Mahishasura

According to Hindu mythology a demon named Mahishasura, earned the favor of Lord Shiva after a long and hard penance.

Lord Shiva, impressed with his devotion, blessed him that no man or deity would be able to

kill him.

Arrogant Mahishasura started his reign of terror over the world and people were killed mercilessly by him – he even fought the gods.

When the gods failed to defeat him, they gathered to find a solution.

Their fiery energies and strength congealed into the body of a beautiful woman called

Durga and equipped her with their weapons since the boon was that no “man” could kill him.

Durga defeated Mahishasur in an epic battle and brought about peace and prosperity.

So Durga Pooja (a major yearly event in north east India) celebrates this victory with

re-enactments of this battle.

Here is a version narrated by Mahishasur himself.

Fwd to me by Chandru.