Acharya Prashant discusses the second chapter of the Durga Saptashati, stating its importance is such that if one cannot read the entire scripture, reading this chapter alone is considered sufficient. This chapter presents the 'Rajasik' or passionate form of the Devi. In the first chapter, she was 'Tamasik Mahakali' (the dark, inert form), and now she is 'Rajasik Mahalakshmi' (the passionate, wealth-giving form), who appears as Durga. The chapter details the slaying of the demon Mahishasur, which is why the entire scripture is named Durga Saptashati, and the Goddess is called Mahishasurmardini (the slayer of Mahishasur). The story begins with a hundred-year war between the demon Mahishasur and the gods, which Mahishasur wins. He then seizes the rights of all the gods like Chandra (Moon), Agni (Fire), Surya (Sun), Varuna (Water), and Indra. Acharya Prashant explains that this is not a historical event but a symbolic one, a story that is higher and more profound than history. The gods represent the forces of nature (Prakriti), and Mahishasur represents the inflated ego. When the ego becomes excessively large, it turns into a demon and begins to exploit and disrupt the natural order. This story is timeless; it is not just about the past but is happening even today. The author of the scripture was a visionary who foresaw the future. The Puranas tell the story of our own tendencies. The tale of a demon taking over nature is the story of modern man, whose ego exploits the entire planet for selfish entertainment and greed. The narrative continues with the defeated gods, representing the crying forces of nature, approaching Brahma, who then takes them to Vishnu and Shiva. Upon hearing their plight, Vishnu and Shiva become enraged. From their combined anger and the powers of all the gods, a luminous form emerges, taking the shape of a woman, the Mahadevi. All the gods contribute their best qualities and weapons to her. This symbolizes that any quality, even a seemingly negative one like anger, becomes a virtue when used for Dharma (righteousness). Conversely, a seemingly positive quality like patience becomes a vice if it is used to tolerate adharma. Therefore, all of one's natural qualities must be offered in the service of Dharma. During the battle, Mahishasur changes into various animal forms like an elephant, buffalo, and lion, which symbolizes the bestiality within us. Mahishasur is our own inner animalistic nature. The true sacrifice (bali) is the slaying of this inner demon, not of external animals. Acharya Prashant asserts that anyone who performs animal sacrifice in the name of the Goddess is themselves Mahishasur, the enemy of the Goddess, because they are exploiting nature. He states that the festival of Navratri is meant for conquering this inner demon of consumerism and exploitation, not for indulging it. The man of today, who exploits nature for his greed, is the real Mahishasur. Acharya Prashant concludes by explaining the purpose of the Puranas. They are stories designed for the common person to create a longing to move towards the subtle truths of Vedanta. One should not get lost in the entertaining, superficial details but must grasp the essence. To truly understand the Puranas, one needs the knowledge of Vedanta, and the purpose of the Puranas is to lead one to Vedanta. This requires a clean mind and a sincere intention to understand.