Legend says when the demon Mahisasura, unbeatable by either man or god, threatened to overcome both heaven and earth, the gods appealed to Shiva for aid. "Release your Shaktis," Shiva advised, and from the third eyes of the gods sprang an energy that coalesced into the Durga. Each of the gods gave her a weapon to use in her battle against the demon, and as she finally triumphed over Mahisasura, he begged her that he not be forgotten.       "You shall forever appear under my left foot," the Durga promised.       This representation of the Durga shows her also with her companion animal, the lion, and her ten arms holding the weapons (starting from her lower right arm, and moving clockwise) of the sword, vajra, bow, mace, trident, Wheel of the Law, bell, conch, drum and shield.       May the Durga be a symbol of protection for you, as you walk your life's path. Click on The Durga for a larger view and to order yours!