Benefits of reading Durga Chalisa
Shri Durga Chalisa Aarti
Durga Chalisa is a hymn of forty lines praising Goddess Durga. With the Durga Chalisa people often pay their respects to women and their strength. Goddess Durga is associated with protection, strength, motherhood, destruction, and wars. This amalgamation of qualities is what makes up the divine feminine and that is why in Hinduism a balance of both masculine and feminine is considered supreme.
In Hinduism, women are considered the most superior of all beings and are to be treasured and respected as they are not only the source of life but also sustain it and make it better. They are revered and often the birth of a girl child means welcoming abundance and protection from god.
Meaning of Durga Chalisa
The Durga Chalisa is sung in reverence of the divine femine asking for abundance, strength and protection. The Durga Chalisa tells us that all gods, along with the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, bow down to Goddess Durga in humility and respect. She is the source of all power and the good in the world.
The chalisa describes Goddess Durga’s beauty, resilience, strength, glory, and courage. She is said to shield humanity from evil and distress by destroying evil forces such as selfishness, envy, prejudice, hatred, anger, and ego.
Through female deities, such as Durga, Kali, Laxmi, etc., our culture urges people to treat women with respect and freedom as they are capable of changing and running the world.
As such, there is no evidence about the composer of Durga Chalisa
What is special in the lyrics of Durga Chalisa?
Through the lyrics of Durga Chalisa it is made known to people that the feminine has different forms— she can be fierce and ruthless, motherly and caring, protective and abundant. It is also made clear that the divine masculine needs its counterpart and it is a perfect balance between the two that makes us a balanced and happy person. We are asked to look within and nurture our divine femininity.
Thus, a common woman shouldn’t be put in a box; she has many forms and layers to her. It inspires within us the sense of being our authentic self.
Durga Chalisa and How to do it right
The lyrics to Durga Chalisa are available in the form of holy scriptures and even on the internet.
You sing the Durga Chalisa like any other religious text. You make sure you’re washed up and at peace. Then you sing in praise of Goddess Durga with devotion and respect.
Like most Hindu scriptures, the Durga Chalisa is available in all Indian languages so that everyone can benefit from it.
Durga Chalisa Fasting
Durga is often worshiped and fast during the Navratri in India. It is a very big celebration. In the easter parts of India, especially West Bengal people celebrate Durga Puja which is one of the biggest and most prosperous festivals there. However, there is no fasting involved as it is believed to be the home coming of Goddess Durga. People enjoy lavish feasts during the three days.
Additionally, people observe fasting on a monthly basis known as the “Durgashtami.” People believe it makes their life easier and they find the strength to cope with things better as they feel like Goddess Durga has their back.