Mahishasuramardini is the most fierceful avataar of the Devi of all the other avataara. Mahishasura Mardhini in this attire has the powers of Brahma, Vishnu & Maheswara and armed with different kinds of weapons fought fiercely for nine days. Devi is a terror for evil in this avatar. This frightful avatar is also named as Chandi and Bhadra Kali. The Devi in this avatar mesmorises and surprises her devotees with different avatars and different weapons. When Sri Maha Vishnu was in deep sleep (Yoga Nidra) she killed the demons Madhukaitabha. She was the one who put an end to the lives of demons Sumbha & Nisumbha. She is the left part of Sri Parameshwara (Vamabhaga) and is responsible for Dushta Sikshana and Sista Rakshana (condemning evil and helping needy)

A demon named Mahishasura meditated Lord Brahma and was blessed by him that he would not be killed by any Devata or by Trimurthis (Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara). He was only afraid of Gods but never thought of Goddesses. Later the Devataas couldn’t endure his evil deeds and along with Trimurthis sought the help of Parvathi. She decided to save the world from this evil Mahishasura and fought for nine days during this Nav Rathri and killed him. So she was praised as Mahishasura Mardhini. On the day of Aswayuja, Maha Navami, the Devi is decorated as Mahishasura Mardhini and is offered special poojas with Ashtotrams and Sahasrams.

Devotees who have enimity perform pooja on this day and sing the Mahishasura Mardhini Stothram. Devotees are free of tensions & fears after performing this pooja.

One day in the sacred Rishi tradition Bhagvadpada Sri Adi Sankarachrya went to one old woman's house for alms (biksha). She was so poor, she was not having a proper dress and anything worth the name to give as biksha. So with the entrance door of her house slightly ajar, she reached out swamiji with her hand stretched and dropped one amlaka fruit (which was the only thing available in her house) into the hands of Sri Sankaracharya.

Sri Sankaracharya was deeply touched at the plight and haplessness of the woman - So he chanted Kanakadhara stothram and prayed Goddess Lakshmi to extend Her Grace on the woman. The giver of wealth Goddess Lakshmi showered as rain - Golden Amlaka fruits in the house of the old woman.

This Stothram has been acclaimed as Kanaka Dhara Stavam - and it is sure to bless all devotees who extol Sri Devi with all unflinching devotion.