Cosmic energy in its dynamic form is symbolized for us ordinary mortals in the form of “Shakti”, the World Mother. She is the power and energy by which the Great God creates, preserves and destroys the world.
Shakti is worshipped in many different forms. As “Uma” or “Parvati”, she is the gentle consort of “Shiva”. As “Kamakshi”, she is the Great Mother.
In the form of Durga, she rides the lion,the symbol of ego and arrogance that Man has to subdue. So she is the one who has powers to conquer these evils. With the weapons in her hand she fights the eight evils (hate, greed, passion, vanity, contempt of others, envy, jealously and the illusions with which man binds himself).