The Slaying of Mahiṣāsura

Whenever we think of the Goddess Durgā, the image that almost invariable comes to mind is of Her standing on her lion of Dharma with Her right foot, stepping on a buffalo with Her left foot and, spear in hand, stabbing the mustachioed villain-turned-devotee through the heart, an otherworldly smile on Her beautiful face. This image of Mā is called Mahiṣāsura-mardinī (The Slayer of the Buffalo Demon) and it is the central story of the Devī Māhātmyam in the sense that it is 
(a) literally, in the middle of the text, the "Madhya carita" and 
(b) most commonly referenced in Śākta literature and iconography. 

There is just something so very compelling and so very ancient about this image! We see parallels in the image of Archangel Michael stepping on the head of the serpent with sword or spear in hand. What exactly is being depicted here?In this video, we chant Chapters 2-4 of the Devī Māhātmyam to enter into the gory and lurid story in which this scene appears. 

As we chant and read out the translations from Swami Jagadishwaranandaji, we also offer some commentary and explanation exploring the deeper, subtler meanings of the narrative. 

This was arguably the "main event" in our celebration together online!In the coming Monday evening satsangh, we will chant the Mahiṣāsura-mardinī Stotram together, Mā willing!

Jaya Jaya He Mahiṣāsura Mardini Ramya Kapārdini Śaila Sute! 

For more detailed Kali puja instructions, watch this playlist:
https://www.patreon.com/collection/233799

Lectures happen live every Monday at 7pm PST and Friday 10am PST and again Friday at 6pm PST.
Use this link and I will see you there:
https://www.zoom.us/j/7028380815

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