The Hindu Goddess Durga: Her Mentions in Ancient Scriptures

Durga, the fierce and powerful goddess in Hinduism, is revered and worshipped for her valor, protection, and maternal qualities. She is frequently mentioned in ancient Hindu texts, including the Vedas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. This article explores the mentions of Durga in these scriptures and provides a deeper understanding of her significance in Hindu mythology.

Mentions of Durga in the Vedas

The Vedas, the oldest sacred texts in Hinduism, contain references to various deities and spiritual concepts. While not specifically dedicated to Durga, the Taittiriya Aranyaka of the Yajur Veda mentions her:

Ya Durgā tapasvī ujjvala ityapriteh | jyotir-alak?yenāpi divi nadībhi? samav?tā |
?arīre jyotir-alak?yenāpi jyotir-varnā nā?akā |

Translation: 'To Her whose complexion is like glowing fire, who stands glorious and resplendent, and who, though not visible in the sky, still covers it with her ordinance as if the sun is not visible in the sky, but she takes away the light of the sun.'

Mentions of Durga in the Mahabharata

The ancient epic Mahabharata mentions Durga by several names. Her most prominent mention is in the famous Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, imparts wisdom to Arjuna. In the Mahabharata, Durga is also referred to as:

Jaya, Maha, and Durga

Her association with victory (Jaya), might (Maha), and strength (Durga) is highlighted in these mentions. Here is a verse from the Mahabharata that directly references her:

'Jay Mā Durgā' - The Bhagavad Gita of Mahabharata

Translation: 'Victory, Maha (greatness), and Durga together are the ultimate refuge of the devotees.'

Mentions of Durga in the Ramayana

The Ramayana, another ancient epic, includes Durga under the guise of various goddesses. In the Ramayana, she is seen in the form of:

For example, in the adventures of Rama and Sita, when Rama faces the demon king Ravana, he is supported by various goddesses, one of whom is Durga. The Ramayana describes Durga as:

'Trayī ??????, a synonym for Durga, signifies her power to protect. She is invoked to save the devotees from the ocean of desires and worldly troubles.'

Summary and Conclusion

The mentions of Durga in the Vedas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana present her as a powerful deity with attributes of protection, valor, and compassion. These texts emphasize her role in the preservation of righteousness and the defeat of evil forces. Understanding her mentions enhances our appreciation of the rich spiritual and mythological heritage of Hinduism.