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Godess
Durga is the appearance of Prakriti (Nature) also besides being Shakti and
the mother of the universe. All the organisms have arisen out of the
Nature, hence She is called as Jagadamba. Godesss Durga is also known by
other names viz : Parvati, Kaali etc. But despite having so many names she
is one in appearance.
She is a multi-dimensional Goddess, with many names, many personas, and
many facets. As Mahishasuramardini or Shakti, she is the destroyer of
evil, as Sati, she gives up a kingdom and earns her father's wrath, as
Kali, she turns black as the night and omnipotent, terrible in rage and
fury, with just a string of skulls as her garland and her only garb, as
Parvati, she is serene, the pretty consort of Lord Shiva by his side in
the snowy peaks of the Kailash mountain. She is also Amba, Jagadhatri,
Tara, Ambika, Annapurna.
Goddess Durga represents the power of the supreme being that preserves
moral order and righteousness in the creation. Durga, also called Divine
Mother, protects mankind from evil and misery by destroying evil forces
such as selfishness, jealousy, prejudice, hatred, anger, and ego. The
worship of Goddess Durga is very popular among Hindus. There are many
temples dedicated to Durga's worship in India.
In Her images, Goddess Durga is shown in a female form, wearing red
clothes. She has eighteen arms, carrying many objects in Her hands. The
red color symbolizes action and the red clothes signify that She is always
busy destroying evil and protecting mankind from pain and suffering caused
by evil forces. Goddess Durga shines like a moon, rides the lion, holds
many types of weapons and has a fire like flare.