Cc Madhya 21.53

TRANSLATION
The abode of the external energy is called Devi-dhama, and its inhabitants are the conditioned souls. It is there that the material energy, Durga, resides with many opulent maidservants.

PURPORT
Because he wants to enjoy the material energy, the conditioned soul is allowed to reside in Devi-dhama, the external energy, where goddess Durga carries out the orders of the Supreme Lord as His maidservant. The material energy is called jagal-laksmi because she protects the bewildered conditioned souls. Goddess Durga is therefore known as the material mother, and Lord Siva, her husband, is known as the material father. Goddess Durga is so named because this material world is like a big fort where the conditioned soul is placed under her care. For material facilities, the conditioned soul tries to please goddess Durga, and mother Durga supplies all kinds of material facilities. Because of this, the conditioned souls are allured and do not wish to leave the external energy. Consequently they are continuously making plans to live here peacefully and happily. Such is the material world.