Are Shakti and Durga the same?

Shakti and Durga are two words that can be used interchangeably for the mother goddess. Shakti is power that comes from within, while Durga is rooted in the word ‘durg’ which means a ‘fortress’ – which can be built around us, and so refers to power that comes from the outside.

What is the difference between Goddess Durga and Kali?

Kali and Durga are different in three ways. 1) Durga is a radiant warrior goddess and Kali is a bloodthirsty monster goddess. 2) Durga and Kali are both associated with the Hindu god Shiva. 3) Durga maintains the balance of the cosmos while Kali destroys the balance.

Which goddess is prayed on Durga?

As per Hindu scriptures, the festival marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting asura, Mahishasura. Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.

Why is Durga associated with other goddesses?

In Hinduism, Durga is depicted riding a lion or tiger, with many arms each carrying a weapon, often defeating Mahishasura (lit. buffalo demon). She is widely worshipped by the Shaktas and has importance in other denominations like Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Under these traditions, Durga is associated with other goddesses.

How many hands does Durga have in Hinduism?

Durga has been a warrior goddess, and she is depicted to express her martial skills. Her iconography typically resonates with these attributes, where she rides a lion or a tiger, has between eight and eighteen hands, each holding a weapon to destroy and create.

What is Durga Puja and why is it celebrated?

As per mythology, the festival marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting asura, Mahishasura. Thus, the festival epitomises the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.

How many names of Durga are there in Shaktism?

There are many epithets for Durga in Shaktism and her nine appellations are ( Navadurga ): Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayini, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. A list of 108 names of the goddess is recited in order to worship her and is popularly known as the “Ashtottarshat Namavali of Goddess Durga”.