Mahishasura Vadha | Mahishasura Samharam | How Goddess Durga Slayed demon Mahishasura

The term “Mahishasura Vadha” refers to the slaying or killing of the demon Mahishasura by the goddess Durga. This event is a significant episode in Hindu mythology and is prominently featured in the Devi Mahatmyam, a sacred text that narrates the stories of the goddess Durga’s battles against various demons.

Mahishasura Vadha is featured in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Devi Mahatmyam.

The story of Mahishasura Vadha is as follows:

1. Mahishasura, a powerful demon with the ability to change shape between human and buffalo forms, became extremely arrogant due to a boon (blessing) he received from Lord Brahma. This boon made him virtually invulnerable because it granted him the condition that he could only be killed by a female.
2. Mahishasura’s tyranny and oppression grew unchecked, and he challenged the gods and goddesses in heaven, causing great havoc.
3. In response to the pleas of the distressed gods, a radiant and fierce form of the goddess Durga emerged from their combined energies. She was endowed with multiple arms and various weapons, riding a lion as her mount.
4. A fierce battle ensued between Durga and Mahishasura, during which the demon tried to change into different forms to confuse and overpower the goddess. However, Durga, with her divine power and strength, defeated all his transformations.
5. Finally, in her true form as Mahishasura Mardini (the slayer of Mahishasura), Durga pierced the demon with her trident and beheaded him, thus bringing an end to his tyranny.

The story of Mahishasura Vadha symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the victory of righteousness. It is often depicted in various forms of Hindu art and is celebrated during the festival of Navaratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. The tenth day of Navaratri, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, marks the culmination of the festival and the victory of Durga over Mahishasura. In some regions of India, effigies of Mahishasura are symbolically destroyed on this day to signify the triumph of righteousness.