The Divine story of Navaratri

Today is the first day of Navaratri - the beginning of 9 days of celebrations & prayers of the manifestation of Goddess Shakti in different forms.

Lets dwell upon the Origin of Navaratri, how it came into existence and understand why we celebrate it as Vijayadashami. There’s a nice story behind this.

Eons ago there was an Asura named Mahishaasura. Through intense penance, he obtained a special boon from Chaturmukha Brahma. Powered by this boon he conquered all the three Lokas and started ruling in an Adharmic way. His arrogance knew no bounds. He harassed human beings, Rishis, Gods and Goddesses. He forced himself to be worshipped and saw to it that all Yagnas and Homas were not conducted by the Rishis, thereby obstructing the sacred rituals through which divine energies were invoked and sustained.

Fed up & unable to bear of all this - the Gods and Goddesses along with Rishis went and met Chaturmukha Brahma and pleaded with him to get rid of Mahishasura. Brahma told them that he was helpless and also he was bound to give the boon in response to Mahishasura's intense Tapas. He advised let's go to Bhagawaan Mahavishnu who will give remedy to this problem. They all proceeded to Vaikunta and narrated their plight to Bhagawaan Mahavishnu. He too explained that the extraordinary nature of the boon made Mahishasura invulnerable to their efforts. He therefore directed them to seek the guidance of Bhagawaan Eshwara at Kailaasa. Hence they all went and and explained their problem and asked him for a solution to Bhagawaan Eshwara. He also expressed his helplessness because of the nature of the boon. 

They were all pondering over this issue and how to find a solution to get rid of Mahishasura. At this moment, Naarada Maharishi came to know about the situation. He advised the assembled Gods, Goddessed and Rishis to pray to the Supreme Divine Mother, Aadi Shakti, and seek her help. To which all of them agreed and prayed to the Divine Mother Aadishakthi. 

The Divine Mother AadiShakthi being Graceful and compassionate appeared before them, in her most Magnificent Form and asked them, what was the purpose of their prayers. They told her about Mahishaasura’s atrocities and requested her to get rid of him as they were unable to do so due to the special boon given by Brahma. The Divine Mother smilingly blessed them and assured them that she will manifest Herself appropriately and will bring an end to Mahishasura.

After sometime the Divine Mother AadiShakthi manifested on our Earth on top of Divya Giri, Near Nandi Hills which is close to our Bengaluru city. All the other Gods, Goddesses and Rishis also descended upon nearby surrounding places and began performing yagnas, homas, and sacred prayers. Thus began the 1st Day of Navaratri. For 9 consecutive days, the homas, yagnas and prayers continued. All the Trimurthis, Tridevis, Gods and Goddesses gave their respective divine astras (weapons) and shastras (knowledge & principles) to the Divine Stree empowering her for the great battle that lay ahead. 

Each day the Divine Mother manifested in different forms. On the 9th day, fully armed with all divine astras bestowed upon her, she sat on her Vaahana - Simha and proceeded towards Mahisha Pattana (present day Mysuru). On the route she encountered the asuras Chandasura and Mundasura and killed them - for this victory she got the name ChaMundEshwari. Continuing her march towards Mahisha Pattana, she slayed many asuras who were sent by Mahishasura. She finally entered Mahisha pattana & confronted Mahishasura in a fierce battle. Finally she killed him in present-day Chamundi Hills in Mysuru.

Following Mahishasura’s defeat, all the Gods, Goddesses, Rishis showered The Divine Mother with exquisite flowers and praised her valour and divine grace. Trimurthis, Tridevis, Gods, Goddesses Rishis celebrated the glorious victory over Mahishasura. This auspicious day came to be known as Vijaya Dashami - the day of victory.

Having accomplished Her divine purpose, She revealed Herself in Her original and supreme form as Aadi Shakti. Overwhelmed with gratitude, everyone assembled prayed for her to stay upon the sacred hill and bless all those who come in future seeking her blessings. The Divine Mother graciously accepted the request of everyone and stayed there as Amsha known as Divine Mother Chamundeshwari and left to her abode Devi Loka. 

In subsequent years, the Rishis built a temple at that place according to Aagama Shaastra benefiting the devotees who came to seek Her Blessings, Grace and Anugraha. 

This is the divine story associated with the celebration of Navaratri and Dasara.

The nine nights of Navaratri to pay tribute and worship of the Divine Mother in Her various manifestations, celebrating Her power to overcome evil and protect the righteous. 

The tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, signifies the ultimate triumph of Dharma over Adharma, good over evil, and divine grace over arrogance and tyranny.

Jai Aadi Shakti! Jai Chamundeshwari!

Shubha Navaratri!

 

Image of Sri Chamundeshwari Devi, Mysuru