Navaratri – Story with Trivia
The mythological story behind Navaratri primarily centers around the battle between the goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. This story is a prominent narrative associated with the festival and highlights the victory of good over evil. Here is the mythological story of Navaratri:
The Tale of Mahishasura
Long ago, there was a demon named Mahishasura who performed intense penance and received a boon from Lord Brahma that no man can kill him. In his arrogance, he felt that feminine gender is too weak to defeat him and he does not need any protection from them. Empowered by this boon, Mahishasura wreaked havoc in the three worlds – heaven, earth, and the netherworld. He defeated the gods and usurped their thrones, causing chaos and fear.
Seeing the dire situation, the trinity of Hindu gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – combined their divine energies and created a powerful female warrior known as Durga. Each god contributed their divine weapons and attributes to her, making her extraordinarily formidable.
The Battle of Durga and Mahishasura
Durga, mounted on a fierce lion, descended upon the battlefield to confront Mahishasura. A fierce battle ensued, lasting for nine days and nights. Mahishasura kept changing forms to evade Durga, taking the shape of various animals and even a buffalo (from which his name “Mahishasura” is derived, as “mahisha” means buffalo).
Despite Mahishasura’s cunning tactics and strength, Durga remained resolute and determined. On the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, Durga finally defeated Mahishasura by piercing him with her trident. The demon’s death marked the victory of good over evil and the restoration of peace in the three worlds.
The nine nights of Navaratri symbolize the nine nights of the epic battle between Durga and Mahishasura. Each night is dedicated to one of the nine forms or manifestations of Goddess Durga, known as the Navadurga.
The mythological story of Durga’s victory over Mahishasura during Navaratri serves as a reminder of the triumph of good over evil and the power of divine feminine energy.
The Trivia
Not many may know that the story of Mahishasura is linked to the underlying story about Lord Dharmasastha and his avatar Hariharaputra (Lord Ayyappa).
The Tale of Mahishi
Mahishi was the sister of Mahishasura. She also possessed extraordinary powers and sought revenge after her brother’s death. Following her brother’s demise at the hands of Durga, Mahishi performed penance to gain a boon from Lord Brahma. She requested that no one other than the procreation of the two supreme gods Shiva and Vishnu. Believing this to be an impossibility and would make her invincible, she went on a rampage, causing destruction and chaos. Hariharaputra born out of the union of Shiva and Vishnu killed Mahishi and restored peace and balance.
More about Lord Ayyappa will follow in the upcoming blogs. Stay connected.
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