. Pinaakadharini One who holds the trident of Shiva
22. Chitra The Picturesque
23. Chandaghanta One who has mighty bells
24. Sarvamantramayi One who possess all the instruments of thought
25. Satta One who is above all
26. Satyanandasvarupini Form of Eternal bliss
27. Ananta One who is Infinite or beyond measure
28. Bhaavini The Beautiful Woman
29. Vikrama Violent
30. Krrooraa Brutal (on demons)
31. Sundari The Gorgeous
32. Sursundari Extremely Beautiful
33. Vandurga Goddess of forests
34. Maatangi Goddess of Matanga
35. Matangamunipujita Worshipped by Sage Matanga
36. Braahmi Power of God Brahma
37. Maaheshvari Power of Lord Mahesha (Shiva)
38. Aeindri Power of God Indra
39. Kaumaari The adolescent
40. Sarvaastradhaarini Possessor of all the missile weapons
41. Anekashastrahasta Possessor of many hand weapons
42. AnekastraDhaarini Possessor of many missile weapons
43. Komaari The beautiful adolescent
44. Ekakanya The girl child
45. Kaishori The adolescent
46. Yuvati The Woman
47. Yati Ascetic, one who renounces the world
48. Sarvavidya Knowledgeable
49. Dakshakanya Daughter of Daksha
50. Vaishnavi The invincible
51. Chaamunda Slayer of Chanda and Munda(demons)
52. Vaarahi One who rides on Varaah
53. Lakshmi Goddess of Wealth
54. Apraudha One who never gets old
55. Praudha One who is old
56. Abhavya Improper or fear-causing
57. Sadagati Always in motion, bestowing Moksha (salvation)
58. Shaambhavi Consort of Shambhu
59. Devamata Mother Goddess
60. Chinta Tension
61. Ratnapriya Adorned or loved by jewels
62. Dakshayajñavinaashini Interrupter of the sacrifice of Daksha
63. Aparna One who doesnt eat even leaves while fasting
64. Anekavarna One who has many complexions
65. Paatala Red in color
66. Paatalavati Wearing red-color attire
67. Pattaambaraparidhaana Wearing a dress made of leather
68. Kalamanjiiraranjini Wearing a musical anklet
69. Ameyaa One who is beyond measure
70. Vriddhamaata The old mother (loosely)
71. Balaprada The bestower of strength
72. Mahodari One who has huge belly which stores the universe
73. Muktakesha One who has open tresses
74. Ghorarupa Having a fierce outlook
75. Mahaabala Having immense strength
76. Agnijwaala One who is poignant like fire
77. Raudramukhi One who has a fierce face like destroyer Rudra
78. Kaalaratri Goddess who is black like night
79. Tapasvini one who is engaged in penance
80. Narayani The destructive aspect of Lord Narayana (Brahma)
81. Bhadrakaali Fierce form of Kali
82. Vishnumaya Spell of Lord Vishnu
83. Jalodari Abode of the ethereal universe
84. Shivadooti Ambassador of Lord Shiva
85. Karaali The Violent
86. Ananta The Infinite
87. Purushaakriti One who takes the form of a man
88. Vimalauttkarshini One who provides joy
89. Gyaana Full of Knowledge
90. Kriya One who is in action
91. Nitya The eternal one
92. Buddhida The bestower of wisdom
93. Bahula One who is in various forms
94. Bahulaprema One who is loved by all
95. Sarvavahanavahana One who rides all vehicles
96. NishumbhaShumbhaHanani Slayer of the demon-brothers Shumbha Nishumbha
97. MahishasuraMardini Slayer of the bull-demon Mahishaasura
98. MadhuKaitabhaHantri Slayer of the demon-duo Madhu and Kaitabha
99. ChandaMundaVinashini Destroyer of the ferocious asuras Chanda and Munda
100. Sarvasuravinasha Destroyer of all demons
101. Parameshvari The Ultimate Goddess
102. Katyayani One who is worshipped by sage Katyanan
103. Savitri Daughter of the Sun God Savitr
104. Pratyaksha One who is real
105. Brahmavaadini One who is present everywhere
106. Sarvadaanavaghaatini Possessing the power to kill all the demons
107. Sarvashaastramayi One who is deft in all theories
108. Satya The truth

Once again Maa Durga is back to the earth. We all are eagerly waiting for the auspicious festival of Durga Puja. We celebrate Durga Puja to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura. It is celebrated during the last five days of Navaratri.