Draft:Durga - the Past & the Present

In Indian mythology, women always had a very strong place and significance. They were tremendously respected and were held in high regard. They were known and loved for their various skills. For example, Maharani Kaikeyi from Ramayana was known for her amazing fighting skills while Draupadi from the Mahabharata was respected for her wit and intelligence. There are many other such women in Indian mythology who have made significant contributions in many different ways.

One of the most inspiring women is Goddess Durga. She is more powerful than any of the male Gods in Hinduism as it is believed that Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and the other Gods came together to create her in order to slay the demon Mahishasura.

As per history, the name Durga comes from the word “durgam” meaning difficult to beat or invincible. She is worshipped in multiple forms like Parvati, Kali, Mahadevi, Shakti and so on. Durga is a symbol of protection, prosperity, motherhood, strength and victory of good over evil.

In most forms that she is worshipped, she is shown to ride a lion or a tiger, representing her strength and power over evil. She is shown to have 10 hands in which she holds a conch, a chakra, a sword, a trisula, bow and arrow, mace, a lotus, thunderbolt, snake and an axe. Each of these weapons have their own meaning and significance. These were given to her by the God who created her. The day of her victory is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijayadashami.

This festival is a huge celebration across India, some of its neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in different ways. While in the North it is celebrated as Navratri culminating in the burning of the effigy of Ravana. This is done because it is believed Lord Ram did a Durga puja when he returned after defeating Ravana. On the other hand, in the east of India, It is believed that the Earth is Durga’s mother and Durga comes to visit her mother every year. She also brings her children (Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesha) along with her. In the South of India, It is believed that goddess Durga has taken a different form on each day of Navratri. She is dressed and worshipped accordingly.

Archeologists and historians have traced paintings and sculptures similar to the present day Durga in The Indus Valley Civilization. This proves how old the beliefs of goddess Durga are. Evidence of Durga have also been found in other countries like Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Even today, Every woman who is fighting for a cause or managing different aspects of life is considered to have Durga inside her.