Long, long ago, there lived an asura, or demon, called Mahishasura. He was so called because he could take on at will the form of a giant mahish or water-buffalo.

Mahishasura decided to ask the great god Brahma for a boon that would protect him from death. He meditated long and hard, and soon earned Brahma's favour. Brahma, moved by the demon's penance, agreed to grant him the boon he asked. Mahishasura, said Brahma, could not be killed by any man or god.

The demon, now secure against death, began to conquer the world. He defeated all men and began to rule over the earth. He was a cruel and tyrannical ruler, mercilessly killing all those who opposed him and subduing the rest to his will. He soon gained complete control over the earth, so that not one man was left with the courage to oppose him.

He then attacked heaven itself, and, the gods, powerless to kill him, were helpless. Mahishasura defeated the gods and took the throne of heaven for himself.

The frightened and despairing gods appealed to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to help them. The three great gods, hearing of the cruelty and violence of Mahishasura, were filled with anger. Their anger came forth in a great burst of energy. Thunder and lightning filled the skies, and a great light dazzled the world. Men and gods fell to the ground in fear. This great energy coalesced into the form of a young and beautiful woman. This young woman was energy, or shakti, personified. She was the goddess Durga.

The story of how Durga vanquished Mahishasura...cont'd

Durga Puja cont'd... 
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