Durga is identified as the principal Hindu goddess of w a r, s t r e n g t h a n d protection. The legend centres around combating evils and demonic forces that thre aten pe a c e , prosperity, and Dharma the power of good over evil. Durga is also a fierce form of the protective mother goddess, who unleashes her divine wrath against the wicked for the liberation of the oppressed, and entails destruction to empower creation. In this painting Durga is as always seen riding a lion, with many arms defeating Mahishasura. She is widely worshipped as the AdiShakti. Durga is revered after s p r i n g a n d a u t u m n harvests, specially during the festivals of Durga Puja and Navratri.