According to Devi Rahasya Tantra, the goddess got the name after killing a demon named Durgama or Durga.दुर्गादेवी ती विख्यातम तन्मे नाम भविष्यति ||
She is ‘difficult to access’ because she resides atop the
Why Goddess Durga Resides On Mountains?
In Hindu tradition, Goddess Durga is often depicted as
residing on mountains, particularly in the Himalayas. There are several reasons
for this symbolic association:
Power and Majesty: Mountains are often seen as symbols of
strength, stability, and majesty. By residing on a mountain, Goddess Durga is
portrayed as embodying these qualities in their highest form. It signifies her
immense power and authority over all aspects of creation.
Isolation and Asceticism: Mountains are also places of
isolation and asceticism, where spiritual seekers often retreat for meditation
and self-discovery. By residing in such a setting, Durga demonstrates her
transcendence beyond the mundane world and her deep connection to spiritual
practices.
Protection and Defense: Mountains are natural fortresses,
providing a strategic vantage point for defense. Similarly, Durga is the
protector of the universe and is often invoked to defend against evil forces
and restore cosmic balance. Her presence on the mountain symbolizes her
readiness to safeguard her devotees and maintain order in the universe.
Union of Shiva and Shakti: In some interpretations, the
mountain symbolizes Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Since Durga is
considered to be the consort of Shiva and the embodiment of his divine energy
(Shakti), her residence on the mountain represents the union of Shiva and
Shakti, the masculine and feminine energies of the universe.
Overall, the depiction of Goddess Durga residing on
mountains carries profound symbolism, reflecting her power, spirituality,
protective nature, and union with the divine.