The Divine 10 Weapons of Goddess Durga and the Essence they Hold

Durga Puja is on at its pinnacle, as myriads of communities and neighborhoods across India welcome the ten-armed goddess home. She saved the world by waging a war against the evil demon lord Mahisasura and killed him. Goddess Durga is ferocious to the demons and at the same time highly kind to her devotees.

The 10 hands of Goddess Durga hold 10 divine weapons and; are received as gifts and boons from the other gods. These weapons actually represent the characteristics of Human behavior which every person should possess. The ten arms of Goddess  Durga symbolize that she protects her devotees from all directions namely the eight corners and from the sky and the earth.

Here's what each weapon symbolizes

1. Trishul

Gifted to Her by Lord Shiva, the Trishul or the trident has three sharp edges meaning that humans are composed of three Gunas or qualities namely Tamas (inactivity and lethargic tendency), Rajas (hyperactivity and desires), and Sattva (positivity and purity). The compassion of Mother Durga shall confer the wisdom necessary to conquer the three qualities and emerge victorious. It is believed that the Trishul has been bestowed by Lord Shiva to Goddess Durga. The three sharp ends of it are a symbol of 'Trigun' or three properties of every living being on earth, namely Sattva, Raja, and Tama.

2. Sudarshan Chakra 

The chakra represents the sphere of life that keeps on revolving till we are alive. It says us that time destroys everything but with inner awakening one goes beyond time. The Chakra enjoins humans to exhibit loyalty, love, and devotion to Goddess Durga.

2. Conch:

Symbol of the primordial sound called 'AUM' from which the entire creation emerged. It was gifted to Goddess Durga by Lord Varuna.

3. Discus:

Revolving around Durga's hands, it shows that Durga is the center of creation and all the universe revolves around her. It was a gift from Lord Vishnu.

4. Lotus:

It stands for the awakening of spiritual consciousness in a soul. Divine Mother will help her devotees to understand the transience of life and seek the ultimate truth. It was gifted by Lord Bramha. Lotus is considered the symbol of Lord Brahma which represents knowledge. Half-bloomed lotus is a symbol of the rise of spiritual consciousness in the mind of a human being.

5. Sword/ Kharga:

The sword marks the sharpness of intellect enjoining humans to use the sense of discrimination to overcome their negativity. Sword has been given by Lord Ganesh. It symbolizes knowledge and wisdom. Sword represents the sharpness of wisdom while its shine represents knowledge.

6. Bow and arrow:

The bow and arrow are the symbols of energy. It was gifted to the goddess by Lords Vayu and Surya. Bow and Arrow have been given by Pawandev and Suryadev which are a symbol of energy. The bow represents potential energy and Arrow represents kinetic energy. It also symbolizes that Maa Durga only controls all the sources of energy in the universe.

8. Vajra (Thunderbolt):

This weapon symbolizes the firmness of spirit. Praying to Mother Durga will help shatter the problems encountered in life without losing confidence. She empowers her devotee with unshaken confidence and will. It was gifted by Lord Indra. Indradev's gift Vajra is the symbol of the soul's perseverance and strong resolving power. Maa Durga makes her devotees strong with indomitable self-confidence and willpower.

9. Snake:

Indicates the upward movement from the lower state of consciousness to the higher state of existence experiencing pure bliss. Lord Shiva's Snake is a symbol of consciousness and energy. It also represents the change from the lowest state of consciousness to its upper state.

10. Axe:

Maa Durga received an axe and armor from Lord Vishvakarma. It signifies no fear of consequences when fighting evil. An Axe and Armor have been provided to Maa Durga by Lord Vishwakarma. It is a symbol of fighting evil and not being scared of any consequences.

 Also Read: Here are the Hues of Meaningful Colours the Festival of Zeal 'Navratri' Epitomizes