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The story of how Goddess Durga got her name, how she defeated the demon Durgamma, told in different versions, shows how her amazing power and kindness brought peace and order back to the world.
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Goddess Durga: Goddess Durga is a prominent Hindu deity who is revered as a symbol of power, courage, and divine feminine energy. She is known by various names such as Devi, Shakti, Bhavani, and Parvati, and is believed to be the manifestation of the supreme goddess.
Demon Durgamma: Durgamma, a demon from the lineage of Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha, met his demise at the hands of Goddess Durga, who earned her name through this victory.
Numerous accounts narrate the origins of Mother Goddess Shakti being referred to as Goddess Durga. One such tale recounts how she acquired the name after conquering the demon Durgamma. Legend holds that the asura Durgamma hailed from the lineage of Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha.
Durgamma, realizing that the Vedas conferred invincibility upon the Devas and Saints, embarked on intense penance to obtain them. Brahma, unable to ignore Durgamma’s fervent Tapas, appeared before him.
The demon requested Brahma for complete control over the Vedas and invincibility against gods, humans, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Nagas, and animals. Brahma granted his requests.
With the Vedas under his control, Durgamma hid them in a Himalayan cave. Saints forgot the mantras, and the Devas began to lose their powers, leading to chaos across all realms.
In desperation, the saints implored Mother Goddess Shakti for a solution. Appearing as Jagadamba, she vowed to intervene.
A fierce battle ensued between Goddess Shakti and Durgamma, with the demon displaying formidable strength. The battle raged for days as Goddess Shakti manifested in various forms—Kalika, Tarani, Bagla, Matangi, Chinnamasta, Tulja, Kamakshi, Bhairavi, among others.
Ultimately, Durgamma succumbed to the relentless assault of Goddess Shakti, and the Vedas were restored.
Goddess Shakti earned the epithet Durga for her triumph over the demon Durgamma.
Another rendition of the tale, found in the Sri Devi Bhagavatam and Chandi Saptashati, depicts Durga as Shakambari Devi. Here, an asura named Durgamma obtains a boon from Brahma, granting him dominion over the Vedas and sages’ knowledge.
As Durgamma wreaks havoc, causing famine and drought, all beings turn to Mother Goddess Shakti for salvation. Responding to their prayers, Goddess Durga manifests as Shakambari Devi, providing sustenance by creating water, vegetables, and fruits.
She brings rain for bountiful crops and ultimately vanquishes Durgamma, freeing the world from his tyranny.
Since then, Goddess Durga has been venerated with offerings of vegetables, green leaves, and fruits.
Shakambari Devi is worshipped with similar offerings in many South Indian temples, such as the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada and the Warangal Bhadrakali Temple. This festival holds significance for Telugu-speaking communities in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and beyond.
In triumph over adversity, Goddess Durga, also known as Shakambari Devi, stands as a beacon of hope and sustenance, revered for her grace and power in delivering the world from chaos and despair.
