The symbolism behind Goddess Durga’s multiple arms and weapons
The iconic image of Goddess Durga, with her multiple arms and a vast array of weapons, is a powerful and deeply symbolic representation of her divine nature and her role as a protector of the righteous. Each of the attributes and accouterments associated with Durga holds profound meaning and significance within the Hindu tradition.
The multiple arms of Durga symbolize her omnipotence and her ability to wield a vast array of powers and responsibilities. The weapons she carries, such as the sword, the trident, the bow and arrow, and the discus, represent her mastery over the forces of destruction and her unwavering commitment to vanquishing the forces of evil.
The lion or tiger upon which Durga rides is a symbol of her fierce and untamed power, her ability to tame the wildest of beasts and harness their strength for the greater good. The lotus flower, often depicted in her hand, represents her purity, her ability to rise above the muck and mire of the material world, and her connection to the divine.
Collectively, the various elements that makeup Durga’s iconography serve to convey the depth and complexity of her divine nature, her role as a protector and defender of the righteous, and her ability to embody the full spectrum of divine power and wisdom.