Durga · दुर्गा

Durga is the warrior form of the Divine Mother, who slays the buffalo demon Mahishasura and protects the world from evil.

In the Devi Mahatmya, Durga is formed from the combined power of the gods to defeat Mahishasura, and later destroys demons such as Shumbha, Nishumbha and Raktabija. She is usually shown riding a lion or tiger, with many arms holding weapons. Many forms of the goddess, from Parvati and Kali to the nine Navadurgas, are worshipped as aspects of the one Mother.

The two Navratris, especially Sharad Navratri ending in Durga Puja and Vijayadashami, are her main festivals. Weekly observances vary by region.