New Delhi: Navratri 2025 is beginning on September 22 this year, bringing together the whole community for a grand celebration of the tradition, culture, and heritage of India. During the auspicious nine days of the festival, devotees worship nine different avatars of Maa Durga. People observe fasting, conduct many religious rituals, and celebrate puja in pandals with garba dance. In the grandeur of Navratri, the image of the Goddess Durga riding her majestic lion, triumphing over the demon Mahishasura, is the centre attraction. This iconic pose of Maa Durga is not just a symbol of strength but also has a deeper spiritual meaning and cultural connection.
But have you ever wondered about her lion? Goddess Durga’s vahana (divine vehicle), lion, resonates with raw power, courage, and determination. Together with her lion, Maa Durga defeats Mahishasura, embodying the eternal win of right over evil. The tale of Durga and her lion has been passed down for centuries, blending mythology, symbolism, and faith. Understanding the lion’s role in this divine narrative helps us see Durga not just as a warrior goddess but as the ultimate source of inner strength and fearlessness. Let’s dive deeper!
According to Hindu mythology, when Mahishasura — the buffalo demon — became invincible after gaining a boon, the gods united their powers to create Goddess Durga. She was armed with divine weapons from each deity, and her lion was gifted as her mount. Symbolising untamed power and ferocity, the lion became an inseparable part of the goddess’s form.
During the epic battle, the lion fought alongside Durga, tearing through Mahishasura’s forces, representing nature’s untamed strength, standing firmly with divine energy. This powerful imagery of Maa Durga slaying the demon while mounted on her lion became one of the most celebrated depictions of victory in Hindu tradition.
In ancient texts, the lion has always been seen as the king of beasts, embodying dominance and fearlessness. Its association with Maa Durga grew stronger through Puranic stories and temple iconography. From Bengal’s clay idols to grand South Indian sculptures, Durga is almost always depicted with her lion, reinforcing the timelessness of this symbolism.
Even today, during Durga Puja, artisans carefully craft idols with the lion by her side, emphasising the goddess’s undefeatable spirit and the idea that with courage and faith, no evil can withstand the force of righteousness.
The lion in Maa Durga’s imagery is far more than just her mount — it is a symbol of strength, courage, and dominance over fear. It represents the raw, untamed instincts of human nature that are brought under control by the goddess’s divine power. Together, Durga and her lion embody the perfect balance of discipline and ferocity, reminding devotees that true victory comes not only from physical might but also from the mastery of one’s inner self and unwavering adherence to righteousness (dharma).
The story of Maa Durga’s lion is more than mythology — it is a lesson in strength, balance, and inner mastery. While Durga symbolizes divine power and protection, her lion reflects raw energy and courage. Together, they inspire devotees to face life’s challenges fearlessly and uphold the eternal truth: good always triumphs over evil.
