#chamundeshwari

But there, then and there, when all hopes of defeating adharma seemed to have lost, the Devi herself manifested. She, the One with Righteous Anger had taken upon Herself to defeat the shape-shifting Demon-King.

If no man could ever defeat Mahisha, what of it! She, the Shakti, the One who nurtures this world, she would kill him.

Onwards! She moves into war, head-to-head with Mahishasur, with a ferocious Lion by Her side. A fierce battle commenced. Nine Days and Nine Nights went by. On the tenth day, She slays the head of the Buffalo Demon. Dharma had returned to the realms of the Earth.

Ever since, perched on the top of the Hills of Mahisuru- the city that was the domain of Mahisha- she protects the city she liberated and ensures that the order of Dharma never falters again. The hills were now named after Her- Chamundi.

Every year, a joyous citizenry marks the defeat of good over evil by observing the Navratri and express their gratitude to the Goddess on the day of Vijayadashami.

Since the time of the Vijayanagara Empire (~15th century), the Wodeyars, the royal family of Mysuru, commemorate Dasara through an elaborate khaas durbaar, preserving their promise to Chamundeshwari to honour her every year. Intense pujas are conducted at the Chamundi Temple, the streets of Mysuru reverberate with echoes of traditional songs and dances. Much to the delight of all, the jumbo savari or the procession of elephants carries the image of the Devi on the magnificent golden howdah.

As dusk pours into the city, the Palace, the temples and several important monuments light up.

But the illumination of the city, or indeed a hundred thousand cities, can be no match to the radiance of Chamundi's fierce smile.

Dasarahabbada shubhasheyagalu!