Mahisha

Mahisha is the buffalo-headed demon defeated by the Hindu warrior goddess Durga. Mahisha was threatening the cosmic order, stomping across the three worlds, polluting the Earth and sea. Though Durga had come into being to defeat Mahisha, in its arrogance the monster sent her a proposal of marriage. 'I shall marry only he that defeats me in battle,' the goddess replied. An epic conflict began. Mountains shook and oceans trembled as Mahisha attacked. Armed with Shiva's trident and Vishnu's discus, the goddess battled back. Mahisha changed shape, becoming a lion and then an elephant. But Durga broke the buffalo's horns with her made, sheared the lion's mane with her lance and cut the elephant's trunk with her sword. Finally, she jumped onto Mahisha's back, kicking its head with her holy feet. Mahisha fell senseless, and the plunged the trident into its heart. Her victory is celebrated in Bengal each year during the festival of Durgapuja.