Durga

Mahishasura, ahead of a demon, had created terror in the devlok, the world of gods, and declared war against god sixteen days before the Dashain and those sixteen days are called Sorasharad. All the gods and saints prayed to holy spirits and deceased for those sixteen days to gather energy, power, and knowledge needed for the war. They started a war on the first day of Dashain and is known as Ghasthapana. The ten days of Dashain represents the days of war against demons and each day represents the victory of avatar of goddesses over the demons. First nine days of Dashain symbolizes the fight which took place between the different manifestations of goddess Durga and the Mahishasura and his followers and those first nine nights are called Navratri. Finally, in the tenth day of the fight, Durga defeated Mahishasura. Remaining five days are celebrated returning of the war heroes to their…

Introduction Durga Mahishasura mardini, Durga slayer of the Buffalo demon, is known as a ferocious goddess (Durga, 2015), often identified with many arms that holds weapons and stands on her lion mount. That form is common in India, but in Southeast Asia Durga is portrayed in a more benevolent form. Durga in Southest Asia has more similarities with the benign goddesses Uma than her original warrior form in India. The works discussed would be Durga Mahishasuramardini, Southern Vietnam, second…

Shoshti is the first day of the much awaited Durga Puja. The Bengalis all over the world wait every year for this day. There is something just inexplicable about how one feels on the first day. There is so much excitement and exuberance for the upcoming fun filled days that it is absolutely infectious. Apart from all the pandal hopping, the amazing food, and of course, unlimited fun, Durga Puja is also about dressing up. Cupboards are filled with new clothes and accessories to go with it. This…

AGARWAL IBSK INTRODUCTION Kolkata – “The City of Furious, Creative Energy” is a city of matchless culture, traditions, food and festivals. During the month of October, the colorful and festive spirit of this city can be relished when the biggest festival, Durga Puja, is celebrated. The first idol worship of Goddess Durga in recorded history is said to be celebrated in the late 1500 century AD, initiated by the zamindars of Dinajpur and Malda. As the initial attempts of worshiping…

Discuss the iconography of female divinities in Southeast Asian art In this essay, I will be discussing the iconography of Durga and Prajnaparamita in Southeast Asia. Prajnaparamita, the Buddhist deity of transcendental wisdom, is known as the Goddess of ‘Perfection of Wisdom’ where as Durga, the great Goddess of Hindu Tradition , is known as Mahisasuramardini who embodies strong forces . Durga often displays in a more aggressive form, expressing warrior-like characteristic, however…

1952. Pather Panchali is a coming of age story about a young protagonist named Apu. Ray presents us with Apu’s journey from childlike idealism toward a harsher and more realistic adulthood. Durga is Apu’s older sister and much of the…

Hindus celebrate many various holidays throughout the year in honor of their many Hindu gods. One of the holidays celebrated is called Navratri, also known as Sharad Navratri. The holiday is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Maa Durga and honors feminine divine power. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashvin which can be either in September or October in the commonly known Gregorian calendar. There are many legends and stories concerning how the holiday, Navratri, originated and why…

visual of the dead frog outside the house was symbolic of what was going to happen inside the house. Monsoon is symbolic of change because it brings spells of coolness in the scorching heat. However rainstorms can bring about destruction as well, So monsoons in a way symbolizes promise with a speck of threat. Ray builds up this narrative beautifully accompanied by a montage of images of lotus flowers, dark clouds and tiny aquatic insects, connoting change. Ray has crafted a rich cinematic…

It is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the ten headed demon king called Raavan. The festival also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur. Legends behind the Festival: Story of Ramayan: Ramayana the famous Indian epic mentions and states the importance of the festival. The festival has a different perception and significance attached to it. According to the Hindu epic, Ramayana, Lord Ram killed Ravan on the tenth day of Navratri, the day came to be known as…

Their names are Durga and Kali. These goddesses are very influential in the Hindu culture for women. They show empowerment, guidance, and determination. Women in the Hindu culture have a certain dharma usually fulfilled by being a wife and mother (Women in Hinduism 66). Many of the Hindu feminine saints appeared during the bhakti movement (600-1700 EC). This opened doors to women and gave them more authority. This authority can be seen in how Hindu women live their lives and what social roles…