NINTH DAY OF NAVARATRI -- MAHISHASURA MARDHINI

Maha navami the ninth day of navratri on this auspicious day Maa durga appears as Mahishasura mardhani. This is the most fiercely form of Maa Durga which is the warrior aspect of divine mother. Mahishasura mardhani is the form of Durga Devi after she killed mahishasura. Mahishasura mardhani means the slayer of Mahishasur. So people celebrate this day as divine mother s victory on bad evil. 
She appears riding on a Lion with ten arms carrying weapons was given by Gods and maintaining a meditative smile on her beautiful face. To day devotees read Mahishasura Mardhini Stotram and offer Pulihora (tamarind rice) Garelu (lentil dumplings) panakam (jaggery juice) vadapappu (moong dal salad).