Sambhal's Deepa Varshney Explains What Mahishasur Mardini Symbolises Today

Deepa Varshney from Sambhal explains the meaning and relevance of Mahishasur Mardini through the question: “I have taken the form of Mahishasur Mardini in this picture, so what does Mahishasur Mardini mean?”

The word “Mahish” means buffalo. In this understanding, it stands for ignorance, ego, inertia and animal-like tendencies. “Mardini” means the one who destroys it. So, Mahishasur Mardini refers to the power that destroys Mahishasur and everything he symbolises.

According to the story, when the demon named Mahishasur spread terror across all three worlds, he had a boon that no man or god could kill him. To break his arrogance, Maa Durga was created from the radiance of the Trimurti and all the gods.

Riding a lion, with the weapons of the gods placed in her ten hands, Maa Durga entered the battlefield. That was not just a war. It was described as a great battle to save creation itself. After a fierce battle that lasted nine days, Maa ended the invincible demon with her trident.

The relevance of this form today lies in the question: has Mahishasur really died? In today’s time, Mahishasur is seen as living in the evils hidden within society, in corruption, in crimes against women, and in the ego within human beings.

Taking this form is presented as a message for every woman in society. The message is that she does not have to remain only “abla” or merely “tolerant”. When it comes to protecting self-respect, justice and dharma, every woman must awaken her own consciousness.

The idea is that the same hand with which a woman can lovingly rock a cradle can also lift a trident when injustice takes place. This form is not only about worship, but also about strength, awareness and resistance against wrong.

Maa Mahishasur Mardini teaches that no matter how big and powerful evil may appear, one day it has to bow before truth and firm resolve. This Navratri, the message is not only to worship idols, but also to awaken the Durga within, the “Mardini” power that can stand firmly against every injustice.