In Hindu mythology, it is believed that the lion, also known as “Simha” or “Shera,” was provided as the vahan (carrier) to the goddess Durga by Lord Shiva. Durga is a powerful goddess and a manifestation of Shakti, the divine feminine energy.
According to the legends, when Durga was preparing for battle against the buffalo demon Mahishasura, various gods and goddesses contributed their powers and attributes to empower her. Lord Shiva, being her consort and an important deity in Hinduism, provided her with his own vahan, the lion, as a symbol of strength, courage, and ferocity.
The lion as Durga’s vahan represents her fierce and fearless nature, as well as her ability to vanquish evil forces. It is often depicted as a majestic creature, symbolizing her royal and regal presence. The lion serves as a mount for Durga during her battles, accentuating her power and divine authority.
In Durga Puja, a prominent Hindu festival celebrated in many parts of India, devotees worship the goddess Durga along with her lion vahan as a symbol of their reverence and adoration for the goddess and her valor.
In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Durga was provided with a lion as her vahana or carrier by Lord Shiva. According to the legends, when the gods created Durga, they bestowed upon her various weapons and powers to defeat the demon Mahishasura. However, she needed a powerful mount to ride into battle.
In response to the request of the gods, Lord Shiva granted a lion to Durga as her vahana. The lion is known as “Simha” or “Shera” and symbolizes courage, strength, and fearlessness. It represents Durga’s prowess and her ability to overcome obstacles and defeat evil forces.
The lion is often depicted alongside Durga in her various depictions and is an integral part of her iconography. It is said that Durga rides on the lion when she goes into battle against the demons, showcasing her divine power and authority. The lion’s association with Durga emphasizes her role as a warrior goddess and her ability to protect and restore balance in the universe.