Everyone lives on the edge of fear. Offerings to the Shiva and Vishnu include food, flowers, leaves, and insects. This its to invoke god who is otherwise dormant. Offerings to Devi are different. There is something more. Turmeric, red powder, kohl, and pieces of cloth. The cloth is so that she is less Kahli and more Gauri. This is to awake the mind and domesticate nature. Only invoking the mind without domesticating nature is the trait of Shiva, the withdrawn hermit. Only domesticating nature is the trait of Brahma who manifests as Daksha, the controlling priest. This tension between the mind and nature is important. Durga is the preferred form of the goddess. Riding her lion defying domestication. Unbound hair shows she is wild but her nose ring shows she is domesticated. The weapons in her hands show a different kind of violence. One that is restrained and offers protection but can dish out punishment. She is Brahma's defiant daughter, Vishnu's protected and protective sister, and Shiva's affectionate wife. Her affection cannot be taken for granted. She will not be exploited. Domestication of the goddess, nature, must be mirrored with the awakening of god, mind.
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