Markandeya Purana — Adhyaya 84, Shloka 12
Adhyaya 84 — The Gods’ Hymn after the Slaying of Mahishasura and the Goddess’ Boon
ईषत्सहासममलं परिपूर्णचन्द्र- बिम्बानुकारि कनकोत्तमकान्तिकान्तम् । अत्यद्भुतं प्रहृतमात्तरुषा तथापि वक्त्रं विलोक्य सहसा महिषासुरेण ॥
īṣatsahāsamamalaṃ paripūrṇacandra- bimbānukāri kanakottamakāntikāntam / atyadbhutaṃ prahṛtamāttaruṣā tathāpi vaktraṃ vilokya sahasā mahiṣāsureṇa
见到你那微含笑意、无垢清净的面容，宛如满月之轮，又以至上金辉而庄严美丽，实在令人惊异：被忿怒所驱的摩醯沙阿修罗（Mahishāsura）竟骤然击打那面容。
FAQs
The verse highlights the blinding nature of extreme Tamas (ignorance) and ego. Even when confronted with the supreme, calming beauty of the Divine Mother (resembling the full moon), Mahishasura's anger was not pacified. It illustrates that without grace, the vision of the Divine does not automatically transform a heart hardened by malice.
This verse is part of the Manvantara section of the Markandeya Purana, specifically detailing the narrative of the Savarni Manu, where the exploits of the Devi are recounted to illustrate the preservation of cosmic order.
The 'slightly smiling' (īṣatsahāsam) face of the Goddess signifies that for Her, the cosmic war is merely Leela (divine play). Unlike the demon who is consumed by rage, the Goddess remains detached, pure (amalaṃ), and blissful even in the heat of battle.