Durga

Durga embodies the divine feminine force that protects, nurtures, and uplifts. She is Shakti — the creative energy of the universe — whose strength is rooted in compassion and wisdom.

Each time I traveled to Mysore, India, I would take my scooter to the base of Chamundi Hill on new and full moons. Those mornings, when asana practice paused, I would climb all the steps to the Chamundi Temple — built in reverence to Durga — to offer prayers for health, nourishment, and guidance. Each visit felt like a return to something deeply feminine, steady, and wise.

Durga has been a quiet, guiding presence ever since — supporting what I offer and what we’ve grown together in our yoga community in Squamish, often in ways that reveal themselves over time.

Her story speaks of divine strength united in purpose. When the buffalo demon Mahishasura brought destruction and confusion to the world, Durga emerged from the mountains, radiant and fierce, riding a lion and carrying the gifts of many gods. After nine days and nights of battle, she struck him down, restoring balance to the universe. These nine nights are reflected in Navratri, each one honoring a different form — a transformation of consciousness:

Shailaputri — “Daughter of the Mountain.” She embodies grounding and stability — the foundation of all spiritual practice.

Brahmacharini — The devoted seeker, symbolizing perseverance, self-discipline, and the fire of tapas (austerity).

Chandraghanta — The warrior of grace, balancing inner peace and outer strength with her crescent moon.

Kushmanda — The creator goddess, whose radiant smile brought forth the universe. She embodies creative vitality and joy.

Skandamata — The nurturing mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), teaching selfless love and strength through care.

Katyayani — The fierce protector, born from divine anger to destroy injustice. She represents courage and right action.

Kalaratri — The dark night of transformation. She dissolves ignorance and fear, guiding us through shadow toward light.

Mahagauri — The radiant one, purified and serene after transformation, representing forgiveness and purity.

Siddhidatri — The goddess of fulfillment and wisdom, who bestows siddhis (spiritual powers) and unites all aspects of the divine feminine.

These nine forms mirror our own journey — from grounding and discipline to illumination and integration. Durga’s power is not forceful; it is compassionate, steady, and wise. She teaches that true courage is born from clarity and love — the same strength we cultivate in practice.

In Squamish, surrounded by mountains that echo her story, Durga reminds us that gentleness can move mountains, that resilience can coexist with grace, and that everything is in constant transformation — neither beginning nor end, but movement and breath. When rooted in love and compassion, and guided by a longing for justice and equality, this strength becomes the resilience that can transform any battlefield — whether energetic or physical.

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