Goddess Durga with eighteen arms is a very rare form. In her
eighteen arms she holds various weapons and other auspicious items. Please note
that the list varies from scripture to scripture.
Beads
Axe
Mace
Arrow
Thunderbolt
Lotus
Bow
Water pot
Cudgel
Lance
Sword
Shield
Conch
Bell
Cup
Trident
Noose and
Discus
In some murtis, we will also come across small hourglass drum,
snake, flag, severed head etc. In such an instance one of the above said
weapons or auspicious items is removed. In some instance two hands will be in
Varada and Abhaya Mudra posture. In modern times, it is left to the discretion of the artist as to what weapons and auspicious items should the murti hold.