A few days ago we celebrated Navaratri -- the re-living of the heroic nine days battle that Parasakti fought agaist a host of demons and her final truimph over them. On the tenth day, Vijayadasami, Devi with her devotees takes a victory parade before her disappearance into the Oceanic pure Consciousness. Devi or Rajarajesvari is the composite power of thri-murtis, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. She is the source of Icchsakti or will power, Kriyasakti or action power and Jnanasakti or knowledge power. In these aspects she is also known as Kali, Lakshmi and Sarasvati respectively. Mahashiva the supreme Lord of the Universe fulfills His full potential in the union with Mahasakti. With out Her touch, Brahma remain clueless, Vishnu listless and Shiva powerless.

Goddess Mahamaya or Tripura Sundari is the bestower of comforts of the world[ bhoga] pleasures of heaven (svarga) and final liberation and bliss (apavarga) -- svarga-pavarga-bhoga-da. Those devotees who surrender at Her Lotus Feet unconditionally through chanting mantra or devotional service are entitled for Her grace.

In her epic battles Mother Ambika trounced the fiercest demon Mahishasura and his minions Chanda, Munda, Raktabija, Dhumraketu, Shumba and Nishumba. These demons not only troubled sages and brahmins, but also disturbed the peace of devas, the custodians of yagnas, rain, prosperity, peace and human wellbeing.

The symbolism and the meaning of these battles can be sought in the human psyche. We are the seat of good and bad thoughts and feelings. Ego is the king of these mental processes. Devi represents the inner Divine Light or Enlightened Conscience by blessing of which we are able to vanquish the bad negative thoughts and feelings and promote the good and positive thoughts and feelings. She gains final victory over the ego and directs devotees attention to the Transcendental Truth.

Of the nine days, the first three days Devi is worshipped as Kali who removes all negativities from the devotee's life. The second three days Devi is worshipped as Lakshmi who sows the seeds of virtue and good thoughts in the mind of the devotee. The third three days Sarasvati is worshipped who lifts the attention of the devotee to the supreme Self.

The tenth day is the victory celebration -- of the truimph of Goodness over evil, Truth over untruth and Love over hate. The Navaratra depicts our spiritual journey from the world of ignorance, limitations and suffering to the fully lit Land of Consciousness, Bliss and Light.

Jai Jai Jai Rajarajesvari! Tripuraundari! Annapurnesvari!

Swami Bodhananda
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Thursday, October 16, 2008 11:27 PM