Goddess Durga, the mother Goddess, is also known variously by the names Bhavani, Amba, Chandika, Gauri,
Parvati, and Mahishasuramardini. The name 'Durga' means inaccessible. She is the personification of the active side of the divine
shakti (energy) of
Lord Shiva. The goddess embodies the furious powers of all the male gods, and is the ferocious protector of the righteous, and destroyer of the evil. She is usually portrayed as riding a lion, carrying weapons in her many arms.
