• Dr.Anand B

ABSTRACT This paper explores the historical roots of the worship of Durga and the changing iconography of the Devi in the form of Mahishāmardhini, especially in Bengal, where the annual Durga Puja is increasingly marked by experimentation with both the idol and its surrounding enhancement in artistic forms. This recent development is situated in the sense of the deity’s historical origins and evolution and its iconography has been traced since the 5th century CE. The aim of this article is to trace the history of modern Durga worship as practiced in Bengal and its socio-cultural influence on contemporary society. Durga as Mahishāmardhini (slayer of Mahishāsura) is an ancient deity. The 5th century CE Sanskrit text, Dēvi Mahātmyām, contains the story of Durga, briefly including her various forms, exploits, as well as her iconography. By the 8th century CE, the Mahishāmardhini cult was known throughout the Indian subcontinent as evidenced by architectural remains from Afghanistan to Tamil Nadu. Today, she is still popular throughout India but particularly loved and revered in Bengal as an annual four-day autumn festival, the Durga Puja.

Keyword: Mahishāmardhini, Mahishāsur, Dēvi Mahātmyā, Shaktism

"HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF DURGA WORSHIP IN BENGAL", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 10, page no.881-888, October-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1810B71.pdf

"HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF DURGA WORSHIP IN BENGAL", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 10, page no. pp881-888, October-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1810B71.pdf