MAA
DURGA is a ferocious form of Devi, the Mother Goddess, the all-powerful
almighty goddess. Once the Gods could not defeat the buffalo demon Mahishasur,
who was threatening the existence of the universe, the Gods were afraid
of this water-buffalo bull because neither Vishnu nor Shiva could prevail
against him. They begged lord Shiva for his assistance, and Shiva advised
all the Gods to release their shaktis as it was seemed that the joint
energy of shakti was only capable of vanquishing Mahishasur.
The shaktis of
the Gods emerged in female form. Which arose a splendid Goddess with
many arms, she was as beautiful as she was lethal and it was the ten-armed
who went out to do battle.
The Gods called
this Goddess DURGA, the invincible one. MAA DURGA was born fully-grown
and is depicted as exceptionally beautiful and full of rage.
Gods armed her
with all their weapons. Thus armed, MAA DURGA rode to the top of a mountain
on a lion. In a bloody battle, she defeated Mahishasur and his army
of demons and thus saved the Universe from this demon’s menace.
Therefore, MAA
DURGA is also called Mahishasuramardini (the demolisher of Mahishasur).
This holy battle has come to symbolise the triumph of Good over Evil.
DURGA PUJA is
observed in her honor, to celebrate her victory over evil.