Learn in Norathan: The Story of Durga's Invocation in Dasabhujala

The stories of our gods and goddesses have been described in detail in our Puranic texts. And now that Navratri is coming, let us know about Maa Durga's Awatar. Before starting to talk about Maa Durga's Awatar, it is important to know that Dussehra, i.e. Vijaya Dashami, is celebrated following Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Maa Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura.

As mentioned in our scriptures, the demon Mahishasura earned the grace of Devadhidev Mahadev by doing penance for many years. Being pleased with Mahishasura's devotion, Lord Shiva gave him a boon that no man could beat him. You will be killed by the hands of only one woman. Mahishasura was not overwhelmed by this boon. He assumed that no woman could ever conquer him. Thus, Mahishasura, who became intoxicated in himself, began to harm the entire universe. He slaughtered all around. As little as he could, he attacked the abodes of the gods to establish his supremacy and even occupied the heavens.

The deities defeated by Mahishasura took shelter of Brahma. Brahma took them to Shiva and Vishnu. Now the only way to kill Mahishasura was to incarnate a woman who was an avatar of enormous power. Apart from him, no one could subdue Mahishasura. Finally the pure energy from Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh was gathered at a single point and she was given the form of Dasabhujala Maa Durga. After that all the gods used their weapons and other holy objects to bathe Maa Durga against Mahishasura. gave

When Maa Durga wiped out Mahishasura's army, the demon realized that he was no longer as safe in heaven as before. When none of the demons could fight against him and win, Mahishasura took the form of a ferocious buffalo and attacked Maa Durga's soldiers. He lashed out at Maa Durga's soldiers with his whip-like tail, killing many. But Maa Durga's lion pounced on him and engaged him in battle. Meanwhile, Maa Durga threw the kerchief down the neck of Mahishasura, who was in the avatar of a buffalo.

However, Mahishasura was not such a fool. He immediately assumed the form of a lion. And when Mother Durga beheaded her lion form, she escaped and assumed human form. Now Mother Durga showered arrows on her. But Mahishasura once again escaped and took the form of a giant elephant and attacked Mother Durga's lion with its tusks. done But Maa Durga cut the giant elephant into pieces. However, the battle of Maa Durga and Mahishasura did not end here. Mahishasura once again took the form of a monstrous buffalo from a giant elephant and took refuge in the hills. From here he started pelting Maa Durga with stones with his huge horns. Finally Maa Durga drank the nectar given to him by Kubera and struck Mahishasura with all her might, knocking him to the ground. Now Maa Durga's left foot was on Mahishasura's chest. He shaved his head and struck it with his slender trident. With a trident piercing him, he took a shining sword in one of his ten hands and cut off his head. In this way, when Mahishasura was killed, his invisible soldiers fled in fear and the universe was freed from Mahishasura's curse.

- Vaishali Thakkar