Shubho Mahalaya: How Goddess Durga came to be known as Mahishasura Mardini
On the occasion of Mahalaya, we trace the legend of how Goddess Durga slayed the demon Mahishasura to become known as ‘Mahishasura Mardini’
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Mahalaya — celebrated today — marks the start of ‘Devipaksha’, the end of ‘Pitra Paksha’ and begins the countdown for Durga Puja celebrations. In this graphical story, artists narrate how Goddess Durga vanquished Mahishasura, the buffalo demon. Artwork by Prerna Mittra, and Raj.
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The story begins when Rambha, the king of the asuras fell in love with the demon princess Shyamala. Shyamala had taken on the form of a buffalo after being struck by a curse. Mahishasura was the child born to Rambha and Shyamala.
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As an asura, the devas were of course arch enemies to Mahishasura. He attempted several times, to vanquish them.
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Despite his ability to change his form, Mahishasura couldn’t win against the combined might of the devas. He wondered what might help him defeat the gods.
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Mahishasura began to meditate, and invoked Lord Brahma to grant him a boon.
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His austerity finally appeased Brahma, who agreed to grant Mahishasura a boon. But Mahishasura wanted immortality!
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Brahma granted Mahishasura’s boon that he couldn’t be destroyed by man, god, demon or beast. But the boon had an important omission — it said nothing about whether or not a woman could kill Mahishasura.
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Armed with a boon from Brahma that made him near invincible, Mahishahura started on a conquest of the three worlds.
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It seemed there was nothing that could stop Mahishasura and his evil dominion.
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Even Lord Brahma had no influence over Mahishasura; so omnipotent had the demon ruler grown.
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The devas had hoped that Brahma would have a solution to their present predicament. But he admitted that Mahishasura was beyond his reach.
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And as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva joined forces, a powerful entity began to take shape.
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Defeated by a woman? Mahishasura didn’t even consider that a serious possibility. He was unconcerned.
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First, his demon army marched against Durga. They lost — badly.
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Then, a pitched battle ensued between Mahishasura himself, and the goddess. Despite all his wiles and bringing all his strength to bear, Mahishasura could not win against Durga.
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And finally, the goddess struck a death blow to the demon.
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All who had been oppressed by Mahishasura now rejoiced at Durga’s victory. And peace reigned once more.
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