Durga is believed to have originated as an ancient goddess worshipped by indigenous mountain-dwellers of the Indian subcontinent, before being established in the main Hindu pantheon by the 4th century CE.
Durga is a principal form of the supreme Goddess in Hinduism, also known as Devi and Shakti.
In Sanskrit, Durga means "a fort" or "a place that is difficult to overrun," an apt metaphor for this deity's protective, militant nature. Durga is sometimes referred to as Durgatinashini, which literally translates into "the one who eliminates sufferings."
Goddess Durga is the eternal Shakti, the boundless divine mother who upholds Dharma and annihilates Adharma. She is not just a goddess, she is Brahman in feminine form, a synthesis of all cosmic energies, armed with infinite grace and unstoppable power.
Devi Durga: Goddess Durga Story, Nine Forms of Durga Mata - Rudraksha Ratna
Durga is one of the principal goddesses of Hinduism. Among the many roles she plays, she’s best known as the protective mother of the universe and for her eternal fight against the forces of evil.
The nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped during these nine days, so it is also known as Durga Puja. The other names of the festival are Navratri, Navratram, Navratra, Durgotsav, Sharada Navratri, or Maha Navratri.
Goddess Durga, often referred to simply as " Ma Durga," is a prominent and revered deity in Hinduism. She is particularly celebrated during the festival of Navaratri, which lasts for nine nights and honors her victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.