Devi, Goddess, is the oldest Hindu deity. Clay figurines of Devi from the 6th and 5th millennium before the Common Era, attests to her antiquity. Today Devi is worshipped in all corners of India in various forms, such as Bhu Devi – the earth Goddess; the demure Parvati – beloved consort of Shiva; devoted Sita – Rama’s dearest; and Kali – the ruthless avenger. Durga is the ferocious manifestation of Devi and is revered for slaying the tyrannical buffalo demon Mahisasura, liberating heaven from his clutches and restoring order and discipline in the Universe.
In a popular legend from the Devi Mahatmyam – Glory of Devi, the demon Mahisasura defeated Indra, King of Gods, in battle and conquered heaven. The dejected Indra and his retinue of demi-gods wandered earth as mere mortals, and begged Vishnu and Shiva to end Mahisasura’s tyranny. From the intense anger and focus of the united Gods emerged brilliant rays of light, which combined to bring forth the Goddess Durga. Each God contributed their choicest weapons to her. Shiva presented her with a trident, Vishnu his discus. Agni the Fire God presented his spear, and Surya the Sun God illumined the pores of her skin, casting a luminous aura around Durga.
Endowed with an assortment of weapons, and the arms and the strength to wield them, Devi challenges the asura army. With blood curdling roars and a defiant laugh, she demoralizes the demon army and systematically decimates them. When Mahisasura attacks her, she destroys his weapons and captures him with her noose. Devi then traps him under her feet and skewers his neck with her spear; when the human form of Mahisasura emerges, she grasps his hair and decapitates him.
The slaying of Mahisasura is commonly depicted in Durga artwork: Devi posing calmly on the battlefield, with the demon trapped beneath her feet (see above). The red clothing denotes the spilt blood and alludes to her fertility. Durga thus represents the all-compassionate and fertile woman, yet relentless in battle against evil, energetically defending righteousness against injustice. She is simultaneously approachable and displays motherly love and concern for her devotees. Her close association with the earth and its regenerative ability endears her to the common laborers and farm workers, making the annual Durga puja and festival, widely popular in India’s
rural communities.
Continuing the Devi legend, ages later when the Gods are again besieged by the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha, Indra and Agni once again seek out Durga. They ask for her help to save humanity from the forces of evil, and bring peace and stability to the Universe.
In this Durga Stotram (Devi Mahatmyam, 5:14-76), the Gods bow before Devi, thank her for helping them in their previous hour of need, and celebrate her courage and strength on the battlefield. The Gods proclaim that the Devi is manifested in all aspects of our being, and associate all her attributes to qualities in humans. They fervently remind us those virtues such as kindness, forgiveness, peace seeking and wisdom, are divine manifestations of the Devi in each and every one of us. An important attribute of Devi is shakti, translating not only as physical strength, but incorporates courage and the resolve to wield it, to fight injustice and destroy evil for the welfare of the people. In this prayer, with shakti addressed ahead of other virtues, the Gods reveal that only from strength and courage flow kindness, forgiveness and peace.
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