SABARIMALAI

Mahishi was Leela, the darling wife of the much-adored Dattatreya in her purvajanma. She was the daughter of Sage Galava of great fame. After the wedding, the couple were leading a carefree life of comforts enjoying all the pleasures, but Dattatreya, fully conscious of his divine nature and the purpose of his birth, was preparing for Vanaprasthasram by withdrawing himself from the mundane life.

Leela being earth and earthy desired to immerse in luxurious life only. Though he explained the futility of transitory life and momentary pleasures, she did not pay head to the word of her husband. Although he expressed his displeasure at her frivolousness, she continued her way. Enrged Dattatreya, cursed her to be born as Mahishi - She-buffalo, but she retaliated at once with a counter curse - he to be-born as Mahisha-a he-buffalo. 

According to the curse of Dattatreya, Leela was born as the daughter of Karamba and she was called Mahishi. When she came of right age, she learnt about cause of the death of her father Karamba at the hands of Devendra. She then developed hatred against suras, and to add to this, the death of her cousin Mahishasura gave further fillip to her pent up hatred.

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