A Hindu Goddess of protection, Durga is a fierce warrior known for unleashing her divine motherly rage against those who dare cross her children.
Often depicted riding on the back of a lion or tiger, with eight to ten arms holding various weapons of the Gods, Durga was considered to be a powerful force against the reigns of evil—a protective mother Goddess able to guard her children (devotees) from all negative forces in all directions.
Durga is a central deity in Hinduism, often referred to as the Supreme Goddess—present at the time of the universe’s creation (with some believing she was the original creatrix herself).
It is said that Durga, as she is most well-known, was not brought into full being until later in history. Many legends state that Durga was invoked by the power of all the Gods to stop an evil that they by themselves could not. It is said that because of this, Durga embodies the power (or shakti) of all of these Gods, and it is their weapons that she holds in each of her hands.
Because of this, Durga is considered one of the most powerful Goddesses in the Hindu pantheon—the ultimate protectress, warrior, and mother—filled with the divine shakti to liberate any being from any evil.
What does Durga rule?
Ruler of: protection from evil forces, liberation, justice, strength, the compassion inside the chaos, the destruction that empowers creation
Associated with: lions/tigers, gold jewelry, the color red
Why would one call upon Durga?
- To help liberate you from the chains that hold you back (whether they be self-inflicted or otherwise)
- To help protect you, your home, and your loved ones from negative forces and entities
- To help you destroy the old to make way for the new
- To help you tap into your deepest wells of inner-strength during tough times
- To help you seek justice against the energies or beings that have done you wrong
