Durga is popularly known as the form of Shakthi or energy. Parvati is known as Lord Shiva and sometimes Parvati is referred to as Durga. The first three days of Navarathri is dedicated to Durga. She is the annihilator of all evil. Most have vices or problems both big and small. Durga devi has to be invoked to destroy these vices in us. Only when the vices are destroyed virtues can occupy that space. This is the symbolic meaning of worshipping Durga during Navarathri. In West BEnagal this celebration is very grand and most of the idols are made in the form of Durga.
Durga is the consort of Shiva, the destruction force of the trinity. To destroy one needs extra ordinary power and this is found in Durga. As Durga she is her raudra or angry with weapons in her hand and with a ferocious look. She rides a lion and in totality she is a raging form of womanhood. It is believed that without this shakthi everything is in a state of inertia and it Durga devi that gives the life to all. She is one the only goddesses who rises in anger to destroy evil and bring back goodness. All over the country different forms of Durga is worshipped.
In South India she is known as Kali and many other names. Many family deities are different forms of Durga devi and people believe that she is truly powerful. Those who worship Shiva alone are known as Shaivaites, those who worship Vishnu alone are known as Vaishnavaites. In the same way the worship of Durga is known as Shaktha. In Kerala the rituals done for Durga devi and other forms of Durga devi is known as Shaktheya. Thus the power or shakthi is invoked through goddess Durga and she bestows all her blessings by removing all the evils that obstruct our path to progress.
