We have just completed the sacred nine days and nights of Navratri, the worship of the Divine Mother. The day after Navratri (frequently referred to as the 10th day of Navratri) is Dusshera, which commemo¬rates the day on which Bhagwan Rama vanquished the 10-headed “Demon King” Ravana, thereby rescuing his wife Sitaji who had been kidnapped by this egoistic and passion-filled ruler of Lanka.

Blessings on Dusshera from HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji – Muniji – The word “Dusshera” refers to the ten heads of Ravana, and the defeat of this ten-headed demon is a symbol of the defeat of: passion, pride, anger, greed, infatuation, lust, hatred, jealousy, selfishness and crookedness. These are the ten demons that bring misery in own lives, that keep us hostage and hold us prisoner, as Ravana held Sitaji. Therefore, on this day we must pledge to free ourselves from them and let us ask ourselves if our inner Ravana is dead as well.

At this holy and auspicious time, let us pray to God for the strength to be selfless, pure, humble, accepting and loving every day of our lives. Let us take steps EACH DAY (not only on Dusshera) to become more and more like Lord Rama. Let us build bridges between ourselves and others.