Durga in Parad Mercury Durga is a popular fierce form of the Hindu Goddess Parvati. She is depicted with ten arms, carrying various weapons and riding a wild lion. She is often pictured as battling demons, particularly Mahishasura, the buffalo demon. Goddess Durga is equated with Mahadevi, the Supreme Goddess. Her triumph as Mahishasura Mardini, Slayer of the Buffalo Demon is a dominant episode of the old scripture Devi Mahatmya. Her triumph is celebrated yearly in the festivals of Durga Puja and Navaratri.