Durga as Mahisasuramardini : A Dynamic Myth of Goddess

Contents: Preface. Introduction. 1. Study of myth and its meaning. 2. The cult of the mother Goddess (origin and diffusion). 3. Vedic period. 4. The Matrs and Kali. 5. Durga--the great Goddess. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

"Goddess Durga holds a pre-eminent position in Hindu religion. In the literature of the early fifth century A.D., she is elected as the great Goddess by all the Gods in her myths of battles with the Asuras. She is established and exalted in her role as Mahisasuramardini.

"A lot of work has been done on the Goddess Durga, and her popular myths, but little attention has been paid to the Mahisasuramardini myth. The Devi Mahatmya itself has been interpreted by a few scholars, but not from the view points of symbolism and myth of this motif. This attempt hopes to fill such a lacuna.

"The author has divided her study into five chapters to illustrate each and every aspect of the present work, i.e., Study of Myth and its meaning; the cult of the Mother Goddess: the Vedic period; the Matrs and Kali and Durga, the Great Goddess. To assess the Mahisasuramardini myth, symbols from Jung's and cassirer's viewpoint are also discussed by the author. Western and Indian mythical traditions are examined. Wherever possible original Sanskrit references are provided.

"Some interesting points encountered in this study are analysed, leading to fresh insights. Would the stature of the Goddess reflect the position of Women of that society? How to explain the anomalous position of women as compared to the supremacy voluntarily acceeded to the Goddess by the Aryan Gods? How is it that man has tried to deify motherhood but tries to control the single female? why should the human mind always propitiate the polarities contained in the female principle as a deity? who were the Asuras and their leader Mahisa, and what is their background?.

"Royalty and laity have all lovingly portrayed the Goddess in her role as Mahisasuramardini over the entire length and breadth of the country, cutting across all barriers of language and geography." (jacket)