- By Kashish Rai
- Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:34 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chaitra Navratri 2025: In Hinduism, a deity's vehicle, or "Vahana", represents extraordinary power. There's an ongoing debate about Goddess Durga's vehicle, with some claiming it's a tiger and others a lion. Scriptural evidence, including the Devi Mahatmya, confirms that Goddess Durga's vehicle is indeed a lion. The lion symbolises courage, strength, and royalty, aligning with Goddess Durga's powerful and protective nature. So, while the debate continues, the lion is widely accepted as Goddess Durga's revered vehicle.
Let us know more significant details about goddess Durga’s vahan or sawari below:
Chaitra Navratri 2025: Lion Or Tiger, Which Is The Real Vahan Of Goddess Durga? Know Significance Of Mata Rani Ki Sawari
The debate about whether Goddess Durga rides a lion or tiger is unnecessary, as the focus should be on the symbolism rather than the animal itself. According to the Devi Mahatmya, composed in the sixth century AD, the lion is mentioned as Goddess Durga's vehicle. However, Goddess Durga was worshipped for centuries before this scripture was written. The lion first appeared alongside Goddess Durga during the late Kushan Period, between the 2nd century BC and the 3rd century AD.
The choice of the lion as Goddess Durga's mount is symbolic, as it represents power and royalty, aligning with Goddess Durga's all-powerful nature. In contrast, forest tribes in ancient India associated Goddess Durga with the tiger. The depiction of Goddess Durga with a lion gained popularity through large relief panels from the 5th century AD and widely printed calendars in the 20th century AD. Today, the lion is widely accepted as Goddess Durga's revered vehicle.
Scriptures offer varying accounts of Goddess Durga's vehicle. The Matsya Purana tells the story of Lord Brahma granting a boon to Goddess Parvati, who requests that the tiger be made the chief of her attendants. In contrast, the Devi Mahatmya, part of the Markandeya Purana, describes the lion as Goddess Durga's vehicle.
Mata Ki Sawari holds great significance, symbolising victory over evil, feminine power and spiritual growth while seeking divine blessings and protection. (Image Source: Canva)
Ancient texts like the Shilparatna, a treatise on iconography, provide further insight. It instructs that Goddess Durga's right leg should be placed on the back of a lion. This depiction is commonly seen in eastern India, where Goddess Durga is widely worshipped with a lion as her vehicle. Similarly, in South India, the lion is the preferred vehicle, while in Western India, both lion and tiger are used with a slight preference for the tiger.
Regional variations exist, with Goddess Amba, worshipped in Gujarat and Maharashtra, often depicted riding a tiger. In North India, both lion and tiger are used, depending on the artist's discretion. Interestingly, in Northwest India, Goddess Durga is known as 'Sherawali', meaning 'lion', yet she is often depicted riding a tiger, highlighting the diverse representations of Goddess Durga across India.
Symbolism Goddess Durga’s Vahan Or Ride
The tiger and lion, as mounts of Goddess Durga, symbolise ferociousness, strength, speed, and mercilessness - essential qualities to combat evil and Adharma. Mother Goddess embodies these traits, displaying ruthlessness when fighting evil. By taming these fierce animals and making them her vehicle, Goddess Durga showcases her omnipotence and mastery over the universe.
Goddess Durga conquers and tames brute animal strength, demonstrating her capacity to annihilate the beast within human beings. Whenever human nature's darker aspects threaten to overwhelm Dharma, Mother Goddess intervenes, overpowering and crushing the evil forces under her feet. This powerful symbolism underscores Goddess Durga's role as a protector and preserver of righteousness, highlighting her unwavering commitment to upholding justice and morality.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)