Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.214

c8.214

As soon as Mahāviṣṇu spoke these words, a figure with dazzling effulgence issued forth from Brahmā’s face. Both Viṣṇu and Śiva were amazed at the sight of this figure radiating beams of light which were partly cool and partly warm. Similar figures, embodying the peculiar powers and qualities of Viṣṇu, Śiva, Indra, Kubera, Varuṇa and all other gods, emanated from them. In a moment all these figures merged into a single figure and transformed themselves into a single woman with celestial beauty and having eighteen arms. This woman of exquisite beauty combining all the powers and glories of all the Devas was Devi herself. The devas supplied her with jewels and ornaments and gorgeous clothes. Decked in all glory and with fascinating beauty, riding on a lion. she took her stand at the entrance of Devaloka and challenged Mahiṣa. At the very first sight of Devi, Mahiṣa fell in love with her. She declared she would become the wife of the person who could defeat her in battle.