him, the goddess assisted her servant. It was in the spring that Ravana observed her festival. Rama, seeing the help his enemy received from this goddess, began himself to worship her. This was in the autumn. Durga was delighted with the devotion of Rama, and at once transferred her aid to him.

Durga is said to have assumed ten forms for the

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DASABHUJA.

destruction of two giants, Sumbha and Nisumbha; the "Markandeya Purana" describes these incarnations in the following order:--(1) As Durga she received the message of the giants; (2) As Dasabhuja (the ten-armed) she slew part of their army; (3) As Singhavahini (seated on a lion) she fought with Raktavija; (4) As Mahishamardini (destroyer of a buffalo) she slew Sumbha in the

form of a buffalo; (5) As Jagaddhatri (the mother of the world) she overcame the army of the giants; (6) As Kali (the black woman) she slew Raktavija; (7) As Muktakesi (with flowing hair) she overcame another of the armies of the giants; (8) As Tara (the saviour) she slew Sumbha in his own proper shape; (9) As Chinnamustaka (the headless) she killed Nisumbha; (10) As Jagadgauri (the golden-coloured lady renowned through the world) she received the praises and thanks of the gods. [**]

The great conflict for success in which Durga assumed so many forms is described as follows in the "Markandeya Purana." [*+] At the close of the Treta Age, two giants, named Sumbha and Nisumbha, performed religious austerities for 10,000 years, the merit of which brought Siva from heaven, who discovered that by this extraordinary devotion, they sought to obtain the blessing of immortality. He reasoned long with them, and vainly endeavoured to persuade them to ask for any other gift. Being denied what they specially wanted, they entered upon still more severe austerities, for another thousand years, when Siva again appeared, but still refused to grant what they asked. They now suspended themselves with their heads downwards over a slow fire, till the blood streamed from their necks: they continued thus for 800 years. The gods began to tremble, lest, by performing such rigid acts of holiness, these demons should supplant them on their thrones. The king of the gods thereupon called a council, and imparted to them his fears. They admitted that there was ground for anxiety, but asked what was the remedy.

"Acting upon the advice of Indra, Kandarpa (the god of love), with Rambha and Tilatama, the most beautiful of the celestial nymphs, were sent to fill the minds of