Durga Puja finds its origin in the Hindu mythology. Goddess Durga is regarded as the deity of power. She entered the earth with the aim to kill the demon Mahishasura, who set out to conquer the world with his tyranny and invincible power. Due to her victory over him, Goddess Durga is sometimes referred to as Mahishasura Mardini (the Goddess who killed Mahishasura). Durga Pooja is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over the evil. The festival attracts many visitors all over India and foreign tourists to West Bengal, where it is celebrated with much fanfare and fervor. All through the ten days, the streets in West Bengal are busy in the celebrations of the pooja. Read on to know about the story of Goddess Durga.
Story of Durga Pooja
The Emergence of Goddess Durga
In the Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga is personified as a beautiful warrior, seated upon a lion. According to the legends, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva summoned Goddess Durga, an avatar of Ma Shakti, to save the Devalok and living beings on earth from the tyranny of the monster-demon Mahishasura, as neither of the three could acquire triumph over the demon. Subsequently, Goddess Durga, with the weapons provided to her by the Gods of the Devalok, took over the talk of vanquishing Mahishasura and destroying his invincible strength that was acquired by terrific austerity.
Triumph Over Mahishasura
The aim of her miraculous arrival on earth was to kill the monster-demon Mahishasura. After fighting hard, Goddess Durga killed the ferocious Mahishasura and restored the heaven to the Gods, which was previously acquired by him. Since then, Ma Durga is invoked for protection from the powers of evil. The triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura symbolized the victory of good over the evil. Durga Puja is observed for her victory. Ma Durga has been worshiped from about 400 AC, or probably earlier than that, to the present time. She is the deity of power.
Durga Puja Legend
Ma Durga has been mentioned in one of Hinduism's greatest epics - Ramayana. According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama performed Chandi pooja to seek the blessings of powerful Goddess Durga. In order to worship Goddess Durga, Lord Rama needed 108 blue lotus flowers. However, he could manage only with 107. To attain the magical number, he decided to offer one of his eyes, which was lotus-shaped and blue in color, at the Goddess's feet. During the time, Goddess Durga appeared and satisfied with his devotion, blessed him. After receiving the blessings of Goddess Durga, Lord Rama fought hard and acquired victory over Ravana. It is believed that the blessings of Goddess Durga helped Lord Rama to kill Ravana, rescue his wife and return to Ayodhya.
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