Shumbha and Nishumbha
Shumbha (शुम्भ) and Nishumbha (निशुम्भ) are two asuras in Hindu mythology, featured in the Devi Mahatmya. In their legend, they were slain by the goddess Kaushiki. Legend The story of Shumbha and Nishumbha begins in the fifth chapter of the Devi Mahatmya. Parvati relates how two brothers of the asura race sought to conquer the three worlds by subjecting themselves to severe penance and purification rituals so that no man or asura could destroy them. Shumbha and Nishumbha traveled to Pushkara, a sacred site, and remained there in prayer for ten thousand years. The creator deity Brahma saw the brothers' penance, and was pleased, granting them the boon they requested. Chanda and Munda, two lesser asuras in the service of Shumbha, encountered the goddess Parvati, and were overwhelmed by her beauty. They carried reports of this goddess to Shumbha, who sought to possess Parvati. Shumbha sent the asura Sugriva (asura) to court Parvati, but she rejected his advances. It was then decided by the asura brothers that if Parvati would not come willingly, they would have to abduct her. First, the asura Dhumralochana and his army of sixty-thousand asuras were sent to abduct Parvati. The goddess assumed the form of