Friday, April 17, 2009

Goddess Durga and Narakasura Story

Diwali marks the celebrations to commemorate the victory of good over the evil. The festival of lights inspires us to lead the highest form of life. It teaches us to tread on the path of virtuousness leaving behind the evil in us. Many legendary stories and beliefs enrich the festival of Diwali in a symbolic manner. On such story comes from the Treta Yuga, when Lord Krishna ended the era of terror by the demon Narakasura.

The story has numerous fantastic elements like any other legendary story. Narakasura, in spite of a divine origin, had demonic tendencies. Narakasura was the son of Bhoomi Devi. He lived in 'Pragjyotishapura' presently situated in Assam. He had terrorized the people of three world with his devilish deeds.

Goddess Durga and Narakasura Story
He used to loot people of money, was a big hurdle in performing prayer rituals and even abducted womenfolk right from their houses. When he did the same in 'Swarga Loka', Lord Indra went to ask for help to Lord Krishna. At that point of time, Lord Krishna was spending a leisurely time with his wife Satyabhama. Satyabhama was reluctant to let her husband go and therefore, requested to join the war against Narakasura.

Lord Krishna sat on his divine vehicle, Garuda (a gigantic eagle) and reached the fort of the demon Narakasura. His fort was guarded by another five headed demon Mura. It is interesting to note that Satyabhama, well accomplished in archery, was a great help in defeating Narakasura. Lord Krishna heavenly discus cut the head of Mura. With Mura beheaded, Narakasura was left with no option but to come out to face Krishna. Ultimately, Narakasura was beheaded by Lord Krishna.

After his death, Krishna had to take an oil bath in order to get rid of blood splashes from his body. Goddess Bhoomi declared the moment to be celebrated instead to show any remorse. Rather, she pleaded Lord Krishna to take Narakasura's son under his kind guidance.

The firecrackers burst on the occasion of Diwali signify the fierce weapons used by Lord Krishna at the time of killing Narakasura. Other elements in Diwali like lamps, decorations etc are again indications of happening joyous events. It was the time when peace was re-instated, the advent of 'Rama Rajya' in real senses. The festival is celebrated on the first day out of five days of Diwali celebrations by the name of 'Naraka Chaturdasi'. The festival strengthens the fact that it is inevitable to win good over evil.

Killing of Narakasura By Goddess Durga Goddess Durga and Narakasura Story

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