a celebration of divine strength and inner transformation
Navaratri is a 9-day festival that honors the powerful goddess Durga and usually takes place at the end of September. Below is a deeper look at her symbolism and spiritual significance.
Who is Goddess Durga?
Goddess Durga embodies the divine feminine energy known as Shakti — the inner power that helps overcome negativity, protect truth, and restore balance. She is often described as a union of three other goddesses: Lakshmi (abundance), Kali (transformation), and Saraswati (wisdom).
It is said that Durga was created by Lord Vishnu as a warrior goddess, tasked with defeating the demon Mahishasura, who was causing destruction on Earth. Each of the ten gods gifted her a weapon or symbol, making her a collective embodiment of divine strength and virtue.
In Sanskrit, the word durga means "fortress" — a space protected and impenetrable. In this way, Durga represents the inner fortress that shields us from fear, suffering, and the forces of darkness — both within and around us.
What does Durga represent?
Durga is often depicted as a radiant warrior with ten hands, each holding a different weapon or forming a sacred mudra (hand gesture). Each element she carries holds deep meaning:
- Chakra (discus): symbolizes dharma — living with righteousness, responsibility, and alignment with truth
- Shankh (conch): symbolizes joy and the importance of performing our duties with uplifted energy rather than dissatisfaction
- Sword: represents cutting through ego and vices by recognizing and transforming them
- Bow and arrow: symbolizes integrity and inner strength — staying true to your values in difficult times
- Lotus flower: reminds us of detachment — blooming in the mud without being tainted by it
- Club (gada): symbolizes surrender and devotion — doing all with love and trust in the divine plan
- Trident (trishul): represents courage — the willingness to face both outer battles and inner darkness
- Blessing mudra: her hand in this gesture reminds us to forgive and bless — ourselves and others
- Her mount – lion or tiger: symbolizes limitless power, which she uses to protect dharma and overcome evil. It also reminds us to master our primal instincts rather than be ruled by them
- Red clothing: represents fierce protection and her role in destroying evil and suffering
Honoring Durga during Navaratri
This sacred time invites us to connect with Maa Durga — the universal mother — and ask her to help us overcome the vices and patterns that limit our growth. With her strength and Shakti, we are able to shed layers of fear, ego, and attachment, and reconnect with our divine truth.
As we pray and reflect during Navaratri, we invite this transformative energy into our lives — not to fight others, but to purify ourselves. To let courage, clarity, and compassion rise in us.
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9/25/2019