Knowledge Bank

Is Lakshmi the daughter of Durga?

Durga Devi is Adi Parashakti, the cause of the material world. In Durga Saptashati we see three manifestations of Durga Devi - Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. The three Devis are Shaktis of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Shiva and Vishnu thought that they were able to defeat Asuras because of their own power. They ignored and insulted their wives. Gowri and Lakshmi went away. In their absence, the world became a mess as both Shiva and Vishnu lost their powers and direction. Devas prayed to Adi Parashakti. She made Lakshmi emerge from the milky ocean during its churning. Gowri was born as the daughter of Himavan. Both of them reunited with their husbands.

What is the lifespan of the universe?

4.32 billion years.