Skip to main content

Questions tagged [durga]

Durga (Sanskrit: दुर्गा) is the most popular incarnation of Devi, also known as Mother Adi-Parashakti.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
18 votes
1 answer
2k views

What is the story of Yashoda's daughter fighting the rebirths of the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha?

As I discuss in this answer, the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha once defeated the gods and took over the three worlds. The gods went to Mount Kailash to ask Durga for help. After they said a prayer to ...
Keshav Srinivasan's user avatar
16 votes
8 answers
21k views

Why is goddess Kali shown topless?

We've often seen in many photos that Goddess Kali is topless or half-nude. What is the meaning of this image? Is this image questioning Hinduism's morality level?
Kiran RS's user avatar
  • 8,181
16 votes
2 answers
12k views

What is the meaning of seeing Devi Durga in dream for non-Hindu?

I saw Devi Durga twice in dream this week. In the dream, I was offering pooja to the Devi, I am Muslim. what is the meaning of the dream according to Hinduism? what does seeing Hindu god in the dream ...
jafar's user avatar
  • 161
15 votes
8 answers
5k views

Is Mahishasura Mardini Lakshmi or Durga?

Who is the killer of Mahishasura? Is it Durga or Lakshmi? My confusion arises after finding out that Lakshmi killed Mahishsura in the Devi Mahatmaya. Goddess Mahalakshmi is the presiding Goddess of ...
user avatar
15 votes
2 answers
10k views

To whom the Durga suktam Of Rig veda is addressed To?

The Durga or Agni Suktam is an ancient hymn Of Rig Veda. So is this hymn addressed to Agni deva or Durga maa? If it is addressed to Agni deva then why it calls Agni as destroyer of hurdle as Durga maa?...
Karmanya Nanda's user avatar
14 votes
1 answer
384 views

What is the Lalitha Sahasranaamam?

What is Lalitha Sahasranaamam? Why is it important? During what times of day can one recite it? What are the important verses in it? What is the history of it?
jeevan kumar's user avatar
13 votes
1 answer
6k views

Who is vAk (the speech) in Rig Veda 10:125?

The Rig Veda hymn 10:125 tells about the supreme Goddess. So is this hymn addressed to Goddess DurgA or the female power Of Universe (Shakti) Or vAk (वाक्), the speech? Who is vAk Goddess described ...
Karmanya Nanda's user avatar
12 votes
3 answers
4k views

Benefits of devi 'Durga' naam jap with proofs scriptural reference from sāshtras

I want to know the benefits and results of chanting Durgâ name only. Can we chant Durgâ name without guru dikșha? And, what if I chant it constantly for some years? Can I get siddhi from it? Will my ...
Devi Das's user avatar
  • 331
12 votes
5 answers
37k views

Why we see Goddess Durga sometimes sitting on a tiger and sometimes on a lion?

I don't know why we see Goddess Durga sometimes sitting on a lion and sometimes on a tiger? Which animal was actually Durga's mount (vahana)? Is it Tiger or Lion?
Shivam's user avatar
  • 291
12 votes
2 answers
1k views

What was the symbolism of Ashwatthama's story?

It is well known that Mahabharata can be seen as an allegory for human life.  The characters of Yuddhishthira, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva are frequently discussed in this context. Even ...
Curious's user avatar
  • 173
11 votes
5 answers
5k views

Was Goddess Durga really an avatar of Shiva's wife Goddess Parvati?

When Goddess Durga comes out from Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva & other goddesses, where was Goddess Parvati then? I am asking this question because Parvati was an avatar of Goddess Adi Parashakti and ...
Shivam's user avatar
  • 291
11 votes
2 answers
5k views

Did Goddess Lakshmi or Goddess Saraswati (not Adishakthi or Durga) kill any demons?

I know Parvati Devi killed Demon Mahishasura with help of other Shaktis by manifesting into Goddess Durga. So, Adishakti killed Mahishasura through Parvathi Devi. I think same is the case with Goddess ...
The Destroyer's user avatar
  • 31.6k
10 votes
5 answers
12k views

Who are Adi Shakti and Durga?

The many names of the Goddess are Adi Shakti, Shakti, Durga and Devi. Are they the same person? Here is what I have gathered from numerous sources such as Wikipedia: Durga, who is known as Parvati, ...
user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
662 views

Scriptural reference for Navadurga

Navarātri is popularly considered to be 9 days dedicated to the worship of Navadurgā i.e 9 forms of Bhagavatī Durgā. However the Devi-Bhāgavata Purāna, which describes the procedure of Navarātri vrata,...
অনু's user avatar
  • 2,609
9 votes
1 answer
2k views

Wouldn't most of the incarnations of Devi be of Sati, not Parvati?

As discussed in this question Parvati Devi married in the Vaivasvata Manvantara, before which Shiva was married to Sati Devi. Since most asura wars happened in previous Manvantaras, would that mean ...
Surya's user avatar
  • 6,300
9 votes
1 answer
1k views

Why is only Durga associated with Devi?

As we have already established in this question, Devi(AdiShakti) incarnates as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Shaivas associate Durga with Devi as she is Shiva (their ishta devata)'s consort. However, ...
user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
2k views

What is the story of Devi Chhinamastika?

One of the Mahavidyas is named Chinnamastika/Chinnamasta devi , I want to know about her. What is her story of origin and why did she appear as one of the Mahavidyas?
Goltu's user avatar
  • 857
8 votes
2 answers
10k views

Who composed the Mahishasura Mardini stotram?

Who composed the Mahishasura Mardini stotram? Was it Adi Sankaracharya ?
Maximus's user avatar
  • 221
8 votes
2 answers
23k views

Meaning of साम्ब ("Samba") with Sadashiva

In some prays to God Shiva, Like "Shiva Aksharmala", there is prefix "Samba" (in Sanskrit सांब) is mentioned. It seems the meaning of word "Samba" (सांब) is "attended by ambA" Source: This Link Now,...
AADHinduism's user avatar
  • 3,551
8 votes
2 answers
604 views

Is it true that Durga had problems with a demon that only created clones? What is this story?

Someone said that in a YouTube Comments that Devi Durga had problems with a demon that only created clones. I don't know if this is true. What is the story related to it?
Mikael 777's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
2k views

Reflection of "Yada yada hi dharmasya..." in Durga Saptashati?

Bhagvad Gita is a 701 versed text which is inside Mahabharata. And similarly Durga Saptashati (Sapta =7 and Shat =100) is also 7×100= 700 versed text which is inside Markandeya Purana which is also ...
Tezz's user avatar
  • 48.7k
8 votes
2 answers
5k views

Is there a connection between the Navadurga and the Dashmahavidya?

Navratri festival is going on and we are told about the nine forms of the Goddess also called Nava-Durga that are worshipped in these 9 days. However, I just recently came to know that some people ...
Amrit Dhara's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
1k views

Are the 10 Mahavidyas an expansion of Goddess Sati or that of Goddess Shakambhari?

There are two broad stories about the origins of the Mahavidyas: The Shakta Mahabhagwat Puran states that they emerged from the body of Sati: Sati, the daughter of Daksha and first wife of god ...
Dr. Vineet Aggarwal's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
284 views

Looking for scriptural reference of Shanta Durga

There is a form of mother Durga by name Shanta Durga which is worshiped almost everywhere in Goa. In fact, many houses names are after mother's name. When we enquire there about it from local people, ...
TheLittleNaruto's user avatar
  • 7,381
8 votes
1 answer
9k views

What boons did Ravana receive from Lord Brahma?

In Ramayana, it is told that, Ravana, after performing many great penances, received powerful boons from Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. It is also said that he was protected by Goddess Durga's blessings ...
Sakthi's user avatar
  • 4,196
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

How are the Dakinis associated with Kali

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayan_(witch) The above Wikipedia article mentions "Dakinis have been described in medieval Hindu texts such as the Bhagavata Purana, Brahma Purana, Markandeya ...
Shashaank's user avatar
  • 1,258
8 votes
3 answers
783 views

Is there a mention of Nava-Durga in Vedic scriptures?

The Wikipedia page on Ma Katyayini mentions: She is first mentioned in the Taittiriya Aranyaka part of the Yajurveda. Skanda Purana mentions her being created out of the spontaneous anger of Gods, ...
Dr. Vineet Aggarwal's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
2k views

What is the position of Durga in Gaudiya Vaishnavism?

What is the position of Durga in Gaudiya Vaishnavism? Is there need to worship her? Can she be worshiped?
Krishna Varna's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
956 views

Soil for Maa Durga puja

Like many other Hindu pujas (prayers), the Maa Durga puja is celebrated by creating an idol for her. But, even though I saw it happen in many movies (Devas, Aanand), I never understood why the soil ...
Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
1k views

Slokams for Navaratri first three days for durga, next three days for lakshmi and last 3 days for saraswathi

There are simple slokas consisting 4 lines to be recited on these 9 days to the devis. First three days for durga, next three days for Lakshmi and last 3 days for saraswathi. Do anybody know these ...
Parthasarathy Raghavan's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
359 views

What are the Mahavidya deities?

Where did the 10 forms of Durga known as the Mahavidyas originate from? Why are they lesser known and not worshipped as much as the traditional 'Navadurga'?
Aditya K's user avatar
  • 1,269
7 votes
1 answer
8k views

What are the benefits of reciting Durga Saptashati Devi Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram?

Navarathri is a very important festival of the Hindus. This is a festival during which Devi ie Goddess Durga, is worshipped for nine nights. Goddess Durga is worshipped in various forms on each ...
Uday Krishna's user avatar
  • 6,068
7 votes
1 answer
233 views

Which text deals with shulini durga?

Looking for main scripture for shulini durga practice. Seems this is a rare form. Please guide
Saurabh's user avatar
  • 727
6 votes
8 answers
2k views

Did Lord Rama worship Devi Ambika?

While the story of Rama worshipping Shiva has been subjected to immense controversy in South India for centuries, there has been a similar debate in Bengal (where I have been born and brought up) ...
user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
2k views

Where can i get original versions of the Devi Bhagavata and Markandeya Puranas?

I am looking for the original version of the Devi Bhagavata Purana and (or) other Puranas which has lots of information about Devi Durga. I have the short version of it but it does not have anything ...
Pratibha's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
3k views

Does the Devi Bhagavatam say that Lakshmi and Saraswati are daughters of Parvati?

While reading what ISKCON has to say over the authenticity of the Devi Bhagavatam, I found some people saying that the controversial Purana saying that Lakshmi and Saraswati to be the daughters of Maa ...
user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
32k views

Who is Goddess Shyamala?

Goddess Shyamala is worshipped by the Tamils in Batam, Indonesia. Can someone give me her story? Does it have any scriptural basis or is it a folklore?
user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

Chanting Devi Mahathyam (Durga Saptashati)

I would like to chant the Devi Mahathyam but may not be able to do the full text together in a single sitting or in a day. So if I am to split the chapters across days, are there any prescribed format ...
student's user avatar
  • 431
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

About Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Kaali Maa

Did anywhere history record that, Kaali maa appeared in front of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa? Whats the significance of the picture,image we see in net, where Kaali Maa appeared before Paramahamsa. is it ...
DasAD's user avatar
  • 91
6 votes
2 answers
819 views

Narasimha is a form of Devi Durga?

In the Durga Chalisa, it says that: धरा रूप नरसिंह को अम्बा प्रकट भई फाडकर खम्बा रक्षा करि प्रह्लाद बचायो हिरण्याक्ष को स्वर्ग पठायो You Assumed the Form of Lord Narasimha, And Appeared Breaking ...
Nikhil Iyer's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
233 views

Mantra And Its Mechanisms

I have recently gone through a couple of books on mantra, yantra, tantra, and I got to know that all these things are pure science, and not mere superstitions. My question is, how does a mantra work? ...
YashT's user avatar
  • 180
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

Durga Kavach - Please confirm the correct version

I've been asked to read Durga Kavach daily. Until now, I was reading this: https://www.drikpanchang.com/lyrics/durga-saptashati/patha-vidhi/devi-kavacham/durga-saptashati-devi-kavacham.html But today ...
curiousseeker's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
4k views

What to do with lemon given at Durga temples?

Few temples in south India offer lemons to the Village goddess (a form of Durga/kaali) while worshipping. When I went to a temple yesterday, they are giving lemons each to all the devotees. What is ...
Learner's user avatar
  • 399
6 votes
0 answers
327 views

Which Hindu scriptures talk about pacifying ill effects of Rahu by worshipping Lord Hanuman or Goddess Durga or Goddess Chinnmasta?

There are many sources available on internet (see this which claim that worshipping Goddess Chinnmasta pleases Rahu, so the ill effects of Rahu are pacified by worshipping her. Many websites (like ...
Aayush Gupta's user avatar
6 votes
0 answers
4k views

Which scripture mentions the verse "Sanghe Shakti Kali Yuge" used by RSS?

The verse "Sanghe Shakti Kali Yuge" (संघे शक्ति कलियुगे ) means "Unity is strength in Kali Yuga". It's mostly used by RSS(which is also known as Sangha) and other Sangh Parivar ...
RishX's user avatar
  • 3,137
6 votes
0 answers
993 views

Can someone give translation to Arya Durga Ashtakam?

This is the Arya Durga Ashtakam- Arya Durga Ashtakam Kindly give its translation.
user avatar
6 votes
0 answers
1k views

Why do we wear different colors on different days of Navratri?

Each day of Navratri is associated with a different color as mentioned in this article. How are Navratri colours decided and why do they change every year? The first colour of the Navratri is decided ...
Dr. Vineet Aggarwal's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

What's the relationship between Durga and Shakti?

From what I read online both Durga and Shakti represent the female principle. What's the difference between them?
Christian's user avatar
  • 495
5 votes
3 answers
469 views

Who is mother Durga, why was she prayed by all gods including Vishnu to be reborn as Parvathi?

Mother Durga was reborn as Parvathi, the daughter of Mena and Himalaya. So why did the Gods including Vishnu pray to mother Durga to be reborn as Parvathi. Why were they happy of the marriage of Mena ...
WiredTheories's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
11k views

Is Maa Kali, Devi Durga, Maa Parvati, Maa Jagadhatri all are same? [duplicate]

Is Maa Kali, Devi Durga ,Maa Parvati, Maa Jagadhatri all are same?
Gopal Biswas's user avatar