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During Navratri, devotees reverently worship the nine distinct forms of Goddess Durga, embodying various aspects of feminine power. Maa Durga symbolises strength, courage, protection and motherhood. In Hinduism or the Sanatan Dharma, deities often have vahan or vehicles, often comprising birds or animals. For instance, Lord Vishnu rides the majestic eagle named Garuda, while Lord Shiva's loyal companion is the bull Nandi. Lord Ganesha’s Vahan is Mushak or Mouse, and Goddess Saraswati rides on a Swan. Meanwhile, Goddess Durga is often depicted riding a lion, which signifies power, fearlessness and protection, reflecting her role as a guardian and protector of the universe.

However, have you ever wondered what is the name of Maa Durga’s lion? How did it become the vahan of Devi Durga? Let us find the answers to both of these questions below.

What Is The Name Of Maa Durga's Lion?

The name of Maa Durga’s lion is Somnandi or Dawon. In the story of Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, Durga defeats the demon to bring back order to the universe. She stands with one foot on her lion, Somnandi, and the other on Mahishasura as she defeats him. According to the Kalika Purana, Somnandi is believed by some to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu himself.

How Lion Became The Vehicle Of Vahana Of Maa Durga

A Hindu legend suggests that once Goddess Parvati went on a mission of intense meditation within a dense forest, in quest of spirituality and enlightenment. A lion chanced upon her peaceful figure and tried to leap at her, but an invisible shield of protection defended her from his assault. The lion patiently sat down to wait for her to awaken from her meditative state without realising that Lord Shiva had already arrived to fetch Parvati back.

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Devi Durga is depicted riding a lion, which symbolises courage, strength and fearlessness. (Image Source: Gemini AI) 

When Devi Parvati woke up, she felt the lion's intentions and was moved by compassion. Rather than attacking the lion, she decided to forgive him and took the creature with her. The lion, who had been hunger-driven earlier, became her loyal companion and her vehicle, signifying the redemptive power of forgiveness and divine relationship. This story describes Maa Parvati's motherly love and caring nature.

According to another Hindu belief, Maa Durga came into existence as a cumulative strength of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva because the buffalo demon Mahishasura couldn't be defeated due to a special boon he had received. The gods pooled their strengths to create Durga, giving her divine weapons and a lion to ride. This lion stands for eternal power and nature's raw strength. As Maa Durga fought Mahishasura and his army, her lion was right there with her, showing divine energy in action. The iconography of Maa Durga defeating the demon Mahishasura while riding her lion has become a well-known symbol of triumph in Hinduism, representing her strong will and resolve.

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The legend of Maa Durga's lion is more than just a spiritual account. It teaches us about strength, balance and controlling ourselves. Maa Durga and her lion represent divine power, protection and pure energy. They encourage us to face problems without fear and to remember that good always wins.