Durga of the Vedas

Durga of the Vedas

The origin of Durga worship is said to be in Bengal. Her worship is now universal. Interestingly, there is a Rig Veda mantra which speaks of the Goddess welcoming the world with Her open arms.

“She yonder, rich in rays, clothed in red hues, is seen advancing as one wonderful, amid the, the ten surrounding arms.’

Though this verse praises the beauty of Usha, the Dawn, we are reminded of the ten-armed Goddess Durga, the ‘dasha bhuja’ form of the Goddess. The origin of the conception and worship of Durga evidently lies in the Veda. In the Veda, the ‘ten arms’ have the original abstract significance of the ‘ten directions’; Durga is present and has control of all 10 directions; Her protective “hands” are everywhere. The Veda continues:

‘Of Thee, O Mother Goddess, who dawning, make with your glory the earth visible and reveal the heaven for us. Of Thee, the distributor of wealth, we pray; may we be to Thee like children to the Mother.’ (R.V. VII. 81:4).

This verse, which describes the youthful grace of the Mother, asks us to be like children to the Mother. Thus, the Vedic Rishis have invested Her with charm, maternal glory and grace, and also bring the devotion of children.

Durga Devi is said to have 9 manifestations.  Many stories have been told of her different appearances and her exploits and conquests of evil forces for the protection of Her devotees. “Although I am One, I appear as many …” she says. She needs no helper, and has none. “I am independent and responsible to none”, she says.

As the Support and Controller of the Universe, She says of Herself:

“He who eats, eats through me; he who sees, who breathes, who hears what is spoken, does so through me; those who are ignorant of me, perish; hearken who is capable of hearing, I tell you that which is deserving of belief.”

“I verily myself declare this which is approved of by both gods and men; whomsoever I choose, I render him an exalted one, make him a ṛiṣhi, make him Brahman, or make him highly intelligent.”

“I am the Queen of the universe, the Giver of all wealth and fruits of works. I am intelligent and omniscient. Although I am One, by My powers I appear as many. I cause righteous battles for protecting the righteous; I remove the wicked and bring peace on earth. I stretch out heaven and earth. As the wind blows by itself, so do I produce all phenomena by My own will. I am independent and responsible to none. I am beyond the sky; beyond the earth. My glory is this phenomenal universe; such am I by My Power.”  (Devi Suktam).

The word “Durga” in Sanskrit means a ‘fort’, or a place which is difficult to conquer or overrun. There are other reasons for Her name being Durga, given in the Devi Bhagavata and Durga saptashati. ”At that moment, I shall destroy the wicked Durgama. Thereby, I shall have the celebrated name of Durgadevi.” (11:49-50)

Again, She is Durga because She is the ship that takes us across this difficult ocean of worldly existence. (4:11). According to the Devi Purana, She who removes fear from the heart of a devotee who thinks of Her in times of difficulties is called Durga. (Chap.37). Also, the commonly known idea is that since she is the destroyer of fate (Durgati), she is called Durga. Thus, Hindus believe that Goddess Durga protects Her devotees from the evils of the world and at the same time removes their miseries.

The Devi’s promise.

“Whenever in calamities, you just think of me; that very moment I shall put an end to all your worst difficulties.”

In the Rig Veda, Mandala X, Mantra 125, the Mother Divine says:

“I am the sovereign queen of all Existence, the collectress of treasures, the chief object of worship; as such, the gods have put me in many places, abiding in manifold conditions, entering into numerous forms.”

“O Mother! You are the destroyer of the troubles of your devotees. You are the Mother of the universe. Let Your mercy be upon all. O Mother, You are the Ruler of the universe. Do You protect us all.”

“O Mother, Thou art in the form of all things; you control all. You are the embodiment of all power; may You protect us from all fear. O Remover of all ills, salutation unto Thee.”

(Pandit Ramdial Balbadar is a prominent Aachaarya (Teacher) of Hinduism in Guyana. He is the compiler and author of many titles and has over 30 years experience in Pandits’ Training across Guyana. He is currently the President of the Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region 3).