दुर्गा
Major Goddess · Sacred Day: Friday
Durga is the supreme goddess and warrior form of Parvati / Adi Shakti — the invincible protector of the cosmos and destroyer of demonic forces. She was created by the combined energies of all the gods to slay the buffalo demon Mahishasura, whom no god could defeat. Her victory over Mahishasura is celebrated during the nine nights of Navratri, culminating in Vijaya Dashami. The Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati) — 700 verses from the Markandeya Purana — is the central scripture of Durga worship. Bengali Durga Puja, celebrated over ten days in autumn, is one of the most spectacular festivals in India.
Ten arms (sometimes eight or eighteen), each holding a weapon given by a different god — the trident from Shiva, the chakra from Vishnu, the vajra from Indra, the bow from Vayu, the sword, the conch, the mace, the lotus, and more. Red saree, flowing dark hair, fierce yet beautiful countenance. Her vahana is the lion or tiger. Often shown trampling Mahishasura beneath her feet.
ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः ॥
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥