P R O L O G U E
Goddess Durga is a multidimensional goddess, with many names, many personas and many facets.
As Mahishasura Mardini or Shakti, she is the destroyer of evil; she triumphantly slays the demon Mahishasura.
As Sati, she gives up a kingdom and earns her father's wrath.
As Kali, she turns black as the night and omnipotent, terrible in rage and fury, with a string of skulls as her garland.
As Parvati, she is serene, the beautiful consort of Lord Shiva by his side in the snow clad Kailash mountain.
As Kamakhya, she is the symbol of womb. At a time when any public discussion of genitalia evokes shame, Kamakhya celebrates a woman's fertility and desire.
She is Bhavani, symbol of life.
She is Basanti, the heralder of spring.
She is also Amba, Jagadhatri, Tara, Ambika, Annapurna.
The Sanskrit word Durga means a fort, or a place that is protected and thus difficult to reach. The projection of the stronger and fiercer side of womanhood is but obvious in the tales surrounding Goddess Durga.
Hindu texts tell us that Goddess Durga was created from a portion of each deva to kill Mahishasura. Why? Because he was granted a boon by Lord Brahma that he would be killed by a woman. Mahishasura thought that no woman will be able to kill him. He won over the devas. Durga was asked to fight him. After nine days of fierce battle, Durga wins over Mahishasura, on the tenth day. This day is celebrated as Dussera and Navratri.
But Arunachala Purana states that Goddess Durga finds a Shiva linga in his throat. She realises that she killed a Shiva devotee. She performs severe penance. And so in a local temple there is the image of the Goddess Durga seated on fire holding a Shiva linga in her hand, the same that she found in Mahishasura's throat. So what is the actual story? Only Goddess Durga knows. What if there was a different story?
Whatever might be the story, Goddess Durga always instills courage in each and every person, each and every woman.
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A U T H O R 'S
N O T E
I believe that women empowerment is all about discovering the inner strength of a woman and having equal opportunities to prove themselves. My humble attempt a different way to narrate the story. In a different perspective.
Choosing Durga as my main character, was simply because I am a humble devotee of Goddess Durga. I look upon her whenever I am tensed or troubled. Believe me or not, it actually soothes my mind. She is always portrayed for her strength and valour. To portray a symbol for woman empowerment, I feel the name Durga is apt.
Though Durga is the main character of the story, she wouldn't have been able to complete her journey without Lord Shiva, here as Rudra.
It took me lots of courage to write on a sensitive topic.
Hope you like my book. Constructive criticism is always welcomed. If you feel you have slightest doubts regarding the chapter then you can ask me. If you like any aspect of the chapter then don't hesitate to vote. Your votes are backbone of my support. It inspires me to continue writing the story further. Do read my note at the end of the chapters. They will help you in understanding the book better.