Dussera Message — 1942
By
Sri Swami Sivananda
Salutations to Sri Durga, Mother Divine who exists in all beings in the form of intelligence, mercy and beauty; who is the consort of Lord Siva; who creates, sustains and destroys the universe.
Dussera is the greatest Hindu festival for adoring God as Mother Durga representing the Divine Mother. She is the energy aspect of the Lord. Without Durga, Siva has no expression and without Siva, Durga has no existence. Siva is the soul of Durga. Durga is identical with Siva. Lord Siva is only the silent witness. He is motionless, absolutely changeless. He is not affected by the Cosmic play. Durga does everything.
Mother worship is the worship of God as the Divine Mother, Sri Maata. Sakti is the power of the Lord or the Cosmic energy. The Divine Mother in Her aspect of Durga is represented as having ten different weapons in Her ten hands. She is sitting on a lion. She keeps up the Lila of the Lord through the three Gunas—Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Vidya, Santi, lust, anger, greed, egoism, pride are all Her forms.
The Upasana or worship of Devi or Universal Mother leads to the attainment of knowledge of the Self. The story of the Kenopanishad known as the Yaksha Prasna supports this view. Uma taught the Truth to the Devas. Goddess Sakti sheds wisdom on Her devotees.
A child is more familiar with the mother than the father, because she is very kind, loving, tender, affectionate and looks after the wants of the child. In the spiritual field also the aspirant or the devotee—the spiritual child—has intimate relationship with Mother Durga than with Father Siva. It behoves, therefore, that the aspirant should approach the Mother first and that She will introduce Her spiritual child to the Father for his illumination or Self-realisation.
Mother’s grace is boundless. Her mercy is illimitable. Her knowledge is infinite. Her power is immeasurable. Her glory is ineffable. Her splendour is indescribable. She gives you Bhukti or material prosperity and Mukti also (liberation).
Approach Her with an open heart. Lay bare your heart to Her with frankness and humility. Be as simple as a child. Kill ruthlessly egoism, cunningness, selfishness and crookedness. Make total, unreserved ungrudging surrender to Her. Sing Her praise. Repeat Her Name. Worship Her with faith and unflinching devotion. Do special Puja on Navaratri days. Navaratri or Dussera is the most suitable occasion for doing intense Sadhana. These nine days are very sacred to Devi. Plunge yourself in Her worship. Do Anushtana. Devi fought with Bhandasura and his forces for nine days and nine nights. The war ended on the evening of the tenth day known as Vijaya Dasami or the day of Victory. Akshara Abhyasa for children is done on the Vijaya Dasami day. Aspirants are initiated on this day. The beginning of learning of any science is done on this most auspicious day. It was on this day that Arjuna worshipped the Devi before starting the fight against the Kauravas in the field of Kurukshetra.
May Durga give the milk of Divine wisdom to Her children and lift them to the magnanimous heights of Divine splendour and glory, the imperishable state of Kaivalya and eternal Sunshine!
The Timeless Spiritual Significance of Dussera Message — 1942
Dussera has always been celebrated as a festival that signifies the victory of righteousness over evil and the triumph of divine virtues over negative tendencies. The teachings reflected in Dussera Message — 1942 continue to inspire devotees by emphasizing the importance of inner transformation, self-discipline, and unwavering faith in God. The message encourages individuals to look beyond external celebrations and focus on the spiritual significance of the sacred occasion.
In Dussera Message — 1942, the essence of true worship is described as the cultivation of noble thoughts and virtuous actions. The festival is not merely an annual event but an opportunity for devotees to overcome ignorance, ego, and selfish desires. Through sincere devotion and dedicated spiritual practice, one can gradually awaken the divine qualities hidden within the heart. These timeless principles make Dussera Message — 1942 relevant even in the modern age.
The teachings presented in Dussera Message — 1942 remind devotees that victory over external challenges begins with victory over internal weaknesses. Anger, jealousy, greed, and pride are portrayed as obstacles on the spiritual path. By developing love, compassion, patience, and humility, individuals can experience lasting peace and fulfillment. Such guidance continues to resonate with readers seeking spiritual growth and moral strength.
For followers of Devotional india, the message serves as a valuable source of inspiration during the sacred festival season. It encourages devotees to engage in self-reflection and to dedicate their thoughts and actions to the welfare of others. The ideals expressed in Dussera Message — 1942 highlight that true success lies in serving humanity with a pure and selfless heart.
Another significant aspect of Dussera Message — 1942 is its emphasis on unity and harmony. The message teaches that all people are children of the same Divine Creator and should live with mutual respect and understanding. Such universal values have the power to bridge differences and strengthen communities. Readers of Devotional india often find these teachings especially meaningful in today’s fast-changing world.
The spiritual wisdom contained in Dussera Message — 1942 also inspires devotees to strengthen their connection with God through prayer, meditation, and righteous living. The message explains that external victories become meaningful only when accompanied by inner purity and spiritual awareness. This profound lesson continues to guide seekers on their journey toward self-realization.
As shared through Devotional india, the enduring relevance of Dussera Message — 1942 lies in its ability to inspire positive transformation. The message encourages individuals to replace negativity with goodness and to lead lives rooted in truth and compassion. Such teachings remain a beacon of hope for devotees across generations.
The values conveyed in Dussera Message — 1942 remind humanity that spiritual progress is achieved through constant effort and sincere devotion. By following these principles, individuals can overcome life’s challenges with courage and faith. Through the continued efforts of Devotional india, these sacred teachings reach countless readers who seek spiritual wisdom and divine guidance. The inspiration found in Dussera Message — 1942 remains timeless, encouraging every devotee to celebrate the victory of light, love, and righteousness within their own heart. Devotional india continues to preserve and share these uplifting messages, ensuring that the spiritual legacy of Dussera Message — 1942 benefits future generations as well.
-Durga Puja or Navaratri