Fighting Adharma
Devi Katyayani
On the sixth day of Navaratri dedicated to Devi Katyayani, we continue our series of guest posts by Modern Parivaar: A Dharmik Perspective. Read on…
There’s a famous kriti by Bhadrachala Ramadasa. He sings:
takkuvEmi manaku rAmuNDokkaDuNDu varaku
prakka tODugA bhagavantuDu mana cakradhAriyai centane uNDaga
Roughly translated, it means:
While we have Sri Rama himself, what more do we need?
When Bhagavan himself is standing next to us with his chakra, what more do we need?
The song describes how Bhagavan Vishnu protected dharma in each of his avatars. The story of Ramadasa tells us that Sri Rama and Lakshmana repaid Ramadasa’s debt to the Nizam, after which Ramadasa was set free. Even in his darkest hours, his bhakti never wavered. After twelve long years in prison, Sri Rama rewarded Ramadasa with his heart’s desire. Bhaktas believe that Ramadasa is still present at Bhadrachala, rejoicing in the worship of Sri Rama.
Our Devi-Devatas are with us and protecting us when we stand firm in the service of dharma. Our culture teaches us the importance of the dharma-yuddha. When adharmic forces gather strength, the dharmic must stand firm and fight. We do not strike the first blow. But when adharma threatens to take over, we fight to the finish just as the Pandavas did at Kurukshetra. While material rewards for pursuing dharma may seem few, the spiritual rewards are many.
It’s hard to remember that the path of dharma is rewarding in the long term. It’s challenging to teach children this lesson in modern times. YouTube algorithms and devices all around us have wired children’s brains to crave instant gratification. There’s little reason for them to learn to wait. A family must consciously make choices to ensure that our dharma and Sanatan culture shape children’s minds before the algorithms get them. It’s equally important to set artificial roadblocks to minimize our addiction to instant gratification. Waiting for birthdays or other milestones helps build patience and teaches children (and adults) the sweetness of anticipation. The most powerful tool that we have, though, is stories.
Hindus have stories for all occasions. Every prava, puja or vrata is associated with a katha we can meditate on and mull over. There are age-appropriate stories that teach children valuable lessons. Vinayaka is the favourite of most little children. We learn from the tale of Ganesha and Chandra not to laugh at others. From the story of Ganesha and Kartikeya we understand the importance of parents. The leelas of Sri Krishna make him the beloved of children and adults alike. Sri Rama shows us the path of dharma and bravery. Devi teaches us the meaning of Shakti. Stories such as that of Mahadeva and Bhasmasura teach young children to be careful what they wish for.
As children grow older, they can learn to appreciate more philosophical stories and debate their meaning. Why did Parvati leave Kailasa and take the form of Annapurna? It is a great starting point for discussing gender roles and introducing a dharmic viewpoint. We should also introduce older children to Kamakhya Devi to teach them that Hindus understand and value menstruation as a force that creates life. As children are attaining puberty earlier than before, educating them on the importance of containing one’s sexual energy is essential. Stories of Swami Ayyappa and Sri Hanuman, who are Brahmacharis, are helpful to illustrate this point.
Stories trigger discussion. Through discussion, we dispel agnyana. The lotus of knowledge or gnyana blooms when the darkness of agnyana is dispelled. But this is easier said than done. The Mahishasura of tamasa or inertia makes it easy for us to go with the flow. How can we compete with the temptations offered to children by the world? What do we gain by making our children different from their peers? Why fight a child who is unwilling to listen or learn? Why research new stories when we can binge-watch a new series? The obstacles to gnyana are many.
The battle between Devi Katyayani and Mahishasura is fought within each of us every day. But nothing is impossible with Devi Kataksha (blessing). If we make a sankalpa (resolve) and take the first few steps along the path of bhakti, Devi herself will drive our efforts at building a dharmic family and society.
Story of Bhadrachala Ramadasa: https://namadwaar.org/columns-by-devotees/saint-sketches/sri-bhadrachala-ramadas-1/
Last word from Hindu Parenting: The sixth day of Navaratri is dedicated to Devi Katyayani, the fierce form of Shakti also called Mahishasura Mardini. As parents, we are engaged in a daily struggle between allowing kids to watch TV shows and getting them interested in Sanatan stories; between giving in to modern adharmic entertainment and teaching them the nuances of dharma; between taking them from the darkness of ignorance towards the light of knowledge. It is up to parents to play the role of Devi Katyayani, show the way forward and say “tamasoma jyotirgamaya”.