Dasa Mahavidyas are the ten manifestations of Mother Goddess
Shakti. The names of the Dasa Mahavidyas and the story of their appearance on
earth vary in some scriptures. This particular story of the origin of Dasa Mahavidyas
is from Shiva Puran.
A demon named Durgama had become powerful and invincible
with boons He obtained from Brahma. There was utter chaos in the universe.
Devas, Saints and all living beings were suffering under the Adharmic rule of
Durgamma.
Devas then approached Goddess Shakti for a solution. She
promised to help them and restore Dharma.
Demon Durgamma who came to know about the intention of
Goddess Shakti, immediately assembled a huge army of demons and proceeded
towards Devalok (heaven).
Goddess Shakti appeared before the army of demons.
To fight the army of demons 10 different manifestations
appeared from Mother Goddess Shakti – Kali, Tara, Chinnamasta, Shodashi,
Bhuvaneshwari, Tripura Bhairavi, Dhoomavati, Baglamukhi, Matangi and Kamala.
Goddess Shakti along with her 10 manifestations immediately
annihilated the demon army.
Mother Goddess killed the demon Durgamma with her Trishul.
From that day, Mother Goddess also came to be known as
Goddess Durga.