Composer: Madurai N. Krishnan
Ragam: Revati
Talam: Adi
Language: Tamil
Choreographer: Smt. Sunanda Nair

This piece sings the praise of Goddess Durga, the consort of Lord Shiva. Oh Durga, victory to you; now is the moment to show compassion to your devotee.

Nithya shows how Goddess Durga has eighteen golden hands, a thousand eyes, a thousand names; holds the conch, discus, bow and arrow, and is seated on a lion.

Nithya also depicts how Goddess Durga kills the Mahishasura in a fight scene. Mahishasura is a Sanskrit word composed of Mahisha meaning “buffalo” and asura meaning “demon”, translating to “Buffalo Demon”. As an asura (demon), Mahishasura waged war against the Devas, as the Devas and asuras were perpetually in conflict. Mahishasura had gained the boon that no man could kill him. In the battles between the Devas and the demons (asuras), the Devas, led by Indra, were defeated by Mahishasura. Subjected to defeat, the Devas assembled in the mountains where their combined divine energies coalesced into Goddess Durga. The newborn Durga led a battle against Mahishasura, riding a lion, and killed him. Thereafter, she was named Mahishasuramardini, meaning The Killer of Mahishasura.

Nithya demonstrates how Durga is the goddess who grants prosperous life (wealth, knowledge, strength & happiness). Goddess Durga is described as the feminine epitome of strength & beauty, with beautiful fish shaped eyes. This stanza ends with the poet, Madurai Krishnan, as a devotee, bowing to the goddess for her blessings.

Nithya’s remarks:

This is definitely one of my favorite pieces, as the music is very powerful! Having a live orchestra and practiving with them to bring the performance altogether, is an amazing experience. This dance is also my mom’s favorite piece without a doubt. Neha Aunty and I worked incredibly hard together to try to depict the power of Goddess Durga, and I am sure you all will perceive that power through the incredible musicians and my dance! I also absolutely love the costume we chose for this piece.