The Feminine Force in Creation

‘Ya devi sarva butheshu Shakthi Roopena Samsthitha, Namastasyay, Namastasyay Namastayay Namonamah’ (O all pervading goddess who manifests as Shakti , my salutations to you) is one of the many forms in which the goddess is worshipped in the ‘Devi sooktam’ rendered by devotees during the nine-day Navarathri festival, which culminates in Vijayadashami the tenth day that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

These nine days in the month of Ashwin or Ashwayuja resplendent with prayer, colourful flowers, music and dance are times when the feminine force that sustains creation is worshipped and celebrated through many traditions peculiar to each region.

Courage, wealth and knowledge represented by Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped in unique ways and the imagery associated with each of these goddesses is fascinating.

The fiery eyed Durga astride a golden lion, Saraswati glowing in white with her white swan, Lakshmi seated on a lotus in bloom and Kali with her frightening garland of skulls are images that we have grown up with and evoke specific emotions.

The purpose of all prayer during this period is however to overcome all obstacles posed by negative thoughts and emotions (portrayed through stories of demons killed by the goddess), and stay focussed in knowledge and accumulation of wealth for sustenance and the betterment of mankind.

The’ Mahishasura mardhini stotram’ sung in praise of goddess Durga therefore is more a eulogy to the power to overcome negativity and emerge bright and powerful from the dark ignorance that envelops us and veils our true potential than with the annihilation of the demon Mahishasura.

‘Mahapadmakinjalka madhye Viraja’ (the goddess seated in the midst of a huge lotus) is how the great philosopher and theologian Adi Shankaracharya credited with creating some of the most beautiful prayers to the goddess describes Goddess Bhavani ( wife of Bhava or Shiva) in one of his compositions, the ‘Bhavani Bhujangatrayam’.

A lotus with a thousand petals symbolises enlightenment and flowers of different hues have come to be used in the worship of the goddess who is decorated in different coloured sarees depending on the form in which she is worshipped with the final day being dedicated to ‘RajarajeshwarI” (the reigning deity).

The Telugu states come alive with festive fervour as the worship of Kanakadurga culminates in the “Teppotsavam(boat festival) in Andhra Pradesh while beautifully decorated floral “ Bathukammas’ are omnipresent in Telangana.

From Ram lila in the North, garbha in Gujarat, Golu (arrangement of dolls) in Tamilnadu, worshipping books in Kerala to special festivities in Karnataka, Navaratri is marked by gaiety and piety.

An auspicious period symbolising learning and new beginnings, Dasara is also a time to reconnect with our true self through fasting, prayer, song and dance. It is a ritual with great spiritual purport and a reminder of the great power that is vested with the feminine force in creation.

It is a time that reminds women of their own inherent strength to face the ordeals that cross their path and emerge victorious like the goddess ‘Aparajitha’ venerated as one who knows no defeat.