Durga is the active energy of the supreme lord. She is the embodiment of purity, knowledge, truth and self-realization. As a warrior goddess, she is also known as shakti or devi. In sanskrit, the word 'durg' means a fort, or a protected fortified place that is safe. Also, 'durga' means the one who is invincible. Also 'dur' means 'prison' and 'ga' means 'go or approach'. It means the one who sends or makes the miscreants go into the prison. She is the active principle in the universal affairs. She punishes the disturbing elements. She is in charge of this material world which is described as 'dukhalaya' or the place full of miseries ('Dukha' means pains and 'Alaya' means place as in 'Vachnalaya'-library, 'Bhojnalaya'-place where food is served). Goddess durga protects the human race from evil and misery, and it's believed that praying to her destroys all negative forces like ego, hatred, prejudice, selfishness and jealousy. Another meaning of 'durga' is 'durgatinashini' which means "the one who eliminates sufferings." Form and formless, durga is mahashakti - the very essence of creation, preservation and annihilation. Legend has it that she was born from the powers of brahma, vishnu and shiva to fight the demon mahisasura to protect both gods and other living beings. A multidimensional goddess, she possesses various divine facets, names and personas. The destroyer of evil with ten mighty arms, each carrying its own weapon, she is Shakti or Mahishasuramardini. Durga is also Sati, the object of death who gives up Her kingdom, and she is also Kali – black as the night in Her rage and fury with a garland of skulls adorning Her neck. She is the serene Parvati who is the consort of Lord Shiva, and She is also Bhavani – the symbol of life. Her other names include Amba, Basanti, Annapurna, Tara, Ambika, and Jagadhatri. Durga is revered as the most powerful among Goddesses, all across India. As Santoshi Mata, She appears standing along with Her tiger.
