A lion or tiger is
the animal vehicle of the Mother Goddess in Hindu mythology, as seen in her incarnation
as the goddess Durga.
The Goddess may be shown riding either of these creatures in
modern imagery, with no apparent distinction between them, probably reflecting
the fact that the Hindi term "sher" can refer to either the lion or
the tiger.
The Goddess's ability to ride such a deadly beast is a
strong indication of her strength and capability.
These animals are often depicted as her friends in her
mythology, fighting at her direction.
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