soul over ego

Durga Puja

Soul Over Ego©spotless fashion magazine issue sept 2021 insta-spotlessfashionmagazine

Durga Puja: Durga puja is the celebration, that marks the victory of Goddess “Durga” against the shape shifting Assura knows as “Mahishasura”. The festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil. Visually what we see is Goddess Durga killing Mahishasura using her Trishul (trident). This is a common story that we have heard from our ancestors that “good always wins over evil”.

Abhishek Goswami has a very interesting take on this story and the concept that he has created for the photoshoot would make you think in a different direction. He relates Durga as “Mind & Soul” and Mahishasura as “Ego”. Also, the weapon Trishul has a in-depth

meaning in his eyes. Trishul is a weapon with 3 heads, which represents holiness and good deeds, he also feels the 3 head of the Trishul portrays Past, Present and Future of our lives. Only a genius like him can think and imagine that each and every element has a meaning. The story from his point of view is that “We need to kill our ego”, to live a life filled with peace & progress.

Let’s dig deep into his understanding, as we all have heard the story of Mahishasura, that he was blessed by Lord Brahma with mortality that no Male would be able to kill him and he can transform in a buffalo at anytime he wants. As per, Abhishek, the buffalo represents strength and alter ego of being stubborn, and at time stubbornness hurts people around you. So, an enlightened soul (Davi Durga) can kill his or her own ego (Mahishasura) in every phase of life be it Past, Present or Future.

The story behind this beautiful picture is that you have to work on killing your ego, in the past, in present it’s a continues process and we need to have a firm control on our ego in the future. We have to be prepared to kill our ego. This is what is depicted in this beautiful artwork, an enlighten soul able to control his or her ego with the “Shakti” or power of his or her willingness. Abhishek has given a new meaning to and old legendary story. He has actually simplified the deep meaning of it. His vision would really help our younger generations to find a definition and understand the symbolism in all our mythology and legendary stories.

Models - @prachi.choudharyy @sanjunagarwal @colrance Mentor - @tapasdas.dct Styling - @amy__paints__ Art director & photography - @abhishekgoswami_photography