Dashain festival is a celebration offering tribute to the invincible strength of Goddess Durga. She symbolises fearlessness, power, resolution, and untiring fortitude intended to safeguard devotees from various forms of evil like suppression, injustice and tyranny. In Hindu tradition, it is believed that Goddess Durga represents the divine force merged from Goddess Kali, Laxmi, and Saraswati, created by God Vishnu. Goddess Durga is supposed to be a protector who defends humanity against malicious forces (the demon Mahishasur). Through the elimination of harmful influence, Goddess Durga defends her devotees from worries and misery.
During the Dashain festival, the nine appearances of Goddess Durga are celebrated. The triumph of Goddess Durga against the demon Mahishasura is honoured through a nine-day festival known as Navaratri. Hindus see Goddess Durga as a highly unique Goddess who manifests in nine different forms. In Hindu tradition, Goddess Durga personifies primarily three qualities of Mother Nature: Satya, Rajas, and Tamas. Satya signifies serenity and stability found in her Maha Saraswati feature; Rajas signifies liveliness and vigor seen in her Maha Laxmi feature; and Tamas signifies the force of eradication that is alive in her Maha Kali feature.
Devotion
Adoring Goddess Durga with feelings of devotion, adoration and meditation is an achievement for self-discovery with truth and beauty. This marks the first stage in the journey towards self-realisation. It is assumed that reciting the Durga Chalisa with complete dedication during the ten days may eradicate complications of our lives. Durga Chalisa is a simple hymn honouring Goddess Durga, nurturing a positive mindset and helping in managing various forms of psychological distress that may be encountered in the ups and downs of our lives. It stimulates improvements in physical and mental health, as well as in spiritual development. Revering the goddess Durga conveys a moral lesson that regardless of the strength of any malevolent force, it will eventually be overcome. Revering Goddess Durga signifies bravery, guiding us to face challenges without any fear during tough times in our lives. Devotees could also discover financial security through honest devotion.
Most importantly, praying to Goddess Durga with full devotion can support spiritual awareness and alignment, allowing devotees to develop emotional intelligence. The mantra that is most frequently chanted is "Sarva mangala mangalye Sive Sarvartha Sadhike Sarnanye Trayambike Gauri Narayani Namostute". This mantra signifies the purest and most sacred spirit of Goddess Durga, designed to bless the devoted souls. Hindu priests firmly believe that chanting the Durga mantra has a positive influence on devotees.
When Goddess Durga is worshipped through spiritual meditation, it aids in launching a deeper connection with the heavenly essence. Studies have specified that meditation fosters a healthy body, mind, and soul. This way of worship helps us achieve soul consciousness and gradually defends us from falling victim to ego-driven body consciousness. Our reliable sense of self-awareness arises from our link to a wider type of awareness. Yogic philosophy suggests that within our minds exists a reflection of an immeasurable, all-knowing consciousness, which is constant and timeless and eternal, representing the soul of our genuine spiritual being. Likewise, the Durga mantra reinforces the mind with optimistic energy, which can be felt instantly after reciting it.
Mystics and yogis believe that mantra serves as an eternal and timeless friend for the meditator, guiding them even after passing and, illuminating the way to the tranquil spiritual realm. The science of mantra is a universal principle revealed to anyone capable of understanding it, regardless of time and location. The optimal way to start mantra practice is by focusing on breath, as it profoundly connects the soul with the divine spirit. Similarly, hymns are among the finest methods of worshipping Goddess Durga. Singing hymns meaningfully fortifies belief in a higher power and eases various forms of distress and suffering in our lives.
Feeling of accountability
The appearance and the weapons that Goddess Durga carries convey a powerful message to us. For instance, the Chakra symbolises the feeling of accountability and integrity. We must fulfill our obligations, duties and responsibilities with a sense of integrity in our lives. The sword signifies the abolition of wickedness. We must follow ethics and perform our duties happily with a feeling of contentment. The lotus flower represents detachment combined with a feeling of perfection. We must share love and compassion with others, remaining undistracted by the outside physical world.
Trishul signifies power and courage. We must have the heroism to remove our negative feelings or emotions such as anger, jealousy, lust, and greed in order to connect with the highest source of divinity, and to unravel the mysteries of existence. Goddess Durga’s presence in a red sari signifies the eagerness to pursue truth and fairness. The colour red represents the need to act rapidly against any injustices or societal absurdities that are prevalent in our society. Her fourth lower hand signifies blessings and conveys a sense of forgiveness.
(The author is Faculty of English at Kathmandu University School of Law and Engineering.)
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