Goddess Durga was created to combat the evil demon Mahishasura. The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva came together to create a powerful female form with ten arms. There are numerous incarnations of Durga including Kali, Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, Kandalini, Java, Meenakshi and Kamakshi, among others. Durga is the incarnation as the all-powerful one with the combined power of all the divine beings. The Mother Goddess as a symbol of unrivalled power has one of the most impressive vahanas or vehicles. Often depicted as a lion, this animal is strength and power personified and the undisputed ruler of the jungle. The lion is thus the perfect vehicle for the awe-inspiring and all-powerful goddess. Durga stands on her lion in a fearless pose called the Abhaya Mudra or gesture of no fear, which is a sight that can fill any demon with utmost dread.
