The Legend of Navratri Festival

The legend is related behind the festival of Navaratri according to North India. A legend of Demon Mahishasura and Goddess Shakti-Devi is well-known and famous. The demon named Mahishasura was blessed with the power of eternity from God Shiva and very shortly, he started to harass and kill the people and commence his rule and decided to succeed in winning the all three lokas.

The Gods of Heaven requested God Shiva to heal the problem. Then to protect the earth from the harassment of demon Mahisasura, the Trinity Gods-Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva gathered the power and a divine devi-a female warrior was created as Goddess Durga.

When Mahisasura saw her, he attracted and asked her to marry him. Maa Durga agreed with his proposal on one condition that he would win her in battle. He also agreed with her condition and then a battle was started between the Mahisashura and Goddess Durga. This battle was continued till nine nights and on the last night of the ninth day, Goddess Durga beheaded Mahisasura.

This way, the nine nights known as “Navaratri” and the tenth day is celebrated as “Vijayadashmi” that brought victory of good over evil.