According to the ancient Hindu mythology, like the 'Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana', Maa Durga was created as a warrior goddess to fight demons (evil sprits). Once Rambha the king of the demons, fell in love with a water Mahish (Buffallo) and as a result a Mahish Asur (buffalo Demon) was born out of their union. This Mahishasur was able to change form between human and buffalo at will . By dint of intense penance and offering of prayers to Brahma, Mahishasur was granted his boon that he could not be defeated or killed by any man or god. By this powers of the boon, he unleashed a reign of terror on earth and heaven.

Then, Durga, incarnation of Shakti, was brought in this world to destroy the Buffallo Demon "Mahishasur". Durga was created out of the energy of the consorts of the Holy Trinity and had a power to kill "Mahishasur". And subsequently, she killed Mahishasur with her trident, and was known as "Mahishasur Mardini".