Maa Durga is being worshipped for time immemorial with special mentions in religious scriptures such as the Vedas. She is the epitome of Shakti and righteousness. Her devotees believe that she harbors the combined energies of all the Gods and can protect them all evil.
Although Durga Puja is mainly associated in some States of India with the slaying of the demon Mahisasura, there are other festivities and symbolism associated with the worship of this Goddess. This legend says that Goddess Durga took the form of Chandi specially to slay the demon Mahisasura. Because of the popularity of this legend, Goddess Durga is depicted sitting on a lion or tiger and slaying the demon with a spear or trident.
According to another legend, Goddess’s Navratri Puja is symbolic of her coming from her husband, Shiva’s house, to Earth to visit her family. The start of the Durga Puja is also known as the awakening of the Goddess and special chants and shlokas are used to invoke her. The Goddess is seen with all her children – Ganesha, Kartikeya, Saraswati and Lakshmi.
After the nine days, Goddess Durga leaves for her husband’s abode to the Kailash Mountains and is bid farewell with much sorrow by her devotees.
Because of these legends, the image of Goddess is displayed in slightly different forms throughout India. The ancient idols at the temples also depict the Goddess with four or ten arms, riding a lion or seated on a lotus and holding weapons and a lotus or a rosary in her hands. The image of the Goddess also varies with her different appellations.
Although the Goddess is portrayed in a ferocious light as far the killing of Mahisasura is concerned, she also has a compassionate side for her devotees. The slaying of the demon is symbolized as the killing of all that is evil and negative. Virtue and vice are considered two sides of the same coin. In order to gain happiness one has to go through the path of sinful acts and suffering and emerge victorious.
Every year, at the time of Durga Puja, devotees are reminded of the evils like greed, anger, anger, envy and lust so that they can rise above them. The Goddess gives her devotees the confidence that they can totally rely on her and leave their worries to her. The prayers dedicated to Goddess Durga remind the devotees of her Supreme power and ability to grant them peace and happiness in their lives.