Candidasa, a devout worshiper of Goddess Durga, was known for his wealth and beautiful garden, which he meticulously maintained to offer flowers to the goddess. His brother, however, was a devout Vaisnava who worshipped Lord Krishna in the form of Shaligram, though he lived in poverty. While Candidasa offered his lavish garden’s blooms to Durga Devi, his brother longed to make offerings similar to those of his Shaligram deity. One day, with no flowers to offer physically, his brother mentally dedicated a particularly beautiful flower from Candidasa’s garden to his Shaligram. Miraculously, when Candidasa offered the flower to Goddess Durga that same day, something extraordinary happened.
Durga Devi appeared before Candidasa, radiating divine presence. She expressed immense satisfaction and offered him a boon. Surprised by this divine visitation, Candidasa asked why she was so pleased with him that day. Durga Devi responded, “You have offered me a flower that was first offered to Shaligram, the Supreme Lord’s prasadam. That is why I am pleased.” This revelation astonished Candidasa, prompting him to ask if worshipping the Supreme Lord Krishna would also bring her pleasure.
In her compassionate voice, Goddess Durga affirmed, “Yes, the Supreme Lord Krishna is the cause of all causes, the source of all creation. If you truly wish to please me, you should worship Him.” Realising this profound truth, Candidasa’s devotion shifted, and he became a dedicated follower of Lord Krishna. This transformation delighted Goddess Durga even more, as she, like Lord Shiva’s consort, found joy in Krishna’s worship.
Over time, Candidasa became known for his heartfelt compositions about the transcendental love and separation of Srimati Radharani and Lord Krishna, songs that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu himself later cherished.
Who Is Goddess Durga?
Goddess Durga is not merely a deity of the material world; her origins are deeply rooted in the spiritual realm. In the spiritual world, three primary energies exist: samvit (knowledge), sandhini (existence), and hladini (pleasure). Hladini, the potency that gives pleasure to Lord Krishna, is embodied by Srimati Radharani. When this same hladini potency manifests in the material world, it takes the form of Goddess Durga.
Durga’s role in the material world is both reformative and protective. Souls that have rebelled against the spiritual order are sent to the material realm, and Durga, acting on behalf of the Supreme Lord, oversees their journey toward reformation. While this world may appear wonderful, it is often compared to a prison, where life is marked by uncertainty, suffering, and the inevitability of death. As prisoners in this material world, our bodies, whether human, animal, or plant, are like uniforms that we wear during our time here.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura describes Durga as the ten-armed goddess representing the fruition activities of the material world. She rides a lion, symbolising her strength, and her defeat of Mahishasura symbolises her ability to conquer vices. She is the mother of Karttikeya and Ganesha, representing beauty and success. Her trident, a significant symbol, represents the threefold material miseries that afflict all souls: physical and mental suffering, suffering caused by other living beings, and suffering caused by natural calamities.
Prisoners of Choice in the Material World
Souls end up in the material world because they are unwilling to live harmoniously with Krishna and His associates in the spiritual world. Once imprisoned here, they forget their divine identity and mistakenly consider themselves products of the material realm. This illusion perpetuates the cycle of birth, old age, disease, and death, all under the watchful gaze of Goddess Durga.
The Supreme Lord never intends for His children to suffer eternally, but those who stubbornly refuse to return to Him are subject to the material world’s harsh conditions. While acting as the agent of this material correction, Durga does not take pleasure in punishing souls. She, like a mother, hopes that her chastisement will eventually lead rebellious souls back to the loving shelter of Lord Krishna.
Durga’s Role in Reforming Souls
Goddess Durga carries her trident, constantly searching for souls who resist Krishna’s laws and refuse to return to the spiritual realm. Her trident symbolises the threefold material miseries that affect every living being: physical suffering, emotional distress, and suffering from natural forces. These miseries serve as a wake-up call to remind souls that the material world is not their home.
One of Durga’s most celebrated acts is her defeat of the demon Mahishasura, a symbolic representation of demonic tendencies. By striking down Mahishasura, Durga seeks to purify souls of their rebellious tendencies and guide them back toward spiritual consciousness. Her message to all souls is clear: “This world is not your home. Return to the loving embrace of Lord Krishna.”
As the trials of the material world wear down a soul, questions inevitably arise: “Why do I suffer despite my best efforts to enjoy?” and “Why am I subject to the relentless cycle of birth and death?” Once fully contemplated, these questions lead the soul to desire freedom from material existence and a return to the spiritual world.
How to Truly Please Goddess Durga?
While Goddess Durga can bestow material blessings, such rewards are always accompanied by suffering. The only way to escape her trident is by sincerely seeking spiritual happiness, not material pleasures. As soon as a soul begins practising devotion to Krishna, recognising this transformation, Durga withdraws her trident and showers her love and blessings upon the devotee.
Durga’s ultimate test ensures that a soul’s heart is fully purified and free of material desires like lust, greed, and envy. Once a soul has developed a deep love for Krishna, she releases it from the material world. In this age of Kali Yuga, the most effective way to develop this devotion is by chanting the holy names of Krishna, particularly the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
Goddess Durga, who tested even the great devotee Haridasa Thakura, regularly assesses our sincerity in devotional life. If we want to please her, we must focus on serving Krishna with love and devotion, following in the footsteps of great devotees like Candidasa.
Conclusion: The True Essence of Durga Puja
Durga Puja is not about mere festivities, dancing to songs, or indulging in food. It is about understanding who Goddess Durga truly is and how to please her. The best way to honour her is by deepening our devotion to Krishna, just as Candidasa did. When we offer our hearts to Krishna, we not only please the Supreme Lord but also delight Durga, the loving mother who always seeks our return to the spiritual world.
