Maa Durga Arrival and Departure Vehicle for Durga Puja 2023: Which Vahan Is Goddess Durga Aagman Expected to Arrive On This Year? Here’s the Significance

Durga Puja, a vibrant and culturally rich festival, is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm in India, particularly in the state of West Bengal. This annual extravaganza holds deep religious significance, commemorating the arrival and departure of Goddess Durga, the epitome of feminine power and strength. October 2023 Holidays Calendar With Major Festivals and Events.

Maa Durga's Arrival and Departure Vehicle 2023: Elephant

This year, Maa Durga is said to be arriving on an elephant. In Hindu scriptures, each vehicle ridden by Goddess Durga carries a distinct and intriguing symbolism. There is more to the understanding... apparently according to Hindu traditions, when Navratri commences on a Monday or Sunday, she elegantly arrives astride an elephant.

On the other hand, if it begins on a Saturday or Tuesday, her chosen steed is a gallant horse. When Navratri starts on Thursday or Friday, she makes her entrance seated in a doli, a traditional palanquin. However, if Navratri commences on a Wednesday, the goddess gracefully arrives via a boat.

According to Drik Panchang, Shardiya Navratri will begin on October 15 and end on October 24 with Durga Visarjan and Vijaydashami. This means this year, the grand procession of Goddess Durga will feature an elephant as her noble mount. Durga Puja 2023 Full Calendar: Here's a Day-Wise Puja Schedule and Full Durga Pujo Dates.

Mata Rani's Ride is Based on the Start Day of Navratri

If Navratri starts on Monday or Sunday, then the vehicle of Maa Durga is an elephant. If Navratri starts on Saturday or Tuesday, then Mata Rani comes riding a horse. If Navratri starts on Thursday or Friday, Maa Durga arrives on a doli, whereas if Navratri starts on Wednesday, then Maa Durga's vehicle is a boat.

Maa Durga's Arrival and Departure Vehicle Significance

The iconic imagery of Goddess Durga, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is often depicted with great symbolism. Central to this symbolism are the vehicles that accompany her during her arrival and departure in various religious ceremonies, most notably during the festival of Durga Puja. The choice of these vehicles holds profound significance in the worship and understanding of the goddess.

Goddess Durga is traditionally portrayed as riding a lion as she descends from her heavenly abode to Earth. The lion is a symbol of strength, courage, and authority. By riding this majestic creature, the goddess signifies her supreme power and her role as the embodiment of divine strength.

Durga Puja symbolises the victory of righteousness and virtue over evil forces. The legend of Goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura illustrates the triumph of good over evil, reminding us of the eternal battle between right and wrong. The festival celebrates the divine feminine energy and serves as a reminder of the empowerment of women.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2023 01:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).