Durga Saptashati Katha – Chapter 4: The End of Mahishasura

The End of Mahishasura

After the slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha, peace reigned in the heavens. However, this peace was not to last. A new crisis loomed over the earth and the heavens – the terror of Mahishasura. With his demonic powers, he had tormented the three worlds, driven the gods from heaven, and caused widespread chaos.

The Terror of Mahishasura

Mahishasura was a colossal demon in the form of a buffalo. The earth trembled at his roar, and mountains cracked at his footsteps. He had seized Indra's kingdom, usurped the powers of the sun, moon, wind, and fire. The gods, terrified, hid here and there, helpless and despairing. The celestial nymphs of heaven wailed, sacrifices and rituals ceased, and the path of Dharma was obstructed. Mahishasura's tyranny continued to grow, as if a great deluge had arrived. His soldiers wreaked havoc in heaven, harassed ascetics, and stained the earth with blood.

Indra, the king of the gods, spoke in distress, "What misfortune is this! We drank nectar, but today we drink the poison of defeat. Is there no way to escape this demon's terror? Where is our strength, the fruit of our penance?" A deep ocean of despair and fear surged in the hearts of the gods. They clearly saw their defeat.

The Gods Invoke Durga

The gods collectively prayed to the Supreme Father, Brahmaji. Brahmaji told them that Mahishasura had received a boon to be killed by a woman. Then, the gods decided to invoke the primordial power, Mother Durga. All the gods generated a wondrous power from their radiance. An unparalleled aura emanated from Lord Vishnu's radiance, a trident was formed from Shiva's radiance, the thunderbolt from Indra's radiance, and power from Agni Deva's radiance. Thus, from the radiance of all the gods, a divine woman, Mother Durga, manifested. She rode a lion, held weapons in her eighteen arms, and her face shone with divine light.

Mother Durga, assuring the gods, said, "O gods, I know the cause of your sorrow. Be at ease, I have come to protect you. I will slay Mahishasura and establish Dharma." Hearing her voice, a ray of hope dawned in the hearts of the gods. With Mother Durga's grace, they felt confident of regaining their lost strength. Their radiance and courage returned.

The Battle and Slaying of the Goddess and Mahishasura

Mother Durga, riding her lion, challenged Mahishasura. A fierce battle ensued. Mother Durga's lion trampled the demon army. Mahishasura displayed his colossal strength in the form of a buffalo, but his power paled before Mother Durga's radiance. Mother Durga began to strike Mahishasura with her weapons. A storm of tridents, discs, swords, and arrows caused chaos among the demon army. Mahishasura repeatedly changed his form – sometimes a buffalo, sometimes a lion, sometimes a man, sometimes an elephant! But Mother Durga defeated him in every form. Finally, Mother Durga slew Mahishasura with her trident. His lifeless body fell to the earth, and the gods shouted victory.

Victory to Mother Durga! She protected Dharma, returned the gods to heaven, and established peace on earth. Her power is boundless. Whoever worships Mother Durga with a true heart will surely attain happiness, peace, and prosperity. Mother Durga's grace always remains with her devotees. With her blessings, all the troubles of life are removed, and truth triumphs.

The Story Continues

After the slaying of Mahishasura, the gods praised Mother Durga and thanked her. Heaven once again came under the dominion of the gods, but this peace was temporary. The dominance of demons had not yet ended. There were two more powerful demons named Shumbha and Nishumbha, who were ready to challenge Mother Durga. Now, let's see how Mother Durga confronts Shumbha and Nishumbha and establishes Dharma.