Vanadurgā

By Swami Harshananda

Vanadurgā is one of the several aspects of Durgā described in iconographical works. Her complexion is greenish like fresh grass. She has eight arms. In seven arms, she carries:

1. Cakra - discus
2. Śaṅkha - conch
3. Asi - sword
4. Carma - shield
5. Bāṇa - arrow
6. Cāpa - bow
7. Śula - spear

The eighth is showing the tarjanī mudrā. She stands on the head of Mahiṣāsura. As the name indicates, her shrines are established in vanas or forests.

References

• The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore