Durga Devi is a powerful form of Sri Parvathi (wife of Lord Shiva). She is represented with many arms with a weapon in each hand, shown sitting astride the lion, holding celestial weapons. This form of the Goddess is seen as a symbol of feminine and creative energy (Shakthi). Durga Devi is also known as Mahishasura Mardhini (Goddess Killer of the Buffalo Demon). As per Skanda Purana, she is Parvathi who took on the role of a warrior at Lord Shiva’s request to kill the giant demon.
The demon cannot be killed by any of the gods because he is protected against the torments of any male by a special boon. Parvathi was able to kill him; hence the Goddess is named Durga.
Goddess Durga is possibly one of the most powerful of all Indian Goddesses. She is worshiped in numerous forms and viewed by her devotees to be the supreme deity, as powerful as the supreme male deity. Durga arrives on earth with four different powers essential for the existence of a state – the powers of knowledge representing intellectuals, chivalry indicating soldiers, wealth denoting businessmen, and physical strength representing both agricultural and industrial workers. In southern parts of India Sri Durga is worshiped in HER peaceful form as Shaanta Durga. In this form, SHE sits on a lion, and has fewer hands and weapons. SHE is called Amman to signify HER form as the Mother, and also as Bhaghavathi.
At Sri Ganesha temple, Sharada Navarathri celebrations span nine days and include the worship of Devi in Her many forms: as Goddess Durga the first three days, as Goddess Lakshmi for the next three days and as Goddess Saraswathi over the last three days. On the final day, Vijaya Dasami is celebrated and children start their formal education or Vidyarambham. This is also the auspicious day for the first day of Vidya Vihar Classes.
Durga Pooja is one of the biggest annual festivals in India. The day of Sri Durga’s victory is celebrated as Vijaya Dasami or Dussehra. Durga Pooja also signifies the beginning of formal education for every child aged 3-5 years in many parts of India. Though the pooja goes on in the temple for all ten days, the last three days are most important. Ashtami is the day of Ayudha Pooja, when all the tools at home are worshiped. Custom dictates that no tools be used on this day. On Maha Navami day, devotees honor Goddess Saraswathi, by worshiping the books and records at home. Sri Ganesha typically performs the Chandi Parayanam & Homam during this festival.
On the fourth Friday of every month, and on every Purnima Day, a special Durga Pooja is conducted. Every Friday evening devotees pray to the Goddess with the recitation of Lalitha Sahasranamam, Mahishasura Mardini Stotram and offering obeisance to the Goddess.
Bhagavathy Seva is held every third Friday at Sri Ganesha Temple Plano, where Goddess Sri Bhagavathy (Sri Durga, Sri Parvathi, or Sri Badhrakali) is invoked to restore balance and bring peace. This puja is believed to remove all Mangal Doshas or ensure Ishta Siddhi (being able to attain a desire, such as marriage, children, or employment, etc.) or Karya Siddhi (completely completing any project or work).
About
Weekly Pujas
6:45 pm Lalitha Sahasranamam Chanting
(Fridays)
Monthly Pujas
11:00 am Sri Durga Abhishekam
(every Purnima)
6:45 pm Bhagavathy Seva
(every third Friday)
6:45 pm Sri Durga Masa Puja
(every fourth Friday)