Durga: Divine Mother and Ma of the Universe
Durga, a prominent goddess in Hinduism, is revered for her divine feminine power, protection, and the triumph of good over evil. She is often depicted as a warrior goddess with multiple arms, riding a lion or tiger. This powerful deity is celebrated during the nine-night festival of Navaratri, dedicated to her various forms which symbolize different aspects of her attributes.
Understanding Durga in Hindu Culture
Many in Hinduism have not fully understood the significance of stories in Puranas, often focusing on the Vedas. However, in the Vedic era, the gods were not the traditional ones we know today. The deities were entities such as Fire, Vayu (Wind), and Rain—all products of chemical reactions between elemental forces. The major gods were Vishnu, Brahma, and Rudra, who were part of a larger pantheon. It is important to note that the 11 Rudras (a term often used to describe Rudra) were not God Shiva but rather different manifestations or aspects of his power.
The Origins of Durga: A Cosmic Mother
During the Puranas, many stories are embedded with scientific keys that enlighten us about the universe and the divine beings within it. One such story revolves around why Goddess Durga is referred to as the divine mother. This does not mean that Durga herself is the mother of the deities such as Vishnu and Shiva, but rather a metaphor for her cosmic role.
The deities and asuras (negative energies) are part of cosmic clouds formed from pure energy, which is Adi Para Shakti. These clouds exist in helical forms around Vishnu and Shiva as Adi Sesha (Naga) and Vasuki (Naga). These are highly concentrated plasma stages from which elements are formed through star fusion reactions.
Some of these cosmic clouds remain dark and thus remain as asuras, eternally existing in the form of negative energies. However, the clouds active with stars turn fair and celestial. When the energy is exhausted, these clouds collapse, symbolizing the end of their cycle.
The Cosmic Dance of the Universes
The Brahma Logam, a scientific triangulation of the Triangulum Galaxy, orbits the Shivalogam (Shiva's galaxy). By creating a collision of these galaxies, God Shiva shifted the energy and created a new galaxy structure. The mixed clouds were drawn to God Vishnu by his gravitational forces, forming the Akash Ganga. Vishnu then distributed this energy to the deities in our galaxy, symbolizing the story of Samundra Mathan (Churning of the Ocean).
In this cosmic dance, Goddess Durga sacrificed her energy to ensure the survival of the deities, including the Sun Deva, which our Earth depends on for sustenance. This sacrificial act made Durga the mother of these deities and the divine mother of people on Earth.
Conclusion
Beyond her visual depictions and myths, Durga embodies a profound cosmic significance. Her name 'Maa' (mother) reflects her role as a cosmic sustainer and protector, ensuring the balance of the universe and the well-being of all beings. Her story is a blend of divine mythology and cosmic truth, a mesmerizing narrative that continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world.
References
For further reading and a more detailed exploration of the cosmic significance of Durga and the stories from Puranas, refer to the following:
Hindu Myths: A Sourcebook Translating the Puranas Goals of Human Life in Hinduism (Purusarthas)