Adhyaya 83 — The Slaying of Mahishasura’s Armies and the Final Death of Mahishasura
सिंहमाहत्य खड्गेन तीक्ष्णधारेण मूर्धनि ।
आजघान भुजे सव्ये देवीमप्यतिवेगवान् ॥
siṃhamāhatya khaḍgena tīkṣṇadhāreṇa mūrdhani | ājaghāna bhuje savye devīm apy ativegavān ||
Aquel de velocidad extraordinaria hirió en la cabeza al león con su espada de filo agudo, y también golpeó a la Diosa en su brazo izquierdo.
Adharma attacks both the ‘vehicle’ (the supporting powers and instincts) and the ‘ruler’ (the guiding consciousness). The narrative stresses that even when struck, Devi’s sovereignty is not diminished—steadfastness in righteousness is the model.
Primarily vamśānucarita-style narrative material is not in view here; this is a devotional-ethical episode (stuti/śaurya-kathā) embedded in the Purana’s broader structure.
The lion often signifies valor and controlled ferocity. The asura’s blow symbolizes disruptive passion striking at both courage (siṃha) and discernment/agency (Devi’s arm—capacity to act).