Navratri 2023: Goddess Durga's divine vahanas and symbolism behind them

As the vibrant festivities of Shardiya Navratri commence on October 15, 2023, devout Hindus embark on a nine-day journey of prayer and fasting, paying homage to the nine incarnations of Maa Durga. Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri are revered during this auspicious period, symbolising the descent of Goddess Durga from her celestial abode to Earth.

2 things you need to know

• The Shardiya Navratri is set to begin on October 15.
• The festivities will conclude on October 23.

The divine chariot

At the heart of Navratri lore are the celestial chariots, or 'vahanas', that carry Goddess Durga during her earthly sojourn. The five vahanas - lion, elephant, horse, boat and palanquin - are believed to influence the fate of mankind. It's a belief deeply rooted in Hindu mythology that the choice of arrival and departure vahanas holds the key to a year of prosperity or challenges.

Lion

The lion is Goddess Durga's principal vahana, bestowed upon her by various gods as she prepared to combat Mahisasura. Representing strength, courage, leadership and determination, the lion embodies the principles of Dharma, symbolising the mastery of goodness over these attributes.

(Lion is Goddess Durga's principal vahana | Image: Pinterest)

Elephant

The elephant signifies peace and prosperity. If Goddess Durga arrives or departs on an elephant, it heralds a life filled with happiness and blessings, ensuring bountiful rainfall for abundant harvests in the coming year.

(Elephant signifies peace and prosperity | Image: Pinterest)

Boat

The boat, a vehicle of water, serves as an indicator of both floods and good harvests. When the Goddess arrives on a boat, it signifies her blessings in helping devotees reach their ultimate goals.

(When Goddess arrives on a boat it signifies her blessings | Image: Pinterest) 

Palanquin

According to scriptures, the palanquin foretells the outbreak of an epidemic when Maa Durga chooses it as her divine vehicle.

Horse

Arriving on a horse is considered an ominous sign, warning of potential wars among nations, as per Drik Panchang.

This Chaitra Navratri

In this Chaitra Navratri, the Goddess graces her devotees atop an elephant, symbolising prosperity and peace. The faithful believe that her divine choice foretells a life blessed with happiness and anticipates abundant rainfall for a bountiful harvest in the year ahead.