Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A principal Hindu goddess: Durga is a major deity in Hinduism, revered as a powerful and protective mother goddess.
   • The warrior aspect of the divine feminine: She embodies the fierce, combative power (Shakti) used to restore cosmic order (dharma) by vanquishing evil and demonic forces.
   • An aspect of Devi: Durga is understood as a formidable, militant manifestation of the supreme goddess, Devi.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Devotees celebrate the festival of Navaratri to honor the goddess Durga.
  • The sculpture depicted Durga riding a lion and holding multiple weapons.
  • She prayed to Durga for strength and protection.

Advanced Usage

• "Durga Puja": A major annual Hindu festival, primarily in Eastern India, dedicated to worshipping the goddess Durga.

  • The city was decorated with elaborate pandals for Durga Puja.

• "Mahishasuramardini": An epithet for Durga meaning "the slayer of the buffalo-demon Mahishasura," describing her most famous mythological feat.

  • The tale of Mahishasuramardini is central to the mythology of Durga.

Variants and Related Words

• Devi (proper noun): The Sanskrit word for "goddess"; the supreme goddess who manifests in various forms, including Durga.
• Shakti (noun): The concept of divine feminine creative power, personified by goddesses like Durga.
• Kali (proper noun): Another fierce manifestation of Devi, often considered an even more wrathful aspect than Durga.

Synonyms

• Warrior Goddess
• The Inaccessible One (a meaning of her name)
• Divine Mother (in her protective aspect)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To have the strength of Durga": Used to describe someone, often a woman, possessing immense fortitude and power.
  • Facing the crisis, she summoned the strength of Durga.

Noun

1. Hindu goddess of war; a malevolent aspect of Devi
   • the inaccessible Durga