Story of Pandit Devideen Pandey

 Pandit Devideen Pandey , A warrior who single-handedly k!lled 700 Mughals for protection of Ram Mandir.

The year is 1528. The air in Ayodhya hung thick with the scent of woodsmoke and fear. Mir Baqi’s brutal Mughal army, a tide of steel and cruelty, had arrived, their shadows stretching long across the sacred city. The magnificent Ram Janmabhoomi temple, a beacon of faith for generations, stood defiant, but its fate hung precariously in the balance.

Pandit Devideen Pandey, a Saryupareen Brahmin from the nearby village of Sanethu, wasn't just a scholar of the Vedas; he was a warrior forged in the fires of devotion. His heart, steeped in the scriptures, burned with righteous fury at the desecration planned for the birthplace of Lord Rama. He’d seen the fear in the eyes of his fellow villagers, the trembling hands of the aged priests. He knew he couldn't stand idly by.

Rejecting the quiet life of a scholar, he traded his sacred thread for a warrior’s belt. Word of his prowess – his mastery of the sword and his unmatched wrestling skills – spread like wildfire. Soon, a band of determined villagers, armed with whatever they could find, gathered around him, their hearts ignited by his unwavering faith and fierce spirit. They were an unlikely army, but their courage was undeniable.

The battle was a whirlwind of clashing steel and desperate cries. Pandey, a whirlwind of motion, fought with the fury of a cornered tiger. His blade, a blur of silver, danced through the ranks of the Mughal soldiers, each swing a prayer to Rama. He moved with an almost supernatural speed, his movements fueled by his devotion and the memory of the temple’s hallowed ground.

The Mughal accounts might not mention his name, but the legends whispered among the survivors told a different story. A story of a lone warrior, his saffron-clad form a beacon of defiance amidst the chaos, cutting down scores of soldiers with his bare hands and sword. A story of a man who, even when wounded, fought on, his blood staining the very soil he defended.

The number of Mughal soldiers Devideen felled may be exaggerated in the retelling – 700 a number passed down through generations, shrouded in the mists of time and fueled by awe and grief— but the impact of his actions was undeniable. His stand, however brief, bought precious time, allowing many to escape. His sacrifice ignited a spark of resistance that would smolder for centuries.

While the temple fell, Devideen’s legend lived on. The rusty sword, now a sacred relic, a testament to his courage, remained within his family, a tangible link to his heroic sacrifice. His story, passed down through generations, became a powerful symbol of Hindu resilience, a beacon of hope in the face of oppression. His name, Pandit Devideen Pandey, though largely absent from official histories, echoes even now, a whisper of defiance against the winds of time, a reminder that even in the darkest hours, faith and courage can prevail. It is a story that inspires generations to fight for what they believe, to remember their heritage, and to honor the sacrifices of those who came before.

Let us do DHARMA HIMSA" !

 The Pragmatic Application of Dharma: When Resistance Becomes Necessary

In a world demanding constant engagement and responsibility, the concept of dharma himsa emerges as a crucial principle. It dictates that we must actively condemn and confront adharmic activities – violence, hatred, misinformation campaigns, the erosion of vulnerable individuals' privacy and dignity, sedition, and encroachment against the state. This is, in essence, a war against adharma, a battle to eradicate it at its very root.

This stance naturally begs the question: what of ahimsa, the principle of non-violence so prominently featured in scriptures and popularized by figures like Mahatma Gandhi? Ahimsa, it is argued, is best suited for those leading secluded lives, detached from the complexities and dependencies of society. For individuals immersed in the world, relying on societal structures for sustenance and security, a more nuanced approach is required.

Unconditional and absolute ahimsa, particularly when imposed as a mandatory principle, can weaken a nation. What is needed is strength, the capacity to resist evil. While ahimsa might be attainable for a select few, for the average citizen, learning to resist adharma is paramount. Specifically, there are three critical situations where prioritizing resistance over non-violence becomes essential.

First, when the nation is imperiled. At such times, passive adherence to ahimsa is insufficient. Instead, decisive action is required, fueled by shakti, the divine energy embodied by Mahishasuramardini, the slayer of demons. This energy is vital to protecting the country and its sovereignty.

Second, when dharma itself is under attack. We cannot remain silent in the face of forces that threaten our values and principles. There can be no compromise with adharma, no friendship with forces that seek to undermine righteousness. Adharma must be vanquished in all its forms.

Third, when the honor of our daughters and sisters is threatened. In such instances, the notion of ahimsa becomes untenable. Protecting the dignity and safety of women demands active resistance and defense.

Therefore, the practice of ahimsa must be conditional, adapted to specific circumstances. For the common person, the primary lesson is to resist evil. This resistance necessitates shakti, a lesson powerfully conveyed through Shakti Puja. It is imperative to remember that a misguided adherence to absolute ahimsa has historically weakened India. The ability to defend our nation, our dharma, and the honor of our women is paramount. It is by awakening the spirit of Mahishasuramardini within ourselves that we can truly strengthen our country and our society. Ultimately, it is through the embodiment of this powerful and righteous energy that we can hope to build a more just and secure future.