The Hidden & Secret Meanings from
The Devi Mahatmya (Chandi Path)
The Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeya Purana contains stories about how The Divine Mother In Form Of Maa Durga and Maa Kaali Fights Off mahishashura (the shape-shifting demon), and raktabija (demon whose blood gives rise new demons).
The shape-shifting demon mahishashura represents shifting desires of the mind which keep one from attaining liberation or mukti through spiritual practice. To overcome this, one has to follow the Example of How The Divine Mother Killed mahishashura – Putting A Spear Through mahishasura’s Heart. Similarly, deceptive desires must be attacked at the heart otherwise it will take a new form like a chameleon.
The demon raktabija represents Vikhepa Sakti or ceaseless desires, whose drops of blood birthed thousands of demons like himself. To overcome ceaseless desires, again, The Example Given By The Divine Mother must be followed. The Divine Mother Spread Her Tongue throughout the earth, Sucking everything, Chewing all into dust no matter where raktabija’s blood fell. Similarly, to overcome ceaseless thoughts and remain free from addictive and irrational/self-defeating attachment one has to solve the very root of desires and completely change the way one may be handling life, by changing habits, and not merely chop off its branches which could be temporary solution.
