THE STORY OF MA DURGA
--- Anindo Majumdar
A short story for kids about how Durga saved the universe and why we celebrate Durga puja.
Once upon a time there was an evil demon king named Mahishashura. He lived in the
underworld where the demons had been banished by the gods. Mahishashura wanted to live in
heaven and attacked it many times, but every time he was beaten by Indra, the king of gods and
had to flee back to the underworld.
One day, Mahishashura gave up his evil ways and started to pray to Brahma, the creator. He
prayed sincerely for many, many years and went without food and water. His prayers gave him
great powers, but he kept on praying till Brahma himself appeared before him. Brahma said “I
am very happy with your prayers, ask me for a boon.” Mahishashura said “then make it so I can
only die at the hand of a woman.” Brahma granted him his wish and vanished.
Mahishashura had become very powerful through his prayers. Now he was very happy because
he thought no woman was powerful enough to kill him. Unfortunately, he went back to his evil
ways. He attacked and conquered all the kingdoms on earth and then attacked heaven. Nobody
could defeat him because of Brahma’s boon. He drove all the gods from heaven and declared
himself king of the universe. He started hurting holy men and killed good people.
The gods, led by Brahma, went to Vishnu and Shiva for help. When Vishnu and Shiva heard
about his evil deeds, they became very angry, so angry that bright lights started coming out of
their eyes. As the gods watched in wonder, similar light from their eyes joined the light from
Shiva and Vishnu. The light filled up the skies and took the form of a woman – the greatest of all
goddesses – mother Durga. All the gods prayed to her. Himalaya, the king of mountains gave her
a lion.
Durga mounted the fiery lion and roared. Her roar shook mountains and created huge waves in
the oceans. Mahishashura came running with his army and attacked Durga. Durga created a large
army from her breath and there was a great battle between the two armies. Durga’s lion killed
thousands of demons. Mahishashura got angry. He roared and charged towards Durga – she just
smiled and said “Roar you fool while I finish my drink. Then, I will kill you.” Mahishashura had
great powers and even fought with Durga for a while but soon Durga killed him with her trident.
All the gods and earthlings celebrated the end of the wicked demon. Durga then assured the gods
that whenever evil will torment the good, she will protect the good by defeating evil.
Durga Puja celebrates the victory of good over evil.
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