APIFantasy | Myth and Folklore Anthology

Indian/Hindu Mythology - Myth #2: Durga and Mahishasura

The most popular legend associated with the goddess Durga is of her killing of Mahishasura. Mahishasura was a half-buffalo demon who did severe penance in order to please Brahma, the creator. After several years, Brahma, pleased with his devotion, appeared before him. The demon opened his eyes and asked the god for immortality. Brahma refused, stating that all must die one day. Mahishasura then thought for a while and asked a boon that only a woman would be able to kill him. Brahma granted the boon and disappeared. Mahishasura started to torture innocent people. He captured heaven and was not in any kind of fear, as he thought women to be too powerless and weak. The devas were worried and they went to Trimurti. They all combined their power and created a warrior woman with many arms. The devas gave her a copy of their weapons. Himavan, the lord of Himalayas, gifted her a lion as her mount. The warrior woman, Durga, on her lion, reached Mahishasura's palace. At her approach, Mahishasura took on different forms and attacked her. Each time, Durga would destroy his form. At last, Durga slayed Mahishasura just when he was transforming as a buffalo.

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