Vana Durga is one of the numerous forms of Goddess Durga. This form is believed to be one of the earliest forms of Mother Goddess worshiped in Hinduism. As the name indicates, she resides in forests.
Some of the Vanadurga temples in South India contain only four walls and the upper portion is left open. She is also believed to be the goddess of those people who resides in the forests.
She is exposed to the elements of nature. Her murti is never covered.
She is depicted as having a complexion of fresh grass and she stands on the head of a buffalo (demon).
Vana Durga is shown as having eight arms with discus, conch, sword, shield, bow, arrow, spear, and gesture of warning.
Some of the important temples dedicated to Vana Durga are found in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Chakkulathukavu Temple near Thiruvalla in Kerala is a very famous Vana Durga Temple.
Some legends suggest that Pandavas worshiped this form of Durga during their exile period in the Mahabharata.
Some legends suggest that Pandavas worshiped this form of Durga during their exile period in the Mahabharata.