Mahishi was the sister of Mahishasura, the demon killed by
Goddess Durga. To avenge the death of Mahishasura, Mahishi did intense tapas
and pleased Brahma. But how did Mahishi become a buffalo-headed demoness. The
story of Mahishi is very popular in South India
and the reference is found in the Puranas.
Sage Galvan lived on the Vindhyas in his ashram. He had a
daughter named Leela. The sage also had a student named Dattan. Leela was in
love with Dattan. But he did not reciprocate the love as he did not want to
lead a family life. Leela continued to disturb Dattan. As she was beautiful,
she tried numerous methods to entice the young man.
Once, Dattan was performing intense meditation. Leela
approached him and told him in his ears that she will be his Pattamahishi or
queen.
Dattan was angry at Leela for disturbing his mediation and
in a fit of rage cursed her to be born as Mahishi – a buffalo headed woman.
Leela was thus born in the house of Demon Karamban as his
daughter. As per the curse, she was born with a buffalo head.
Mahishi who had become powerful with the boon of
Brahma was annihilated by Ayyappa.