Mysore

Several years ago I visited the spectacular Royal Palace in Mysore, South India.

The city's name is derived from that of Mahisha, the asura (demon) king who ruled there thousands of years ago, according to legend. 

One would think that, because of this, the area might not be very auspicious, but the goddess Shri Durga  is said to have trodden that ground also, when she defeated Mahisha, gaining Her the name Mahishasuramardini (destroyer of the asura Mahisha). On a hill near the city there is a famous temple to Her in the form of Shri Chamundeshwari, the destroyer of the demons Chanda and Munda.

This mural in the palace depicts a puja (ceremony of propitiation) to the Goddess Durga/Mahishasuramardini being performed by the Maharajas of Mysore, for whom the fiercely protective Mother Goddess is the traditional family deity.

Throne Room, Mysore Palace.