Frequently asked questions - history, mythology and others
- Who is this Devi?
Durga is the superpower who was created through the assembling of all the
good things of the all the other Gods. She is unbeatable and dangerous,
yet caring. She is believed to be the mother of the universe.
- Why are other idols found in the Bengalee iconography of Durga and who are they?
In Bengal, the superpower form of the Goddess has been merged into the
household Uma, the daughter who comes to her visit her parents once in a
year. Therefore, to add flavour to this idea, four other Gods & Goddesses
have been added to the iconography depicting her four children. They are
Laxmi, Ganesh, Kartick and Saraswati. Please note that these four
deities are also worshipped separately in different peiods of the year also.
- Who is Laxmi?
Laxmi is the eldest daughter of Durga and Shiva, her husband. She is
married to Narayana, another 'Super-God'. She is the goddess of wealth and
fortune. She rides an owl.
- Who is Saraswati?
Saraswati is the younger daughter of Durga. She is yet to get married and
she is the Goddess of Knowledge, music and dance. She rides a swan.
- Who is Kartick?
Kartick is the eldest son of Durga. He is the God of warfare and beauty. His
'vahana' or carrier is a peacock.
- Who is Ganesh?
Ganesh is the youngest child of Durga. He is believed to the fastest writer
in this world and is worshipped as the starter of anything. Even before the
worship of Durga starts, Ganesh is worshipped first, to ensure that he lets
the Puja get going. Regarding his face which is that of a white elephant, the
story goes that 'Shani', who is the brother of Durga, was a God whose eyes
are sufficient to behead one in just the first look. On Ganesh being born, Shani
was so happy that he forgot about this and went to see Ganesh. Invariably, Ganesh
was beheaded. Shani, on realising what he have done, consulted Narayana
immediately and it was Narayana who told him to go in a specific direction
and bring the head of the first thing he meets on his way, which will
be remade into Ganesh's body. Shani found a white elephant on his way and
brought the head of it to Narayana, who in turn, fitted that head into Ganesh.
On being told by Durga that what will happen if people donot worship
this elephant headed funny looking God, Narayan gave Ganesh the boon
that Ganesh will be worshipped before starting anything, including
the worship of other Gods. Ganesh rides a mouse.
- Why there are ten arms of Durga?
While killing Mahishasura, two hands were not sufficient to fight that fiercy
demon. Therefore Shiva blessed her with those extra eight limbs.
- How is Durga Puja celebrated in Calcutta?
Click here to know about it.
- Is this puja celebrated in Bengal only?
No. Durgapuja is celebrated all over the World.
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