Durga facts for kids

Durga, a powerful Hindu goddess

Durga is a very important goddess in Hinduism. She is seen as a strong form of Devi, who is the supreme goddess. In some parts of India, especially Bengal, people believe she is the mother of gods like Ganesha, Kartikeya, Saraswati, and Lakshmi. Durga is known as a divine mother, a protector, and a fierce warrior. Her main job is to keep divine laws safe and fight for what is right.

Durga is often shown as a powerful warrior woman. She rides a lion or a tiger, which shows her strength and courage. She usually has eight or ten hands, each holding different weapons. She also makes special hand gestures called mudras, which have symbolic meanings. This image of Durga represents feminine power and creative energy, known as Shakti.

Who is Durga and what does she represent?

Durga is a central figure in Hindu mythology, embodying strength, protection, and divine justice. She is often called the "Divine Mother" because she cares for all living things. Her stories teach us about good triumphing over evil. She represents the power of the universe that creates, protects, and destroys to keep balance.

How was Durga created?

According to ancient stories, Durga was created by the gods themselves. This happened when a powerful demon named Mahishasura was causing great trouble. Mahishasura was born from a demon king and a water buffalo, so he could change between human and buffalo forms. He had a special power that no man or god could defeat him.

Mahishasura used his power to terrorize the earth, heavens, and underworlds. The gods realized that only a woman or a goddess could defeat him. So, they combined all their divine energy and power to create Durga. She was born with many weapons, ready to fight the demon.

What is the story of Durga defeating Mahishasura?

Durga bravely went to battle against Mahishasura. The fight was long and fierce. With her many weapons and divine strength, Durga finally defeated the buffalo demon. By winning this battle, she saved the gods and humans from destruction. This victory is a very important story in Hinduism. It shows Durga's role as a protector of good and a destroyer of evil.

When is Durga worshipped?

Durga is worshipped in many festivals throughout the year. The most famous one is Durga Puja. This festival is celebrated with great joy, especially in Bengal, India. It usually happens in the autumn. During Durga Puja, people make beautiful statues of Durga and worship her for nine nights. This celebration honors her victory over Mahishasura and her power to protect.

Images for kids

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  'Durga in Combat with the Bull, Mahishasura', 19th century painting

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  Durga festival images (clockwise from top): Durga Puja pandal with a Durga idol with 1 million hands standing on top a bull's head to symbolize her victory over Mahishasura in Kolkata, Dancing on Vijaya Dashami, women smearing each other with colour, and family get together for Dashain in Nepal.

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  The Buddhist goddess Palden Lhamo shares some attributes of Durga.

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  Goddess Durga in Southeast Asia, from left: 7th/8th century Cambodia, 10/11th century Vietnam, 8th/9th century Indonesia.

See also

In Spanish: Durga para niños