- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maa Durga Vahanas and their Symbol: Durga Puja, also known as Navratri, is one of India's most cherished festivals, when people joyfully and enthusiastically worship the goddess Durga. Hinduism holds that Maa Durga does not always come or go from the earth in the same manner. Each of the various vahanas (vehicles) she rides has a unique spiritual significance. These cars are more than just symbols; they convey messages about the coming year, including whether it will be prosperous, difficult, peaceful, or cautious.
For example, if Maa arrives on an elephant, it is thought to bring good rainfall and plenty. Arriving by boat, however, is interpreted as a sign of blessings and fertility. Similarly, devotees interpret her departure on specific vahanas as symbolic of the times to come. Understanding these spiritual indicators enhances the festivities and aids followers in comprehending Maa Durga's divine teachings. Let's explore Maa Durga's various vahanas and their symbolic meanings.
Famous Maa Durga’s Arrival and Departure Vahanas
1. Elephant (Gaja)
One of Maa Durga's most admired vahanas, the elephant represents wealth, power, and prosperity. Maa Durga's arrival on an elephant is a sign of abundant rainfall, bountiful crops, and general earthly prosperity, which benefits everyone. In a similar vein, her departure on an elephant is regarded as extremely auspicious, portending more prosperity and blessings in the years to come.
2. Horse (Ashwa)
Another significant Maa Durga vahana is the horse, which stands for vitality, speed, and unrest. Devotees are reminded to remain vigilant when Maa Durga rides into town because it is frequently interpreted as a sign of impending hardships, disputes, or instability. In a similar vein, her horseback ride serves as a warning of potential social difficulties, urging people to continue being resilient, brave, and ready for whatever lies ahead.
3. Palanquin (Doli)
The doli, also known as the palanquin, is a representation of transformation, change, and changing circumstances. When Maa Durga appears on a palanquin, it signifies a period of adjustment and natural calamities like earthquakes or floods. In a similar vein, her departure on a palanquin is thought to bring sadness or instability, reminding followers to stay centred, strong, and aware in trying times.
4. Boat (Nauka)
One of Maa Durga's auspicious vahanas, the boat represents fertility, blessings, and balance with the natural world. Maa Durga's arrival on a boat is regarded as very auspicious since it symbolises development, agricultural success, and world peace. In a similar vein, her boat departure also portends a bountiful harvest, bringing happiness and prosperity to both the land and her followers.
How is it decided that Maa Durga will arrive on which vahan?
The vahana (vehicle) on which Maa Durga arrives each year is decided based on the day of the week when Mahalaya (the first day of Durga Puja / Navratri) falls. Scriptures like the Durga Saptashati and Kalika Purana mention this tradition.
| Day of Mahalaya | Vahana (Vehicle) | Spiritual Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday & Monday | Elephant (Gaja) | Prosperity, abundance, good rainfall, overall blessings |
| Tuesday & Saturday | Horse (Ashwa) | Challenges, conflict, or instability may arise |
| Wednesday | Boat (Nouka) | Peace, harmony, fertility, and a good harvest |
| Thursday & Friday | Palanquin (Doli) | Transformation, caution, possible instability or sorrow |
List of Vahans on Which Maa Durga Departs
Similarly, Maa’s departure (visarjan vahana) is also decided the same way, based on the day of Dashami (Vijaya Dashami). In short, the weekday of Mahalaya and Dashami decides Maa Durga’s arrival and departure vahana, and each carries a spiritual message for devotees.
| Day of Dashami | Vahana (Vehicle) | Spiritual Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday & Monday | Elephant (Gaja) | Prosperity continues, blessings and abundance for the year |
| Tuesday & Saturday | Horse (Ashwa) | Warning of upcoming challenges or struggles |
| Wednesday | Boat (Nouka) | Peaceful departure symbolises safety and harmony |
| Thursday & Friday | Palanquin (Doli) | Suggests possible difficulties or instability |
Vahanas of Maa Durga and Their Symbols
| Vahana (Vehicle) | Symbolic Meaning | Notes / Association |
|---|---|---|
| Lion (Simha) | Courage, strength, and victory over evil | Most iconic vehicle, linked to fierce forms like Chandika, Mahishasuramardini |
| Tiger (Vyaghra) | Power, bravery, and protection | Symbolises readiness to destroy negativity and evil forces |
| Buffalo (Mahisha) | Defeat of ego and ignorance | Represents Mahishasura’s defeat, the triumph of good over evil |
| Chariot (Ratha) | Movement, progress, and divine guidance | Seen in some depictions and festive processions of Maa Durga |
| Peacock (Mayura) | Beauty, grace, and spiritual awakening | Common in folk art and temple depictions |
| Ox (Vrisha) | Strength, stability, and agricultural prosperity | Popular in rural celebrations, associated with abundance |
| Palanquin with Horses / Oxen (Doli / Ratha combo) | Transformation, caution, and movement | Depicted in certain regional traditions, indicates instability or transitions |
| Rooster (Kukuta) | Vigilance, awakening, and triumph over darkness | Found in some Shakta traditions, represents alertness and warding off evil |
The vahanas of Maa Durga are not just vehicles but divine symbols carrying messages for humankind. They guide us to prepare for the future, stay positive during good times, and remain strong during challenges. Every arrival and departure of Maa Durga is a spiritual reminder of balance in life—between prosperity and hardship, joy and sorrow, growth and transformation.