Did you know that each form of Navdurga has a different vahana (vehicle)? Each vehicle of Devi Durga carries a powerful significance and plays a significant role in slaying demons. Let’s discover a unique significance of divine vehicles of Hindu Goddesses
In Durga Saptashati, it’s described how Durga Devi’s vahana, the lion, fights with Mahishasura during the fierce battle. Lion is also the vahana of Kushmanda and Skandamata.
Symbolism: courage, fearlessness, and valour
Maa Shailaputri and Mahagauri ride on Nandi Bull, holding trident and lotus in their hands, symbolizing strength yet a soft feminine power.
Symbolism: Guardian deity of Kailash, strength, and auspiciousness
Maa Chandraghanta, the third of the Navadurgas, and Maa Katyayani, the sixth of the Navadurgas, ride on a tiger, like a warrior. The tiger’s fierceness resembles that of Devi’s resilience.
Symbolism: Justice, ferociousness, and obstacle-remover
Maa Kalaratri, the most fierce form of Shakti, removes darkness and negativity, rides on a donkey, and also signifies the end of evil. She killed Raktabeeja, Chanda, Munda, and other demons, thus protecting the universe.
Symbolism: Humility, simplicity, and protection
Siddhidatri, the ninth avatar of Navdurga, the one who represents supreme knowledge and wisdom, granting all ‘Siddhis’ to her sadhakas, while she sits on a fully bloomed, beautiful lotus as her vahana (mount).
Symbolism: Spiritual awakening, supreme knowledge, positive energy, and purity