A mother is the symbol of pure, unconditional love. Then why does the Hindu mythology depict Devi, the epitome of motherly love, in such a ferocious form that brings chaos and destruction?

The answer is straightforward.

Pure love does not do what pleases or comforts us. It does what is necessary.
Pure love does not give us what we want. It gives us what we need.
And pure love does not take us where we want to go. It takes us home.

So, on this auspicious first day of Navratri, let us humbly pray to the Divine Mother to do whatever is necessary with our lives. While this prayer has the potential to turn our life upside down, it is also the only prayer that can turn it into a haven of peace, a dance of joy, and a celebration of love.