Navratri 2023: What the ten weapons of Maa Durga signify
Navratri, running from October 15 to 23 this year, is a celebration of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each of her ten arms holds symbolic weapons representing distinct powers and blessings, embodying her eternal nature. These arms symbolize protection, strength, and progress, bringing prosperity to devotees. Celebrity Astrologer Parduman Suri emphasizes the significance of these ten weapons in the Goddess' arms.
The ten weapons symbolize her immense power
The ten arms of Maa Durga and her ten weapons symbolize her immense power and ability to protect the Universe from evil forces. According to legends as a demon named Mahishasura terrorized the heavens and the Earth, the Gods realized combined their divine energies to create Goddess Durga. The Gods then presented her with astras (weapons) to kill Mahishasur.
Trishul and sword
The trishul was gifted to Goddess Durga by Lord Shiva. This trident has three sharp edges, which symbolize the three qualities of tamas (ignorance), rajas (passion) and satva (goodness). "The sword, a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, was given by Lord Ganesha. The blade represents the sharpness of the intellect while its shine represents knowledge," explains Suri.
Spear and vajra
Spear is a symbol of auspiciousness, which is gifted to the mother by Lord Agni. Despite representing fierce power, it knows the difference between what is wrong and what is right and acts accordingly. "Vajra was gifted by Indradev. It is a symbol of strength of soul and strong willpower. Goddess Durga empowers her devotees with indomitable confidence and willpower," notes Suri.
Sudarshan chakra and axe
Sudarshan Chakra, from Lord Vishnu, is an infallible weapon of the Mother that possesses the power to permanently defeat the enemy. "It symbolizes that the world is controlled by the Mother Goddess, with the universe revolving around her as the center of creation," clarifies Suri. She also received an axe and armor from Lord Vishwakarma, symbolizing the courage to combat evil without fearing consequences.
Bow and arrow, and lotus
Bow and arrow given by Lord Vayu, are considered symbols of energy. "The bow represents potential energy, while the arrow represents kinetic energy. It also symbolizes that Goddess Durga is controlling all the sources of energy in the universe," says Soni. The lotus given to the Goddess by Lord Brahma represents wisdom, as well as liberation through knowledge.
Conch shell and snake
The conch shell of Maa Durga represents universality and prosperity. The symbol of the primordial sound "aum" from which the entire creation emerged was gifted to the Goddess by Lord Varuna. While some representations of Durga show one hand blessing, or holding the trishul to kill Mahishasura, the tenth hand is supposed to be holding a snake symbolizing consciousness and Lord Shiva's masculine energy.
