She is depicted as a woman riding a lion with multiple hands carrying weapons and assuming mudras, or symbolic hand gestures. One hand is always raised to bless her devotees.

This form of the Goddess is the embodiment of feminine and creative energy (Shakti). The word Shakti, meaning strength, reflects the warrior aspect of the goddess, embodying a traditional male role. But she is also strikingly beautiful, and initially Mahishasur tries to marry her. In her other incarnations such as Annapurna or Parvati, she is more mother-like, and as Karunamayi (karuna = kindness), she is softer.

She was created out of the flames that issued from the mouths of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and other gods to vanquish the buffalo headed demon-Mahisasur. This gave her the name of Mahisasurmardini. This victory is commemorated during the navratras, a nine day long festival in September/October every year. Puja means worship, and Durga's Puja is the major festival in Bengal.