The auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami draws parallels between the victory of Goddess Durga over the lower consciousness and the spiritual journey of humans toward higher consciousness. Vijayadashami marks the end of Navaratri, where the goddess is worshipped in different forms. Although similar, these forms vary from other parts of the country.
Navaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm across South India, with each state showcasing unique customs and traditions. Each state offers its unique interpretation of the festival. In Tamil Nadu, the nine days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Durga, and Goddess Saraswati, with homes displaying traditional dolls known as Golu, passed down through generations. Visitors come to admire these displays and exchange gifts. In Karnataka, the festival coincides with the grand Mysore Dasara, where the Mysore Palace is illuminated in lights to honor Goddess Chamundeshwari, while homes feature beautifully arranged dolls in a tradition called Gombe Habba. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the ritual of Bathukamma Padunga sees women creating intricate flower stacks, which are floated on water bodies on the final day, symbolizing prosperity and devotion. In Kerala, the last three days of Navaratri are particularly significant. Books and instruments are placed before the idol of Goddess Saraswati during Poojavaippu, and on the final day, the Vidyarambham ceremony marks the beginning of children’s learning journey, as they are initiated into education by writing their first letters in rice or sand. Each region brings its own cultural essence to the celebration, blending devotion with community festivities.
On the 10th Day, Vijayadashami is celebrated. Maa Dura is victorious on this day. As we know there are multiple levels and layers of Consciousness, Maa (the Divine Energy) defeats the ‘Lower Consciousness’ which could be understood as the subconscious, the unconscious, or the preconscious which are the subhuman aspects of our self and it is a victory of the Higher Consciousness.
Vijayadashami is not just about the victory of good over evil, but also a symbol of personal transformation and spiritual awakening. The day represents the victory of higher consciousness over the lower aspects of human nature, symbolizing a triumph of wisdom and mindfulness. There is a need for growth from lower states of consciousness which is symbolized by ego and base desires towards higher, divine consciousness. Through this growth, individuals can achieve their fullest potential, much like Lord Rama defeating the egoistic Ravana and embracing inclusivity, symbolized by his acceptance of diverse companions like Guha (the Boatman), Sugriva, and Vibhishana.
A Sense of Deep mindfulness
Life is more than the basic needs. We are constantly caught up in mundane matters in our lives. We definitely require basic needs as mentioned by Maslow like food, shelter, companionship, etc. But we shouldn’t stuck with these because if we are only stuck up on making a living we will forget to live and the whole purpose of being alive is to experience life.
Developing a Sense of Deep Mindfulness is essential for living with full awareness and presence. Life is made up of a continuous sequence of moments, and when we cultivate mindfulness, each of these moments can become a profound learning experience. By focusing on each moment and the flow of time, we can achieve a state of clarity and wisdom. Moment-to-moment awareness allows us to experience life fully, bringing a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Health, Happiness, and Helpfulness
Health
Health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of holistic well-being that encompasses body, mind, and spirit. Maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being by being mindful of every action — whether it’s breathing, moving, eating, or thinking. Health is an ongoing process of self-awareness and self-care. We need to be aware of each moment so that we can be as healthy as possible.
“we don’t get stuck up with the mundane that is occupying most of our time…”
The four-fold awareness can help understand holistic health.