Description

Durga is one of the forms taken by Parvati, Shiva's wife, in her destructive form. She symbolizes the feminine form of the absolute but also power.

This statuette of Durga symbolizes power - victory over disorder, protection.

Posture Standing, represented from the front, Durga puts down the buffalo dragon which she crushes with her left leg and pierces with her trident.

Note: Her peaceful face: no fury in Her features, Durga always appears beautiful, at peace, serene.

Durga is here represented with eight arms endowed with 8 weapons provided by the gods:

From the left

The conch (the primordial sound) given by Vayu, god of the Wind
The mass (force) given by Vishakarman: the craftsman of the gods
The rosary (knowledge) given by Brahma
The dagger

To the right

The wheel or the disc (the sun-light) given by Vishnou
The lance (power) given by Kumara, the god of war, Lord of the divine armies
The sword given by Yama, Lord of death
The trident provided by Shiva

The weapons, numerous and diverse, indicate that to triumph over an ultimate threat, many qualities must be combined, both physical (strength,...) and spiritual.

Headgear The tiara-shaped crown (Kiritamukuta) - symbol of royalty - covers her long hair gathered in a bun.
Clothing Her almost nakedness accentuates the impression of beauty and unreachable strength.
Jewelry Many jewelry which enhances her goddess port.
Mount The lion (also called a tiger). Damon: symbol of strength, courage, determination.