Devi-mahatmyam

Devi-mahatmyam

देवीमाहात्म्यम्, devī-mahātmyam

"The Greatness of Goddess", "The Glorification of Devi". Another name is "Durga-saptashati" or "Sri Sri Chandi".

The most important and sacred text of Shaktism, plays a central role in the ritual practices of this tradition. It is part of “Markandeya Purana”.

It tells about the battle of the Goddess with asuras under the leadership of the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura. To overcome him, gods created from the flame of their anger and their energy the formidable goddess Durgā, a warrior, who was unique in strength and beauty. Her head was created by Shiva’s forces, her hair by Yama’s forces, and her arms, chest, waist, legs, toenails, fingernails, nose, teeth, eyes, eyebrows and ears by the forces of Vishnu, Moon, Indra, Brahma, Surya, Vasu, Kubera, Prajapati, Agni, Twilight and Vayu, respectively. Her sparkling jewelry and jewels were a gift from the Ocean, and Her necklace with heavenly gems was from the great serpent Shesha.

Devi had eighteen hands that held various types of celestial weapons, armaments of war and destruction – Shiva's trident, Vishnu's disc, Varuna's shell, Vayu's bow, Agni's spear, Yama's iron rod, Surya's quiver, Indra's thunderbolt, Kubera's mace, Brahma's rosary and water jug, Kala's sword and shield, Vishvakarma’s military axe and others. Himavant gave Her a lion to ride.

The goddess fought the asuras, and during the nine-day battle the demon army was completely defeated. Mahishasura himself was killed by Durga on the tenth day.

This event is celebrated during the Hindu festivals of Dussera and Navaratri.