demon-destroying form of the Hindu goddess Śakti, particularly popular in eastern India. She is known by various names, such as Mahāmāyā, or Abhayā (Sanskrit: “She Who is Without Fear”), and appears to be a composite of folk beliefs with the higher traditions. Her representation is similar to that of Durgā, another form of Śakti. She is shown with either 8 or 10 arms, seated on a lion vehicle. Hundreds of folktales and songs tell of her exploits. She is the central figure of an extensive Middle Bengali literature known as Caṇḍī-maṅgal, the most famous of which is that of Mukundarāma Cakravartī (c. 16th century).