Parvati is the Shakti (power) and consort of Lord Shiva, the
god of disintegration and destruction. A majority of goddesses of
Hinduism are aspects and variations of Parvati. She is known by
different names like Uma, Gauri, Kali, Durga, Haimavati etc.
Like her consort Shiva, Parvati also has two aspects, the mild and the
terrible.There are three major aspects of Devi Parvati or Shakti Durga, Kali and Lalita. Durga and Kali represent the aspects of power of the goddess and Lalita represents the aspect of beauty.
Goddess Durga is the most widely worshipped aspect of Shakti. The goddess is the reflection and manifestation of supreme beauty and deadly power and her name is synonymous with the victory of good over evil. The goddess represents the total personification power of gods. The word "Durga" literally means one who is difficult to approach or difficult to know. Being the mother of the Universe, she is the personification of tender love and possesses different forms and aspects. Goddess Durga is the mysterious power with the combination of both pleasant and terrible nature. She is the personification of knowledge, wisdom and memory and is worshiped for wealth and prosperity.
According to legends, the Gods could not defeat a buffalo-demon called "Mahisha" who could take any form. Lord Shiva advised all gods to release their "Shakti" (power) and from the combined force emerged a magnificent, many armed goddess called Devi Durga. She is called the invincible one and she defeated the demon "Mahisha" and thus saved the Universe from destruction.
The Goddess is usually depicted with eight or ten arms, each holding conch, discus, trident, bow, arrow, sword, dagger, shield, rosary, wine cup and bell. It is said that each of these weapons were given to the goddess for defeating the buffalo-demon. The Goddess may be shown as standing on a lotus or on a buffalo head or as riding a lion.
The idol of Devi Durga are usually crafted out of materials like :
- Stone
- Ashtadhatu
- Wood
- Parad
- Brass