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Writer's pictureLakshminarasimman V Rao

STP41 Story of Durga - Navratri - Mahishasura Mardini

Updated: Sep 30

Once upon a time, there was a powerful demon named Mahishasura, born to the asura king Rambha and a she-buffalo. Mahishasura had the ability to change his form and was known for his evil deeds. He desired to conquer the heavens and earth, so he prayed to Lord Brahma for immense power. After years of penance, Brahma appeared and granted him a boon: he could not be killed by any man or god, but only by a woman. This made Mahishasura feel invincible, as he believed no woman could defeat him.


Durga
mahishasura mardini

Empowered by this boon, Mahishasura began to terrorize the three worlds—Bhu-lok (Earth), Pataal-lok (the underworld), and Svarg-lok (heaven). He drove the gods from their thrones and spread chaos everywhere. The gods were distressed and sought help from Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.


To combat Mahishasura's tyranny, the gods combined their divine energies. From this radiant light emerged Durga, a powerful goddess with ten arms, each holding a weapon from the gods. She rode a fierce lion into battle, embodying strength and courage.


Durga faced Mahishasura in an epic battle that lasted nine days and nights. Mahishasura transformed into various forms—a lion, an elephant, and finally back to a buffalo—trying to outsmart her. However, Durga was relentless. With each transformation, she fought valiantly against him.On the final day of battle, Durga used her trident to strike down Mahishasura as he charged at her in buffalo form. With one swift blow, she defeated him, restoring peace to the heavens and Earth.


Mahishasura fell on a place which is now called as "Mysuru" or "Mahishasura Mardini Oooru". There is a hill which looks like a giant body.. on the heart is temple of Chamundeshwari Maa.


the temple is the one of the most famous temples of Bharatavarsha..


mysuru chamundeshwari
mysuru chamundeshwari


chamundeshwari temple mysuru
chamundeshwari temple mysuru

Weapons Given to Durga

  1. Trishul (Trident):

    • Gifted by: Lord Shiva

    • Significance: Represents the three qualities of existence—Tamas (inertia), Rajas (activity), and Sattva (purity). It symbolizes balance within the human soul.

  2. Sword:

    • Gifted by: Lord Ganesha

    • Significance: Symbolizes knowledge and wisdom, representing the sharpness of intellect needed to overcome ignorance.

  3. Spear:

    • Gifted by: Lord Agni (God of Fire)

    • Significance: Embodies fierce power and the ability to discern right from wrong, representing auspiciousness.

  4. Vajra (Thunderbolt):

    • Gifted by: Indra (King of Gods)

    • Significance: Symbolizes strength of spirit and unwavering willpower, empowering her devotees with confidence.

  5. Axe:

    • Gifted by: Lord Vishwakarma (Divine Architect)

    • Significance: Represents fearlessness in battle against evil, signifying the power to destroy and create.

  6. Sudarshan Chakra (Discus):

    • Gifted by: Lord Vishnu

    • Significance: Represents the cyclical nature of life and the universe revolving around the Goddess as its central creator.

  7. Bow and Arrow:

    • Gifted by: Vayu (God of Wind) and Surya (Sun God)

    • Significance: The bow signifies potential energy, while the arrow represents kinetic energy, symbolizing control over all sources of energy in the universe.

  8. Mace (Gada):

    • Gifted by: Various sources

    • Significance: Represents knowledge and protection of truth, embodying strength in defense against adversaries.

  9. Dagger:

    • Significance: Symbolizes positive power, offering support in battles against negativity.

  10. Conch Shell (Shankh):

    • Gifted by: Varuna (God of Water)

    • Significance: Represents sound and universality, resonating with divine significance and prosperity

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