Meaning of 3 Eyes of Maa Durga for Durga Puja

The three eyes of Maa Durga have a special meaning. Pandals may have different themes, so also the way Goddess is depicted with her family. But the basic form of Goddess with her 10 arms and 3 eyes has never changed.

Mahalaya Welcoming Maa Durga

Before I explain the eyes, little bit about Mahalaya.

Mahalaya is a day of great importance for Bengali Hindus. It is the day when chants of Jaago, tumi jaago usher in the aura of Durga Puja, a 5 day festival of Hindus. It is believed Goddess Durga ascended on earth on this day.

Mantras (hymns) chanted midnight onward is a kind of invitation to Goddess Durga to descend on Earth. Goddess Durga is a creation of the Holy trinity of Gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

painting of eyes Durga Puja

Story of Goddess Durga

The story goes like this:

Mahishasur, a demon and cousin of Gods, after long penance got a boon that no male form can kill him. Swelling up with arrogance, he unleashed terror on all. Goddess Durga therefore descends from Heaven to rid Earth of this notorious demon. There ensues a long fight between Goddess Durga seated on lion and the demon in the form of buffalo. On 9th day Goddess Durga emerges victorious!

Idols depicting this scene are worshiped during Durga Puja. Bengali Hindus unite and form groups all over the world, make temporary pandals to celebrate this festival of Durga Puja.

Meaning Durga’s Three Eyes

Preparations for this festival had begun a month back. Idol makers from Kumortuli, Kolkata are at their work in Bangalore and I had the opportunity to see them work on the idols. The systematic way the work goes on is so interesting to watch. Each artisan knows his job and they are engrossed in it. The painting of eyes fascinated me the most.

Meaning of 3 Eyes of Maa Durga

The eyes of the idols are painted on Mahalaya after observing a day of fast by the painter. They are on a strictly vegetarian diet during this. Durga’s three eyes have a special meaning. Like Bhagwan Shiva (Lord Shiva), Mother Durga has 3 eyes. She is referred to as “Triyambake” meaning the three eyed Goddess.

The left eye represents desire (chandra – the moon), the right eye represents action (surya – the sun), and the central eye knowledge (agni – fire).

painting of eyes Goddess Saraswati Meaning of 3 Eyes of Maa Durga

Mantra to Worship Goddess Durga

Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri
Narayani Namostute, Narayani Namostute, Narayani Namostute

Durga is referred to as the consort of Lord Shiva; she full fills the wishes of her devotees. She brings purity to the lives of all who worship her. I bow to you! I bow to you! I bow to you!

You can see my posts on Durga Puja here. This was first published on Oct 15th, 2012.

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