Long ago, there was a powerful demon king named Mahishashur (a demon who could take the shape of a buffalo). Mahishashur prayed to Brahma, one of the forms of supreme power, and sought his blessings to become immortal. Brahma said "Mahisha, once born, one must die. I cannot grant immortality." However, according to his desire, Brahma blessed Mahisha that he will be killed only by a woman. Mahishashur, with his extraordinary power, very soon drove away the gods from heaven and took over the throne of their king Indra. Finally, the gods joined their forces to create the goddess Durga. Durga later killed Mahishashur and brought peace back to earth. According to mythology, Durga was married to Shiva, the god of destruction. She has four children - Luxmi, the goddess of wealth, Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, Kartikeya, the god of war and the elephant-headed younger son Ganesh the god of success and remover of obstacles. Durga comes to the earth every year for ten days, along with her four children, to meet her people on the earth where she was born. The images are made of clay or paper maché and decorated with silk sarees, and jewels. Goddess Durga is depicted slaying the demon Mahishashur while riding a lion. On the back drop of the image is the picture of Shiva in the center surrounded by other gods and goddesses. The image is worshipped on the 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th days of Navaratri. On the tenth day, or Dashera, the images are immersed into a river symbolizing the return of Durga and her children to Lord Shiva. On the tenth day begins Vijaya Dashami or Dashera. This is the day when Ram had slain Ravana. During Durga Puja, Hindus celebrate the victory of mother goddess Durga or divine forces, over Mahishashur, the evil forces.