Durga, is called the Divine Mother, who protects mankind from evil and misery by destroying evil forces such as selfishness, jealousy, prejudice, hatred, anger, and ego. Durga is the most beautiful manifestation of Devi. She gained her power from different Gods and she has invincible powers to destroy the evil. She was created to kill the buffalo-demon Mahisha. Unable to kill the demon, the Gods thought of creating a very powerful goddess who would be able to kill Mahisha and when all the powers of the Gods were brought together, there emerged Goddess Durga or Chandi, the one who was beautiful, serene and strong.
Origin of Mahamaya or Chandi As per mythology, Lord Rama invokes Goddess Durga and chants the Chandi path describing the supreme power and the creation of Goddess Durga to fight the asuras or Demons. It also describes the majestic battle between Goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura. Mahishasura has been tormenting the Gods. Gods then appealed to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara . They all came together to create a powerful female form with 10 arms-Maa Durga or Mahamaya, the Mother of the Universe, who embodies the primeval source of all power. The trinity then bestowed upon this supreme creation their individual power which are symbolized by different weapons in the hands of Goddess Durga. Armed like a warrior, the Goddess rides a lion to battle with the Mahishasura . After a fierce combat, Mother Goddess who is also called Durgatinashini or Mahishamardini is able to slay the Asura King with her trident. Heaven and earth sighed with relief. Peace and Prosperity was again regained on the earth.
The worship of goddess Durga during autumn Navaratri has its origin in Lord Ram's worship of Goddess Durga before his battle with Ravana. During the first 7 days, Devi is invoked to appear in all her glory. On the 8th day, Goddess Durga slays Mahishasura. On the 9th day the pooja is known as Sandhi pooja like declaration of ceasefire in today's war. On the 10th day, it is victory celebration in the battle between the good symbolized by God and the evil symbolized by the demon or Vijaya Dashami.
There are different forms of the Goddess and in each form she emerges as the winner. She is the one who helps us during the time of need and praying to her in different forms gives us the courage to face any situation. Only through her blessing can we gain material as well as spiritual comfort. She is the Shakti that Brahma uses to create the world.
It is said that chanting of Chandi paath during Navaratri invokes Goddess Durga to bestow you with power to overcome all your difficulties and negative factors. Devi Mahatmyam, also known as Durga Saptassati or Chandi Paath, is of great significance for all spiritual aspirants. All spiritual aspirants, irrespective of age, gender or caste, can chant the 700 sacred verses of the Chandi. When chanted with proper pronunciation and one-pointed concentration, or listened to with an intensely prayerful attitude, we can overcome all obstacles and difficulties troubling us in worldly or spiritual affairs. It is particularly auspicious to chant the Durga Saptashati during the Sharad-Navaratri.
