In the epic tale of the Ramayana, the final battle between Lord Rama and the demon king Ravana is a pivotal moment. As the fierce conflict raged on, Ravana sought the divine intervention of Goddess Durga to turn the tide in his favor. Goddess Durga, also known as Chandi, appeared on Ravana's chariot, providing him with immense power and protection. This divine intervention left Rama momentarily clueless and disadvantaged.
However, the wise deity Brahma advised Rama to worship the Mother Goddess with utmost devotion. Recognizing the wisdom in Brahma's counsel, Rama devotedly began to worship Goddess Durga. Moved by Rama's genuine devotion and righteousness, Goddess Durga agreed to withdraw her support from Ravana, but she stipulated that she required a valid reason to do so.
At this crucial juncture, Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Rama, was entrusted with a significant task. Hanuman's mission was to disrupt Ravana's worship of Goddess Chandi, thereby creating a reason for the Goddess to abandon Ravana. Using his extraordinary powers, Hanuman transformed himself into a tiny fly and discreetly infiltrated the place where Ravana was fervently reciting the Chandi Stotra, a powerful hymn dedicated to the Goddess.
As Ravana immersed himself in the recitation, Hanuman saw an opportunity and resumed his true form. With great care, he stealthily erased a few shlokas (verses) from the sacred book that Ravana was using for the ritual. The absence of these crucial verses rendered the recitation incomplete and impure. When Ravana continued his worship with the corrupted text, the potency of the ritual was nullified.
Observing the incomplete and impure recitation, Goddess Durga became displeased. The sanctity and completeness of the Chandi Stotra were essential for her continued support. Realizing the imperfection in Ravana's worship, she withdrew her divine protection from him, thus providing the valid reason she had sought to leave his side.
With Goddess Durga no longer aiding Ravana, the balance of power shifted. Rama, now relieved of the divine opposition, fought valiantly and ultimately defeated Ravana, bringing an end to the tyranny of the demon king and restoring dharma.
This episode underscores the profound devotion and cleverness of Hanuman, whose actions played a crucial role in ensuring the victory of righteousness. It also highlights the importance of purity and completeness in divine worship, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil through devotion, wisdom, and strategic intervention.
This story is found in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana.