Navratri Swadhyay 5
The foundation of logistics and transport immensely supports development. The society that developed the pathways since times immemorial, marched ahead in economic development. This concept was always regarded as significant in Bharatiya way of life. Highways such as Uttarapath, Dakshinapath were prevalent in Bharat since millenia. Bharat carried out its trade with the entire world through the Uttarapath. Students from beyond the Himalayas used to come to Bharatiya universities by these roads. These progressive paths have played significant roles not only in carrying out trade but also in the propagation and expansion of our Sanskriti. Many foreign travellers visiting Bharat gave magnificent descriptions of the prosperity and capabilities of Bharat in which the foundation of logistics made a significant contribution.
Gajalakshmi is the fourth Lakshmi of the Ashtalakshmi (Eight Lakshmis). Her form is adorned by two elephants. Elephant is the most ancient mode of transportation in recorded history. Indra, the regent of the deities also has Elephant as vehicle. Hence, the symbol of Gajalakshmi indicates that communication is also a major factor determining the prosperity. Unobstructed transport of all – tradesmen, raw materials and products, is imperative for any economy. Therefore, She finds a place in the Ashtalakshmi. The concept of Ashtalakshmi is an indication of the holistic and integral development. From the perspective of the Hindu way of life, the worship of Mahalakshmi is not only for economic development but for making the life prosperous. Gajalakshmi is also a part of this holistic paradigm.
Not only surface transport but waterways were also popular in Bharat. Internal as well as sea routes were used for trade in Bharat since times immemorial. This was the main factor of the development of the civilisation on the banks of rivers. We find a reference in the Satyanarayan Katha of Vani going for trade through the sea route. We find not only principles but also designed descriptions of naval industry in the Agastya Sanhita. According to Nicholas Kazanas – the eminent Greek Scholar of Sanskrit, the word ‘Naavagati’ permeating through Greek, got established as ‘navigation‘ in English. The Puranic (scriptural) allegory of Agastya drinking up the entire ocean by holding it in his palm connotes that the sage Agastya acquired a victory over the ocean through his immensely capable naval skills. We find several references to trade carried out through the oceans in the Chola Empire. There are several port cities on the seashores but we also find towns named ‘Pattan’ on the banks of rivers like Godavari, Kaveri etc. We have the celebration of Bali festival every year in Odisha to mark the beginning of the sea journey from Puri to Bali. Bharat through this prosperous global logistics became a Vishwa-Guru and also became a Vishwa-Mitra and Vishwa-Bandhu (brother of the world) by fulfilling the needs of people everywhere.
We find evidence of Bharat’s trade through rivers and oceans till the beginning of British colonisation. The British neglected the waterways for propagating the railways. Bharat’s speciality is that it converts all the onslaughts into opportunities. The network of railways in Bharat in terms of its length and expansion is presently in the top 4 of the world. The Bharatiya railways daily transports number of passengers exceeding the population of 180 countries of the world. Bharat is among 2-3 countries in the world in the field of road transport. This logistics network has immensely contributed to Bharat becoming the third largest economy in the world. The rapid progress in broadcasting of information is as important as efficient transport facilities. Hence, it is imperative to have an efficient system of communication of information along with excellent highways for transportation. Bharat is presently the leader in this field also. The network of fibre optics reaching the remote villages, has also become another way of worshipping the Gajalakshmi. The cheapest and fast mobile networks are also available in Bharat. Due to all these reasons, everyone from the American historian William Dalrymple to the Chinese President Xi Jinping have used the metaphor of a nonchalant elephant for the constantly growing economy of Bharat.
Mother Kushmunda who bears the entire creation in her womb, is the presiding Mata (Goddess) of the Chaturth (fourth) Navratri. In this form, she blesses creativity and innovation. Thus, our youth today need her grace too. May the Goddess Kushmunda and Gajalakshmi shower their blessings on Bharat and we become the Vishwa-Mitra (friend of the world) through our global logistics.
