GODDESS DURGA FEATURES WIFE OF LORD SHIVA- PARVATI/SHIVA SHAKTI VEHICLE – TIGER OR LION WEAPONS – VARIOUS WEAPONS READY FOR DEFENCE & A LOTUS FLOWER MOTHER OF – GANESHA & SUBRAMANYAM OTHER NAMES MAHAGOWRI ( LIGHT SKIN ) UMAA DEVI (PURE ) SHAILAPUTRI, HIMAVATI (PARVATI BEING DAUGHTER OF HIMALAYA ) AMBA, AMBIKA MAINTAINS A MEDITATIVE SMILE INFORMATION The Hindu Goddess , Durga manifested when evil forces threatened the very existence of the gods. To destroy these Asuras (demons), all Gods offered their radiance to her creation & each formed a part of Durga’s body. The word Shakti means divine feminine; energy/force/power, and Durga is the warrior aspect of the Divine Mother. Other incarnations include Annapurna and Karuɳamayi (karuɳa = kindness). Durga's darker aspect Kali is represented as the consort of the god Shiva, on whose body she is often seen standing. As a goddess, Durga's feminine power contains the energies of the gods. Each of her weapons was given to her by various gods: Rudra's trident, Vishnu's discus, Indra's thunderbolt, Brahma's Kamandalu, Kuber's Ratnahar, etc. The Goddess’ victory over Mahisasura , is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijayadashmi. Video Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kGdFxzVqqs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPIHiseE--Y SHLOKAS SARVA MANGALA MANGALYE SIVE SARVARTHA SADHAKE SARANYA TRAYAMBAKE GOWRI NARAYANI NAMOSTHUTE Meaning: Oh the most auspicious among all! The one who grants the fulfillment of all prayers, the one refuge of all; Consort of Shiva, known also as Triyambaka, Gauri, Narayani, accept our salutations. SHARANAGATA DEENARTHA PARITRAANA PARAYANE SARVA SYAARTHI HARE DEVI NARAYANI NAMOSTHUTE Meaning: Oh mother divine, noted for your zeal in affording protection to the weak and afflicted. You are the dispeller of the miseries of all. Narayani, accept our salutations! Picture Coloring Page: .