Description
Durga is the divine mother of the universe and wife of Lord Shiva. She is the manifestation of Goddess Adishakti who had taken birth on Earth as Parvati. Durga is a symbol of the supreme feminine soul called Shakti, the primordial cosmic energy cause of all phenomena of creation, existence, and destruction in conjunction with the masculine Trimurti. In this thangka painting, Durga is armed with celestial weapons and decked with divine ornaments dancing on a white snow lion. The lion represents power, will, and determination. Mother Durga riding the snow lion symbolizes Her mastery over all these qualities. In Nepal, Dashain is the longest festival of the year (it lasts 10 days) and it is also known as Durga Puja. During the first 9 days of Dashain, we celebrate the battle between the various manifestations of Durga and the demon Mahishasur while the 10th day is the day that Durga finally kills the demon.