Durga

Durga (Hindustani pronunciation: [ˈd̪ʊrɡaː], Sanskrit: दुर्गा Durgā "Invincible") is the principal form of the Mother Goddess in Hinduism. She is known by a variety of names - including Amba, Ambika, Jagadamba, Parvathi, Shakti, Adishakti, Parashakti and Devi. Durga is regarded by Hindus as the root cause of creation, sustenance and annihilation. She is pure energy (referred to as "Shakti" in Sanskrit and Hindu religious context). Being innately formless (known as Adi Parashakti), she manifests herself within the gods and demi-gods so that she may fulfill the tasks of the universe via them. At times of distress, such as when Mahishasura terrorised the universe, she manifests herself in divine form to protect the world. Hence, Durga is also known as Mahishasura Mardini (Bengali: মহিষাসুরমর্দ্দিনী, The Annihilator of Mahishasur).