“Mahishaasura Mardhini” means one who killed the Asura called Mahishaasura and refers to the Goddess Durga. The demon was in the form of a buffalo and hence the name Mahishaasura.
The author of these verses is not clearly known but according to some sources it is said to be Ramakrishna Kavi. The verses have great poetry and use various alliterations to describe the divine nature of the Goddess Durga.
Easily classifiable as a tongue twister, these verses are traditionally chanted in South Indian homes during the Navarathri and have been made rendered impressively in the melodious voice of M.S.Subbalakshmi as well as the Bombay sisters. More recent versions include various contemporary artistes including Sudha Raghunathan and S.Sowmya.
