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4 Different Vahanas of Maa Durga Other Than The Lion
“Simhavahini Durga” goddess who resides on the lion.
Lion is an animal which represents bravery, strength, powerful in both context general and amongst wild animals. The lion represents power, will and determination.
A devotee should possess all these qualities to overcome the demon of ego, as Maa Durga riding the lion illustrates Her mastery over all these qualities.
‘Durga’ in Sanskrit means दुर्ग ‘strong fort’ or a place that is difficult to conquer. Additionally, the word ‘Durgatinashini’ means ‘one who abolishes suffering’.
Her devotees are thus protected from the evils in the world, as well as relieved of their misery.
In Hinduism, Durga has eight or ten hands. These represent eight quadrants or ten directions. This illustrates that She protects her devotees from all directions.
Maa Durga is one of the most prominent Hindu goddesses and is usually worshipped in the form of a statue or idol.
Arrival and Departure 2022
Durga Puja 2022 Arrival : This year, Goddess Durga is coming on an elephant.
Durga Puja 2022 Departure: This year, Goddess Durga is leaving on a boat.
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Alternatively, she is called Shakti, which denotes power or energy. Maa Durga is usually shown riding on a lion. She has ten arms, each holding a different weapon.
Her weapons represent the different aspects of her power, and she is often shown using them to protect her devotees from harm.
Maa Durga’s most popular vahana, or vehicle, is the lion. The lion symbolizes strength and courage, and it is said that Maa Durga rides on a lion because she is the embodiment of strength and power.
Lions are also considered to be the king of beasts, and as such, they represent Maa Durga’s authority over all other creatures.
According to mythology, different gods gave her different weapons as she prepared to fight Mahisasura.
She was given a vajra by Indra, a conch by Varuna, a missile or spear by Agni, a bow and arrows by Vayu, an axe by Vishwakarma, and a lion by the lord of the mountains, King Himavat.
The lion represents strength, courage, leadership, will and determination. It is also symbolic of ‘Dharma’. Maa Durga riding the lion represents her mastery over all these attributes.
Significance of the Other Four Vahanas of Maa Durga
Here are the other four vahanas of Maa Durga and what they signify:
Apart from the lion, Maa Durga has four other vahanas- elephant, horse, boat and palanquin.
It is believed that she arrives and departs on two different vahanas and the choice of her vehicle is important for the fate of mankind.
It’s also believed that if she arrives and departs on the same vahanas, it means doomsday – it means mankind will have to face natural disasters, political unrest and other social problems.
The Symbolism of Maa Durga Riding an Elephant
This stands for peace and prosperity. Elephants are revered as wise animals, and they represent Maa Durga’s wisdom and knowledge.
Elephants are also associated with strength and power, making them an ideal vahana for Maa Durga.
If Maa Durga arrives or departs on the Elephant, it means that by her blessings, your life will be filled with happiness.
The Drik Panchang says it is auspicious if Goddess Durga appears riding an elephant. There is a belief that it will bring plenty of rainfall for bumper harvests next year.
The Symbolism of Maa Durga Riding a Boat
The boat is the vehicle of water, and it indicates both flood and good harvest. When she comes on this, it means she will bless you to reach your ultimate goal.
Maa Durga, the supremely powerful goddess, is generally shown riding a lion or tiger.
However, in some cases, she is also shown riding a boat. This symbolism has a deep spiritual meaning.
The boat symbolizes progress and moving forward in life. It can represent our journey through life, as well as our spiritual journey.
Sometimes the boat can also represent our karmic journey as we move through different lifetimes and experiences.
The fact that Maa Durga is shown riding a boat shows that she is in control of our progress and destiny.
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She is steering us through life and helping us to move forward on our journey. She is also helping us to cross over the ocean of samsara or the cycle of birth and death.
The boat also symbolizes protection. Maa Durga is protecting us from all harm and helping us to stay safe on our journey.
She is also protecting us from the dangers of the spiritual world, such as negative energies and forces.
The symbolism of Maa Durga riding a boat is very powerful and significant.
It shows that she is the supreme power who is in control of our lives and that she is always there to protect us and help us progress on our journey.
Palanquin
As per the scriptures, Maa Durga’s arrival on the palanquin indicates the outbreak of an epidemic.
An outbreak of an epidemic is represented by four men carrying a person on a haulier.
As Maa Durga arrives or departs on this Vahan, she interprets that humans will undergo the toughest journey of their lives unless they help each other and stand together.
Horse
It is not considered very auspicious to see Goddess Durga riding a horse. It is believed that it is an omen of likely war among nations, as per Drik Panchang.
What Happens If She Rides The Same Vahan for Arrival and Departure
In addition, Goddess Durga appears and departs on two different Vahans every year, but when she stays with one particular ride, both times, it means doomsday.
The arrival and departure of her on the same ride corresponds with upheavals, natural disasters, wars, and social unrest, causing distress among mankind.
Maa Durga’s Vehicle Depends on The Day
Arrival of The Goddess
- It is decided which vehicle Maa Durga will ride on based on the day of the week.
- In the case of Navratri starting on Monday or Sunday, her vehicle will be an elephant.
- When Navratri begins on Saturday or Tuesday, the vehicle is a horse.
- During Navratri, she will sit in a doli if it begins on Thursday or Friday.
- The deity comes in a boat if Navratri begins on Wednesday.
Departure of The Goddess
- It is believed that disease and grief in the country increase when the Goddess leaves on a buffalo ride on Sunday or Monday.
- In public, misery and suffering increase when the mother goddess goes on a rooster on Saturday or Tuesday.
- There is heavy rain on Wednesdays and Fridays when the mother goddess leaves riding an elephant.
- On Thursday, Maa Durga goes on a man-made ride like a boat it symbolizes that happiness and peace will remain and that humanity will prosper.
As the Goddess rode on a horse in the Chaitra Navratri of 2022, it was anticipated that war might occur. Russia and Ukraine are already engaged in a fierce war at the moment, which affects a number of other countries as well.
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