~ madhubani painting: Goddess Durga (2) ~
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Durga is a great warrior-goddess and demon-slayer. In the best-known story of her origin, a demon named Mahisha grew so powerful that the gods were unable to defeat him. Together they emitted their wrathful energies which congealed into the form of a splendidly powerful woman. Each of them equipped her with a weapon, including a lion as her vehicle. She then roared so mightily that the very earth began to shake, and went off to slay the great demon who had hidden himself in the form of a buffalo. In September or October, at the time designated by the lunar calendar, a nine-night festival in honor of Durga is celebrated. A particular form of the goddess is honored each night.
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