Durga
Culture & Region
Hindu India
Time Period
c. 6th century CE prominence (Devi Mahatmya); earlier roots
Domains
Protectionwardemon-slayingrighteousnessmotherhood
Symbols & Animals
Lion or tiger mount8-10-18 arms with weaponstridentdiscussword
Sacred Sites & Cult Centers
- Bengal
- Varanasi
- pan-Indian; Durga Puja major festival
Key Myths & Stories
Slays Mahishasura (buffalo demon); created from gods' combined power; Navaratri celebration
Related Deities
Form of Devi/Shakti; ≈ Athena/Sekhmet (warrior); mother goddess