Dussehra - Durga Puja
Dussehra (Dassera) is one of the significant Hindu festivals,
celebrated with much joy in the entire country. The occasion marks the
occassion of Lord Rama and brother Lakshman approaching Mother Durga to
ask her for her blessings in His planned attack on the demon Ravana. It
is therefore considered that the Supreme Personality of Godhead's approaching
her for blessings to remove material impediments to His spiritual goals
should be the approach of the humble devotee of the Lord to clinche the
important triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king, Ravana, the victory
of good over evil.
Brilliantly decorated tableaux and processions depicting various facets
of Rama's life are taken out. On the tenth day, the Vijayadasmi
day, colossal effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath
are placed in vast open spaces. Rama, accompanied by his consort Sita and
his brother Lakshman, arrive and shoot arrows of fire at these effigies,
which are stuffed with explosive material. The result is a deafening blast,
enhanced by the shouts of merriment and triumph from the spectators.
It is significant that the Lord invoked the blessings of the divine mother,
Goddess Durga, before actually going out to battle. In burning the effigies
of the demon Ravan who was slain by Lord Rama it is also symbolic for us
that we, the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow
the path of virtue and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana,
who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed for his evil ways.
It must be remembered that Ravana was a great scholar and an ardent devotee
of Lord Shiva, but the very powers that were bestowed on him for his steadfast
devotion proved to be his undoing, due to his gross misuse of the same.
Furthermore although empowered by his austerities performed to Lord Shiva,
his powers were ineffective over the powers of Rama.
This is Durga with 10 arms, representing the 10 different material afflictions.The
ocean represent the fickleness of being tossed by fate or karma. The bodies
on the ocean represent the sleeping conditioned souls who are trying to
enjoy this world. The lion represent lust who devores the living entities
while they think they enjoy it.
Painting by Dhira Lalita d.d.
Durga Puja in Bengal:
Dussehra:
Navaratri:
List
of Devis:
Ramayan - the untold stories
- Hanuman fights with Ravan, Rama Kills the ten headed demon, and recovers
Sita Devi.:
Sri Rama Avatara:
Durga puja greeting cards: http://www.durgapujagreetings.com/
and HERE too!!! http://www.durgapuja-ecards.com/
