Durga Ma and PhotographerNo1
Originally uploaded by flickr photographerno1
Yes I am proud to be a Shia Pandit a term used derogatory to my fascination for Hinduism, and the saffronisation of my Hindustani soul so be it.
I share my countrys cultural plurality , and perhaps its the Hindu gods specially Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha and Durga Mata or Goddess Parvati that drag me away from my own world to shoot them in their splendour and share all this with you, as my knowledge of Hinduism is limited and because I am ignorant I add links to relevant posts for the westerners who read me or see my pictures.
From
www.iloveindia.com/spirituality/goddesses/durga/index.html
Characteristics : Strength, Morality, Power, Protector
Other Names : Jagdamba, Shakti, Bhagwati, Devi, Maa
Weapon : Trident, Chakra, Snake, Conch shell, Mace, Bow, Long sword, Thunderbolt
Abode : Trikoota Mountain
Vehicle (Vahana) : Lion
Mula Mantra : Om Sri Durgaya Namah
Durga Gayatri Mantra: Aum Girijaye Cha Vidmahe
Shiva Priyaye Cha Dheemahi
Tanno Durga Prachodayat
Durga
Maa (Mother) Durga symbolizes the power of the Supreme Being that maintains moral order and righteousness in the universe. Worship of the goddess Shakti is very popular among the Hindus. Durga stands for the unified symbol of all divine forces (Shaktis). Goddess Durga is the divine mother, who protects people from evil forces of selfishness, jealousy, hatred, anger and ego. Mother's love and her kindness towards her child, is the best example of pure love in this whole universe.
Likewise, the love of Maa Bhagwati (Durga) towards her devotee (Child) is pure and serene. Maa (Mother) never asks for a favour from her child. She pours her kindness and warmth on the child without desiring anything in return. The love of Jagdamba is like a free flowing river. Durga loves her each and every devotee (Child) without any discrimination.
Origin of Goddess
Durga It is believed that once the existence of the universe was under a threat by Mahishasura (the demon). The Gods pleaded Shiva to protect their world from the evil forces. Lord Shiva asked the three goddesses, Saraswati, Maa Kali and Maa Lakshami to release their powers (shaktis). The Power emerged in a female form. The Divine light emerged and a goddess of exceptional power appeared with many arms. She was beautiful as well as ferocious.
Durga was an extremely gorgeous girl with full of rage. The gods named her Durga, the invincible one and they furnished her with all their arms. Durga rode on a lion to the top of a mountain. In a violent battle, she killed Mahishasura and thus, saved the world from the demon's threat.
Durga - The Image
The word Durga has been derived from Sanskrit language which means a fort or a place that is difficult to reach. In the Images, Shakti is visible in the female form, wearing red clothes. Goddess has eighteen arms, carrying many items in her hands. The red color symbolizes fierceness and it suggests that goddess destroys evil and protects people from pain and misery caused by evil forces. Durga riding a tiger shows that she holds infinite power and uses it to save virtue and destroy evil. The eighteen arms holding weapons signify the unattainable energy that Maa Durga possesses. Different weapons suggest the idea that she can face any evil force without consideration.
