Durga Maa - Story of Navratri

Story

Maa Durga Mantra

ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः

Om Dum Durgayei Namaha

It was the month of October and the surroundings were beautiful and vibrant as there were festivals like Durga Puja, Dusshera and Diwali around the corner. Radhika was very happy as there were school holidays for Durga Puja and Dusshera. She gave a lot of thought and wondered what Maa Durga's story was. This question led her to research the same and she came across a beautiful story about it on myNachiketa.com

Radhika, after learning about the story of Maa Durga was highly encouraged. With a sense of excitement, she decided to gather her friends and share the story. She called them over to her house, where they sat in a circle, eager to listen.

“Guys, I found a wonderful story about Maa Durga!” she began, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Once there was a demon named Mahishasura who was half buffalo and half human. He was very strong but not strong enough to fight all the Gods (and devatas). Mahishasura was a devoted follower of Brahma Ji and therefore, he decided to worship him. After many years of devotion and worship, Brahma Ji was highly pleased with Mahishasura and granted him a wish.

Mahishasura asked to live forever, but that was not possible. Brahma Ji said that this boon could not be granted.

So instead, Mahishasura wished that no man or God could defeat him.

This wish was granted to him, but out of his ego and self-confidence, he forgot to mention woman; that no woman could defeat him. He believed that no woman could harm him, making him think he was unbeatable.

With this new power, Mahishasura began to conquer the three worlds - Heaven (Swarga), Earth (Prithvi) and Underworld (Patala). He went on to destroy villages and temples. He enslaved the people, bringing darkness and chaos everywhere. The balance of the universe was at risk, and everyone was very fearful.

When the situation became uncontrollable, all the devatas and gods went to Maa Durga. They pleaded with Maa Durga to fight Mahishasura explaining the entire situation to her.

Maa Durga is a very special devi (goddess) who is known for her strength, courage, and kindness. She has ten arms, and each arm holds a powerful weapon, like a sword, bow and arrow, or her famous trident (Trishul).

Maa Durga rides a lion, which shows how fearless she is. Even though she looks fierce when fighting bad forces, she is also very loving and caring. People pray to her for protection, and she helps them stay safe from danger. She is like a superhero who fights for good and brings peace to the world.

Maa Durga, with her powerful presence, set forth to fight Mahishasura. The war between them was very fierce and continued for many days and nights. On the ninth day of the war, they faced each other in their final clash. The fight was very intense, with Mahishasura using all his power, but Maa Durga was too strong. With a quick move of her trident (Trishul), she defeated Mahishasura.

All the Gods in heaven and all the people of the Earth were very happy and paid gratitude towards Maa Durga. She became a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and hope over despair.

She reminds everyone of the power of good, the strength of women, and the universal truth that righteousness will always win.

As Radhika finished her story, her friends listened in awe, their eyes wide with admiration for Maa Durga's bravery. Inspired by the story, they all agreed to celebrate Durga Puja with a newfound understanding of its significance.

Moral of the story: Never be overconfident and egoistic like the demon Mahishasura. Be courageous and powerful like Devi Durga and overcome your problems with wisdom and strength.