Devi - Adi Parashakti - Adyashakti Mahamaya - Durga
"Devi" is the Hindu concept of the Ultimate Mahashakti or the ultimate power inherent in all Creation and is the
original creator, observer and destroyer of the whole universe. Today's
Scientist call her Supreme Intelligence or Sacred Energy, "Durga" is the most popular incarnation of Devi - Goddess Adya Shakti Mahamaya, who acquired this name after killing the demon "Durgamaasura".
The Sacred Rituals of Worshiping Goddess Durga is referred to as Durga Puja

The most popular practise of performing Durga Puja now a days is the Sharadiya Durga Puja and Navaratri initiated by Lord Rama in the month of Aswinya ( Autumn - Sharat or Sharad) as an Akalbodhan ( Akal = Untimely and Bodhan = Awakening ) of Goddess Durga. Whereas the Basantika Durga Puja is believed to be the most ancient Durga Puja initiated by King Suratha in the month of Chaitra (Spring - Basanta or Vasanta) much earlier than the Sharadiya Durga Puja and Navaratri.
The
legend in Markanda Puran states that King Surath had lost his kingdom
and wandered in the forests where he met Samadhi Vaishya who also had
lost kingdom. In the jungle, they met Medha Muni who on request
suggested them to perform Basanti Durga Puja to get back their lost
kingdoms. King Surath and Samadhi Vaishya, thus, performed Basanti Puja
and got back their kingdoms. This started the ritual of performing
Basanti Durga in Basant season or Chaitra Month. Whereas the Shardiya
Puja is said to have first performed by Lord Rama to seek Goddess
Durga’s blessings for defeating Ravana. Since then, due to popularity of
lord Rama, his devotees started celebrating Durga Puja in Sharad season
or Aswinya Month.
The
rituals of Basanti Puja are similar to those of Shardiya Durga Puja.
The only difference is in the ‘Ghat’ (Kalash or earthern/metal pot) for
‘Bodhan’ (awakening Goddess Durga) is not used in Shashti puja because
this puja is performed on time when it is meant to be done. ‘Akal
Bodhan’ or ‘untimely awakening of Durga’ is done on Shashti during
Shardiya Durga Puja.
The nine forms of Durga are worshipped during the nine days of Navratri.

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