Shubho Mahalaya: How Goddess Durga came to be known as Mahishasura Mardini Mahalaya — celebrated today — marks the start of ‘Devipaksha’, the end of 'Pitra Paksha’ and begins the countdown for Durga Puja celebrations. In this graphical story, artists narrate how Goddess Durga vanquished Mahishasura, the buffalo demon. The story begins when Rambha, the king of the asuras fell in love with the demon princess Shyamala. Shyamala had taken on the form of a buffalo after being struck by a curse. Mahishasura was the child born to Rambha and Shyamala. As an asura, the devas were of course arch enemies to Mahishasura. He attempted several times, to vanquish them. Despite his ability to change his form, Mahishasura couldn’t win against the combined might of the devas. He wondered what might help him defeat the gods. Also See Mahalaya and how to download Mahishasura Mardini Mahalaya.

Mahishasura began to meditate, and invoked Lord Brahma to grant him a boon. His austerity finally appeased Brahma, who agreed to grant Mahishasura a boon. But Mahishasura wanted immortality!