In Hinduism, one of the forms of the goddess Devi or Shakti (see shakti ), and the wife of Shiva .
She was born fully grown, created out of flames that issued from the mouths of Brahma , Vishnu , Shiva, and other gods and embodying their collective energy (shakti). They created her to slay the buffalo-demon Mahisasura, whom they were unable to overcome. She is usually depicted riding a lion or tiger, each of her multiple arms bearing a weapon. See also Durga-puja .
Durga, Rajasthani miniature of the Mewar school, mid-17th century; in a private collection
Pramod Chandra