Hindu deity
Durga
the invincible Mother — protective power
In short
Durga is the fierce and protective form of the Divine Mother (Shakti), the invincible warrior goddess who vanquishes evil. Riding a lion and armed by all the gods, she defeated the buffalo-demon Mahishasura — a victory celebrated across the nine nights of Navratri and in Durga Puja.
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Significance & stories
When the demon Mahishasura could not be defeated by any god, the combined energies of the devas took form as Durga, radiant and many-armed, bearing each god's weapon. After a long battle she slew him — the triumph of divine order over chaos.
Durga embodies Shakti, the active power of the cosmos, both fierce protector and loving mother. She is worshipped through the nine nights of Navratri and, especially in Bengal, in the grand celebration of Durga Puja.
A mantra to Durga
ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः
oṃ duṃ durgāyai namaḥ
I bow to Durga, the invincible protector and mother of strength.
See all Durga mantras with Devanagari, transliteration, meaning, and how to chant.
Festivals of Durga
Temples of Durga
Questions about Durga
Other deities
About Durga
Who is Durga?
Durga is the invincible warrior form of the Divine Mother (Shakti), who defeated the demon Mahishasura. She embodies protective power and is worshipped at Navratri and Durga Puja.
What does Durga represent?
Shakti — the active, protective power of the cosmos — as both fierce warrior against evil and loving mother.
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