Message from Two Important Hindu Texts: The BhagavatGita and Durga Saptashati

Hindus all over the world are celebrating 9th day of Devi Navarathri festival and today many of us listen to or read Durga SaptaShati. In 700 verses, the story of Goddess winning the war against a demon king is described. Gita, also in 700 verses, describes the teachings of Sri Krishna to Arjuna, the Pandava prince who was confused about what is appropriate dharma in fighting his cousins for their lost kingdom. In both the Bhagavad Gita and Durga Saptashati, we find not just stories but profound insights for our own journeys. The Gita, as Upadesha Saptashati, teaches us through Krishna's guidance to Arjuna, focusing on upadesha—learning and instruction. On the other hand, the Durga Saptashati, the Upasana Saptashati, shows us the power of upasana—devotion and surrender to the Divine Mother. Although they use different approaches, they share common lessons that can deeply impact how we live and lead. Here’s what I hope you’ll take away from these texts:

Conquering Inner Demons

We all face our own "demons"—insecurities, fears, and emotional baggage that limit our growth. The Gita teaches Arjuna to master his doubts, while the Durga Saptashati uses the Goddess's battles against demons as metaphors for conquering inner vices.

Reflect on this: What inner obstacles keep you from realizing your potential? Can you see these challenges as opportunities to grow?

Embracing Duty and Righteousness

Both texts emphasize the importance of fulfilling your dharma, your highest duty, and doing so with integrity. Krishna instructs Arjuna to act without attachment to outcomes, while the Goddess Durga embodies the cosmic order, protecting righteousness. For each of us, dharma might mean doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.

In your own life, ask: How are you contributing to a larger purpose? Are you aligned with your values in your daily decisions?

Faith and Surrender

Spiritual growth often comes from letting go and trusting in something beyond ourselves. Krishna encourages Arjuna to surrender to him completely, just as the Durga Saptashati inspires devotees to invoke Durga's protection through unwavering faith.

When challenges feel overwhelming, remember that sometimes, surrendering—whether to your inner wisdom, a trusted guide, or a higher power—is the path to finding strength.

Detachment from Ego

Ego is what keeps us stuck, afraid, and unwilling to change. In the Gita, Krishna asks Arjuna to act without egoistic desire, to see himself as an instrument of the Divine. The Durga Saptashati, with the defeat of ego-filled demons, teaches a similar lesson.

Can you allow yourself to lead, create, and serve without needing recognition? True freedom lies in letting go of the need for approval.

Inner Strength and Resilience

Life will test you, often in ways you don’t anticipate. Krishna encourages Arjuna to face the battlefield with courage, and the Goddess Durga fights the asuras (demons) with unyielding resolve. Resilience doesn’t mean avoiding difficulty; it means facing it head-on, knowing that the power to endure and thrive is within you.

Reflect on this: When things get tough, where do you find your inner strength?

Unity with the Divine

Ultimately, both texts speak of merging with the Divine. The Gita outlines paths like karma (action), jnana (knowledge), and bhakti (devotion) as ways to reach this unity. Similarly, in the Durga Saptashati, devotees unite with the Goddess through heartfelt worship. Whether through purposeful work, knowledge, or devotion, we each have a path that leads us to experience oneness with the Divine.

Ask yourself: What practices help you feel connected to something greater than yourself?

Divine Protection and Guidance

There’s an assurance in both texts that living with integrity and devotion brings divine protection and guidance. Krishna promises to protect Arjuna if he follows his teachings, and the Goddess Durga offers refuge to those who worship her. In practical terms, this lesson reminds us that when we commit to our highest ideals, guidance and support often emerge.

Reflect on how this manifests in your life: When have you felt that a higher force or inner wisdom was guiding you?