Navaratri - The Journey Within : Conquering Our Inner Demons


As Navaratri culminates, we celebrate Dussehra (Vijayadashami) the day when Goddess Durga triumphed over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. It is one of the most powerful stories in Indian mythology: the tale of good overcoming evil, light dispelling darkness, and courage defeating arrogance. Across India, Dussehra is marked with vibrant rituals and offering prayers to Durga in her victorious form.

But beyond the cultural celebrations lies a universal truth: Dussehra is not only about the goddess slaying an external demon, it is also about us confronting and conquering the inner Mahishasuras that live within.

The Story and Its Symbolism

Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, represents uncontrolled desires, ignorance, and arrogance. Empowered by a boon, he believed no force could defeat him. The gods, unable to withstand his tyranny, combined their energies to give rise to Durga, the divine feminine power. For nine nights she fought him, and on the tenth day, she destroyed him, restoring balance to the world.

Psychologically, Mahishasura symbolizes the shadow side of the human psyche - anger, greed, fear, ego, and self-destructive tendencies. Left unchecked, these inner demons can dominate our thoughts, choices, and relationships. Durga’s victory is a reminder that while these forces may be strong, they are not invincible. Within each of us lies the courage and wisdom to tame them.

The Psychology of Inner Battles

In mental health, this battle reflects the struggle between constructive and destructive patterns.

  • Mahishasura as Negative Patterns – Procrastination, self-doubt, addiction, and toxic thoughts that keep us stuck.

  • Durga as Inner Strength – Resilience, awareness, and self-belief that allow us to break free.

Modern psychology calls this process self-regulation, the ability to recognize harmful impulses and consciously choose healthier responses. Just as Durga wields her weapons (trident, sword, bow, and more), we too have tools: mindfulness, emotional regulation, therapy, and supportive relationships.

The Feminine Power Within

Durga’s triumph also symbolizes the rise of Shakti, the feminine principle of strength, balance, and compassion. Often, we underestimate our inner power, doubting our ability to face life’s challenges. Dussehra teaches us that true strength doesn’t always roar, it can also be silent resilience, steady courage, and the calm decision to rise again after failure.

Practical Ways to Live the Spirit of Dussehra

  1. Identify Your Inner Demons – Reflect on habits, fears, or beliefs that hold you back. Write them down honestly.

  2. Awaken Your Inner Durga – Recognize your strengths, values, and coping tools. List the resources you already have to fight back.

  3. Daily Victories Matter – Just as Durga fought for nine nights before triumph, change happens gradually. Celebrate small wins against negativity.

  4. Balance Strength and Compassion – Remember that conquering doesn’t always mean destroying—it can also mean transforming harmful patterns into healthier ones.

  5. Seek Collective Power – Durga was born from the combined energies of all gods. Similarly, lean on family, friends, or professionals when the battle feels too heavy alone.

The Deeper Message of Dussehra

Dussehra is more than the defeat of a demon, it is the annual reminder that goodness, resilience, and awareness can always overcome arrogance, ignorance, and fear. Culturally, it’s a celebration of Durga’s might; psychologically, it’s an invitation to look inward and recognize the battles we must fight to grow.

Closing Thought

As we watch the effigies burn and chant the victory of the goddess, let us ask ourselves: What Mahishasura am I ready to overcome?

In doing so, we don’t just honor Durga’s victory we embody it, carrying her strength into our own lives, choosing courage over fear, and light over darkness.

Written By : L. Padma Swathy
Counselling Psychologist, Chennai

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