Northern India: Khajuraho Worship
India celebrates an autumnal festival known generally as Navaratri, or "nine nights." In Bengal and adjoining areas, including Khajuraho, the festival is known as the Durgapuja, because it is associated with the victory of Durga over Mahishasura. (Mahisha was a demon--an asura--who kept changing shape as Durga slew him. Finally, while riding a lion, she attacked and beheaded Mahisha as a buffalo. That took care of him.) At this time of year, women come by the hundred to the Jagadambi Temple.
