In Hindu mythology, Durga is a fierce form of Devi, the Mother Goddess, the all-powerful almighty goddess. According to a legend the gods could not defeat the demon Mahish, who was threatening the existence of the universe. They begged Shiva for his assistance, and Shiva advised all the gods to release their shaktis. The shaktis of the gods emerged in female form. These goddesses fused together in blinding light from which arose a magnificent goddess with many arms. The gods called this goddess Durga, the invincible one, and they armed her with all their weapons. In a bloody battle, she defeated Mahish and his army of demons and thus saved the Universe from this demon’s menace. Devi Durga is the ultimate representation of infinite power, purity and strength of purpose, which resides within the divine essence of every being. She is the slayer of demons or more specifically, the demonic ego attributes which reside within the individual such as excessive ego, anger, attachment etc. Devi Durga's destruction of these demons epitomizes the inner spiritual struggle of the individual soul as it strives to conquer ignorance and having gained victory realizes the Supreme power of one's own Self. She is depicted riding a tiger (or sometimes a lion) known as Mrigaraj.