Durga is seen as a motherly figure and often depicted as a beautiful woman, riding a lion or tiger, with many arms each carrying a weapon and often defeating demons. She is widely worshipped by the followers of the goddess-centric sect, Shaktism, and has importance in other denominations like Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Shiva has four arms because they represent the four cardinal directions. Each of Shiva’s hands either hold an object or are shown making a specific gesture.