The last day of Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijayadashmi, to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It is the day to celebrate the victory of good over evil and of dharma over adharma.
Goddess Durga is the epitome of power and strength. It is her confidence, humility and determination that led her to defeat a powerful demon. These qualities are that of a great leader which are applicable to everyone even today.
Lessons to Learn from Maa Durga:
Leadership
Maa Durga has many names, facets and personalities. Each personality is meant to fulfil a specific role in-universe. A leader is one who also has multiple roles to play for the team. The leader may have to play the role of friend, disciplinarian, family and so much more. A good leader is one who is unafraid to show all of her facets to her team, who balances all of her roles and take decisions that are best not just for themselves but for everyone. The tale of Maa Durga describes her as a fearless and an independent leader.
Determination
Maa Durga’s different avatars fought against all odds and achieved victory. The stories of her triumph should inspire everyone to not give up and to keep fighting in whatever one has set out to achieve. If one is determined enough, they can achieve success amidst any kind of adversity.
Equality
When Goddess Durga declared war against the Rakshasha Mahishasura, the demon mocked her saying a woman had no chance against his infinite strength. When the battle began, Maa Durga demolished him in no time. Her qualities serve as a reminder to all women folk that they have eternal strength and can take on the entire world. Her strength is also a lesson for the patriarchal society that women are more powerful if not equal to men.
Compassion
Skandamata is four-armed and rides on a lion. She carries a lotus. One of her hands is blessing the world. She holds lotus flowers in two of her hands. One of her hands is always in the boon-conferring gesture and with the other, she holds her son Lord Skanda in her lap. She is seated on the lotus. So, she is also called Goddess with a lotus-pose. Skandmata is a true symbol of what is needed in the modern world. One should have the strength to fight anyone but also have the compassion to be kind to the world and make it a better place for all beings.
