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This story is about how Rama, in his fierce battle against Ravana, relied on the support of his loyal companion Hanuman and, by winning the favor of Goddess Durga through an extraordinary act of devotion, was able to overcome the seemingly impossible and defeat Ravana.
Characters in the story:
Lord Rama: Lord Rama is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism and is the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is known for his virtues of righteousness, courage, and devotion, and is considered a symbol of ideal human behavior and the victory of good over evil.
Hanuman: Hanuman is a revered deity in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his incredible strength, symbolizing courage, loyalty, and selflessness.
Ranava: Ravana, a prominent character in the Hindu epic Ramayana, is widely recognized as the demon king of Lanka. Infamous for abducting Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, he faced his ultimate downfall at the hands of Lord Rama.
Lord Brahma: Lord Brahma holds a significant position in Hinduism as the divine creator of the universe and all living beings. He is commonly portrayed with four heads, symbolizing his association with the four Vedas.
Goddess Durga: Goddess Durga is a prominent Hindu deity who is revered as a symbol of power, courage, and divine feminine energy. She is known by various names such as Devi, Shakti, Bhavani, and Parvati, and is believed to be the manifestation of the supreme goddess.
Vibhishana: Vibhishana is the virtuous younger brother of the demon king Ravana, who allied with Lord Rama during the epic Ramayana to fight against evil and uphold righteousness.man behavior and the victory of good over evil.
The battle between Lord Rama and the demon king Ravana was reaching its final and most intense stage. Despite Rama’s strength and the support of his loyal allies, Ravana remained nearly unbeatable, protected by the blessings of Goddess Durga. Rama knew that if he could gain the Goddess’s favor, it would be possible to defeat Ravana, but as long as she protected him, Ravana was invincible.
Seeking guidance, Rama turned to Brahma, the creator god. Brahma explained that the only way to win Durga’s blessings was to worship her with utmost devotion. However, there was a challenge—Durga was traditionally worshipped in the spring during a festival called Basant Navratri. Brahma suggested something unheard of at the time: performing the worship in the autumn, during Sharad Navratri. This out-of-season worship would demonstrate Rama’s deep need and devotion.
Following Brahma’s advice, Rama began the ritual on the sixth day of the waxing moon, called Shashthi. He devotedly worshipped the Goddess, offering prayers and making sure every part of the ritual was perfect. Hanuman, Rama’s faithful companion, helped gather all the necessary items for the worship. However, despite their efforts, the Goddess did not appear on the sixth, seventh, or eighth days of the ritual. Growing anxious as the ninth day approached, Rama sought advice from Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother who had defected to his side.
Vibhishana told Rama that Durga had a particular love for the blue lotus flower. To please her, Rama needed to offer one thousand and eight blue lotuses, a rare and beautiful flower that only grew in a secret, mystical lake beloved by the Goddess. This lake was so far away that it would take ten years to reach by normal means.
Upon hearing this, Hanuman immediately offered to find the flowers, no matter the distance or difficulty. With his supernatural speed and strength, Hanuman embarked on his mission, traveling over mountains, through dense forests, and across vast oceans to reach the hidden lake. His determination and devotion led him to the lake, where he gathered the thousand and eight blue lotuses and quickly returned to Rama.
With the flowers in hand, Rama began his offering to Goddess Durga. As he placed each blue lotus before her, he recited sacred mantras. But when he reached the end of the ritual, Rama discovered that one flower was missing. Confused, he turned to Hanuman, who was certain he had brought exactly the right amount. They soon realized this was a divine test from the Goddess, meant to see how far Rama would go in his devotion.
Without hesitation, Rama made a decision. Known for his unwavering faith, he decided to offer one of his own eyes, which was blue like the lotus, as a replacement for the missing flower. As he prepared to make this ultimate sacrifice, the Goddess Durga finally appeared, moved by his willingness to give up something so precious to him. She stopped him just in time, telling him that his devotion had touched her deeply. She then promised to withdraw her protection from Ravana, clearing the way for Rama to win the battle.
With the Goddess’s blessings, Rama was filled with renewed strength and confidence. The next day, he led his forces into battle and finally defeated Ravana, ending the demon king’s reign of terror.
This story not only shows the power of Rama’s devotion but also explains why the festival of Durga Puja, once celebrated only in the spring, became a major celebration in the autumn during Sharad Navratri. It teaches the importance of faith, perseverance, and the willingness to sacrifice for a greater cause. Both Rama’s and Hanuman’s devotion remind us that with true dedication, even the divine can be moved to change the course of destiny.
