When is Durga Puja 2022? Date, History and Significance of 10 Weapons of the Maa Durga

Last Updated: Sep 02, 2022, 09:56 AM IST

Durga Puja is also known as Durgotsavam or Saradotsavam. (Representative image: Shutterstock)

This year Durga Puja will be held from October 1 to October 5

Durga Bid 2022: Durga Puja, one of the grandest festivals of the country, is celebrated from October 1 to October 5 this year. Mainly celebrated in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha and Bihar, it is one of the biggest festivals. For Bengalis. This festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over Asurani. After defeating the demon in the cosmic world, the goddess is believed to visit the earth with her family.

Durga Puja is also known as Durgotsavam or Saradotsavam. Although it is a 10-day festival, the last five days are considered important. Apart from Goddess Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganesha and Kartika are also worshipped.

While cultural performances and various rituals take place in every corner of the country, beautiful festivals are organized and well-crafted idols are installed. During this Bengali festival, it is a tradition to buy new clothes and gifts for near and dear ones. Food is an important feature of Durga Puja, without which the essence of the festival is incomplete.

Durga Puja is celebrated for 6 to 10 days in different parts of the country. This festival is also celebrated as Navratri (Nine Nights) in many parts of North India.

Durga Puja 2022 Dates

Maha Shashti: October 1
Maha Saptami: October 2
Maha Ashtami: October 3
Maha Navami: October 4
Maha Dashami: October 5

Symbols and meanings of Goddess Durga are weapons

Goddess Durga is known as the most powerful deity as she bestowed the united powers of many deities to exterminate all the demons on earth. The ten hands of Devi represent the protection of her devotees from all directions, namely the eight corners and the sky and the earth. In fact, the great powers of the Goddess are depicted with her ten hands holding various weapons of varying significance. The symbols and meanings of arms are as follows:

The ten hands of Goddess Durga represent the protection of her devotees from all directions, namely the eight corners and the sky and the earth. (Representative image: Shutterstock)

the trident
The trishul gifted by Lord Shiva has three sharp edges, which represent the three qualities – tanmas (calmness, passivity and slothfulness), sattva (moksha, positivity and purity) and rajas (peace, hyperactivity and passions). The balance of all three gunas must be perfect to attain peace and salvation. When the trident breaks the demons, Durga Mata’s compassion absorbs all the qualities and defeats them victoriously.
Conch
The sound of the conch represents the pure and sacred sound called ‘Om’ from which the entire creation of the universe originates. It was given as a gift by Lord Varuna.
Sudarshana Chakra or discuss
The chakra is a gift from Vishnu, symbolizing that the world is controlled by Durga, who is the center of creation and the universe revolves around her. It also represents dharma or dharma as the deity’s pointer hovers over the finger. This weapon is used to destroy all evil and protect nobles.
Lotus
Lotus is the symbol of Lord Brahma who represents wisdom. A half-blossomed lotus represents the awakening of spiritual consciousness in minds even in dark times, as does a lotus growing in mud.
Bow and arrow
Bow and arrows are gifted by Lord Vayu and Lord Surya, who symbolize energies. The bow represents potential energy, while the arrow represents kinetic energy. It also signifies that Goddess Durga controls all sources of energy in the universe.
Thunder
Lord Indra’s gift represents the fortitude, determination and supreme power of the soul. Goddess Durga empowers her devotee with unwavering faith and determination.
the knife
The sword gifted by Ganesha symbolizes wisdom and intelligence. It represents the sharpness of intellect and the shining power of the sword represents wisdom.
the spear
The spear represents the auspiciousness bestowed by Lord Agni. It also represents pure, fiery energy. It symbolizes the quality of knowing the difference between what is wrong and what is right and acting accordingly.
the ax
Goddess Durga gets an ax and a shield from Vishwakarma, which does not fear consequences when fighting evil.
the snake
Shiva’s snake symbolizes consciousness and masculine energy. It also represents a shift from a lower state of consciousness to a higher state with a desire to experience new things.