The story associated with Navratri and Durga Puja is found in the Markandeya Purana. The chapters 81 to 93 in the Markandeya Purana talks about the slaying of demon Mahishasura or Mahisha by Durga and it is referred as Devi Mahatmya and is recited during the Navratri and Durga Puja. It symbolized the victory of good over evil. Devi Mahatmya extols the greatness of Durga in 700 hymns grouped into 537 sections and therefore it is also known as Durga Saptashati. It details the exploits of the goddess in her three major forms: Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati, representing the three fold energy: strength, wealth and wisdom. The most famous episode is Durga killing Mahishasura. Birth of Mahishasura Legend has it that two sons of Danu called Rambha and Karambha performed penances to gain more powers. Rambha performed the austerities by standing amidst five ritual fires called Panchagni and Karambha by standing in neck-deep in water. Indra, the lord of the gods, fe