Maheshasur, a demon created a cosmic crisis when he usurped the heavens. The gods were desperate and appealed to Shiva. Parvati, Shiva’s wife took on the task of slaying Maheshasur. She appeared in her powerful avatar as Durga. (Maheshasur could overcome every male opponent.)

Each god offered Durga a weapon, Shiva gave his trident, Vishnu contributed his chakra and Vayu donated a bow and arrow.

On the battlefield Durga fought a fierce fight against Maheshasur. She created female helpers from herself, Kali and the seven Matrikas, ferocious and bloodthirsty warriors. Astride a lion she slayed Maheshasur and restored the heavens to the gods.

Durga who is always depicted astride her lion and thrusting her trident into the Maheshasur stands apart from every other Hindu goddess. She does not lend her shakti to any male god. She uses their weapons and wins an mighty battle aided solely female warriors.

To this day, in the month of Ashwin, during the nine days of the Poojas, people honour Durga for her might and power. Durga’s epic victory over evil is celebrated as Vijayadashmi.