Durga

Hindu warrior and mother goddess; one of the many names for the ‘great goddess’ Mahadevi.

Durga was formed from the fire of the breath of the Trimurti (Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma) to destroy the buffalo demon Mahisha. She rides on a tiger and was given weapons by the gods, so she is depicted carrying a discus, a trident, a thunderbolt, conch shell, and flaming spear. She fights either single-handedly or with female helpers, and helps to maintain justice and harmony. Durga is celebrated particularly at Navaratri, or Durga Puja.