D is for Durga (Fantastic Female)

We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Fantastic Females in Folk & Fairy Tales.”

About Goddess Durga:

Goddess Durga comes from the Hindu tradition. She created with the combined powers of Lord Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu to defeat Mahishasur. She was gifted a conch and noose from Varuna, a spear from Agni, arrows from Vayu, thunderbolt from Indra, a bell (to confuse the monster) from Airavata, a sword and shield from Yama, and an axe and armor from Vishwakarma. So…everyone was serious for getting rid of the chaotic and dangerous Mahishasur. Oh, and she rode a lion.

50-word-or-less summary

Mahishasur (half-monster/half-buffalo) meditated for 10,000 years. Mahishasur impressed Lord Brahma. Promised boon – no god or man could kill him. Mahishasur rampaged the land. Lord Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu combined powers to create Goddess Durga. She battled for 10 days and chopped Mahishasur’s head off. Feast held to celebrate.

Finding the Story: 

Goddess Durga Slaying the Demon Mahisha through The MET – here

A Brief Story of Durga Pujo – here

Durga – Wikipedia listing – here

Video – The Story of Goddess Durga in English – here

Animated Movie – The Legend of Devi Durga through Shemaroo (Hindi family entertainment) – here

Finding the “Fantastic”:

Being that Durga is a warrior woman (goddess) who is known as a protector? Already fantastic. The fact that three gods had to combine powers to create this goddess showed how much strength Durga truly had.

Sometimes people wonder if Durga had 8 or 10 arms. The answer would be 10 arms. She holds a trident with two arms while the other weapons are held by one arm. Perhaps this is why people do not always know? Either way, 10 arms sounds helpful beyond the battlefield.

And this was said already…but she rode a lion. How awesome is that?

Recommended Article:

Due to Durga having 10 arms, this article was fascinating (although not specific to Indian culture): “Prehistoric Women Had Stronger Arms Than Competitive Rowers Today” written by Amanda MacMillan.

Thoughts?

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As for our past A to Z Challenges…

Story Crossroads celebrates the hybrid Summit & Festival on May 13-16, 2024 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival

Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; and people like you.