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Navratri 2023: Goddess Durga is the supreme embodiment of the transcendental feminine energy. Devi Durga combats evil and is brave and bold. She defeated demons afflicting the universe in all of her guises. Durga puja is observed for ten days in remembrance of all the goodwill Durga Devi spread. Mahishasura was finally defeated on Vijayadashami (victory on the tenth day), symbolising the 10 days that the war lasted. Huge celebrations honouring the triumph of good over evil are held in which demon effigies are burned. Vijayadashami also represents Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. As part of the Dussehra celebration, it is celebrated with great splendour and pomp in some regions of North India. The different manifestations of the goddess Durga are worshipped during the Navratri festivities. 

Each of Maa Durga's 10 arms is adorned with a weapon that symbolises a different Siddhi or power. These weapons can also be considered as the Goddess' perpetual manifestation. The worshippers are shown these weapons with the hopes of gaining strength, security, and advancement. The ten arms of Maa Durga represent her role as a protector of her followers. Parduman Suri, a well-known astrologer, discussed the significance of the ten weapons Maa Durga carries in her ten arms. 

Navratri 2023: Significance Of The 10 Arms Of Goddess Durga 

1. Trishul - Lord Mahadev gave Trishul to Goddess Durga. The three sharp sides of this trident stand for the attributes of Tamas, Rajas, and Satva.

2. Sword - Lord Ganesha gave goddess Durga this sword. It represents wisdom and knowledge. The sharpness of the sword is a metaphor for intelligence, and its sheen is a metaphor for knowledge.

3. Spear - It is an auspicious emblem that Lord Agni gave to Mother Durga. It also symbolises ferocious might. It can tell what is right from bad and behaves in accordance with that knowledge.

4. Vajra - Indradev presented Vajra to the goddess Durga. It represents inner strength and a strong will. Goddess Durga bestows unbreakable self-assurance and willpower upon her devotee.

The weapons of Goddess Durga are believed to protect the devotees against all evil. (Image Source: Canva)

5. Axe - Lord Vishwakarma gave Maa Durga an axe along with some armour. It stands for battling evil without worrying about the repercussions.

6. Sudarshan Chakra - Another unbreakable protective weapon is the Sudarshan Chakra, which Lord Krishna bestowed upon him. It represents the idea that the Mother Goddess, who is at the centre of creation, rules over the entire world and that the universe likewise revolves around her.

7. Bow And Arrow - The bow and arrow, which are thought of as emblems of energy, are bestowed by the Wind God and Sun God. The arrow is a symbol of kinetic energy, whereas the bow is a symbol of potential energy. Additionally, it suggests that Goddess Durga is in charge of all the universe's energy sources.

8. Mace - The mace represents both intellect and religion. Truth is protected by Mace.

Also Read: Ashta Siddhi: Names And Significance Of The Eight Supernatural Powers Of Lord Hanuman

9. Dagger - It stands for empowering force. Maa Durga's dagger offers assistance in the fight against adversaries.

10. Conch - It represents sound. Maa Durga's conch shell stands for prosperity and universalism.