In the epic battle of the Ramayana, the final confrontation between Lord Rama and the demon king Ravana took place. Despite Rama's valor and skill, he found it nearly impossible to kill Ravana. Each time he severed one of Ravana's heads, another would grow in its place. Even when Rama cut Ravana's body into two, it would miraculously rejoin, rendering Ravana seemingly invincible.
In his desperation and determination to emerge victorious, Ravana decided to pray to Goddess Kali. His intense devotion and prayers pleased the goddess, who then appeared on his chariot. This divine intervention struck fear and awe into the hearts of those witnessing the battle.
When Lord Rama saw Goddess Kali on Ravana's chariot, he was taken aback. As a devotee of the Mother Goddess Durga (another form of Goddess Kali), Rama knew it was not appropriate to continue fighting someone who had the goddess's divine protection. He lowered his weapon and retreated from the battlefield, puzzled about how to proceed.
Divine Guidance from Brahma
In the heavens, the deity Brahma observed the situation and knew that the only way for Rama to overcome Ravana was through the worship of Goddess Durga. Brahma conveyed this divine solution to Rama. He informed Rama that even though the traditional time for worshipping the goddess was during the spring season, it was possible to invoke her blessings during the autumn season as well.
Brahma explained that Rama needed to perform a special invocation and worship during the ninth day of the dark phase of the moon, known as Navami, Krishna Paksha. This worship had been established by King Suratha in ancient times. Despite the unusual timing, Brahma reassured Rama that if he worshipped Goddess Durga with utmost devotion, she would be pleased and would withdraw her support from Ravana.
The Worship of Goddess Durga
Following Brahma's advice, Rama prepared for the worship. He woke up early in the morning, took a ritualistic bath, and made offerings of wildflowers and fruits to the ocean. With great reverence and devotion, he began his worship of Goddess Durga, invoking her presence on the sixth day, known as Sasthi.
Pleased with Rama's sincere devotion and the offerings, Goddess Durga appeared before him. She reassured Rama, acknowledging his role as the all-knowing Lord of the Universe. She revealed that his worship was necessary to establish the tradition of her puja (worship) during the autumn season. With her divine intervention, she agreed to leave Ravana's side.
Victory Over Ravana
With Goddess Durga's blessing, Rama returned to the battlefield, renewed in strength and determination. Deprived of the divine protection of Goddess Kali, Ravana could no longer withstand Rama's attacks. Rama, empowered by the goddess's blessings, finally succeeded in killing Ravana, thus bringing an end to the epic war.
The story of Goddess Kali appearing on Ravana's chariot and the subsequent worship of Goddess Durga by Rama signifies the importance of divine intervention and devotion in overcoming even the most formidable challenges. It also marks the beginning of the tradition of worshipping Durga during the autumn season, a practice that continues to be observed in various forms in Hindu culture today.