Was it Parvati who became Durga?

Question

As far as I know Parvati and Kali are the same person .It was Parvati who became Kali.

Are Durga and Parvati also same person ? Was it Parvati who became Durga ? Are they the same woman ? Or Are they different ?

Answer 1

Narayana (Vishnu) says to Virabhadra in Brahmanda Purana.:

“ekaiva shaktiH parameshvarasya | bhinnA chaturdhA viniyogakAle | bhoge bhavAnI samareShu durgA | kopeShu kALI puruSheshu viShNuH |”

“The ancient Sakti of the Lord (Parameshwara Shiva) appears in four forms; that Sakti becomes Bhavani (Mata Parvati) in her bhoga (grihasth) form, in battle she takes the form of Durga; in anger that of Kali; and she is present in her male form as me (Vishnu/Narayana).”

In Nava Ratri, 9 forms of Mata Parvati are worshpped which are related to here various life stages and in Durga Puja, we celebrate her as Mata Parvati the Shiv Patni and the mother of Kartik and Ganesha.

Further more, the very 1st verse of Sri Mahishasura Mardini Strotam by Jagat Guru Sri Adi Shankaracharya Maharaj ji starts with.:

"Ayi giri nandini" means "Oh Daughter of the Mountain."

And, again ends with.:

"Shaila Suthe" which again means "The daughter of the Mountain".

I hope this clarifies all your queries. Prd..