Navratri is celebrated differently across our country based on local traditions and rituals, but Goddess Durga is the main deity everywhere.
Goddess Durga (Shakti) is considered to be the feminine aspect of the primordial universal energy which is the cause of the creation, its sustenance and destruction.
Primordial universal energy has nine aspects — three each of creation, sustenance and destruction. These energies are active during the nine nights of Shardiya Navratri and worshipped as Navadurga.
Legend has it that Mahishasura was bestowed with a boon by Brahma that he could only be killed by a female, and Mahishasura believed that no female could de-feat or kill him. Upon receiving this boon, Mahishasura started torturing and killing the innocent in order to rule the world. He later tried to rule the heavens, too. Troubled by this, all devas sought the help of the Holy Trinity — Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The holy trinity combined their primordial powers and created a female form through their shaktis. This female form is known as Durga, the one who eventually killed Mahishasura. The gruesome war between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura lasted for nine days. On the ninth day Goddess Durga achieved victory over Mahishasura and the 10th day is celebrated as Vijayadashmi.
Mahishasura represents the inner demons in all beings. Ego, hatred, jealousy, enmity and violence are the demonic qualities many humans carry, and unless they rid themselves of these demonic aspects they will not be able to enjoy their lives.
To fight and overcome these demonic defects within us we seek divine intervention during these nine nights by worshipping Navadurgas. As the primordial universal energies are active during these nine nights it is easy to attract them and strengthen ourselves. From the story of Mahishasura we should learn the following lessons:
* Never underestimate the power of a woman. She is the combined creation of the Trinity and carries those powers within her.
* One day, the excesses committed by ego, hatred, jealousy and violence will be eliminated by some power of the universe in some form or the other.
* Remain grateful and surrendered to the higher divinity
* Eventually good wins over evil.
To win over inner negativity (the inner demons) and empower positivity, we should seek the support of an enlightened guru — like the devas took support of the Holy Trinity — who can guide us by helping us invoke the divine powers within us.
Sri Rameshji is a modern age spiritual guru and founder of Poorna Ananda, a centre for spiritual evolution and joyful living. Visit www.poornaananda.org
