Lion or Tiger? Unraveling the Mystery of Maa Durga's Mount and Her Title 'Sherawali'

• Maa Durga's original mount is traditionally a lion, symbolizing power, valor, and sovereignty, as described in the Durga Saptashati.
• She is called Singhvahini (one who rides a lion), but in some regions, especially eastern and southern India, she is depicted on a tiger due to local traditions.
• The title 'Sherawali' comes from a legend where a lion, waiting to eat Mata Parvati during her penance, became her mount after her compassion.
• Another story from the Skanda Purana tells of demon Singhmukham being transformed into a lion by Kartikeya to serve Mata Parvati.
• Different forms of the Mother have various mounts: Skanda Mata and Katyayani Mata ride lions, Kushmanda and Chandraghanta ride tigers, Shailputri and Mahagauri ride bulls, Kalaratri rides a donkey, and Siddhidatri sits on a lotus.