The battle between Lord Rama and the demon king Ravana was reaching its climax. Despite his prowess and the support of his allies, Rama faced an insurmountable challenge: Ravana was invincible as long as he had the blessings of Goddess Durga. Realizing this divine protection, Rama sought advice on how to gain the favor of the Mother Goddess to defeat Ravana.
The Counsel of Brahma
Brahma, the creator god, advised Rama to invoke Goddess Durga. Traditionally, Durga was worshipped in the spring during the festival of Basant Navratri, but Brahma suggested invoking her during the autumn, known as Sharad Navratri, which was unprecedented at the time. This out-of-season worship would be a testament to Rama's devotion and his dire need for the Goddess's blessings.
The Commencement of Durga Puja
Starting from the sixth day of the waxing moon, known as Shashthi, Rama began his meticulous worship of Goddess Durga. He sought the assistance of Hanuman, his devoted follower, to gather all the required puja items. Despite their efforts, the Goddess did not appear on the sixth, seventh, or eighth days. As the ninth day approached, Rama, growing concerned, consulted Vibhishana, Ravana's brother who had defected to his side.
Vibhishana’s Advice
Vibhishana revealed that Goddess Durga had a particular fondness for the blue lotus flower and suggested that her worship should be done with one thousand and eight of these rare blooms. These flowers were not only rare but were known to grow in the Goddess’s favorite lake, a mystical place that would take ten years to reach by ordinary means.
Hanuman’s Quest
Hanuman, ever the dedicated servant of Rama, declared that he would procure these flowers, regardless of the distance or difficulty. With his supernatural abilities, Hanuman embarked on his journey, traversing the world in search of the blue lotus flowers.
Through mountains and forests, over rivers and seas, Hanuman's quest was tireless. His unwavering dedication and superhuman speed allowed him to reach the sacred lake and gather the thousand and eight blue lotuses.
The Test of the Goddess
Upon Hanuman’s return, Rama meticulously counted the flowers and began offering them to the Goddess, each accompanied by a heartfelt mantra. As he neared the end of his offering, Rama realized there was one flower missing. He turned to Hanuman, perplexed by the shortage.
Hanuman, confident in his count, suggested that this was a divine test. The Goddess, in her mysterious ways, might be testing Rama's devotion. Rama, known for his resolve and reverence, decided to make the ultimate gesture. He resolved to offer his own eye, often referred to as “Rajni Gandha,” known for its blue hue, in place of the missing flower.
The Divine Revelation
As Rama prepared to make this ultimate sacrifice, ready to pluck out his own eye, Goddess Durga appeared before him, moved by his profound devotion and readiness to suffer for her blessings. She stopped him and declared her support for his cause. She assured Rama that she would withdraw her protection from Ravana, thus paving the way for Rama's victory.
The Aftermath
With the blessings of Goddess Durga, Rama’s strength and confidence were renewed. The divine intervention tipped the scales in his favor, leading to the eventual defeat of Ravana. This episode not only demonstrated the unwavering devotion of Rama and Hanuman but also established the tradition of Durga Puja in the autumn, which continues to be celebrated with great fervor to this day as Sharad Navratri.
The Legacy of Devotion and Faith
This story emphasizes the themes of devotion, the willingness to make personal sacrifices for a higher cause, and the power of divine grace. Hanuman's tireless quest and Rama's readiness to sacrifice his own eye exemplify the epitome of devotion and faith, teaching us that true dedication can move the divine and alter the course of destiny.
This narrative of Hanuman and the blue lotus flowers for Rama's worship of Goddess Durga from Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana is a powerful reminder of the virtues of perseverance, unwavering faith, and the profound bond between the divine and the devotee.