DEITIES - DURGA

'The invincible one' The worship of Durga is very ancient and aided the practitioner of yoga in attaining victory over negative thoughts and actions. Lord Rama worshipped Mother Durga to attain victory over the ten headed demon Ravana who represented the ten negative traits which perpetuates human suffering. The ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, also mentions the worship of Durga by lord Krishna in obtaining victory over the Kauravas, who represented the lower desires and deeds in human nature. Legend says at the beginning of creation there came into being many powerful asuras, demons, fixed of destroying all that had been created. The gods, seeing this dilemma, gathered the best weapon each had to offer and gave them to the divine Mother shakti who then manifested as Durga to battle these demons of destruction.