How Mahishasura invited death by undermining woman power – Durga

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Mahishasura was born to the king of Asuras (demons), Rambha and a female buffalo. After his father’s death, Mahishasura led the Asuras and wanted to overpower the Devas. But he knew, he needed to gain more power to defeat them.

There are a number of legends associated with Mahishasura. Here’s taking a look at one of them.

In order to emerge superior to the Devas and become invincible, Mahishasura did penance and rigorous tapasya to please Lord Brahma.

The God of creations – Brahma – was so impressed by Mahishasura’s dedication that he emerged in front of him to grant him a boon.

Mahishasura wished for immortality but Brahma could grant him his wish.

So, Mahishasura, asked Brahma to bless him with the powers to remain undefeated at the hands of men, Devas and the Gods, including the Trinity. Complacency overtook him as he was confident that a woman couldn’t ever kill him, and hence he wished for death at the hands of a woman. Brahma obliged him by granting him the boon he had wished for.

Elated after being blessed by Brahma, the demon king misused his power to destroy humanity and caused great harm to the Devas. He was unstoppable!

Fearing destruction and end of goodness, the Devas rushed to the Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – for help. And to bring Mahishaura to books, the trio created Durga – Shakti (woman power).

On seeing Durga, Mahishasura feel in love with her and proposed to her for marriage. She agreed but on one condition – he would have to defeat her.

Confident of defeating Durga, Mahishasura accepted the challenge. The battle between them continued for nine days and on the tenth day, Shakti killed the demon. And thus Durga also came to be known as Mahishasura Mardini, meaning slayer of Mahishasura.

Moral of the story:

One shouldn’t undermine the power of a woman.