Goddess Durga is regarded as an incarnation of Devi. She is one of the several forms of Shakti and the force behind the creation, preservation and destruction of the world. The goddess is depicted riding a lion and having ten hands with which she holds several weapons. The goddess is known as Mahisasuramardini as she is the slyer of the demon Mahisasura. The deity is associated with several legends in different forms. Some of the legends have been mentioned below:

Legend of Parvati and Lord Shiva
Legend of Parvati and Lord Shiva relates about the story where Lord Shiva jokingly mocked at the goddess teasing her about the looks. He told her that he was so beautiful while she was dark complexioned. Hearing this Parvati felt insulted and left the abode of her husband. Finally Lord Brahma changed her complexion and named her Gauri that resolved the fight.

Legend of Ravana, Shiva and Parvati
This legend states about the story where Ravana once out of rage tried to lift Kailasa Mountain. The king of Lanka was prevented from entering a beautiful garden which enraged him. Nandikesvara cursed him that his kingdom would be destroyed by the monkeys. Ravana upon hearing this became angry and with all his powers tried to uplift Kailasa. Lord Shiva to save the other deities and to punish him pressed the mountain with Ravana beneath it. Ravana realised his mistake and recited hymns in honour of the Lord. He prayed to him ceaselessly. Finally Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and released him.

Legend of Lord Rama and Durga
According to this legend Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga to win over Ravana, the king of Lanka and rescue his wife Sita. Lord Rama had organised a yajna to please the goddess. He recited prayers and made several offerings to the goddess but the later did not appear before him. Vibhishana suggested him that he should worship the deity with hundred and eight flowers of blue lotus to please her. Lord Hanuman brought the flower for worship. Rama began offering blue lotuses at the feet of the goddess. The Goddess in order to test his devotion took away one of the lotuses when he was busy praying. Rama soon realised that a lotus was missing hence to fulfil his vow he thought of sacrificing one of his eyes. He took out an arrow from the quiver and was about to take out one of his eyes when the goddess appeared in front of him. She was finally very pleased with his devotion and blessed him. By the blessings of goddess Durga he finally emerged victorious and was able to bring back Sita.

Legend of Parvati Inciting Vishnu
As per this legend Jalandhara, a powerful demon once challenged Lord Shiva to fight with him. The Lord tried hard but could not defeat the demon as he was guarded by the chastity of his wide, Vrinda. Parvati in order to help Shiva incited Lord Vishnu to desecrate her chastity. Vishnu carried out her words and Lord Shiva was finally able to defeat Jalandhara.

Battle between Durga and Mahisasura
Mahishasura, the leader of the demons, was bestowed with the boon that he could not be killed by any male person. Thus, he began terrorising the gods and expelled them from heaven. The gods thus, when approached the Trinity for help, the later culminated their powers and created Goddess Durga and equipped her with weapons. The goddess with her unprecedented powers fought with the demon and finally annihilated him.