Pujo Gyan
Ma Durga's Ten Arms and Weapons
Durga is called Dashabhuja, the ten-armed one. The Devi Mahatmya says every god gave her a weapon from his own arsenal, so that she held the power of all of them together.
Exactly which weapon is in which hand varies from idol to idol and artist to artist. The list below follows the Devi Mahatmya (chapter 2), with the meanings most often given today. These meanings are traditional interpretations, not fixed rules.
Trishul (trident)
Given by: Shiva
The three qualities of nature (sattva, rajas, tamas); the weapon that slays Mahishasura.
Chakra (discus)
Given by: Vishnu
Dharma and the wheel of time, with the goddess at its still centre.
Shankha (conch)
Given by: Varuna
The sacred sound Om; the call of victory.
Pasha (noose)
Given by: Varuna
Control: binding what is harmful.
Shakti (spear)
Given by: Agni
Fiery energy and the power to pierce through.
Dhanush-baan (bow and arrows)
Given by: Vayu
Energy held in tension, focus on the goal.
Vajra (thunderbolt)
Given by: Indra
Unbreakable resolve, firm as diamond.
Ghanta (bell)
Given by: Airavata, Indra's elephant
A sound that drives away negativity and weakens evil.
Khadga and shield
Given by: Kala (Time)
Knowledge that cuts through ignorance; protection.
Parashu (axe)
Given by: Vishwakarma
Cutting away what binds us; also given with armour.
Danda (staff)
Given by: Yama
Discipline and justice.
Naga (serpent)
Given by: Shesha
Coiled energy and awareness; Shesha gave a serpent necklace.
Other gifts in the same chapter: Brahma gave a rosary and a water-pot, Surya filled her pores with his rays, Kubera gave a cup, the Ocean of Milk gave a necklace and garments, and Himavan gave the lion and jewels. Ten hands could not hold them all; the ten arms are a way of showing that she holds everything.