Rituals hold India beyond alien ideological control and keep her rooted to the principles underlying such external observances. The labyrinth of rituals like a seemingly trackless terrain befuddles the soul when the fundamentals of the perennial philosophy (Sanatan Dharma) are not known but they become clear as daylight when the sun of knowledge shinesto elucidate each ritual in the light of the eternal word revealed to the rishis ages ago and reaffirmed in every age by countless seers and saints and sages galore.
That Hinduism has survived to this day despite not having an organised church to regiment its course is because of the depth to which philosophy has permeated the Indian mind through the active percolation of rituals and herein lies its prime significance in achieving the preservation and continuation of the eternal religion. No invasion, subversion of culture and predatory proselytising could break through the citadels of ritualistic Hindu religion even as the ramparts were held together by the rock-like foundations of the Vedas that form the basis of our spiritual civilisation as well. The cross-links of coherent culture proved impregnable and stood the storm of Islamic and Christian conversion till the Sanatan Dharma in all its philosophical profundity triumphed and beat back the onslaught of inferior ideas attempting to subvert our civilisation. These foreign cults in turn were absorbed into the mainstream of spiritual India to add on to her growing culture and to revitalise these faiths along the deeper current of India's spiritual thought.
Rituals are gorgeous, rituals are beautiful, rituals release and rituals bind, too. But more of that later. Till then let us dive deep into ourselves and seek the Mother Durga fresh immersed in our hearts. May this ritual immersion quicken our consciousness and awaken us to the Mother awaiting our return to Her lap! Jai Ma Mahishasuramardini, jai Durga!
Written by Sugata Bose
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