STRENGTH, COURAGE AND BOLDNESS: Durga – the conquest of good over evil

She holds weapons in her hands and is draped in a red saree. She is the very personification of strength, courage and boldness. Both men and women alike worship her. For some, she is the Mother of the universe who gives life and for others she is the destroyer of evil. Durga is her name and many temples around the world are dedicated to her.
The goddess Durga is said to be far to those who have evil propensities in them but close to those who are good-natured. Similarly, she is considered as invincible against the forces of evil. Presently, Durga Pooja is being celebrated by the Hindu community to honour her and celebrate at the same time the victory of good over evil. Navratri or the nine nights dedicated to her worship retraces the fierce battle that Durga fought with the demon Mahishasura. This culminates with Vijayadashami indicating that the forces of good have vanquished the forces of evil with the death of Mahishasura. This is why the name Mahishasura Mardini  (slayer of Mahishasura) is also attributed to Durga.
Durga pooja is in fact an occasion for spiritual seekers to realise the divinity latent in them and eschew the demons of arrogance, ego and anger as symbolised by Mahishasura. Devotees find the courage and inspiration from Durga to denounce wrong and malicious deeds. They endeavour to become like the Mother followers of truth and justice. As a result, many devotees fast on this occasion to take a step towards righteous living .This fasting is a way of purifying the senses, mind and body so that one can cultivate good thoughts, speak words of wisdom and engage in selfless deeds. Durga pooja is just a reminder that we should nurture the good in us and do our best to get rid of our negativities. Everyday should become Vijayadashami where darkness is removed by light, ignorance is transformed into knowledge and evil is overpowered by good.