Worshipping Durga For Inspiration, Empowerment

Goddess “Durga” is seen as embodiment of independence, fearlessness, intelligence, diligence, protection, guidance and strength. She is associated with motherhood and nurturing. Worshipping Goddess Durga is a celebration of divine feminine energy which has been a greatest source of profound spiritual inspiration and empowerment for both female and male genders that foster harmonious cooperation and coexistence. Devotees look up to Goddess Durga as a source of inspiration and empowerment to overcome hurdles, adversities and challenges in their lives.

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga exemplifies the constructive feminine vitality (Shakti) and is known for removing obstacles and darkness, as well as neutralising negative energy to ensure peace in the universe. She is also known as Durgatinashini, meaning "the remover of all troubles and miseries." 

Hindus worship nine forms of Durga annually during the Navaratra in October, celebrating her victory over the demon king Mahishasura. The Dashain festival, celebrated in various countries, integrates and glorifies Goddess Durga in different ways.

 The worship of Goddess Durga conveys the message that no matter how controlling evil may seem, it is meant to come to an end and get defeated. Devotees believe that worshipping Durga has plentiful constructive impacts on their lives.

Durga is signified as a celestial combination of Maha Kali, Laxmi, and Saraswati. During this festival, Saraswati, Laxmi, and Kartikeya are also honoured alongside Durga. By eradicating negative or evil forces like hatred, jealousy, greed, anger, ego, Goddess Durga protects her devotees from troubles and despair. 

In the Dashain festival, Goddess Durga's nine forms are worshipped. The triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura is celebrated as a nine-day-long festival called Navaratri or nine nights.

 Hindus regard Goddess Durga as a very exceptional Goddess and she appears in nine diverse forms, each consisting of unique powers and potential. Together, these nine manifestations are known as Navadurga. Hindus strongly believe that worshipping Durga with true devotion will rouse the heavenly soul in the pure mystical realm.

It is believed that reading Durga Chalisa, especially during Navratri, can comfort life in every possible ways. Durga Chalisa is a humble song reverence to Goddess Durga, nurturing positive mindset and supporting in dealing with the state of mental distress. Devotees may also find economic stability through sincere devotion. The Goddess is believed to bestow peace, prosperity, good health, and wealth to those who worship her faithfully.

 Most importantly, worshipping Goddess Durga may help in awakening spiritual consciousness that enables one to be emotionally intelligent. In addition, it ensures happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous life. Chanting Durga mantra is strongly believed to have positive and powerful impact on devotees according to the scholars of Hinduism.

It is assumed that sincere dreams and desires of the devotees may come true if they devotedly worship Goddess Durga for nine days. This may bring tranquility and mental stability, as well as the inner fortitude to confront life's challenges. Goddess Durga is honoured for her aptitude to combat demonic forces and provide her believers with ethical supervision. Religious writings state that reciting mantras or reading the Durga Chalisa are beneficial, particularly during the nine-day Durga Puja.

In essence, Goddess Durga can be seen as a representation of women's liberation. Women, like Goddess Durga, can take on a diversity of forms and roles. Being a sister, daughter, wife, mother, daughter-in-law, and many other social positions can be difficult, but they can also present prospects and opportunities, opportunities in the sense of providing many situations to demonstrate inner attributes such as patience, resolution, love, perseverance, and the aptitude to victory over injustice. 

The real worship comes from strong drive, devotion and commitment from within. This may eradicate the shadow of negativities and low self-esteem. In addition, it may empower us to know our true self. 

In fact, spiritual connection can be of great help to prevent social injustice for which women and girls encounter in every stage of life. This kind of spiritual mindfulness gives emancipation and great sense of satisfaction.  In this way, one can experience peace and happiness at its best. 

It important to recognise female power by realising that being born as a female is not a fault. Admiring oneself for who you really are symbolises vibrance. This may bring positive transformation in community, society, and country at large. 

Let us celebrate this Dashain festival with genuine respect and devotion to Goddess Durga and be strong to ignite constructive changes inside ourselves. Since cosmic creation gave rise to life, spiritual awakening also brings about the awakening of cosmic consciousness. All creatures in this lovely universe can coexist peacefully as a result of this. 

The author is an Assistant Professor at Kathmandu University School of Law.