Durga, the goddess of power and strength, is perhaps the most important goddess of the Hindus. Durga is a fierce form of Devi in Hindu mythology. Durga is also know as Mahishasuramardini or the slayer of Mahishasura, the buffalo demon. Indian mythology is full of tales that inspire awe and wonder. The tale I am about to share is one such story. Once upon a time, thousands of years ago, there was a tyrant called Mahishasura. He was part demon and part buffalo. Mahishasura meditated for thousands of years so he could please Lord Brahma and in return be blessed with immortality and power. After much penance, his plan worked. Lord Brahma came to him and said, “I am very pleased with your devotion. Ask me any boon that you desire.” Without batting an eyelid, the arrogant Mahishasura said, “Lord, I don’t want any man or God to be able to kill me.” Brahma raised his hand in blessing and said, “Tathastu. So be it, my child.” A twinkle in Brahma’s eyes gave away the fact that maybe Mahishasura had left a loophole while seeking his blessing. Time would tell. Armed with this boon, Mahishasura considered himself immortal, as no man or God could lay hands on him. He went berserk. In his rage and pride, he practically destroyed the Earth. The lands were soon covered in his darkness and his massacres were widespread. Not only that, he chased away the Gods out of heaven. Scared, the Gods went running to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and narrated their misfortune. They pleaded for protection and said that if something was not done soon, the heavens and the earth and all the beings there, would be destroyed. The lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were hopping mad. They conferred for a moment. And then they held each other and started to radiate a blinding light. A light never seen before. A light so bright, that even the sun paled in comparison. Seeing this, the other Gods also joined in and the light shone even brighter. Out of this beautiful light, was born the ten armed Goddess Durga, the embodiment of Adi Shakti. Being a woman, there was nothing stopping Goddess Durga from killing Mahishasura, as his boon only protected him from men and Gods. Such was the cunning and smartness of Lord Brahma.

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