In Hindu mythology Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, is worshipped as the beautiful and tender goddess of love, for it was her steadfast devotion to her lord that at last awoke Mahadev from his centuries-long meditation. But one of her forms is also Durga Ma, a fierce goddess who usually rides a snarling tiger, and carries an armoury of weapons in her many arms. How did this transformation come to pass?

It began when a certain demon named Durgasura undertook a great act of worship of Brahma. After long, severe penance, he at last won the favour of the god, who decided to grant him a boon. The demon asked for the boon that no one would be able to kill him, but when Brahma agreed, he changed the boon slightly, saying that no man would be able to kill him – meaning that only a woman could do so. The demon thought that this would be the same thing, so he was happy, and feeling safe from any threat he began to terrorise the heavens and the earth.

Soon it became clear that nothing could stop Durgasura as he wreaked havoc, pillaging and destroying as his whim dictated, and the gods became very concerned. At last, they came to Parvati, and humbly appealed to her to help them. When she understood the peril that was threatening all of creation, she underwent a dramatic transformation, and became the warrior goddess Durga.

Then, in a fierce battle, she beat back all the weapons and attacks of the demon, and at last was able to kill him. And that is how Parvati, the goddess of love, became the warrior goddess Durga, whose worship especially celebrates the victory of good over evil.