Durga Killing the Demon Mahisha, 1800s. Believed to be a manifestation of the Great Goddess, the goddess Durga is portrayed here killing Mahisha, a demon in buffalo form. As described in the Devimahatmya (Glorification of the Great Goddess), Mahisha had defeated the gods in heaven. At their request Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma created Durga to defeat him. Durga is depicted here on her vehicle (vahana), the lion, with a sword in her right hand and left foot pressed upon Mahisha?s throat, her face ruddy with intoxication and anticipation, poised to kill him.