Durga the story behind the name
Here is the story behind the name Durga — where it comes from, what it means and why families still choose it.
When the buffalo-demon Mahishasura could not be defeated by any god, the powers of all the devas combined into one radiant warrior goddess — Durga. Riding a lion, bearing a weapon in each of her many arms, she is the fierce, protective face of the divine mother.
"Beautiful as dawn and terrible as a storm, she fought for nine nights and felled what no god alone could."
Durga means "the invincible," the fort no evil can breach. She is celebrated across India during Navratri. A daughter named Durga carries courage, protection, and the unstoppable strength of the mother who guards her own.
More name stories
Saraswati
The serene goddess of wisdom, seated with her veena upon a white lotus.
Parvati
The mountain-born goddess whose love and penance won Shiva himself.
Surya
The radiant sun who rides a chariot of seven horses across the sky.
Kartikeya
The six-faced warrior god, born to lead the armies of the devas.
Indra
The thunder-wielding king of the heavens who commands the rains.