Durga is believed to have originated as an ancient goddess worshipped by indigenous mountain-dwellers of the Indian subcontinent, before being established in the main Hindu pantheon by the 4th century CE.
Navratri or Durga Puja is one of the biggest and longest Hindu festivals. There are 4-5 Navratris in a year, but the most important is Sharada Navratri, which is celebrated in the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu calendar.
Durga, identified as Adi Parashakti, is a primary and popular form of the Hindu goddess. She is the warrior goddess, whose mythology centers on fighting the evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, prosperity, and the dharma of good.
Durga, also known as Devi or Shakti, holds immense cultural significance in Hinduism as she symbolizes the feminine energy that upholds the universe. Her historical origins can be dated to the Vedic texts, where she's revered as a warrior goddess who fiercely protects the cosmos from evil forces.
Goddess Durga, often referred to simply as " Ma Durga," is a prominent and revered deity in Hinduism. She is particularly celebrated during the festival of Navaratri, which lasts for nine nights and honors her victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
Durga is a principal form of the supreme Goddess in Hinduism, also known as Devi and Shakti./GettyImages-162532712-5c3d0f4946e0fb000138b25c.jpg)
Learn about the goddess Durga, one of the most powerful deities in Hinduism, and discover the meaning of the mother goddess' many symbols.