Devi Mahatmyam Text
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Prathama Charitham (First Part)[edit]
Pradhmao adhyaya: Madhu Kaidaba Vadha Varnanam (Chapter 1: Description of Killing of Madhu and Kaidabha)[edit]
Markandeya Uvacha: Savarni Surya thanayo yo Manu Kadyatheshtama, Nisamaya Thad uthpathim vistharath gadatho mama., 1
Makandeya told: - Please hear from me about the origin of Savarni who is the son of Sun god and the eighth Manu in detail. (There were fourteen Manus who ruled the world. The seven before Savarni were Swayambhuva, Swarochisha, Uthama, Thapasa, Raivatha, Chakshusha and Vaiwaswatha. Markandeya was the son of Sage Mrukandu and was telling this story to another sage called Bagoori. Some versions have two additional slokas regarding the announcement of Sage Sootha that Jaimini the disciple of Vyasa approached Sage Markandeya and requested him to tell the story of Devi Mahatmya)
Maha mayanu bhavena Yadha manwantharadhipa, Sa Bhabhuva maha bhaga, Savarnisthanayo rave.,2
Please hear in detail how that very famous and lucky Savarni who was the son of Sun God became the king for 71 sets of four yugas with the blessing of the great goddess in whom the entire world rests.
Swarochishanthare poorvam Chaithra vamsa samud bhava, Suradho Nama Rajabuth samasthe Kshithi mandale.,3
During ancient times and in the time of Manu Swarochisha, Suradha who belonged to the clan of Chaithras became king of the entire earth. (Swarochisha was the second Manu)
Tasya palayatha Samyak praja puthra nivaurasan, Bhabhuvu sathruvo bhoopaa kola vidwamsina sthatha.,4
To him who looked after his people like his own sons, the Kola Vidhwamsi kings became enemies The Kola Vidhwamsi kings might indicate any of the following Kings belonging to Kola dynasty Kings from another capital city called Kola The Greeks who killed pigs(kolas)
Thasya thairabhavadhyuddham athi prabhala dandina, Nyunairapi sa thairyudhe kolavidwamsibhirjjitha,5
Though extremely learned in war, he was defeated in a war with the kola vidhwamsi kings who were not experts in war.
Thatha swapurmayatho nija desadhipobhavath Aakrantha sa maha bhaga stai sthadha prabhalaribhi.,6
Attacked by those famous enemy kings, that great one reached his city and became a king to it. (Being defeated, he lost his kingdom and became the chief of his native city only. )
Amathyair bhalibhir dushtai dhurbalasya dhurathmabhi, Koso bhalam chapahrutham thathrapi swapure satha.,7
His powerful and bad ministers took away his treasury and army from him who was powerless in his city.
Thatho mrugaya vyajena hruthaswamya sa bhoopathi, Ekaaki, hayamaruhya jagama gahanam vanam.,8
Afterwards that king, who had lost his kingdom, reached the dark forests alone on a horse under the pretext of hunting.
Sa thatrasrama madraksheed dwija varyasya medhasa, Prasantha swapadhakeernam muni sishyopashobhitham.,9
There he saw the hermitage of the great Brahmin Sumedhas, which was populated by peaceful animals and was shining, with his disciples.
Tasthow kamchit sakalam munina thena sathkrutha Ithaschethascha vicharam sthasmin munivarasrame.,10
Under the hospitality of the sage in the hermitage that king lived there for some time traveling here and there.
So chinthayathada thatra mamathwakrushta chethana, Mathpurvai palitham poorvam mayaheenam puram hithath.,11
Mind attracted by egoism, he thought as follows. That city which was looked after by my ancestors is definitely not mine now.
Mad bhrtyai sthaira sad vruthyair dharmatha palyathe na va, Na jaane sapradhano me soorahasthi sadamadha.,12
Mama vairi vasam yaatha kaan bhogaanupa lapsyathe., 13
“I do not know whether my citizens are being properly looked after by my servants who are with bad character. Nor do I know how my chief of elephant brigade who is a exuberant and heroic fares in the hand of my enemies.”
Yea Mamanugatha nithyam prasada dhana bhojanai Anuvrathim Druvam they kurvanthyanya mahi brutham.,14
“It is definite that those who lived out of recognition, wealth and food given by me, are living by serving other kings.”
Asmyagwaya Seelasthai kurvathbhi sathatham vayam, Sanchitha sothi dukhena kshayam koso gamishyathi Ethachanyacha sathatham Chinthayamasa Parthiva., 15
“Because those spendthrifts because of their bad habits always spend, my treasury would become soon empty. ” thus worried the king.
Thathra viprasramaabhyase Vaisyamekham dadarsa sa, Sa prashtasthena kasthwam bho hethuschagamanethra ka.,16
That king saw near the sage’s hermitage a Vaisya(One who belongs to the community of business people) and asked him, “Who are you? And why have you come here?”
Sasoka iva kasmathwam durmana iva lakshyase., Ityakarnya vachasthasya bhoopathe pranayo ditham.,17
Prathyuvacha sa tham vaisya prasrayavanatho nrupam., 18
To the loving question by the king as to why he was sad and appeared with a disturbed mind, that Vysya with humility told the king.
Vaisyo Uvacha: Samadhirnama Vysyo Aham uthpanno dhaninam kule, Puthra dharairnirasthascha dhanalobhada sadhubhi, Viheenaswajanairdharai puthrairadhaya me dhanam., 19
Vanambhyagadho dukhee nirasthaschapthabandhbhi., 20
Vaisya states:
“I am Vysya called Samadhi, born in a rich family. Because of intense desire for money, I was robbed of all my wealth and driven out by my wives and sons who were of bad character. Thus I, without my wives sons and forsaken by my intimate friends, have arrived in this forest with intense sorrow. ”
Pravruthim swajanacha dharanam chaathra samsthitha, Kim nu thesham gruhe, ksemakshemam kim nu sampratham,,21
Kadam they kim nu sad vrutha durvrutha kim ne mey sutha., 22
“I do not know sitting here, about the well being of my sons, wives and other relatives. I do not know whether they are happy or suffering in their homes. I do not know whether my sons are well behaved or of bad character. ”
Rajo Uvacha Yair nirastho Bhavan Lubhdhair puthra dharadhibhir dhanai, Theshu kim bhavatha snehamanubhadnadhi manasam., 23
The king told: “You have been driven out by your sons and wives due to their intense longing for money. Why is it your mind still loves them?”
. Vysya Uvacha Evaethadyadha praha bhavanasmadgatham vacha, Kim karomi na bhadnathi mama nishtooratham mana., 24
Vaisya told: “Whatever has been told by you are the truth but somehow my mind does not take recourse to cruel hatred.”
Yai ssandhyajya pithru sneham dhanalubdhair nirakruthai, Pathi swajana hardamcha hardhi theshweva me mana.,25
My mind still has love for those, who have driven me out forsaking love towards father, love towards husband and love towards ones own people.
Kimethannabhi janami jananabhi maha mathe, Yath prema pravanam chitham viguneshwabhi bandhushu.,26
Hey great soul, though I am intelligent, my mind has love towards those relations who are not good. I am not able to understand why.
Tesham kruthe mey niswaso daurmanasyam na jayathe, Karomi kim yanna manastheshwa preethishu nishtooram.,27
Because of them I have hard breath and deep sorrow but my mind is not cruel on them who do not have love for me.
Markandeya Uvacha: Tathasthou sahiothou vipra, tham muneem samupasthithou, Samdhir nama vysyo asou sa cha parthiva sathama., 28
Markandeya told: Hey Brahmin, after that the Vysya called Samadhi and that great king joined together and went near that sage.
Kruthwa thu thou yadha nyayam yadarham thena samvidham, Upavishtou kadha kaschit chakrathu r vysya parthivou.,29
The Vysya and the king after holding conversation with the sage according to etiquette told him some news and stories.
Rajo Uvacha Bhagavatswamaham prashtu michakyam vadasya that, Dukhaya yanme manasa swa chitthaaya thathaam vinaa., 30
Hey great soul, I want to ask you a question. Why is it that my mind is not under my control? Why does it create sorrow for me? Please tell me this secret.
Mamathwam gatha rajhyasya rajayangeshwakhilesh bhi, Janathophi yadagnasya kimethan muni sathama.,31
Hey great sage, though I am wise, I who have lost my kingdom feel attached to my kingdom. Why is this happening?
Ayamcha nikrutha puthrai dharair bruthyai sthadhoth jaditha, Swajanena cha samthyakthastheshu hardhee thadhaapyathi.,32
This Vysya who has been forsaken by his children, wives servants and his own people is also feeling very much attached to them.
Eva mesha thadahamcha dwapyathyantha dukhithou, Dushta doshepi vishaye mamathwakrushta manasa,33
Though he and myself, in spite of our finding bad qualities in a matter, our mind is being attracted by that matter and both of us are becoming sad.
Thal kimethan maha bhaga, yan moha gnaninorapi, mamaasya cha bhavtheysha vivekandhasya moodatha.,34
Hey great wise soul, why is it that this foolish quality of an unwise individual has come to him and me who both are wise people.
Rishir Uvacha: Gnanamasthi samasthasya janthor vishaya gochare, Vishayascha Maha bhaga, yathi chaivam prudhak prudhak., 35
The sage told: All animals born in the world have knowledge of present activity. But great soul, this knowledge is of different types.
Divandha pranina kechith rathravandha sthadapare, Kechi diva thadha rathrou pranina sthulya drushtaya.,36
Some animals are blind during day, some blind during night but there are also animals that can see equally both in day and night. (The sage says that just because some are blind at night or day or not blind either at night or day, their passion and desire does not change. )
Gnanino manuja sathyam kinnathe nahi kevalam, Yatho hi gnanina sarve pasu pakshi mrugadhaya.,37
It is truth that men are wise but they are not the only wise ones. Even cow, birds and wild animals are also wise. (The sage tries to tell that wisdom is always mixed with wrong knowledge or ignorance. This is true in all cases including man)
Gnanancha than manushyanam yathesham mruga pakshinaam, Manushyanancha yathesham thulyamanya thadho bhayo.,38
Whatever wisdom an animal or bird has, that wisdom man also has. Similarly whatever special knowledge man has for his needs, the bird and animal also have just sufficient to their needs. Except this special knowledge other knowledge (about food, sleep and making love) is same for man and animals and birds.
Gnaneapi sathi pasyaithan pathangamchaava changushu, Kana Moksha druthan mohad peedyamannanapi Kshudha,39
Though they know that their hunger will be quenched only if they eat and though they suffer due to hunger, observe that the birds due to their attachment keep pieces of food on the beaks for their little ones
Manushya manuja vyagra, saabilaaksha suthaan prathi, Lobhaath pratyupakaraya nanvethaan kim na pasyasi.,40
Hey lion among men, Man shows affection to their sons with a hope that they would help them in their need. But are you not seeing these birds? (The sage points out that birds do this action without any expectation. )
Thadapi mamathaavarthe mohagarthe nipaathitha, Mahamaya prabhavena samsara sthidhikarrina.,41
In spite of that due to the power of the great enchantress, man is pushed in to the whirlpool of attachment and the pit of affection and observes the rules of human life.
Thannathra vismaya karyo Yoga nidhra Jagatpathe, mahamaya harescaithathaya sammohyathe jagat.,42
The great enchantress is but the yogic sleep of Vishnu, the lord of the universe. That enchantress enchants the entire world and so you need not wonder about your reaction. (Devas do not sleep but take away their senses from happenings and forget about the world. This is the yogic sleep. )
Jnaneenam aapi chethamsi devi bhagawathi hi sa, Baladakrushya mohaya mahamaya prayachadhi.,43
That famous lady Maha Maya (great enchantress) who is personification of all riches, draws the minds of even those who have special knowledge and make them behave with baser instinct of affection. (When she can draw the instincts of those blessed with special knowledge, she can do it easily in case of people like you. )
Thaya visrujyathe viswam trilokyam sa characharam, Saisha prasanna varada nrunaam bhavathi mukthaye.,44
She creates the three worlds with its movable and immovable things and though she is the cause of this attachment if she becomes pleased she grants salvation to human beings.
Saa vidhya parama mukther hethu bhootha sanathani, Samsara bandha hethuscha Saiva sarveshwareshwari.,45
She is the greatest knowledge, which is the cause of salvation, and she also is the ignorance that leads to attachment with the mundane world. Also she is the goddess of all gods.
Rajovacha: Bhagawan kaa hi saa devi, mahamayethi yaam bhavan, Braveethi kadamuthpanna saa karmasyasscha kim dwija., 46
The king told:
Hey Godly person, who is this holy lady who was mentioned by you as the Great enchantress? Where from was she born? Hey twice born, what are her duties?
Yath prabhava cha saa devi yath swaroopa yaduthbhava, Thath sarvam srothumichami twatho Braavidhamvara.,47
Hey one of the chiefs among those who know Brhama(Ultimate truth), what are the powers of that holy lady, how does she look like and wherefrom was she born? Be pleased to tell me all these.
Rishir Uvacha: Nithyaiva saa Jagat moorthisthaya sarvamidham thatham, Thadapi that Samudpathir bahudha sruyatham mama., 48
The sage told:
That holy lady who is of the form of the universe is permanent and she has created this entire world. But be pleased to hear from me how she took form in several cases.
Devaanam karya sidhyartham Aavirbhavathi saa yadha, Uthpannethi thada loke saa nithyaapyabhidheeyathe.,49
Though that holy lady exists permanently, whenever she appears in the world for helping the Devas, it is told that she was born at that time.
Yoganidhraam Yada Vishnur jagathyakaarnavikruthe, Aastheerya seshamabhajath kalpanthe bhagwan Prabhu,50
Thadha dwavasuraou ghorou vikhyatho Madhu Kaidabhou, Vishnu karna maloth bhoothou hanthum brahmanamudhyathou.,51
When the great Lord Vishnu entered in to his yogic slumber on the bed of Sesha, the great snake which was lying over the single ocean (the earth and sea transformed thus at the end of the world (deluge)), out of the ear wax of Vishnu two famous and terrible Asuras called Madhu and Kaidabha rose with an intention of troubling Brahma. (Sesha also indicates that it was the only thing remaining after the deluge. )
Drushtwa Thavasurou Chogrou prasuptham cha Janardhanam, Thushtava yoganidhram thamekagra Hrudya Sthitha.,52
Vibhodhanarthaya Harer hari nethra kruthalayam Visweswareem Jagad dathreem Sthithi Samhara karineem.,53
Nidhram Bhagawathim Vishnor athulam Thejasa Prabhu., 54
That Lord Brahma who was the lord of all men sitting on the lotus flower originating from the belly of Vishnu seeing those two Rakshasas and also seeing that lord Vishnu was in deep yogic slumber prayed that “Yoga Nidhra,” who is omnipresent, who creates, looks after and destroys people, who is incomparable and who lives within the eyes of Vishnu, with an intention of waking up Vishnu.
Brahma Uvacha: Twam Swaha, twam Swadha, Twam hi Vashatkara swarathmika, Sudha Twam Akshare Nithya, tridhamathrathmika sthidha., 55
Brahma old, You are one who satisfies Gods (Swaha is also the name of the wife of fire God), You are one who satisfies our manes, (swadha is the food of manes) You are the Sound Vashat (the Sound of fire sacrifice), you are the personification of heaven, you are Amrutha (Nectar) and you are half syllable of the three letters AA, UU and MA.
Ardha Mathra Sthitha, Nithya, Yanucharya, viseshatha, Twameva Saa, thwam Savithree, Twam Devi, janani para,,56
You live in the half syllable “Om”, you are ever living, specially you are the one whose name cannot be told, You are Gayathri, and holy lady, you are the great mother of us all.
Twayaithat Dharyathe Viswam, twaithat srujyathe Jagat, Twaiythat palyathe Devi, twamatsyanthe cha sarvadha.,57
Hey holy Goddess, this universe is created by you, this universe is looked after by you, and at the end you destroy this universe and thus this world is carried by you again and again.
Visrushtou Srushti roopa thwam, Sthithiroopa cha palane, Thadha samhruthiroopanthe Jagathosya Jagan maye.,58
You are the all pervasive in this universe, you are the creator in creating the universe, you are the administrator in looking after the universe and you are the personification of the destruction at the end.
Maha Vidhya, Maha Maya, Maha Medha, Maha Smruthi, Maha moha cha Bhavathi Mahadevi Mahasuri.,59
You are the great knowledge, you are the great enchantress, and you are the great power of knowing, you are the great knowledge of Vedas, you are the great passion, you are the great goddess and you are the great power behind Gods.
Prakruthi sthwam, hi sarvasya gunathraya vibhavani, Kala rathrir Maha Rathrir Moha Rathrischa Dharuna.,60
You are mother nature which differentiates between the three qualities of Sathwa(spiritual),, Rajasa(materialistic) and Thamo(baser) instincts, you are the final night of deluge, you are the last night of Brahma, and You are the base darkness which makes one do that action which should not be done,
Thwam Srees thwam easwari, thwam hree sthwam budhir bhoda lakshana, Lajja pushtisthadha thushtisthwam santhi kshanthireva cha.,61
You are Goddess Lakshmi, you are the wife of Lord Shiva, you are shyness, you are the intellect helping to take definite decision, you are the intellect which makes us hesitate to take decisions, and similarly you are happiness, solace and patience.
Gadgini, Soolni, Ghora, Gadhini, Chakrini, Thadha, Sankhini, Chapini, bhanabhoosundi, parigayudha.,62
You are one with sword, you are one with spear, you are one who carries a head in one hand, you are one with mace, you are one with a wheel, you are one with a conch, you are one with a bow and similarly you are one with arrow, with shield and with Bhoosundi. (This indicates that she has ten hands. )
Sowmya sowmyathara sesha Sowmyestha Athisundari, Paraparaanaam parama thwameva parameshwari.,63
You are one with face full of grace and happiness, you are one with more patience, you are the most pretty among all pretty things, and you are greater than all gods are and you are the wife of Lord Shiva.
Yacha kinchith kwachidvasthu sadasadwaakhilaathmikhe, Tasya sarvasya yaa shakthi sa twam kim sthuyase thada.,64
Soul of all that is in this world, I am praying to you because you are the power behind even the smallest living and thing without life.
Yayaa twayaa Jagat srushta jagat pathathi yo jagat, Sopi nidhravasam neetha kasthwam sthothumiheswara.,65
You have made that Lord Vishnu who creates, looks after and destroy, asleep. Because of that who among this world capable of praying you?
Vishnu sareeragrahana maha meesana eva cha, Kaarithastheyatho athasthwam ka sthothum sakthiman bhaveth.,66
You have taken over the body of Lord Vishnu Lord Rudra and me. Because of this who in this world would become capable of praying you?
Saa twamitham prabhavai swairudharai devi, samsthutha Mohayaithou duradarshavasurou madhu kaidabhou.,67
Being thus prayed with all your great qualities, please make the bad Asuras viz. Madhu and Kaidhabha in to senseless beings.
Prabhodamcha Jagat Swami niyatham achyutho laghu Bhodascha kriyathamasya hanthumethou mahasurou.,68
Lei Achyutha the lord of all the world wake up quickly. He also should be given the enthusiasm and strength of wisdom to kill these great Asuras.
Rishir Uvacha: Evam sthutha thada devi thamasi thathra Vedasa, Nethrasya Nasika Bahu hrudayebhya sthudhorasa., 69
Nirgamya darsane thasthou Brahamno avyaktha janmana., 70
The sage told:
Thus being praised and prayed By Brahma sitting on the lotus originating from Vishnu’s belly, that holy lady who is the soul of sleep and who has baser qualities came before Brahma from the eyes, face, nose, hands, heart and the soul of Vishnu for the sake of waking up Vishnu and for killing Madhu and Kaidaba.
Ekarnave ahisayanathatha thatha sa daruse cha thou, Madhu kaidabhou durathmanava athi veerya parakramaou.,71
Krodha Raktha Kshanou hanthum brahmanam janithodhyamou., 72
Woken (Freed) by her that Lord of the Universe Vishnu got up from the bed of serpent floating on the unified sea. Afterwards he saw the very valorous and cruel brained Madhu and Kaidaba who were having very red eyes due to extreme anger and who were intent on killing Brahma. (Though Devi as the great enchantress has externally baser qualities, in the inside she is filled with good qualities, She came out of Lord Vishnu with this external appearance of baser qualities. The Thanthric literature ascribes the killing of Madhu and Kaidabha to her instead of Vishnu. Since she had to do wrestling with these two Rakshasas,she took the form of Vishnu, according to them. )
Samuthaya thathasthabhyam yuyudhe bhagawan hari, Pancha varsha sahasrani bahu praharano vibhu.,73
Afterwards that God Vishnu who was spread everywhere got up and fought using bare hands with Madhu and Kaidabha for five thousand years. (They were not getting tired even after fighting 500 years because they had taken a boon that they will die only according to their own will. At the end Lord Vishnu offered them any boon that they want. -Some texts have two slokas carrying the above meaning)
Thavapyathi balonmathou maha maya vimohithou, Ukthavanthou varosmatho vryathamithi kesavam.,74
Those very strong Madhu and Kaidabha loosing their senses (by not loosing the war) and being enchanted by the Goddess who was the great enchantress, told Vishnu that they both are offering him a boon.
Sri Baghwan Uvacha Bhavethamadhya me thushtou mama vadhyavubhavapi, Kimanyena varenathra ethavadhi vrutham maya., 75
The great God told: If both of you are happy you should consent to be killed by me. What is the use of any other boon? I want only that boon.
Rishir Uvacha: Vanchithabhyamithi thada sarvamapomayam Jagath, Vilokya thabhyam gadhitho Bhagwan Kamalekshana. Avaam jahi na ya throrvi salilena pariplutha., 76
The sage told: Thus deceived by Lord Vishnu who had lotus eyes and seeing that the whole world was full of water, they requested him to kill them in a place on earth, which was free of water.
Thadethyukthyo bhagawatha sanka Chakra gadhabrudha, Kruthva chakrena vay chinne jagane sirasi thayo.,77
He told, “let it be like that” and their heads were kept on his lap and were cut by the holy wheel by the Lord who carries a conch, holy wheel and mace. (There is a story that Lord Vishnu created the earth out of the fat (Medhas) of Madhu and Kaidabha and that is why one of the synonyms of earth in Sanskrit is Medhas. There is also a story that Lord Vishnu did penance for the sin of killing Madhu and Kaidabha and consecrated two Shiva Lingas called Mahukeswara and Kaidabheswara in the shore of the river varadha. Please also note that sea water in deluge cannot raise above the feet of Lord Vishnu. )
Evam esha samuthpanna brahmana samsthutha swayam, Prabhavamasya devyasthu bhooya srunu vadhami they.,78
Thus this great enchantress rose up as a result of great prayer of Brahma. I would further tell you about the greatness of this Goddess.
Ithi Sree Markandeya purane Savarnike manwathare, Devi Mahatmye Madhu Kaidabha Vadho Nama Prathamodhyaya.
This is the first chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the killing of Madhu and Kaidabha Occurring the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana.
Madhyama Charitham (Middle Part)[edit]
Chapter 2: Killing of the armies of Mahishasura[edit]
Rishir Uvacha: Devasuramabhoodhyudham poornama sabdhasatham pura, Mahishe asuranamadhipe devanam cha purandare., 1
The sage told: Long long ago when Indra was the king of devas and Mahisha was the king of asuras, a hundred year was fought between devas and asuras. (Mahishmati was the wife of an Asura called Vipra chithi. She terrorized the sage Sindhu Deepa taking the form of a buffalo. He cursed her to really become a buffalo. She drank the semen of sage Sindhu Deepa and gave birth to Mahishasura. The place where Mahishasura ruled in the olden days was called Mahishur and is the present Mysore in the city in the Karnataka State of India. )
Thathrasurai Maha Veeryair deva sainyam parajitham, Jithwa sakalan devan indroabhoon Mahishasura.,2
In that war the army of devas was defeated by the very valorous army of Asuras and after winning all devas Mahishasura became Indra (king of Devas)
Thatha parajithaa deva padmayonim prajapathim, Puraskruthya gathasthathra yathresa garuda dwaja.,3
Afterwards the defeated Devas went to the place where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are there with Brahma who was born out of the lotus as their leader.
Yada vrutham thayosthadwan Mahishasura Cheshtitham, Tridasa kadayamasu r devabhi bhava vistharam.,4
Devas went to them and related to them about the action of Mahishasura and their great defeat truly as it happened.
Suryendragnya Neelendunaam yamasya varunasya cha, Anwesham cha adhikaraan swaya mevadhi thisthati.,5
That Mahishasura has usurped the powers of Sun, Indra, Fire, wind god, and moon and using their powers.
Swarga nirakrutha sarve thena devagana bhuvi, Vicharanthi yadha marthya mahishena durathmana.,6
Driven out from heaven by the bad soul Mahishasura all groups of Devas are traveling in the earth like human beings.
Ethadwa kaditham sarva amarari cheshtitham, Saranam cha prapanna smo vadha sthasya vichinthyathaam.,7
We have told you all actions of Mahishasura and have sought your refuge. Please think about how he can be killed.
Iththam nisamya devaanaam vachamsi Madu soodhana, Chakara kopam sambhooscha brukuti kuti lalanou.,8
Thus hearing the words of the devas, Lord Vishnu and lord Shiva, with a face with eyebrows curved, became very angry.
Thatho kopa poor nasya chakrino vadanasthada, Nischakrama mahathejo brahmana sankarasya cha.,9
Then from the very angry and broad face of Vishnu and the faces of Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma, one lustrous power arose.
Anwesham chaiva devanam sakradheenam sareeratha, Nirgatham samuhatheja thachaikyam samagachatha.,10
From the bodies of all devas including Indra very large lustrous power arose and became united with this power.
Athheevathejasa kutam jwalanthamiva parvatham, Dhadrususthe surasthathra jwala vyaptha digantharam.,11
Those devas saw that very powerful fireball which was lighting all directions with its great flame and found it similar to a shining mountain.
Athulam thathra thatheja sarva deva sareerajam, Ekastham thada bhoonari vyaptha lokathrayam twisha.,12
In that assembly of devas, that incomparable flame which emerged from the bodies of all devas including Vishnu became one and took the form of a lady whose power was shining in all the three worlds.
Yadabhooschambhavam thejasthena jayatha thanmkham, Yamyena chabhavan kesa bahavo Vishnu thejasa.,13
From the power of Lord Shiva the face of Goddess was formed, from that of Yama her hair was formed and from that Vishnu her hands were formed. (Her face was white because Shiva was white her hair black because Yama was black and her eighteen hands were blue because Vishnu was blue. )
Sowmyenas thanyor yugmam, madhyamaindrena cha bhavat, vaarunena cha jangoru nithamba sthejasa buva.,14
From the power of moon her two busts were made, from the power of Indra her middle part, from the power of Varuna her calfs and thighs and from the power of earth her behind. (Her busts were white because it was from moon, and her middle part was red because it was from Indra)
Brahmana thejasa padhou thadangulyo arka thejasa, Vasoonaam cha karangulyai koubherana cha nasika.,15
Her feet were made by the power from Brahma, her toes from the power of Sun, from the Ashta Vasus her fingers and from the power of Kubhera her nose were made. (Her feet were red because they were made with the power of Brahma)
Thasyasthu Dantha sambhootha prajapathyena thejasa, Nayanathritayam jakjne thadha pavaka thejasa.,16
Her teeth were made with the power of Prajapathis like Daksha and her three eyes from the power of God of fire.
Broovou cha sandyoyostheja sravana vanilasya cha, Anyeshaam chaiva devanaam sambhavasthejasam Shiva.,17
From the power of dawn and dusk were made her eye brows, from the power of God of wind her ears and then power from all other Devas became one and she was formed.
Thatha samastha devaanaam thejo rasi samud bhavam, Thaam vilokhya mudham prapuramara mahishardhitha.,18
All devas who were troubled by Mahishasura became happy seeing that Devi (Goddess) who was formed out of the powers of all devas.
Soolam sooladhwinishkrushya dhadhou thasyai pinaka druk, Chakram cha Dhathawan Krushna samudpatya swachakratham.,19
Lord Shiva took the power of trident and gave it to her and Similarly Lord Vishnu took the power of his holy wheel and mace and gave it to her. (“Chakram cha” meaning “also holy wheel” has been interpreted as Holy wheel and mace, because she holds the mace in one of her eighteen hands).
Sankham cha Varuna, shakthim dadhou tasyai huthasana, Maarutho dathavamschapam banapurne thadheshudhi.,20
Varuna (God of rain) gave her the Conch, fire god Spear, and the God of wind the quiver full (inexhaustible) of many arrows.
Vajramindra samudpatya kulisaadamaradipa, Dadhou thasyai Sahasraksho Gandam Iravadath Jagath.,21
The thousand-eyed Indra who was the king of Devas took (attracted) the diamond from Vajrayudha (weapon made of diamond) and bell from his elephant Iravatha and gave it to her.
Kaladandadhyamo dandam paasam chambhu pathir dadhou, Prajapathischaksha maalam dadhou Brahma kamandalum.,22
Yama, the God of death gave her a staff made from his death staff, Varuna his rope made from his rope and the creator Brahma gave bead chain for praying and pot for taking water.
Samastha roma koopeshu nija rasmin divakara, Kaalascha dathavan Gadgam tasyascharma cha nirmalam.,23
The Sun God gave her all the rays taken from every hair pore of his body and the God of time (Also God of death) gave her his sword and a sparkling shield.
Ksheerodaschamalam haaramajare cha thadambhare., 24
The sea of milk gave her the very clear garland of pearls and ever fresh and never destroying set of cloths.
Choodamanim thatha divyam kundale kadakani cha, Arda chandram vimalou thadwath graiveyakamuthamam.,25
Noopuraou vimalou thadwath graiveyakamuthamam, Angulyaka rathnani samasthaswamguleeshu cha.,26
Viswakarma Dhadou tasyai parasum cha athi nirmalam, Asthanyaneka roopani thadha bedhyam cha damsanam.,27
Viswakarma the architect and crafts specialist of Devas gave her, a jewel to wear on her head, studs, bangles, the holy crescent and shoulder armlets for all her hands and also very holy toe rings, very holy axe, several types of arrows and a shield which cannot be cut.
Adhadha Jaladhi thasyai pankajamchadi shobhanam, Himavan vahanam simham, rathnani vividhani cha.,28
The God of sea gave her garlands made of never fading flowers to wear over her head and neck and a very pretty lotus flower and the Himalaya mountain gave her a lion to ride and several type of gems.
Dadha vassoonyam suraya panapathram dhanadhipa, Seshascha sarva nageso maha mani vibhooshitham.,29
Naga haram dadhou thasyai dathe ya prithwimimaam., 30
Kubhera, the god of wealth gave her a goblet full of wine that Anantha who was the king of snakes and who bears the earth gave her a snake garland decorated by precious jewels. (One interpreter says Goblet filled with nectar, though majority interpret it as goblet full of wine. The above stanzas indicate that the Goddess had 18 hands and was the basic power behind all the Gods. )
Sammanitha nanadhochaisa attahasam muhur muhu, Thasya nadena gorena kruthsnama pooritham nabha.,31
Thus presented by many other ornaments and weapons by other devas, she again and again shouted with powerful laugh and the entire sky was filled her Sound.
Amayathathi mahatha prathi sabhdho mahanabhooth, Chukshubhu sakala loka samudhrascha chakambhire.,32
That great Sound produced great echo and the entire earth and ocean shook because of that.
Chachala vasudha chelu, sakalascha mahidhara, Jayethi devascha mudha thamoochu simha vahine.,33
The earth shook, all the mountains trembled and all the gods wished victory to that goddess who was riding on a lion.
Thushtuvur munayaschainaam bhakthi namrathma moorthaya, Drushtwa samastham samkshubdham trilokya amararaya.,34
Sanadhakhila sainyasthe samuthasthadhurudhayudha., 35
Sages praised with humility born of devotion and the enemies of devas (Mahisha and others) seeing the entire world is tumultuous rose up along with the ever-ready armies and with weapons held aloft.
Aa kimethadhithi krodhadhabhyashya mahishasura, Abhyadavatha tham sabdham aseshair asurairvrutha.,36
Mahishasura with anger said, “What is this?” and surrounded by all asuras ran towards the origin of the Sound. (This shows the baser quality of the Asura, who did not first send an emissary to enquire about the source of the Sound and started for a war himself.)
Sa dadarsa thatho devim vyaptha lokathrayam twisha, Padakrathya natha bhuvam kiritolikithambharam.,37
Kshobhithasesha patalam dhanurjyani swanena tham, Dhiso bhuja sahasrena samanthad vyapya samsthidham.,38
Afterwards he saw her spread all over the three worlds by her lustrous power, pushing down the earth by her feet, touching the skies with her crown, shaking the world including patala by the twang of her bow and occupying all the sides with her thousand arms.
Thatha prava vruthe yudham thaya devya suradwishaam, Sashthrasthrair bahudha mukthiaraa depitha digandharam.,39
Then those Asuras had a Great War with the Devi (goddess) in which the differently sent weapons and arrows lighted all the different directions.
Mahishasura senani Chikshurakhyo mahasura, Yuyudhe chamarschanyair schathuranga balanvidha, Radhaana, mayuthair shadbhir udhagraghyo mahasura., 40
She fought with Chikshura the great Asura who was the commander-in-chief of Mahishasura’s army, Chamara who fought along with the four types of army (Infantry, Cavalry, and chariot riders and elephant riders) and with Udagra, the great asura with sixty thousand chariots.
Ayudhyathayuthaanam cha sahasrena maha hanu, Pancha shadbhischa niyuthair asiloma mahasura.,41
While Maha Hanu fought with one hundred million chariots, the great Asura called Asiloma fought with five hundred million chariots.
Ayuthanaam sathair Shadbhir bhashkalo yuyudhe rane, Gaja vaji sahasrou ghair anekair parivaritha.,42
Vyatho radhaanam kotya cha yudhe tasminayudhyatha., 43
The Asura called Bhashkala fought with six million chariots and the Asura called Parivaritha fought surrounded by innumerable and uncountable groups of elephants and horses and one hundred million chariots.
Bidalakhyo ayuthanaam cha pancha sadbhi radayuthai, Yuyudhe samyughe thathra radhaanam parivaritha.,44
Afterwards Bidaala (cat eyed Asura) took part in that war with five hundred million chariots.
Anye cga thathr yuthaso ratha naagahayair vrutha, Yuyudhu samyughe devya saha thathra mahasura.,45
All other asuras who were not mentioned above fought with the goddess surrounded by ten thousand sets of chariots, elephants and horses.
Koti koti sahasraisthu rathaanaam dandhinaam thadha, Hayanaam cha vyatho yudhe thathra bhoon mahishasura.,46
Similarly Mahishasura also was ready to fight in that battle surrounded by thousand million times thousand million sets of chariots, elephants and horses.
Thomarair bindhi palaischa shakthibhir musalisthadha, Yuyudhu samyuge, devya gadagai parasu pattisai.,47
Those Rakshasas fought the war with javelins, (not clear), elephant controlling spears, spears, pestles, axes and broad swords.
Kecicha chikshupu sakthi kechith pasa sthada pare, Devim gadga praharaisthu they thaam hanthum prachakramu.,48
Some of them threw spears and some rope at her. And other great asuras tried to cut that goddess by swords and kill her.
Sapi devi thathasthani sasthrayastharni chandika, Leelayaiva prachicheda nija sasthranyasthani varshani.,49
Afterwards that Goddess Chandika by sending her weapons and arrows cut off the weapons and arrows send by them as if she was playing.
Anayasthanana Devi sthyumana surarshibhi, Mumocha sura deheshu Sasthrani asthrani cheswari.,50
Without sign of any tiredness in her face that Goddess who was being praised by devas and sages also sent weapons and arrows towards the bodies of those asuras.
So api krudho, druhasato devya vahana kesari, Chachara sura sainyeshu vaneshwiva huthasana.,51
The famous steed lion of the goddess also became angry and with flowing manes traveled in the army of asuras like fire.
Niswasaaan mumuche yamscha yudhyamana rane ambhika, They eva sadhya sambhootha ganaa satha sahasrasa.,52
Every deep breath of that Goddess Ambika took while fighting in the war with asuras, themselves became into of millions of Chandikas immediately.
Yuyudhusthe parsubhir bhindhi palasi pattisai, Nasayantho asuraganan devi shakthyupa bramhitha.,53
Those soldiers (Chandikas) enthused by the great valour of the goddess-waged war against the asuras with weapons like axes, swords, Bindhipala and Pattisa etc (last two weapons were weapons of that time.)
Aavadhayantha patahan gana sankhasthadhapare, Mrudangascha thadaivanyai tasmin yudha mahotsave.,54
Those soldiers celebrated that festival of war by playing on huge drums or blowing conches or playing on Mrudangam (a type of drum)
Thatho devi trishulena gadhaya shakthi vrushtibhi Gadgadhibischa sathaso nijagana mahasuran.,55
Afterwards that goddess killed innumerable asuras by trident,, mace sword and shower of spears.
Pathayamasa chaivanyan gandaswana vimohithan, Asuran bhuvi pasena bhadwa chanynakarshayath.,56
Some were made to swoon by production of huge clanging Sound and some other asuras were tied by rope and dragged on the floor by the goddess.
Vipodhitha nipathena gadhya bhuvi serathe, Vemascha kechid rudhiram bhoomou musalena brusam hatha.,57
Kechith nipathitha bhoomou bhina soolena vakshasi., 58
Some great asuras were cut in to two by the severe strokes of the sword. Some others were beaten severely by the mace and fell on the floor. Some others vomited blood because of the beatings by the pestle. Others fell on the floor because the spears were driven on their chest.
Nirakrutha sarou gana krutha kechid rana jire, Senanu karina pranaan mumuchu tridasardhana.,59
Some very valorous asuras gave up their life in the war by becoming hurt by crowds of arrows.
Siramsi pethur anyeshaamanye madhye vidharitha Vichinna jangaasthwapare pethururvyam mahasura,60
In case of some, the hands were cut, similarly in case of some necks were cut, in case of some heads fell on the ground, in case of some they were cut in the middle and in case of some they fell on the earth having their legs broken.
Eka bhawakshi charana kechidivya dwidhakrutha, Chinnepi chaanye shirasi pathitha punuruthidha.,61
Kabandhaa yuyudhur devya grahidha paramayudha., 62
Some of them were cut in to two pieces with each piece having one eye, one ear and one leg. Some others even though they were beheaded again and again got up and fought with the goddess as headless body with several great weapons. (It was believed that once thousand heroes are beheaded in war one trunk without head gets up to fight. In this war it is believed ten million times ten million trunks got up)
Kabandha Chinna shirasa Gadga shakthyushti panaya, Thishta thishtehi bhashantho devimanye mahasura.,63
Some other asuras danced to the balanced tune of orchestra. While some trunks fought with the two sided sharpened sword, some other asuras fought with her shouting to her, “Stop, stop.”
Pathithairadha naga aswai asuraischa vasundhara, Agamya sabhavat thathra yathradbutha maha rana.,64
That arena of war where the war took place became mpossible to cross due to fallen chariots, elephants, horses and other fallen asuras.
Sonithougha maha nadhya sadya sththra visusruvu, madhye chasura sainyasya varanasura vajinaam.,65
There in the midst of the Asura army, great rivers of blood in which elephants, horses and asuras were floating were seen.
Kshanena than maha sainyamasuranam thadhambhika, Ninye kshayam yadha vahnis tharna dharu maha chayam.,66
That goddess destroyed the huge Asura army as quickly as a huge fire destroys heaps of straw.
Sa cha simho maha nada musrujan dutha kesara. Sarerebhyo amarareenamasuniva vichinwathi.,67
That lion with its flowing manes and with a great roar, appeared as if it was interested in taking away souls from the Asura bodies
Devya Ganaischa thaisthathra krutham yudham thadhasurai, Yadhishaam thustuvur deva pushpa vrushti mucho dhivi.,68
While the devas who were singing her praise and causing rain of flowers, there was war between asuras and the army of the goddess.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Mahishasura sainya vadho nama, Dwithiyo adhyaya,
This is the second chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the killing of the army of Mahishasura Occurring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana
Chapter 3: Killing of Mahishasura[edit]
Rishir Uvacha: Nihanyamanam that sainyamavalokya mahasura, senani chikshura kopadhyaou yodhumambikaam., 1
The sage said: Afterwards seeing that the entire army of Mahishasura was destroyed, A commander of their army known as Chikshura started for war against the goddess.
Saa deveem sara varshena va varsha samare asura, Yadha meru gire srungam thoya varshena thoyadha.,2
In that war, that Chikshura rained arrows at her similar to the torrential rain of water covering the peaks of Meru Mountain
Thasya Chithwa thatho devi leelayeva saroth karaan, Jagana thuragan banairyanthaaram chaiva vajinaam.,3
Afterwards the goddess as if she was playing, cutoff his crowd of arrows and killed his horses and horseman.
Chichedha cha dhanu sadhyo dwajam chaadhi samuchridham, Vivyadha chaiva gathreshu chinna dhanwa namausugai.,4
Then the Goddess cut of his bow and flag post of his chariot and hit him in all his organs by arrows.
Sa Chinadhanwa, viradho, hathaswo hatha saradhi, Abhyadavadha thaam devim gadga charmadharo asura.,5
That Asura whose bow was cut, whose chariot was broken, whose horse was killed and whose chariot driver was killed ran towards her with a sword and a shield.
Simhamahathya gadgena, theeshna dharena moordhani, Jajwalyamanam thejobhi ravi bhimbha mivambharan.,6
That Asura called Chikshura who was a commander wounded the lion on his head by the sword and hit the Goddess on her left hand.
Thasya Gadgo bhujam prapya paphala nrupa nandana, thatho jagraha soolam sa kopadh aruna lochana.,7
Hey king, that sword reaching the arm of the Goddess broke in to pieces and he with red eyes due to extreme anger took the spear.
Chiksepa cha thathasthathu Bhadrakalyaam mahasura, Jajwalyamanam thejobhi ravi bimbha mivambarath.,8
Afterwards that great Asura reached the sky and like the shining sun of the sky threw that shining spear at the good giving Goddess.
Drushtwa thadapathascsulam devi soolamamunchadha, Thena thaccha thadha neetham soolam sa cha mahasura.,9
Seeing the spear thrown by the Asura coming towards her, she sent her spear and split in to hundred that spear as well as that great Asura.
Hathe thasmin maha veerye, mahishasya chamoopathou, Aajagama gajarudaan Chamara tridasardhana,10
Seeing that, that very strong commander in chief of Mahishasura was killed by her. One Asura called Chamara came riding on an elephant.
Sopi shakthim mumochadha devyasthamambika drutham, Hungararibi hatham bhoomou pathayamasa nishprabham.,11
Afterwards he too threw a spear at the Goddess. The Goddess after swiftly destroying it, made it loose the glitter and made it fall on to the earth.
Bhagnam shakthim nipathitham drusthwa krodha samanvitha, Chikshepa chamara soolam ambanai sthadabhi saachinnath.,12
Chamara seeing that his spear was destroyed, threw the trident and the Goddess cut it off with her arrows.
Thatha simha samuthpathya gaja kumbhandhara sthidha, Bahu yuddhena yuyudhe thenochai thridasaarina.,13
Afterwards that lion jumped up to a great height and standing on the forehead of the elephant fought with the Asura using its hands.
Yudhyamanou thathasthou thu tasmanaganmaheem gathou, Yuyudhathe athi samrabdhou praharairathi darunai.,14
Afterwards they (Lion and Chamara) who were fighting jumped to the earth from the elephant and with great anger continued the horrific fighting with slaps. (Note that in most of the places where wresting is done, the Goddess does not take part. )
Thado vegath gamuthpathya nipathya cha mriagarina,, Karapraharena siraschamarasya pradhakrutham.,15
Then they both jumped on to the sky and again fell down. Then by a hit of the hand, the lion separated the head of Chamara from his trunk.
Udagrascha rane devya Shila vrakshadhibhir hatha, Danda mushti thalaischaiva karalascha nipathitha.,16
In the war Udagra was also killed by stones and trees and Karala was killed by teeth, fist and palm. (Some people interpret instead of “teeth, fist and Palm”, sword whose handle was made of ivory. )
Devi krudha gadha pathai choornayamasa chodhatham, Bashkalam bindhipalena banaisthamram thadandhakam.,17
Ugrasya mugra veeryam cha thadiva cha Maha hanum, Trinethra cha trishoolena jagana Parameshwari.,18
The Goddess with great anger powdered Udhatha with hits from her mace. The three eyed goddess of every one, killed Bashkala with her scythe. With her arrows Thamra and Andhaka, with her trident Ugrasya, Ugraveera and Maha Hanu.
Bidlasyaasina kayath pathayamasa vai sira, Durdharam durmugam chobhou sarair ninye yama kshayam.,19
With sword she separated the head of Bidala from his body and famously made it fall and with arrows she sent Durdhara and Durmukha to the place of God of death.
Evam Samksheeyamano thu swasainye Mahishasura, Mahishena swaroopena trasayamasa thaan ganan.,20
When his army was thus being vanquished Mahishasura took the shape of a buffalo and scared the army of the Goddess.
Kaschit thunda praharena Khurakshepai sthadhaparaan, Langula thadithamschanyan srungabhyam cha vidharithaan,21
Vegena kamschid aparan nadena bramanena cha, Niswasa pavanonyan pathayamasa bhoothale.,22
Mahishasura hit some with his face, some others he stamped with his hoof, some others he beat with his tail, some by tearing with his horns, some he fell on the ground because of his speed, some by Sound, some by his movement and some by his breath.
Nipaathya pramadhaneeka mabhyadhavatha soasura, Simham hanthum maha devya kopam chakre thathombika.,23
After felling her army he ran towards the lion to kill it and this made the Goddess angry.
So api kopaan maha veerya Ghurakshanna mahee thala, Srungabhyaam Parvathan uchamscchikshepa cha nanadha cha.,24
He who is very strong became very angry and by tearing the earth by his front hoof threw the mountains by his two horns and shrieked.
Vega bramana vikshunna mahii thasya vyaseeryatha, Langulenahthaschabdhi plavayamasa sarvatha.,25
Due to his fast rotation the earth was broken and the ocean which was beaten by his tail rose up and drowned every one.
Duthasrunga vibhinnascha Gandam Gandam yuyurghana, Swasa anilastha sathaso nipethurnnabhaso achala.,26
The clouds, which were moved by his horns, broke in to pieces and the mountains, which were blown by his breath, fell into innumerable pieces.
Ithi krodha samadhmaatha maapadantham Mahasura, Drushtwa saa chandika kopam thadwadhaya thadakaroth.,27
Seeing the Mahishasura who was burning with anger and running towards her, that Chandika became angry and decided to kill him.
Saa kshipthwa thasya vai paasam tham babandha mahasuram, Thathyaja mahishamroopam so api bhadho mahamrudhe.,28
In that Great War That Goddess threw the famous Pasa (literally rope) and tied that great Asura. Though he was tied he gave up the form of the buffalo
Thatha Simho abhavadsadhyo yavathambhika sira, Chinnathi thavaht purusha Gadgapaniradhursyadha.,29
Afterwards that Asura swiftly became lion and when she was cutting his head, then he was seen as a male who was holding a sword.
Thatha evasu purusham devi chichedha sayakai, Tham gadga charmana saardham thatha so aboon maha gaja.,30
Afterwards the Goddess cut the head of the man with a sword and shield by using swift arrows. Then from that man he became a very big elephant.
Karena cha maha simham tham chakarsha jagarja cha, Karshathasthu karam devi gadgena nirakrunthatha.,31
He (with form of an elephant) with his huge trunk pulled that great lion and trumpeted. But the Goddess cut off his pulling trunk using the sword.
Thatho mahasuro bhooyo maahisham vapurasthitha, Thadiva Kshobhayamasa trilokyam sa characharam.,32
Afterwards that Great Asura again took the form of Buffalo and shook the entire world with all its beings.
Thatha Krudha Jaganmatha chandika panamuthamam, Papow puna punaschaiwa jahasa aruna lochana.,33
Afterwards that Goddess Chandika who was the mother of the entire world, with great anger and with blood shot eyes, drank high quality wine and again and again laughed.
Nanardha chaasura sopi bala veerya madhodadhada, Varshanabhyam cha chiksepa chandikaam prathi bhoodaraan.,34
That Asura who was ferociously agile due to his great strength shouted at her and threw mountains at her with his horns.
Saa cha thaan prahithaamsthena choornayanthi saroth karai, Uvacha tham Madhoduddha muga raga kulaksharam.,35
That Goddess made in to powder, mountains thrown at her and with reddish face and with unclear words told him. (Reddish face and unclear words were as a result of wine. )
Devyuvacha: Garja Garja Kshanam mooda madhu yavath pibamyaham, Maya twayi hathe athraiva garjishyanthyasu devatha., 36
The Goddess told:
Hey Idiot, You keep on roaring again and again for little more time till I drink this wine. When I kill you quickly these gods will roar with happiness.
Rishir Uvacha: Eva mukthwa samuth pathya saa rooda thaam mahasuram, Paadenakramya kante cha soole maina mathadayath., 37
The sage told:
After telling thus that Goddess climbed on the Asura and by oppressing him by her feet drove the spear in to him.
Thatha soapi padakraantha sthaya nija mukha thatha, Ardha nishkantha evathi devya veeryena samvyatha.,38
Afterwards he being pressed by the feet of the Goddess tried to lift half of his body and face but was kept immobile by her.
Ardha nishkantha eva sou yudhya mano mahasura, Thaya mahasina devya siraschithwa nipathitha.,39
That great Asura though he fought with half his body, was felled down by the goddess by cutting his head by the big sword.
Thatho haha krutham sarvam dhaithya sainye nanasa thath, Praharsham cha param jagmu sakala devatha gana.,40
Afterwards that great Asura army ran away shouting,”Ha”, “Ha” and all the Gods attained great happiness.
Thushtuvasthaam sura deveem saha divyair maharshibhi, Jagur gandarwa pathayo nanyuthuschapsa saro gana.,41
The gods along with sages in the heaven prayed that Goddess, the chiefs of gandarwas (celestial singers) sang about her and crowds of Apsaras (Deva dancers) danced.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Mahishasura vadho nama, Trithiyo adhyaya,
This is the third chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the killing of Mahishasura Occurring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana.
Chapter 4: The prayer of Sakradi devathas[edit]
Rishir Uvacha: Sakradhaya suragana nihathe athiveerya, Thasmin durathmani surari bale cha devya, Thaam thushtuvu pranathi namra siro daramsa, Vagbhi praharsha pulgothgama charu deha., 1
The sage told: When the very strong Asura army and very valorous and bad natured Mahishasura were killed by the Goddess, Indra and other gods and sages in his circle, With necks bending to her in salutation, and with handsome body enthused by the great happiness, prayed to the Goddess.
Devya yaya thathamidham jagadathma shakthya, Nissesha deva gana shakthi samooha moorthya, Thaam ambikam akhila deva maharshi poojyam, Bhakthya nathasma vidha dhahthu shubhani saa na., 2
We venerate with ultimate devotion before that Goddess Ambika, whose body has been made by the strength of the collection of all devas and from whose strength this entire world has been created and who merits to be venerated by all the Gods and sages. Let her do well to all of us.
Yasya prabhavam athulam bhagwan anantho, Brahma harascha nahi vakthumalam balam cha, Saa chandika akhila jagath paripalanaya, Naasaya chaashubha bhayasya mathim karothu.,3
Let that Chandika whose incomparable strength and power cannot even be described fully by Brahma, the inexhaustible Vishnu and Lord Shiva, help us in proper upkeep of the entire universe and remove the fear that emanates from the unholy events.
Yaa sree swayam sukrtheenaam bhavaneshwa lakshmi, Papathmaanam krutha dhiyaam hrudhayeshu budhi, Sradhaa sathaam kula jana prabhavasya lajja, Thaam thwaam nathaa sma paripalaya devi viswam.,4
We salute that Goddess who is and will be in the form of wealth in the houses of holy people, who is and will be in the form of misfortune in the home of sinners, who is and will be in the form of wisdom in the heart of learned people, who is and will be in the form of good conduct in the hearts of goo people and who is and will be in the form of shyness in the minds of those people born in good families. Oh Goddess, please save this world.
Kim varnayama thava roopa machinthya methath, Kim chathi veeryamasura kshayakari bhoori, Kim chahaveshu charithani thavathi yani, Sarveshu devyasura deva ganadhikeshu.,5
How can one describe your present form which cannot be even thought by asuras and devas? How can we describe your great valour, which lead to the destruction of many asuras? How can we describe your skill, which was shown in this war?
Hethu samastha jagatham trigunaapi doshair, Na Jnayase hariharadhibhirapyapaara, Sarvasrayakhilamidam jagadamsa bhootha, Mavyakyatha hi parama prakruthisthwamadhya.,6
You are the cause and root of everything in the world. Though you are having the three properties of Sathwa(holy), Rajas(vigorous) and Thamas(base ), you are not affected by any type of passion. You are one who is not even fully known to the trinity of Vishnu, Brahma and Rudra. You are one on whom all beings depend. This entire world is a part of you. Since the primeval force, which gave life to all Gods, you are bereft of any emotion.
Yasya samastha suratha samudheeranena, Trupthim prayathi sakaleshu makheshu devi, Swahasi vai pithru ganasya cha trupthihethu, Rucharyasethwamatha eva janai swatha cha.,7
Hey Goddess, You are the “Swaha” by pronouncing which in all fire sacrifices the gods get satisfied and you are the “Swadha” which is the source of satisfaction of manes. (“While offering sacrifice to the Gods fire is the mediator. He receives the offerings, which are put in to him with the word “Swaha”, and gives to the Gods. In worship of the manes, water is offered as “Swadha” to the manes. )
Yaa mukthihethu ravichinthyaw maha vrutha thwa, Mabhysyase suniyathendriya thathwa sarai, Moksharthibhir munibhirastha samastha doshair, Vidhyasi saa bhagawathee parama he devi.,8
Hey Goddess, You are that knowledge which is the root cause of salvation, that knowledge which takes one to god by unthinkable great penance, because you are being searched by those sages who have lost all bad wishes and conduct, who think that search of God is the essence of their life and who forever crave for methods of salvation.
Sabhathmika suvi malarghya jusham nidhana, Mudhgedharamya padha patavatham cha samnaam, Devi, thwayi bhagawathi bhava bhavanaya, Vartha cha sarva jagatham paramarthi hanthree.,9
Oh, Goddess, your soul is the holy Sound, you are the songs of sama Veda which are made of very holy verses and which are made up of songs of lovely words, you are the desire, you are the personification of three Vedas, you are the essence of knowledge of the day to day life, and you are the destroyer of the ills of all the world.
Medhasi devi, vidhithakhila sastra sara, Durgasi Durga bhava sagara naura sanga, Sri kaida bhari hrudaika kruthadhivasa, Gauri Thwameva sasi mouli krutha prathishta.,10
Hey Goddess, You are the wisdom which makes one capable of knowing all the knowledge so far known, You are the incomparable Durga who is a boat which helps one to cross the ocean of day to day life, You are the Goddess Lakshmi living in the chest of Lord Vishnu and you are the Goddess Gauri who lives in Lord Parameshwara who wears the crescent.
Ishath sahasam amalam paripoorna chandra, Bhibanukari prahruthama kanthi kantham, Athyathbutham prahruthamaatharusha thadhapi, Vakthram vilokhya sahasa mahishasurena.,11
Though your face which is pretty with a captivating a smile and which is similar to the full moon and which is having the glitter of the purest gold, it was speedily hit by the very angry Mahishasura. This is indeed surprising.
Dhrushtwa thu devi, kupitham brukutikarala, Mudrchcha sanka sadhya schavee yanna sadhya, Pranaan mumocha mahishas thadeeva chithram, Kair jeevithe he kupithanthaka darsanena.,12
Hey Goddess, in spite of seeing your very angry face with sharply bent eye brows and which resembled the reddish full moon just when it is rising, Mahishasura did not choose to give up his life. This is indeed surprising because, which being would choose to continue to live after seeing the very angry God of death.
Devi praseedha paramaa bhavathi bhavaya, Sadhyo vinasayasi kopavathi kulani, Vignanametha dhadhunaiva yadasthametha, Nnetham bhalam suvipulam mahishasurasya.,13
Hey Goddess, be pleased with me. You are the most powerful goddess Lakshmi. If you are pleased the family is greatly enlarged and if you are angry, you destroy several generations of families. This is known now, because you destroyed the great and large army of Mahishasura.
Theey Sammatha jana padeshu dhanani theshaam, Theshaam yasamsi na cha seedhathi Dharma varga, Dhanyastha eva nibrudhathmaja abhyathya dhara, Yesham sadabhydayadha bhavathee prasanna.,14
Those to whom you always give progress and are happy with them, they are the people recognized by all. They would only get wealth and fame. For them the Dharma never goes away. They are the people with good sons, servants and wife.
Dharmyani devi, sakalani sadaiva karmaa, Anyadhutha prathidhinam sukruthi karothi, Swargam prayathi cha thatho bhavathi prasadath, Loka thraye aapi phaladha nanu devi thena.,15
Hey Goddess, by your blessings the blessed man always and with feelings of holiness is able to do all his duties which are dictated by just conduct. Because of that he attains heaven and salvation. So it is definite that you give results in all the three worlds.
Durge smrutha harasi bheethimasesha jantho, Swasthai smruthaa mathi matheeva shubha dhadhasi, Daridrya dukha bhaya harini ka twadhanya, Sarvopa kara karanaya sadardra chitha.,16
You destroy sorrow of all beings who sorrow, you give great wisdom to those who are fearless and Oh Goddess who destroys the fear of poverty, who is there in this world except you who has a heart dripped in mercy.
Eapir hathair Jagathupaithi sukham thadaihe, Kurvanthu nama narakaya chiraya papam, Samgrama mruthyu madhigamya divam prayanthu, Mathwethi noona mahithan vinihamsi devi.,17
Hey Goddess you kill your enemies thinking that this world should feel happiness. These asuras are killed, so that these asuras should not do more sins fore several ages and so that they will not reach the hell, which is full of diseases and that they should travel towards heaven being killed in this war by you. (This is an answer to the doubt to the sentiments expressed in the last stanza that, though goddess has a melting heart with mercy, she has killed several asuras. )
Dushtaiva kim bhavathi prakarothi bhasma, Sarvasuranareeshu yal prahinoshi sasthram, Lokaan prayanthu ripavo api hi sasthra puthra, Itham mathir bhavathi theshwa hithesu swadhi.,18
Hey goddess do you not turn into ash all asuras just by your sight? It is definite, that you send your weapons at them only with a view to purify them by contact with your weapons and with a good intention that even your enemies should reach heaven.
Gadga prabha nikara vishuranai sthodhagrai, Soolagra kanthi nivahena druso asuranam, Yannagatha vilayamamsuma dindhu ganda, Yogyananam thava vilokayatham thdethath.,19
The reason why the eyes of Asuras are staring at the glitter of the collection of your shining swords and the collective glitter of the ends of your spear is because they are staring at your holy face adorned with the cool crescent.
Dur vrutha vrutha samanam thava devi seelam, Roopam thadiva thadha vicinthya mathulya manyai, Veeryam cha hanthya hrutha deva parakramanam, Vairishwapi prakatithaiva dhaya twayetham.,20
Holy Goddess, thy pristine character brings to an end the bad characteristics of base people, and similarly your pretty mien can never be imagined by ordinary minds and also does not have similarity with all other pretty things. Also your valour kills all asuras and thus you show your mercy even towards thine enemies. (killed by her they attain salvation)
Kenopama bhavathu thesya parakramasya, Roopam cha shathru bhaya karyadhi hari kuthra, Chithe krupaa samara nishtooratha cha dushsta, Twayeva devi, varade bhuvana trayepi.,21
Hey Goddess who showers all the requested blessings on your devotees, to which thing can we compare thine great valour? To which can we compare your looks which is pretty but creates fear among your enemies. In all the three worlds only in you we are able to see mercy in your mind and fierce cruelty in war.
Trilokya methad akilam ripu nasanena, Tratham twaya samara murdhani the api hatwa, Neetha divam ripu gana bhaya mapyapastha, Masmaka munmadha surari bhavam namasthe.,22
Our salutations to thee mother who has saved all the three worlds from the destruction of enemies, who has killed hoards of enemies in the war field and led to heaven and who has completely cured our fear.
Soolena pahino devi, pahi gadgena chabhike, Gandaswanena na pahi chapajyaniswanena cha.,23
Oh goddess, please save us by your spear, Of mother of all worlds, save us all by using your sword and also save us bythe ringing of your bells and twang of your bow.
Prachyam raksha, pradeechyam cha chandike, Raksha dakshine, Bramanenathma soolasya utharasyam thadeswai.,24
Oh Goddess, please save the eastern side by the rotation of your spear. Of goddess Chandika, similarly save the western, southern and northern sides.
Sowmyani yani roopani trolokye vicharanthi they, Yani chatyartha ghorani thai rakshas maam sthadha bhuvam.,25
Let that aspect of you, which is peaceful (involved in creation and upkeep) and that aspect, which is fearful, (that involved in destruction) which are travelling in all the three worlds save us and those of the people in the earth by the same aspects.
Gadga soola gadhadheeni yani cha asthrani they ambike, Kara pallava sangeeni thairasman raksha sarvatha.,26
Oh, mother Goddess those swords, maces and spears held in your very soft hands (as soft as a young leaf) protect us from all over the universe.
Evam sthutha surair divyai kusumair nandanodbhavai, Architha jagatham dhathri thadha gandhanulepanair.,27
Thus the goddess who ruled all over the universe was praised by the devas, and worshipped by holy flowers produced from great gardens and also several potions and pastes made of sandal.
Bhaktha samasthair tridasair divyair dhoopair, Praha prasada mukhi samasthan pranathan suraan.,28
Thus worshipped by all the devas by the holy and divine smokes, the goddess told the devas with smiling face.
Devyuvacha: Vriyathaam tridasa sarve yadasmatho bi vanchitham.,29
The goddess told:
Hey devas who are spread all over, please tell me whatever you want from me.
Deva ouchu: Yadayam nihatha shatrur asmakam mahishasura, Yadi vaapi varo deyatwasmakam maheswari., 30
Samsmrutha samsmrutha thwam no himsedha paramapadha.
The reason why you have killed Mahishasura has led you to do all things required by us. There is nothing more remaining. Hey Goddess, if you want us to ask you for a boon, let the thought of you in us, always destroy all dangers that we may face later.
Tasya vithridhi vibhavair dhana dharadhi sampadham, Vrudhaye asmat prasanna twam bhavadho sarvadhambhike.,32
Hey Mother of the universe who is always happy, any human being who praises thee using these Stotra, you being pleased with us, let him be granted increase in intelligence, wealth and happiness as well as money and consorts for ever.
Rishir Uvacha: Ithi prasathidha devair Jagatho Artha thadathmana, Thadethyukthwa bhadrakali babhuvandharhitha nrupa., 33
The sage told: Hey king, thus pleased by the devas for protecting the three worlds as well as for helping of devas, the pleased goddess said, “So be it” and became invisible.
Ithyethad kathidham Bhoopa, sambhootha saa yadha puraa, Devi deva sarerebhyo Jagat thraya hithoushini.,34
Oh, king, I have told you about how Goddess who wishes for the welfare of all the three worlds came from the bodies of all devas.
Punascha gowri dehathsa samud bhootha yada bhavat, Vadhaya dushta daithyanaam thada shumbha Nishumbhayo.,35
Rakshanaya cha lokanam devanaam upakarini, Thachrunushwa mayaa khyadam yadavath kadayami they.,36
I am going to tell you further how that Goddess who wishes to help the devas came from the body of Parvathy for killing bad Rakshasas as well as Shumbha and Nishumbha and for the protection of the world. Be pleased to hear this.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Sakradhi sthuthir nama, Chathurtho adhyaya,
This is the fourth chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the prayer of Sakradhi devathas Occuring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana.
Uthama Charitha[edit]
Chapter 5: The argument between devi and the emissary[edit]
Rishir Uvacha: Puraa Shumbha Nishumbha masurabhyaam Sacheepathe, Trilokyam yagnabhagascha hruthaa madha balasrayath.,1
The sage told: During olden times, because Indra was proud of his strength and prowess, his three worlds and share in the fire sacrifice were stolen by two asuras called Shumbha and Nishumbha. (Shumbha and Nishmbha were the sons of Sage Kasyapa and Dhanu)
Thaveva suryathaam thadwad adhikaram thadinndhavam, Koubheramadha yamyamcha chakrathe varunasya cha.,2
They took over the powers of Sun God and similarly that of moon god, Kubhera, the God of wealth and Yama, the God of death.
Thaveva pavanardhim cha chakrathur vahni Karma cha, Thatho deva vinirdhudha brashta rajya parajitha.,3
They took over the duties of wind god and fire god. Because of this devas were defeated and lost their kingdom
Hruthadhikara thridasasthabhyaam sarve nirakrutha, Maha asurabhyam tham devim samsmaranthya aparajitham,4
Thus having lost all their powers due to these great asuras, all devas thought of the goddess who cannot be defeated by anybody.
Thayasmakam varo dhatho yadhapathsu smruthakhila, Bhavatham nasayishyami thath kshnath paramapada.,5
Ithi kruthwa mathim devaa himavantham nageswaram, Jagmusthathra thatho devim Vishnu mayam prathishtuvu.,6
Devas thinking that the goddess has given a boon to them that she would destroy all their dangers if she is remembered, went to Himalayas who is the king of all mountains and started praising that Goddess who is Vishnumaya (Power of illusion of Vishnu)
Deva Ouchu: Namo devyai maha devyai shivayai sathatham nama, Nama prakruthyair bhadrayair niyatha pranatha sma thaam.,7
Devas told: Salutations to the Goddess. Salutations to that great Goddess who is the consort of Shiva,Salutations to her who is nature and she who takes care of every thing. We are saluting her with veneration after controlling our mind.
Roudrayair namo nithyair gauryair dhathryair namo nama, Jyothsnayair chendu roopinyair sukhayair sathatham nama.,8
Salutations to her who is angry like Rudra. Salutations to that Parvathy who is stable forever in looking after the worlds. Salutations to her who is the form of light, the form of moon and the form of stable happiness.
Kalyanyair pranatha vrudyair sidhyair koormayair namo nama, Nairuthyair bhubhruthaam lakshmyair sarvanyair thee namo nama.,9
Salutations and salutations to her who does only good, who blesses all those salting her, who is greatly powerful and who is taking care of the world (Like Koorma who lifted the world). Salutations and salutations to her who is the Asura power, who is the power behind the kings and who is the wife of Shiva.
Durgayair Durga parayai saraayai sarva karinyai, Khaytyai thadaiva krushnayai dhoomayai sathatham nama.,10
Always salutations to her who can take over sorrow, who can take us to the other shore of sorrow, who is the cause behind everything, who is very famous, who is black in colour and who is of the colour of smoke.
Athi soumyathi roudrayair nathasthasyair namo nama, Namo jagath prathishtayar devyair kruthyair namo nama.,11
We salute her who is beyond peace and anger and offer our salutations. Many salutations to her who is the basis of the entire universe, who is the power behind devas and who is action oriented.
Ya devi Sarva bhootheshu Vishnu mayethi sabdhitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,12
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who is soul power in all beings.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu chethanthyabhi dheeyathe, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,13
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who is root power in action of all beings.
Ya Devi sarva bhootheshu bhuddhi roopena samshthitha, Naasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,14
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of intellect.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu nidhra roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,15
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of sleep
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu kshudha roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,16
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of hunger.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu chaya roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,17
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of shadow
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu shakthi roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,18
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of inner strength
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu thrishna roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,19
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of saving and storage
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu kshanthi roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,20
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of patience.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu jathi roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,21
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of oneness in many.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu lajja roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,22
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of shame.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu shanthi roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,23
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of peace
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu sradha roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,24
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of understanding
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu kanthi roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,25
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of light.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu lakshmi roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,26
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of wealth or god given assets.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu vruthi roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,27
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of work
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu smruthi roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,28
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of memory.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu daya roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,29
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of mercy
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu thushti roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,30
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of happiness bore out of sufficiency.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu mathruroopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,31
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of motherhood.
Ya devi sarva bhootheshu brandhi roopena samshthitha, Namasthasyair namasthasyair namasthasyair namo nama.,32
Salutations, salutations and salutations to that goddess who lives in all beings as power of delusion.
Indryanam adhishtathri bhoothanam akhileshu ya, Bhotheshu sathatham tasyai vyapthai devyai namo nama.,33
Salutations and salutations to that Goddess who is the inner power and soul behind organs performing daily actions, organs performing intellectual pursuits and is the source power behind the five elements viz. earth, water, air, fire and ether.
Chithi roopena yaa kruthsnamedath vyapyai sthitha jagath, Namasthasyai namasthasyai namasthasyai namo nama.,34
Salutations, salutations and salutations who as the form of micro power has spread all over the universe.
Sthutha surai poorva mabeeshta samsraya, Thadha surendrena dineshu sevitha, Karothu saa na shubha hethureeeswai, Shubhani bhadrani abhihanthu Chaa pada., 35
Yaa saampradham chodhadha daithyathapithair, Rasmabhireesa cha surair namasyathe, Ya cha smrutha thath kshanameva hanthi na, Sarvapadho bhakthi vinamra murthibhi., 36
Let that goddess who brings good to us Who was praised in the olden times by gods like Brahma, Who is daily being served by Devendra for getting his works done, Who is being praised by us devas who are being troubled by Asuras, who is praised and remembered by us because devotion to her solves all our problems even when we are thinking about her and who is the reason for all good things in the world. Let destroy all our problems.
Rishir Uvacha: Evam sthavadhi yukthanam devaanam thathra parvathi, Snathu mabyayau thoye jahnavya nrupa nandana,,37
The sage told: Hey king, that goddess Parvathy thus praised by the devas rose from the Himalaya mountain in front of them for taking bath in the river Ganges.
Sabravethaan suraan subhroor bhavadbhi sthuyahe athrakaa, Sareera kosa thaschasya samudbhootha bravichivaa.,38
That pretty goddess Parvathy asked the devas, “whom are you praising in the Himalayas?” and the answer was told by Goddess Koushiki who rose from the body of Parvathy. (Once Shiva called Parvathy as Kali (Black girl and Parvathy was upset by this went to the monastery of Gauthama did Thapas and remover her black part (Kali) and became white (Gauri))
Sthothram mamaithad kriyathe Shumbha daithya nirakruthair, Devai samethair samare Nishumbena Parajithair.,39
These praises were done by all devas who were defeated by Nishumbha in war and who were scorned by Shumbha.
Sarera kosadsthasya parvathya nissruthambhika, Kausikeethi samastheshu thatho lokeshu geeyathe.,40
Because that Goddess rose from the body of Parvathy (Kosa) the entire world calls her Koushiki.
Thasyaam vinirgathaynthu krushna bhoothsapi paravathi, Kalikethi samakyatha hImachala kruthasraya.,41
Once that Goddess left her body, that Goddess Parvathy assumed the black form of Goddess Kali and stayed in the Himalaya Mountain. (The assumption is that the Goddess did not go to take bath in river Ganges but remained there in her black form. )
Thatho Ambika param roopam bhibranam sumanoharam, Dadarsa chando mundascha bruthyou Shumba Nishumbhayo.,42
Afterwards Chanda and Munda who were the servants of Shumbha and Nishumbha Saw the Goddess in her very pretty form of Kalika.
Thabhyaam Shumbhaya Chakyatha saathheva sumanohara, Kapyasthe sthreer maha raja, bhasayanthi Himachalam.,43
She made Chanda and Munda inform their king, “Oh great king, in the Himalaya Mountains there exists a lady who makes the mountain glitter.”
Naiva Thadruk Kwachidroopam drushtam kena chiduthamam, Jnayatham kaapyasou devi gruhyatham Cha asureswara.,44
Hey lord of all Asuras, so far no where in the universe has such a pretty lady has been seen. So it is necessary for you to know about her and also receive her.
Sthree rathnam ithi charvangi dhyothayanthi disasthisha, Saa thu thishtathi Daithyendra, thaam bhavaan drushtum arhathi.,45
Hey king of all asuras that jewel among ladies is very pretty and due to her glitter is dazzling all directions and so you have to see her.
Yaani rathnani manayo gaja aswaaadhaani vaii prabho, Trilokya thu samasthani sampratham bhanthi they gruhe.,46
Hey lord, it is well known that all the best among elephants, horses and other valuable things including jewels are shining in your house.
Iravatha samaneetho gaja rathnam purandharath, Parrijatha tharu chayam Thadha uchasrava haya.,47
You took away from Indra the great elephant known as Iravatha, the wish-giving tree called parijatha and the great horse known as Uchaisrava.
Vimanam hamsa samyukthametha thishtathi they angane, Rathna bhoothamihaa neetham yadasidwedham athbutham.,48
That wonderful plane with swans which was a great wonder was brought by you and was parked in your courtyard.
Nidhiresha maha padma samaneetho dhaneswarath, Kinchithkinim dhadhou chabdhi rmalamamlana pankajam.,49
From Lord Kubhera, the wealth called Maha padma (great lotus) was brought and the ocean gave you the garland of the non-fading lotus.
Chathram they varunam gehe kanchanasravi thishtathi, Thadayam syndhanavaro ya purasith prajapathe.,50
That umbrella belonging to Lord Varuna capable of giving golden showers and this queen of gems owned by Lord Brahma also are in your house.
Mruthyorolkranthidha nama saktheesa, twaya hrutha, Pasa salilarajasya brathrusthava parigruhe.,51
Oh God, You confiscated from Lord Yama the power to cause death and the great rope weapon of Lord Varuna are in your brother’s house.
Nishumbhasyaabdhi jathascha samastho rathna jathaya, Vahnischapi dhadhou thubhya magnisouche cha vasasi.,52
All the precious stones originating from the sea are in Nishumbha’s house and the God of fire presented to you those dresses cleaned by the fire.
Evam Dhaithyendra rathnani samasthaniya hruthanithe, Sthree rathna mesha kalyani thwa kasmanna gruhyathe.,53
Hey King of asuras, as told all the precious stones were brought for your sake, and how come this Ambika who is a jewel among ladies is not with you.
Rishir Uvacha: Nisamyethi vacha shumbha sa thadha Chanda Mundayo, Preshayamasa Sugreevam dhootham devya mahasuram.,54
The sage told: Then Shumbasura hearing the words of Chanda and Munda, sent the great Asura called Sugreeva as an emissary to meet the Goddess.
Ithi chethi cha vakthavyam saa gathwa vachan mama, Yadha chabhyethi sampreethya thadha karyam thwaya laghu.,55
Because of my orders you should tell her words as told by me and do actions which will make her come here speedily with love.
Sa thathra gathwa yathasthe sailodhese athi shobhane, Saa devi thaam thatha praha slashnam maduraya giraa.,56
That emissary went to the most pretty mountain parts where that Goddess was living and spoke these most suitable sweet words.
Dhootha Uvacha: Devi, Daithyeswara Shumbha trilokya parameswara, Dhoothoham preshithasthena twathsakasamihagatha.,57
Hey lady, Shumbha who is the lord of all the three worlds has sent me as an emissary and I have come near you.
Avyahathagna sarvaasu yaa sadha deva yonishu, Nirjitha Akhila dhaithyaari sa yadhaha srunushwa thath.,58
Please hear the words of Lord Shumbha who cannot be even neared by all devas and who has defeated all devas.
Mama trilokyamakhilam mama deva vasanugha, Yagna bhaganaam sarvanupasnami pruthak pruthak.,59
All the three worlds are all and mine the devas obey my orders and I also eat the share in the fire sacrifices meant for them.
Trilokya vara rathnani mama vasyanyaseshatha, Thadiva gaja rathnam cha hrutham devendra vahanam.,60
All the valuable precious stones of all the three worlds are with me and I have also taken that elephant on which Indra used to ride.
Ksherodha madhonoathbudha maswa rathnam mamarai, Uchaisrava sasamgnam that pranipthya samarpitham.,61
Uchaisravas, that great horse which was got from churning of the ocean of milk was offered to me by devas after they fell at my feet.
Yani chanyani deveshu gandharweshu rageshu cha, Rathna bhoothani thani mayyeva shobhane.,62
Hey glittering damsel, all the precious gems with devas, gandharwas and others are also with me.
Sthree rathna bhootham thwam devi loke manyaamahe vayam, Saa twamasmanupagascha yatho rathna bhujo vayam.,63
Hey lady, I think that you are the greatest gem among ladies of this world and since we are the ones who enjoy all gems, you better be pleased to attain me.
Maam vaa mamanujam vaa api Nishumbhamuru vikramam, Bhaja thwam chanchalapangi, rathna bhoothasi vai yatha.,64
Hey pretty damsel, because you have attained top position among pretty Women, you either pray me or my brother.
Parameswarryamathulam prapsyase math parigrauhath, Ethat budhya samolochya math parigruhathaam vraja.,65
By becoming my wife you attain incomparably great wealth and so think of this properly and become my wife.
Rishir Uvacha: Ithyukthaa saa devi gambheeranthasmitha jagou, Durga bhagawathi bhadra yayedham dharyathe jagath.,66
Hearing the words of the emissary, that goddess who was Durga, who was the greatest Goddess and who was wearing the world for the sake of its good, told with a deceptive smile the following words.
Devyuvacha: Sathyamuktham thwayanathra mithya kinchit thwyothidham, Trilokyadhipathi Shumbho Nishumbhaschapi thaadrusa.,67
The Goddess told: You have told the truth in this case and you have not exaggerated anything. Shumbha is the lord of the three worlds and so is Nishumbha.
Kinthwathra yath prathignadham mithya thath kriyathekadam, Sruyatham alpa budhithwad prathigna yaa krutha pura.,68
The oath, which was taken because of ignorance for selecting a husband in my case, has become a problem. Please hear about it.
Yo maam jayathi samgrame yo mey dharpam vyapohathi, Yo mey prathibhalo loke saa mey bhartha bhavishyathi.,69
That man who will win me in war, he who who will take away my pride and he who is equal to me in strength would become my husband.
Thadaschathu shumbhotha Nishumbho vaa mahasura, maam jithwa kinchirenathra panim gruhnathu mey laghu.,70
So let either the great Asura Shumbha or Nishumbha come here and let them win over me speedily and marry me. Let there not be waste of time in this.
Dhootha Uvacha: Avalipthasi maivam thwam devi broohi mamagratha, Trilokye kaa pumaam thishtehdagre Shumbha Nishumbhayo.,71
Hey Lady, you happen to be very proud because you should not tell like this to me. In all the three worlds which man can stand for war against Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Anyesha mapi dhithyanam sarve deva na vai yudhi, Thishtanthi sammukhe devi, kim puna sthwam ekika.,72
Hey lady, All devas cannot stand for war before other Asuras and how can you who are alone and of the weaker sex fight?
Indradhya sakala the deva shthasthuryashanna samyuge, Shumbhadeenaam kadham thesham sthree prayasyasi sam mukham.,73
Before these Rakshasas lead by Shumbha all devas lead by Indra were not able to face them. What about you who is a helpless girl?
Saa thwam gacha mayaivoktha paraswam Shumbha Nishumbhayo, Kesakarshana nirdhugdha gowrawa maa gamishyasi.,74
You better come in front of them as told by me and not loose all your respect and be dragged by your hair before them.
Devyuvacha: Evamethad balee shumbho Nishumbhaschadhi veeryavaan, Kim karomi prathigna mey yadanalochitha puraa.,75
It is true that Shumbha and Nishumbha are very strong, but what can be done now, as I had taken an oath without much thought.
Sa thwam gacha mayaivoktham yadethath sarva mathrudhtha, Thadha chakshwa asurendraya sa cha yuktham karothu yath.,76
After you go back, please tell Shumbha, whatever I have told without omitting any thing. Let that Shumbha decide whatever is appropriate.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Devi Dhootha Samvadho nama, Panchamo adhyaya,
This is the fifth chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the discussion of Goddess with the emissary Occurring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana.
Chapter 6: The killing of Dhoomra lochana[edit]
Rishir Uvacha: Ithyakarnya vacho devya sa dhootho amarshapooritha, Samachashta samagamya dhithya rajaaya vistharath.,1
The sage told: Hearing the words of the Goddess, that emissary became full of anger and went to Shumbhasura and told her words in detail.
Tasya dhoothasya thadvakyamakarnya surarat thadha, Sakrodha praha daithyanam adhipa Dhoomralochana.,2
Hearing those words the king of asuras Shumbha became angry and told his commander in chief Dhoomralochana as follows.
Hey dhoomralochana asu thwam swasainya parivaritha, Thaamanaya baladushtaam kesakarshana vihwalam.,3
Hey, Dhoomrlochana, you go along with my army and catch hold of that bad lady by her hair and forcefully bring her here fast.
That parithranadha kaschidyadhi vothishtathe para, Sa hanthavyo amaro yaapi yaksho gandharwo eva vaa.,4
If any body tries to protect her, be he a deva or yaksha or Gandharwa or any one else he is fit to be killed.
Rishir Uvacha: Thenagnapthasthatha seegram sa dhaithyo dhoomrlochana, Vrthash shashtya sahasranam asuranam drutham yayaou.,5
The sage told: Afterwards Dhoomrlochana thus ordeered by Shumbha went fast surrounded by sixty thousand asuras.
Sa drushtwa thaam thatho devim thuhinachala samsthitham, Jagadochou praheethi moolam shumbha nishumbhayo.,6
Then that Dhoomralochana seeing the goddess who was living in Himalayas, shouted at her (Ordered her) to go near Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Na cheth preethyadhya bhvathi mathbartharamupaishyathi, Thatho balannayamyadhya kesakarshana vihwalam.,7
Suppose you do not come with love to my Lord Shumbha, because of that I would drag you there forcefully catching hold of your hair.
Devyuvacha: Dhaithyeswarena prahitho balavan bala samvratha, Balannayasi maamevam thatha kim they karamyaham.,8
The Goddess told: Surrounded by an efficient army and sent by the Lords of Asuras, if you are going to take me forcefully, what I can do?
Rishir uvacha: Ithyuktha so abhyadavathamasuro Dhoomralochana, Hum karene naiva tham basma sa chakarambhika thatha.,9
Hearing these words of the Goddess, Dhoomralochana ran towards her but was made in to ashes just by the Sound of “hum” by her.
Atha krudham maha sainyamasuranam thadambika, Vavarsha sayakai steeshnai sthadha shakthi parasvadhai.,10
Afterwards that goddess with great anger rained sharp arrows, spears and other weapons at the big army of asuras
Thatho dhuthasata kopath kruthwa nadam subairavam, Papathasura senayam simho devya swavahana.,11
Afterwards the Lion, which was the steed of the Goddess became very angry and with shaking disheveled hair entered the army of asuras. (The lion fought because it thought that it was not proper for the Goddess to fight with an army without a commander. )
Kaschith kara praharena daithyanasena chaparan, Aakranthya chadharenanyan jagana cha mahasuran.,12
That lion killed some asuras with a beat by its hand, some by its face, by attack and by its lips many of the great Asuras.
Keshanchith patayamasa nakhai koshtani kesari, Thadha thalapraharena siramsi kruthavan pruthak.,13
That lion tore the heart from many with its claws and by his beating separated the head from the body of many.
Vichinna bahusirasa kruthasthena thadhapare, Papou cha rudhiram koshtadhanyesham dhuthakesara.,14
That courageous lion made many great asuras armless and headless and shaking the hairs of its mane it drank the blood of many asuras from their digestive parts.
Kshanena thath balam sarvam kshayam neethan mahathmana, Thena kesareena devya vahanenathi kopina.,15
That steed of the Goddess, which was a great soul, became very angry and within a short time destroyed the entire army.
Sruthwa thamasuram devya nihatham Dhoomralochanam, Agnapayamasa cha thou Chanda mundou mahasurou.,16
Chukopa daithyadhipathi Shumbha prasphrithadhara, Agnapayamasa cha thou Chanda mundou mahasurou.,17
Hearing that that Asura called Dhoomralochana was killed by the Goddess and his entire army was killed by her lion, Shumbha, the king of Asuras with shaking lips due to anger ordered the Great Asuras called Chanda and Munda as follows.
Hey Chanda, Hey Munda Balair Bahubhi parivarithou, Thathra gachatha gathwa cha saa samaneeyatham laghu.,18
Hey Chanda and Hey Munda both of you should go along with a huge army of asuras and bring her here speedily.
Kesheshwakrushya bhadwa va yadhi va samsayo yudhi, Thadaseshayudhai sarvair asurair vinahanyatham.,19
Bring her here either catching her hair or tied by rope. If you have any doubts in the war use all asuras and all weapons and kill her.
Thasyam hathayam dushtayam simhe cha vinipathithe, Seegramagamyatham badhwa graheethwa thamadhamambikaam.,20
Once that Goddess who hates asuras is beaten and fallen and the lion is killed, that Goddess should be brought by catching her or tying her.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare,
Devi Mahatmye, Dhomralochana vadho nama, Sashto adhyaya,
This is the sixth chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the killing of Dhoomra lochana Occuring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana.
Chapter 7: Killing of Chanda and Munda[edit]
Rishir Uvacha: Agnapthasthe thatho daithya Chanda Munda purogama, Chathuranga balopetha yayurbhuythayudha.,1
Then Chanda and Munda sent by that Asura went there with four types of army and holding their weapons aloft.
Dhadrususthe thatho devimeeshadhasam vyavasthitham, Simhasyopari sailendra srunge mahathi kanchane.,2
Then they saw the smiling Devi riding on a lion on the top of the big golden Himalayas.
They drushtwa thaam samadhathu mudhyamam chakurudyutha, Akrushta chapasi dharasthadanyei tatsameepaga.,3
Seeing her they enthusiastically started trying to catch her and others armed with weapons like bows and sword neared her.
Thatha kopam chakarochai rambika thanarin prathi, Kopena chasya vadanam masheevarna mabhooth thada.,4
That Goddess became very angry with her enemies and her face became as black as the Indian ink.
Brukuti kutila thasya lalata phalakadbhutham, Kali karala vadana vinishkranthasi pasini.,5
From her broad forehead, which was bent by her curved eyebrows, rose a goddess called Kali armed with sword and a rope.
Vichithra gatwangadhara nara maala vibhooshana, Dweepicharma pareedhana sushka mamasadi bhairava.,6
Athi vistara vadana jihwa lalana bheeshana, Nimagna aaraktha nayana nada pooritha dingmukha.,7
She was holding a very peculiar sword, wearing a garland of human skulls, dressed in the hide of a tiger, with no flesh in her body, with very terrible looks, with a broad face, who looked very fearful because she was moving her tongue, who was sunken red eyes and was filling all directions with her roars from her throat.
Saa vegenaabhi pathitha gathayanthi mhaasuraan, Sainye thathra surareenaambhayakshtha thath balam.,8
That goddess went straight and fast and warning the great asuras and started eating the enemies of devas whom were part of the army.
Parshni grahangusagrahiyodhaganda samanwithan, Samadhayika hasthena mukhe chikshepa varanaan.,9
She caught hold of huge elephants along with men shielding its backside, the trainer with his long spear and the hero riding on it and crushed them and put in her mouth.
Thadiva yodham thuragai radham saradhina saha, Nikshipya vakthre dasanai scharvantyaithi bairavam.,10
Similarly she was placing charioteer along with horses and driver in her mouth and started chewing them terribly with her teeth.
Ekam jagraha keseshu greevayamadha chaparam, Padanakramya chaivanyamurasa anyamapodhayath.,11
She killed one Asura catching hold of his hair, another catching his throat, another by kicking with her leg and another by pressing his chest.
Thair mukthani cha sasthrani mahasthrani thada asurai, Mukhena jagraha rusha dasanair madhithanyapi.,12
She caught hold of the arrows as well as weapons sent against her by those asuras (Chanda and Munda) and broke them to pieces by her teeth.
Balinaam thath balam sarvamasuranam mahatmaanam, Mamardha abakshshayachanya nanyamsuscha thadayathathdha.,13
She beat the entire Asura army consisting of big and strong-bodied asuras. She ate some of them and gave severe punishment to others.
Asina nihatha kechith kechith gadwanga thaditha, Jagmur vinasamasura danthagrabhihathasthadha.,14
Some of the asuras were punished by sword, some by Gadgayudha (sword with curved end) and some by her teeth and all of them were destroyed.
Kshanena thathbalam sarvaam asuranaam nipathitham, Drushtwa Chando abhidhudrwa Kalim athi bheeshanam.,15
Seeing that within a short time the entire Asura army was destroyed Chanda ran towards the terrible goddess Kali.
Saravarshai maha bheemai r bheemaksheem tham mahasura, Chadayamasa chakraischa Munda Kshiptai sahasrasa.,16
Chanda with horrible rain of punishing arrows and Munda with the weapon of wheel (Chakras) send again and again fought with the greatly fearful eyed Goddess Kali.
Thaani chakanyanekaani visamaanani than mukham, Bhaburyadharka bimbhani subahooni ganodharam.,17
Those numerous Chakras (wheels) entering the face of Goddess Kali appeared like several Suns, which have entered the dense clouds.
Thatho jahasathirusha bheemam bhairava nadhini, Kali karala vakthrantha dur darsanojjwala.,18
Then That goddess Kali, shouting in a horrifying way and having a horror raising face with shining teeth which cannot be stared at, laughed widely and loudly
Uthaya cha mahaasim ham devi Chandamadhavatha, Graheethwa chasya keseshu Sirasthenasinachinath.,19
That goddess lifted her sword very high, spoke “Ham”, and ran towards Chanda, caught hold of his hair and cut off his head. (Saying of “Ham”, denotes she is very angry)
Adha Mundo abhyadatham drushtwa Chandam nipathitham, Tham apya patayath bhoomou sa gadagbhihatham rusha.,20
Then Chanda seeing that Munda has fallen ran towards her, and Goddess Kali beat him with her sword and he fell on the ground.
Hathasesham thatha sainyam drushtwa Chandam nipathitham., Mundascha sumaha veeryam dhiso bheje bhayathuram.,21
Then whatever Asura army was remaining seeing that Chanda and the greatly valorous Munda has fallen, ran in all directions due to great fear.
Siraschandasya kali cha graheethwa mundameva cha, Praha prachand attahasa misramabhethya Chandikam.,22
Then Goddess Kali holding the head of Chanda and Munda neared Goddess Chandika and with great exultation told.
Mayo thathropa hruthou Chanda Mundou Maha pasu, Yudha yagne swayam Shumbham Nishumbham cha hanishyasi.,23
In this fire sacrifice of war I have brought this Chanda and Munda to you as sacrificed animals and you yourself will kill Shumbha and Nishumbha and sacrifice them in this war.
Rishir Uvacha: Thavaneethou thatho drushtwa Chanda Mundou Mahasurou, Uvacha Kalim Kalyani lalitham Chandika vacha.,24
Then that Chandika, who tells very pleasant words, seeing that the asuras Chanda and Munda were brought to her, told the following pretty words to goddess Kali.
Yasmachandascha mundascha graheethwa twam upagatha, Chamundethi thatho loke khyata devi bavishyasi.,25
Hey Kali, because you have killed Chanda and Munda you would become famous in this world and would be known as Chamunda.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Chanda Munda vadho nama, Sapthamo adhyaya,
This is the seventh chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the killing of Chanda and Munda Occurring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana.
Chapter 8: Killing of Raktha Bheeja[edit]
Rishir Uvacha: Chande cha nihathe daithye Munde cha vinipathithe, Bahuleshu cha sainyeshu kshayiteshwasureswara.,1
Thatha kopa paradheena chetha Shumbha prathapawan, Udyogam sarva sainyanaam daithyanaam adhidesha ha.,2
When Chanda was killed, Munda has fallen and a huge army was destroyed, the God of Asuras Shumbha who was very famous became extremely angry and gave orders for the entire army of asuras to fight against the goddess.
Adhya sarva balair daithya shadaseethirudhayudha, Kambhoonam chathuraseethir niryanthu swabalair vyatha.,3
Let the war ready eighty six groups along with the four sections of the army and all the eighty four Kambus(a group of asuras) surrounded by their own army march against her.
Koti veeryani panchasadauraanam kulani vai, Satham kulani dhoomranaam nirgachanthu mamagnaya.,4
The fifty groups called Koti veeryas (crore heroes) and the fifty groups born in the dhoomra family also start as per my order.
Kaalka, daurhrudha, mairya, kalakeyasthadasura, Yudhaya sajja niryanthu agnaya twaritha mama.,5
Those called Kalaka, those born in the family of Durhruth, those sons of Kalaka, also start speedily with all arrangements as per my order.
Ithyagnapyaasurapathi Shumbho bhairava shasana, Nirjagama maha sainya saharair bahubir vrutha.,6
After ordering thus that Asura chief Shumbha who had strong control started surrounded by thousands of great armies.
Aayantham chandika drushtwa tatsainyamathi bheeshanam, Jyaswanai poorayamasa dharani gaganantharam.,7
Seeing that great horror filled army of Shumbha coming towards her, that goddess Chandika pulled the thread of her bow and filled the space between sky and earth with a Sound of “twang”
Thatha simho mahanada matheeva kruthavan nrupa, Gandaswanena thannadam ambika chopabyam hayath.,8
Hey king, afterwards the lion also roared greatly and the goddess increased the Sound of that roar by ringing of the bell.
Dhanurjya simha gandanam naada pooritha dingmukha, ninadair bheeshanair Kali jigye vistharithanana.,9
This Sound of lion, twang of the bow and the Sound of the bell, which filled all directions, was victorious (much louder) over the Sound made by the broad-faced goddess Kali.
Thanninadammupasrruthu daithyasainyair chaturdisam, Devi simhasthadha Kali saroshair parivaritha.,10
Hearing that Sound, the very angry Asura army surrounded the goddess Ambika, the lion and Goddess Kali.
Ethasminnanthare bhoopa, vinasaya suradwisham, Bhavayamarasimhanam athi veerya balanwitha.,11
Brahmesa guha Vishnunaam thadaivendrasya sakthaya, Sarrerebhyo vinishkramya roopair chandikam yayu.,12
Hey king, at this time for causing the destruction of asuras and for benefit of the devas, the very strong and intelligent Sakthis (innate female powers) of Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu, Subrahmanya and Indra came out and with the looks of the corresponding gods reached Chandika. (Shakthi literally means strength and here it is the essential force. The shakthi from Brahma was called Brahmani, from Shiva called Maheswari, From Vishnu, Vaishnavi, Narasimhi and Varahi, from Indra Indrani and from Subramanya as Kaumari. Along with Chandika they are called the Ashta Durgas)
Yasya devasya yadroopam yadha bhooshana vahanam, Thdwa devachakthi rasuraan yodhumayayou.,13
Each of these shakthis had the same mien of the god, same ornaments and same steed and all of them started for war with the asuras.
Hamsa yuktha vimanagre saaksha soothra kamandalu, Aayatha brahmana shakthir brahmani saabhidheeyathe.,14
The shakthi from Brahma came on a plane with swans and was having the drinking vessel and the chain of beads and that goddess was known as Brahmani.
Maheswari vrusharrooda trishoola dharini, Mahahi valaya praptha chandra rekha vibhooshana.,15
Maheswari reached there riding on a bull, holding the great trident, and wearing snakes as bangles and the crescent as an ornament on her head.
Kaumari shakthi hastha cha mayoora vara vahana, Yodhumabhyayou dathyanam ambika guhaoopini.,16
The shakthi of Subrahmanya called Kaumari started for the war with the asuras holding a spear, riding on the glorious peacock and having a form similar to Subrahmanya.
Thadaiva Vaishnava shakthir garudopari samsthitha, Sanka Chakra gadha sarnga gadga hasthabhyayou.,17
Similarly the Shakthi of Vishnu rode on Garuda (Eagle) and was armed with conch, wheel, mace, bow and sword.
Yagna varahamathulam roopam yaa bibrutho hare, Shakthisaapyaou thathra vaarahim bibruthi thanum.,18
The incomparable sagely form of Lord Vishnu in the form of boar; called Varahi also came there.
Narasimhi mrusimhasya bibrathi sadrusam vapu, Praptha thathra sataksha pakshiptha nakshatra samhathi.,19
A Shakthi connected with the form on lion-man (Narasimha also came there, which with its mane was breaking apart the collection of stars.
Vajrasthaa thadaivaindri gaja rajoparisthidha, Praptha sahasra nayana yatha sakrasthadiva saa.,20
Similarly resembling Indra, a power Indrani reached there riding on elephant called Iravatha, holding the vajrayudha (weapon of diamond) and having thousand eyes.
Thada parivrutha sthabir ishano deva shakthibhi, Hanyantham asura seegram mama preethyaha chandikaam.,21
Then surrounded by those Shakthis from different devas, Parameshwara told goddess Chandika that she should kill the asuras swiftly because of his love for her. (This is slightly confusing but one reading suggests that it is not “Parameshwara “ but the “shakthi from parameshwara. ”)
Thadho deva sareerathu vinishkanthadhi bheeshana, Chandika shakthir athyugra Shiva satha ninadhini.,22
Then from the body of Goddess, the horrifying and very angry power of Chandika rose with hundreds of sounds of Shiva.
Saa chaha dhoomrajatilameeshanam aparajitha, Dhoothathwam gacha Baghawan, paraswam Shumbha Nishumbhayo.,23
That invinicible Chandika told Lord Shive with red flowing hair, “Hey God, please go to Shumbha and Nishumbha as my emissary. ”
Broohi Shumbham Nishumbhascha Dhanavavathi garvithou, Ye chanyai dhanasthathra yudhaya samupasthitha.,24
Please tell those proud egotistical Shumbha and Nishmbha as well other Asuras who have assembled there for war.
Trilokyamindro labhatham deva santhu havirbhuja, Yooyam prayatha patalam yadhi jeevithum icchhada.,25
If you interested in staying alive, go to Patala (Underworld) and allow Indra to rule over the three worlds as also permit Devas to eat their share from fire sacrifice.
Balavalepadhadha chedh bavantho yudha kamkshina, Thadha gachatha trupyanthu machiva pisithena vaa.,26
Otherwise because of your over estimate of self, if you are interested in war, let my followers be satisfied by your meat.
Yatho niyuktho dauthyena thaya devya Shiva swayam, Shiva dhoothi ithi loke asmim sthatha saa khyathi magatha.,27
Because of the fact that She sent Lord Shiva himself as emissary, in this human world she became famous as Shiva dhoothi. (She who sent Shiva as an emissary).
They api sruthwa devya sarvakyatham mahasura, Amarsha pooritha janmaryutha kathyayani Sthidha.,28
Those great asuras hearing the words of Chandika as told by Lord Shiva, became full of anger and marched in the direction where the Goddess was available.
Thadha prathamamevagre sarashathyashti vrushtibhi, Vavarsha rudhatha amarshastham devimararaya.,29
Then those enemies of devas, due to their ebbing anger sent rains of arrows, spears and swords towards the body of the goddesses.
Saa cha thaan prahithan banan shoola shakthi paraswadhan, Chichedha leelayad matha dhanurmukthair maheshubhi.,30
That Chandika cut off all the arrows, spears and swords sent by the asuras playfully with her great arrows.
Tasyagrasthada kaali shoolapada vitharithan, Gadwangapadhithamschanyan kurvathivyacharathadha.,31
Then similarly Goddess Kali walked in front of her by breaking open the skulls of some by spears and hurting others by swords.
Kamandalu jalakshepa hatha veeryaan hathoujasa, Brahmani chakarochathroon yena yena sma dhavathi.,32
Whichever way Brahmani traveled, she sprinkled water from her holy vessel and made the soldiers power less and without vigour.
Maheswari trishulena thadha chakrena vaishnavi, Daithyan jagana Kaumari thadha shakthyadhi kopana.,33
Maheswari with her trident, Vaishnavi with her holy Wheel and Kaumari with her spear killed those asuras with great anger.
Iyndri kulisapathena sathaso daithya dhanava, Pethur vidaritha bhoomou rudhirougha praharshina.,34
With the hit of Vajaraudha of Iyndri, numerous asuras and Rakshasas fell in the battlefield bleeding profusely.
Thunda prahara vidhwastha damshtagra kshatha vakshasa, Varaha moorthya nrupatham sakrena cha vidharitha.,35
Several of them fell because of the hit by the face of Varahi, because of her claws tearing them and by her Chakrayudha (Wheel).
Nakhair vidharithamschanyan bakshayanthi mahasuran, Naarasimhi cha chaarajou nada poornitha digambara.,36
Narasimhi killed some great asuras by tearing them by her claws and some by eating them and filling all sides and the sky with great Sound which traveled all over the space.
Chandattahasairasura Shiva dhoothyabhibashitha, Perthu vidharitha bhoomou thamscha gadhdha saa thada.,37
Those asuras who fell hearing the great roar of Shivadhoothi were eaten by her immediately.
Ithi mathru ganam krudham mardhayantham mahasuraan, Drushtwabhyupayair vividhair nesur devari sainika.,38
The Asura soldiers thus being killed by such different war techniques by the angry group of goddesses ran away.
Palayana paran drushtwa daithyan mathruganardhithan, Yodhumabhyayou krudho raktha bheejo mahasura.,39
The great Asura called Raktha Bheeja (He who uses his blood as seed) seeing that his army is troubled by the mother goddesses and were intent on running away, became very angry and went for war.
Rakthabindurayadha bhoomou pathathyasya sareeratha, Samuthpathathi medhinyasthath pramano mahasura.,40
When a drop of his blood falls on the ground, from that will rise another Asura exactly like him.
Yuyudhe cha gadhapanir indra shakthya mahasura, Thathschaindri swa vajrena raktha bheejama thadayath.,41
He with a mace in his hand fought with Iyndrani and she hit him with her Vajrayudha,
Kulisena hathasyasu bahu susrava shonitham, Samthasdhusthatho yodhasthadrupa sthath parakrama.,42
By the hit of Vajrayudha lot of blood fell from his body and from that blood rose several asuras similar to him looks and valour.
Yavantha pathithasthasya sareerad raktha bindhawa, Thavantha purusha jathasthad veerya bala vikrama.,43
As per the number of drops of blood that fell from his body, from that rose similar number of asuras equal to him in strength and valour.
They chaapi yuyudhasthathra purusha raktha sambhava, ‘Samam mathrubhirathyugra sastha pathathi bheeshanam.,44
In that war all those men who rose from the drops of blood fought with the mother goddesses with very powerful weapons.
Punascha vajrapathena kshathamasya shiro yadha, Vavaha raktham purushasthatho jatha sahasrasa.,45
Afterwards when Raktha Beeja’s head was cut by the hit of vajrayudha, he bled a lot and from that flow of blood rose thousands of men.
Vaishnavi samare chinam chakranobhi jagana ha, Gadhaya thadayamasa iyndri thaamsureswaram.,46
In the war Vishnavi cut him with wheel and Indri beat him with Vajrayudha again.
Vaishnavi Chakra binnasya rudira srava sambhavai, Saharaso jagat vyaptham thath pramanai mahasurai.,47
Due to the wound inflicted by the Chakra (Holy wheel) of Vaishnavi blood flowed profusely and the world was filled by several thousands of asuras like him.
Sakthya jagana kaumari vaarahi thadasina, Maheswari trishulena rakthabeejam mahasuram.,48
Kaumari with her spear, Varahi with her sword and Maaheswari with her trident troubled Rakthabheeja.
Sa chaapi gadhya daithya sarva evahanath prudak, Mathru kopa samavishto raktha bheejo mahasura.,49
That great Asura called Raktha Bheeja with great anger gave thrashing to the mother goddesses seperately.
Tasyahathasya bahudha sakthi sooladhibhir bhuvi, Papathayo vai rakthou gasthena samgnathaso asura.,50
The quanitity of blood that fell on the floor from him due to weapons like spear and sword gave raise to numerous asuras.
Taischasura srukh sambhoothai rasuarai sakalam jagat, Vyapthamasi thatho deva bhayamajagmuruthamam.,51
The asuras who rose from the blood of that Asura spread and filled the universe and because of this devas were filled with great fear.
Thaan vishannan suraan drushtwa Chandika praha sathwara, Uvacha kaleem Chamunde, vistheernam vadanam kuru.,52
That Goddess Chandika seeing that the devas looked worried, told Goddess Kali speedily, “Hey Chamunde, make your face very broad. ”
Macchathrapatha sambhoothan rakthabhindun mahasuraan, Rakthabhindo pratheecha thwan vakthronaaena vegitha.,53
You catch with your broad face these great asuras, as drops of blood when the blood falls due to my weapons.
Bakashayanthi chara rane thaduthpannan mahasuraan, Evamesha kshayam daithya ksheenaraktho gamishyathi.,54
Travel in the battle field eating the asuras who rise from the drops of blood and this Rakthabheeja would die soon with loss of blood.
Bakshyamanasthwaya chogra nachothpathi chaapare, Ithyukthwa thaam thatho devi soolenabhi jagana thaam.,55
Saying, “Because you are eating them, new asuras will not be produced” that Chandika hit that Asura Raktha bheeja with her trident.
Mukhena kaali jagruhe rakthabheejasya shonitham, Thatho asaavaa jagaanadha gadatha thathra chandikaam.,56
Kali drank Raktha Bheeja’s blood with her face and afterwards Raktha Bheeja hit chandika by his mace.
Na chaasya Vedaanam chakre Gadhapatho alpikamapi, Thasyahathasya dehathu bahu susrava shonitham.,57
That hit by the mace did not give any pain to Chandika and Rakthabheeja who was hit by Chandika lost lot of blood.
Yathasthad vakthrena Chamundow sampatheechathi, Mukhe samuthgatha yesya rakthapathaan mahasura.,58
Thasmscha gadhadha Chamundo papaow tasya cha sonitham., 59
That Goddess Chamunda caught the blood falling here and there from Raktha Bheeja by her face and drank it. She also ate those asuras who were already produced by falling of his blood. She also drank the blood of Raktha Bheeja.
Devi soolena vajrena banairasibhiryashtibhi, Jagana Raktha Bheejam tham Chamunda peetha sonitham.,60
Goddess Chandika hit Rakthabheeja whose blood has been drank by Goddess Chandika with weapons like Trident, Vajrayudha, arrows and swords.
Sapapatha maha prushte sasthra sangha samahatha, Neerakthascha Maheepala Raktha Bheejo mahasura.,61
Hey king, That Asura called Raktha Bheeja was punished suffeciently and lost all the blood from his body and fell on the floor.
Thathsthe harshamathula mavapsthridasa Nrupa, Hathe mathru ganasthasmin nanarthasyangh madodhadhatha.,62
Hey king, afterwards, the devas attained great happiness, when Raktha Bheeja died and those mother Goddesses drunk heavily by his blood danced.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Raktha Bheeja vadho Nama, Ashtamo adhyaya,
This is the eighth chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the killing of Raktha Bheeja Occuring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana
Chapter 9: Killing of Nishumbha[edit]
Rajo Uvacha: Vichithramidhamaakhyatham bhagawan bhawatha mama, Devyascharitha mahatmyam raktha bheeja vadhasritham.,1
The king told: Hey god like sage, You have told me till now the strange story of the great Goddess which includes the killing of Raktha Bheeja.
Bhooyaschechamyaham srothum raktha bheejenipathithe, Chakara shumbho yath Karma nishumbaschthi kopana.,2
We wish to hear the story of what the angry Shumbha and Nishumbha did when Raktha Bheeja was killed.
Rishir Uvacha: Chakara kopa mathulam raktha bheeje nipathithe, Shumbhasuro nishumbhascha hatheshwanyeshu chaahave.,3
The sage told: When Raktha Bheeja fell in the war, and also when other asuras were killed, Shumbha and Nishumba got unmatchable anger.
Hanyamanam maha sainyam vilokyaa marsha mudhwahan, Abhyadawn nishumbho Adha mukhyaya asura senaya.,4
Afterwards Nishumbha seeing that great part of his army has been killed, became very angry and with his Asura army marched towards the Goddess for war.
Tasyagathasthadha prushte parsvyaoscha mahasura, Sadashtoushtaputa krudha hanthum devi mupayayu.,5
In front and behind him, ran several great asuras for killing the Goddess with biting lips.
Ajagama maha veerya Shumbho api swabalair vrutha, Nihanthum chandikam kopath kruthwa yudham mathrubhi.,6
That great valorous Shumbha surrounded by his great army fought with the seven mother goddesses and because of anger came to kill Goddess Chandika.
Tatho yudhamathee vaasi devyo Shumbha Nishumbhayo, Sarvashamathivogram meghayoriva varshatha.,7
Then Shumbha and Nishumbha raining arrows like two raining clouds began a big war with the goddess.
Chichedasthamcharamsthabhyam chandika swasarolkkarai. Thadayamasa changeshu sasthroughaira sureswarou.,8
That goddess cut off all the arrows sent by both of them and also punished them severely by arrows and other weapons.
Nishumbho nishitham gadgam charma chaadhaya suprabham, Athadayan moordhini simham devya vahanamuthamam.,9
Nishumbha took a sharp sword and shield and hit at the forehead of the great steed of the goddess.
Thadithe vahane devi kshuraprenasimuthamam, Nishumbhasyashu chichedha charma chapyashta chandrakam.,10
Seeing her steed (, the lion) was hurt, that goddess with an arrow broke the Nishumbha’s special sword and shield in which eight moons were drawn.
Chinne charmani gadge cha shakthim chikshepa so asura, Thamapyasya dwidhachakre chakrenabhimukhagathaam.,11
Seeing that he lost his sword and shield, Nishumbha opposed her with a spear. The goddess cut it off with her holy wheel.
Kopamadhmatho Nishumbho adha soolam jagraha dhanava, Ayantham mushtipathena devi tachapyachoornayath.,12
Then Nishumbha who was shining because of his anger threw the trident against her and she powdered it in to pieces by her fist itself.
Aavidhyadha gadaam so api chikshepa chandikaam prathi, Saapi devya trishulena bhinna basmathwamagadha.,13
Afterwards he rotated his mace and threw it in the direction of the goddess and that mace was broken by the trident of the goddess and turned in to ashes.
Thatha parasu hastham thamayantham daithyapungavam, Aahathya devi banau ghairapathayatha bhoothale.,14
Then the Asura came with an axe towards the Goddess and she felled him to the ground by her arrows.
Tasminnipathithe bhoomou Nishumbhe Bheema Vikrame, Braharyatheeva samkrudha prayayou Yodhumambhikam.,15
Seeing that his greatly valorous brother Nishumbha has fallen on the ground, Shumbha went for fighting with the Goddess with great anger.
Sa radhasthadh atyuchair ugrageetha paramayudhai, Bhujai ashatabir athulyair vyapyasesham bhabou nabha.,16
Then riding on a charriot and armed with several specialised weapons he appeared to have spread through out the sky using his eight hands.
Thamayantham samalokhya devi sankhamavadhyath, Jyasabdham danushchakaratheeva dussaham.,17
That goddess seeing him coming, blew her conch and twanged her bow string and produced a Sound which was intolerable.
Poorayamasa kakubho nija gandaswanena cha, Samastha daithya sainyanam thejo vadha vidhayina.,18
She filled all the directions with the Sound of her bell, which was capable of destroying the valour of all the asuras.
Thatha simho mahanadhau sthyajithebha maha madhai, Poorayamasa gaganam gaam thadopadhiso dasa.,19
Afterwards that lion with a big roar capable of taming the enthusiasm of elephants filled the ten directions as well as the sky and the earth.
Thatha kali samuthpathya gaganam kshmamathadayath, Karabhyam thanninadhena prak swanasthe thirohitha.,20
Then Chandika jumped up the sky and beat the earth with her hands and this Sound made all the other previous sounds paler.
Attattahasamashivam shivadhoothi chakara ha, Thai shabhdair asuraasthresu Shumbha kopam parama yayaou.,21
Then Goddess Shivadhoothi laughed very loudly with a horrifying Sound and because of that Sound the asuras were fear struck and Shumbha became very angry.
Durathmasthishta thishtethi vyajaharambika yadha, Thadha jayethya abhihatham devair akasa samsthithai.,22
When the goddess cried, “Hey bad one stop, stop,” the devas who were standing in the sky shouted, “Victory, victory. ”
Shumbhonagathya ya shakthirmuktha jwalathi bheeshana, aayanthi vahni kootabha sa nirastha maholkhaya.,23
That glittering spear which was thrown by Shumbha, after he went near her progressed like a fire ball but was destroyed by the Goddess using her weapon called “Maholkha”. (This is a great spear of the Goddess with great glittering light. )
Simha nadena Shumbhasya vyaptham loka tryantharam, Nirghatha niswano ghoro jitha wan avanipathe.,24
Hey king the lion like roar of Shumbha spread throughout the three worlds and was greater in intensity than a terrible thunder.
Shumbha mukthan saran devi shumbhasthath prahithan saran, Chichedha swa sarair ugrai sathasodha sahasrasa.,25
Then the arrows send by Shumbha and the arrows sent by the Goddess were cut using their arrows in hundreds and thousands by the Goddess and Shumbha respectively.
Thatha saa chandika krudha soolena jagana thaam, Sa thadabi hatho bhoomou moorchitho nipapatha ha.,26
Then that Chandika with great anger hit Shumbha with her spear and he fainted and fell on the battle ground.
Thatho Nishbha samprapya chetanamatha karmuka, Aajagana sarair devim kaleem kesarinam thadha.,27
At this time Nishumbha woke up from his faint and took his bows and punished the Goddess and her lion with his arrows. (See sloka 14 above)
Punascha kruthwa bahunanayutam dhanujeswara, Chakrayuthena dhithijachadayamasa Chandikam.,28
By his magical powers, that lords of Asuras made ten thousand hands to him and covered the goddess with ten thousand wheels.
Thatho Bhagawathi krudha Durga durgarthi nasini, Chichedha thani chakrani swa sarai sayakamscha thaan.,29
Afterwards that Goddess Chandika who killed bad souls, became very angry and cut off all those wheels and arrows.
Thatho Nishumbho vegena gadha maadhaya chandikam, Abhyadhavatha vai hanthum daithya sena samavrutha.,30
Then Nishumbha surrounded by the Asura army, took the mace marched to attack the goddess.
Thasyapathatha evasu gadham chichedha Chandika, Gadgena shitha dharena sa cha soolam samadhadhe.,31
Even while he was approaching, goddess Chandika cut off his mace and then he armed himself with a spear.
Soolahastham samayantham nishumbhamamarardhanam, Hrudhi vivyadha soolena vega vidhena chandika.,32
That Goddess punished Nishumbha who was the tormentor of devas and who was armed with a spear by throwing another spear at him.
Binnasya tasya soolena hrudhaya nissrutho apara, Mahabalo maha veeryasthishtehi purusho vadan.,33
From Nishumbha, whose chest was torn, rose another very strong and very valorous man shouting, “stop, stop. ”(We should assume here that this man is his soul. )
Thasya nishkramatho devi prahasya swanavathatha, Sira chichedha gadgena thatho asavapathath bhuvi.,34
Seeing this the Goddess laughed loudly and cut off his head by her sword and he fell on the ground.
Thasya simhascha Khadhogra damshtra kshunna shirodharan, Asuram sthaam thadha kali shivadhoothi thadha aparan.,35
Then that lion ate several asuras whose neck was broken by its horrible teeth and Chamunda and Shivadhoothi also ate some more asuras.
Kaumari shakthi nirbhinna kechinnesur maha sura, Brahmani mandhrapoothena thoyenanye nirakrutha.,36
Some great asuras died being broken by the spear of Kaumari and some others were benumbed by the holy water sprinkled by Brahmani.
Maheswari trishoolena bhinna pethur sthadha apare, Varahi thunda gathena kechit choorneekrutha bhuvi.,37
Similarly many asuras fell torn by the trident of Maheswari and some by the dash of the face of Varahi.
Gandam gandam cha chakrena vaishnavya dhanava krutha, Vajrena chaindre hasthagra vimukthena thadha apare.,38
Some were cut in to pieces after pieces by the holy wheel of Vaishnavi and others by the Vajrayudha thrown at them from the hands of Indri.
Kechidwinesoorasura kechith nashata maha havath, Bakshithaschapare kali Shiva dhoothi, mrugathipai.,39
Some asuras were destroyed in the great battle, some ran away and some of them were eaten by Kali and Shivadhoothi.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Nishmbha vadho Nama, Navamo adhyaya,
This is the ninth chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the killing of Nishumbha Occurring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana
Chapter 10: Killing of Shumbha[edit]
Rishir Uvacha: Nishumbham nihatham drushtwa bratharam pranasammitham, Hanyamanam balanchaiva Shumbha krudha abraveedvacha.,1
The sage told: Seeing that his solu like brother was killed as also his army, Shumbha became very angry and told.
Balavale pa dushte, thwam maa durge, Garvamavaha, Anyasam balamasrithya yudhyase yathi manani.,2
Hey Durga, Hey bad lady, you should not be proud of your strength for You have fought this war with the help of others and are depending on their strength.
Devyuvacha: Ekaivaham jagathyathra dwithiya kaa mamaa para, Pasyaitha dushta, mayyeva visanthyo madvibhuthaya.,3
The goddess told: In this world, I only am and where is the second. Please see that all these people enter within me.
Thatha samasthastha devyo brahmani pramukhalayam, Thasya devyasthanou jagmur ekaivasee thadambika.,4
Afterwards all the goddesses like Brahmani became one with the body of goddess Chandika and the goddess became alone.
Devi uvacha: Aham vibhoothya bahubhiriha roopair yathasthadha, Tatsamhrutham mayaikeva thishtamyajou sthidhirobhava.,5
The goddess told: In this battlefield I assumed many forms due to my innate power and now the plurality has become singularity and now stand here firmly and fight with me.
Rishir uvacha: Thatha pravavrutham yudham devya shumbhasya cho bhayo, Pasyaitham sarva devanam asuranaam cha darunam.,6
The sage told: Afterwards in the presence of all the devas and asuras, a terrible war took place between the two (Shumbha and the Goddess).
Saravarshai sithai sasthraisthadha asthraischaiva dharunai, Thayor yudhamabhooth bhooya sarva loka bayankaram.,7
A very fearful and terrible war took place between them in which sharp arrows were rained and using other weapons and horrifyingly great arrows
Divyanasthrani sathaso mumuche yanyadhambika, Babhancha thani daithyendra sthath prathi gatha karthrubhi.,8
Afterwards when the goddess sent several divine arrows in batches of hundreds, Shumbha destroyed them using arrows, which were capable of destroying them.
Mukthani thena chasthrani divyani parameshwari, Banbancha leelayaivogra hoongarocharanadhibhi.,9
That Goddess Chandika cut the divine arrows sent by Shumbha by her deep breath (Hum) and also playfully.
Thatha sara sathair devi machadhayatha so asura, Saapi that kupitha devi dhanu chicchedha cheshubhi.,10
Then that Shumbha covered the Goddess with hundreds of arrows and becoming angry due to this, she cut off his bow using her arrows.
Chinne dhanushi daithyendra sthadha shakthi madhadade, Chichechadha devi chakrena thamapyasya kare sthithaam.,11
When his bow was broken, That Shumbha took in his hand a spear and the goddess cut it with her holy wheel.
Thatha gadgamupadhaya sathachandram cha bhanumath, Abhyadavatha thaam deveem daithyanam adhipeswara.,12
Then that chief of chiefs of Asuras, Shumbha took a sword and a shield, which shined like hundred moons and sun and ran towards the goddess.
Thasya pathatha evasu gadgam chichedha chandika, Dhanur mukthai shithairbanaischarma charkarakamalam.,13
Goddess Chandika while he was coming cut off his sword and shield which were reflecting the sun, with arrows sent from her bow.
Hathaswa sa thadha daithya chinnadhanwa visaradhi, Jagraha mudhgaram goram ambika nidhanodhyadha.,14
Then that Asura, whose horses were killed, whose bow was broken and whose chariot driver was killed took a horrifying mace to kill the goddess.
Chichedhaa pathatha thasya mudhgaram nishithai sarai, Thadapi so abhyadavatham mushti mudhyamya vegavaan.,15
She cut off the mace of Shumbha who was nearing her with sharp arrows. In spite of that he ran towards the goddess with extended fist.
Sa mushtim padayamasa hrudhaye daithya pungava, Devyastham chapi saa devi thalanorasya thadayath.,16
That chief of asuras hit the goddess with his fist on her forehead and she slapped him with her palm on his chest.
Thalapraharabhi hatho nipapatha maheethale, Sa daithyaraja sahasa punareva thadosthidha.,17
That king of asuras fell on the ground due to her slap but recovered and got up fast.
Uthpathya cha pragruhyo uchair devim gaganamasthidha, Thathrapi saa niradhara yuyudhe thena chandika.,18
That Shumbha jumped caught hold of the goddess and placed her high in the sky but Chandika stayed there without any support and fought with him.
Niyudham khe thadha daithyaschandika cha parasparam, Chakrathu pradhamam yudham muni vismayakarakam.,19
Then that Asura and goddess Chandika first fought with bare hands on the sky, making the sages aghast.
Thatho niyudham suchiram kruthwa thenambhika saha, Uthpathya bramayamasa chikshepa dharani thale.,20
After fighting war with bare hands for long time, that goddess lifted him and threw him on the ground.
Samkshiptho dharanim prapya mushti mudhyamya vegatha, Abhyadavatha dushtathma chandika nidhanechaya.,21
Thus thrown that Asura reached the earth, recovered fast and with a wish to kill the goddess ran towards her with clenched fist.
Thamayantham thatho devi sarva daithya janeswaram, Jagathyam pathayamasa bhithwa soolena vakshasi.,22
Afterwards that goddess felled him who was the king of all asuras, by tearing his chest with a trident and made him fall on the ground.
Sa gathasu papthorvyam devi soolagravikshatha, Chalayan sakalam pruthweem sabdhi dweepam saparvatham.,23
That Shumbha torn by the trident of the goddess fell dead on the ground shaking the entire earth with its oceans, islands and mountains.
Thatha prasannamakhilam hathe thasmin durathmani, Jagathswasthyamatheevapa nirmalam cha bhavnnabha.,24
When the bad one was killed, the entire universe became happy, the world became calmer and the sky became clearer
Uthpathamegha solka ye pragasamsthe samam yayu, Saritho marga vahinyasthadha samsthathra pathithe.,25
Those clouds, which were comet shaped before Shumbha died, became calm and also all the rivers started flowing in the right direction.
Thatho deva gana sarve harsha nirbhara manasa, Bhabhuvur nihathe thasmin gandharva lalitham Jagu.,26
Because of his killing, the mind of all the groups of devas was filled with happiness. Gandharwas sang prettily.
Avadhayamsthadhai vanyai nanyathu schapsarogana. Vavu punyasthadha vatha suprabho bhoo divakara.,27
Similarly another group of devas played musical instruments, apsaras (celestial dancers) danced in-groups, holy wind blew and the sun shone brightly.
Jajwaluschagnaya santha santha digjanithaswana., 28
The fire burnt calmly and the sounds in the different directions also became calm.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Shumbha Vadho Nama, Damask adhyaya,
This is the tenth chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the killing of Shumbha Occurring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana
Chapter 11: Prayer to Narayani[edit]
Devya hathe thathra mahasurendra, Sendra suravahni purogamastham, Kathyayanim thushtuvarishta laabha, Vikasi vakthrabja vikasithasa.,1
When Shumbha, the chief of all great asuras was killed, The devas including Indra were lead by the fire god, and with very happy faces resembling fully opened lotus flowers, prayed Goddess Kathyayani (Goddess Chandika) as follows. (Parvathy was born as a daughter to Sage Kathyayana and was hence known as Kathyayani.)
Devi prapannarthi hare praseeda, Praseedha mathar jagatha akhilasya, Praseedha visweswari, pahi viswam, Thwam eswari devi chara charasya.,2
Be pleased, Hey Goddess who ends the sorrow of those who pray to you, Be pleased, hey Goddess who created all the universe and Be pleased, hey Goddess who looks after the entire universe, for you are queen of all this world.
Adharabhootha jagath swam eka, Mahee swaroopena yatha Sdhithasi, Apam swaroopa sdithaya thwaithat, Apyaiyathe kruthsnamalamghya veerye.,3
Hey goddess who has undefeatable valour, You exist in the form of the world, you are the real basis of the world and you improve (increase) the entire world in the form of water.
Twam vaishnavi sakthiranantha veerya, Viswasya bheejam paramasi maya. Sammohitham devi, samastha metha, Twam vai prasanna bhuvi mukthi hethu.,4
Hey goddess, you are that power of Lord Vishnu, that never has any end. You are the elementary basis of the entire universe in the form of Maya Devi (illusion). Hey goddess, you enchant this entire world and it is well known that if you are pleased, the entire world attains salvation. (By her form of Maya she makes us live the ordinary life and her form of wisdom she leads to salvation. )
Vidhya samasthasthava devi, bhedha, Sthreeya samastha sakala jagathsu, Twayaikaya poorithamambayaithath, Kaa they sthuthi sthavyapara aparokthi.,5
Hey goddess, In all the worlds, all Women well learned in the 64 arts are thine part and this world has been filled by you in the form of mother and because of that all these praise about thee are really very inadequate.
Sarva bhootha yada devi swarga mukthi pradhayani, Thwam sthutha sthuthaye ka va bhavanthu paramokthaya.,6
What more can be added to your prayers, when you are being praised like, you are of the form of universe and you are the giver of heaven and salvation?
Sarvasya budhi roopena, janasya hrudhi samsththe, Swargapavargadhe devi, narayani namosthuthe.,7
Hey Goddess, who lives in everybody’s mind as intelligence and who grants heaven and salvation to people, Our salutations to you, Narayani. (Starting from this sloka, the next sixteen slokas are called Narayani Stuthi. Narayani denotes “the innate power behind ultimate god”. It also means “she who provides the basis for all living things. ” Or “She who is the power behind Lord Narayana. ” Or the power of illusion behind Lord Narayana or she is who is personification of salvation or She who is fit to be worshipped by Devas. )
Kalakashtadhi roopena parinama pradhayini, Visvasyoparathou shakthe, narayani namosthuthe.,8
Hey powerful one, who leads to evolution of earth from the micro time and who is the main force in the destruction of the world, Our salutations to you, Narayani (Kashta is the time when eyes blink and open naturally for 18 times and kala is 30 kashtas. These are small measurements of time. )
Sarva mangala mangalye, Shive, sarvartha sadhake, Saranye triambike Gowri narayani namosthuthe.,9
Oh Goddess who is a giver of all good things, who is peaceful, who is a giver of all wealth, who can be relied upon, who has three eyes and who is golden in colour, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Srushti sthithi vinasanam sakthi bhoothe, sanathani, Gunasraye, gunamaye, narayani namosthuthe.,10
Hey goddess who is the power behind creation, upkeep and destruction. Hey goddess who is for ever, who is depended upon by three characters of sathva, Rajas and Thamas and who is filled with all good characteristics, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Saranagatha deenaartha, parithrana parayane, Sarvsyarthi hare devi, narayani namosthuthe.,11
Hey Goddess, who takes care of those who surrender to you and those who are suffering, Hey Goddess who removes all sufferings from the entire world, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Hamsa yuktha vimanasthe, brahmani roopa dharini, Kaushambha ksharike devi, Narayani namoshthuthe.,12
Oh goddess who travels in the air plane with swans, who is having the form of Lord Brahma and who sprinkles water mixed with Dhurbha grass, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Trishula chandrahi dhare, maha vrushabha vahini, Maheswari swaroopena narayani namosththe.,13
Oh Goddess who has the form of Lord Shiva, who holds a trident, who adorns herself with the crescent and snake and who rides on the great bull, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Mayura kukkuda vruthe, maha shakthi dhare anaghe, Kaumari roopa samsthane, Narayani namosththe.,14
Of Goddess who is with cock and peacock, who holds a great spear, who is without sin, who is of the form of Lord Subrahmanya, Our salutations to you, Narayani.
Samkha Chakra gadha sarnkhya graheetha paramayudhe, Praseedha Vaishnavi roope, Narayani namoshthuthe.,15
Oh Goddess who holds mace, wheel, conch and bow in your hands, and who is the form of Lord Vishnu, be pleased with us, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Graheethogra maha chakre, damshtro dhyutha vasundhare, Varaha roopini, shive, narayani namosthuthe.,16
Oh Goddess who holds aloft the great holy wheel, who holds the earth in her frontal teeth, who has the form of Lord Varaha and who does only good, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Nrusimha roopenogrena hanthum daithyan kruthodhyame, Trilokya trana sahithe, Narayani namosthuthe.,17
Oh Goddess who has the form of the Lord Narasimha, who has a horrifying look and who is ready to kill asuras and who takes care of the three worlds, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Kiritini, maha vajre, sahasra nayanojwale, Vruthra prana hare, narayani namoshthe.,18
Oh Goddess with the holy crown, who holds aloft the great Vajrayudha, who shines with thousand eyes, who killed the Vruthra asura and who has the form of Indra, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Shivadhoothi swaroopena hatha daithya maha bale, Ghora roope, maharave, Narayani namosthuthe.,19
Oh Goddess who has the form of Shiva Dhoothi, who killed the great army of asuras, who has a horriying look and who has a great Sound, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Damshtra karala vadane, siro mala vibhooshane, Chamunde, munda madhane, narayani namosthuthe.,20
Oh Goddess who has a fearful face because of her teeth, who adorns herself with the garland of skulls, who killed the giant called Munda and who is goddess Kali, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Lakshmi lajje mahavidhye, sradhe, pushti swadhe, druve, Maha rathri maha maye, Narayani namosthuthe.,21
Hey Goddess Lakshmi, who is the personification of shyness, who is of the form of upanishads, who has a religious temper, who looks very strong, who has the form of the manes, who is permanent, who is the night of deluge and who is the cause of all the worlds, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Medhe, saraswathi, vare, bhoothi bhabravi, thamasi, Niyathe, thwam, praseedhesa, narayani namosthuthe.,22
Oh Goddess who is wisdom of intelligence, who is the goddess of words, who is greatest, who is the goddess of the properties of Sathva, Rajo and Thamas, and who is our Goddess, please be kind on us, Our salutations to you, Narayani
Sarva swaroope sarveshe, sarva shakthi samanvithe, Bhayebhya sthrahino devi, Durga devi namosthuthe.,23
Oh goddess who takes all forms, who is the goddess of every thing and who is having all types of strengths, please save us from fears, Our salutations to you, Goddess Durga.
Ethathe vadanam soumyam, lochana thraya bhooshitham, Pathu na sarva bhoothebhya, kathyayani namosthuthe.,24
Oh Goddess Kathyayani, our salutations to you, let your pretty face adorned with the three eyes protect us from all beings.
Jwala karala mathyugra maseshasura soodhanam, Trishoolam padu no bheeder bhadrakali, namosthuthe.,25
Oh Goddess Bhadrakali, salutations to you, let your horrifying trident surrounded by flames, which is very angry and is being kept to trouble all asuras, protect us from fear.
Hinasthi diarrhea thejammsi, swanena poorya saa jagath, Saa ganda pathu no devipapebhyena suthaniva.,26
Hey Goddess, let that bell in your hand which fills all the three worlds with Sound and which destroys the power of asuras protect us from sins, like a mother protecting her sons.
Asurasrugwasa panga charchithasthe karojjwala, Shubhaya gadgo bhavathu chandike, thwam natha vayam.,27
Hey goddess Chandike let that shining sword in your hands, which has become dirty because of the flesh and blood of asuras do good to us. We salute you.
Roganseshanapahamsi thushta, Rushta thu kaman sakalan abheeshtaan,,28 Twamasreethanaam na vipannaranam, Twamasritha hyasrayatham prayanthi.
If you are happy you destroy all sort of problems and if you are angry you destroy all desirable happenings. For any one surrendering to you there are no dangers and they are only depended by others and not vice versa.
Ethath krutham yath kadanam twayadyai, Dharmadwisham devi, mahasuranam, Roopairanekair bahudathma murthim. Kruthwambike thath prakarothi kaanya?, 29
Hey goddess, this action of splitting your real form in to several and the act of destruction of the great asuras who hate just action can not be done by anybody else, Is it not?
Vidhyasu sasthreshu viveka dheepa, Shadyeshu vakyeshu cha kaa twadhanya, Mamathwa garthe athi maha andhakare, Bhibramayathye thadheeva viswam., 30
Even with existence of knowledge of manthra (sacred chants) and magic, laws dictated by religion, great books teaching philosophy and saying of the Vedas, you manage to keep the entire world, in the dark and in the ignorant well of egoism and bewilder them. Who else can do it except you?(This praises the form of Devi called Vishnu maya (power of illusion of Lord Vishnu), which veils the vision of people. )
Rakshamsi yathrogra vishamscha naga, Yathrarayo dasyu balani yathra, Dhavanalo yathra thadabdhi madhye, Thathra sthitha thwam paripasi viswam., 31
You save and look after this entire world from Rakshasas, great poisons, enemies, and crowds of thieves and dangers of the sea by being present in the concerned spots.
Visweswari thwam paripasi viswam, Viswathmika dharayaseethi viswam, Viswesa vandhya bhavathi bhavanthi, Viwasraya ye thwayi bhakthi namra., 32
Hey Goddess, you are the goddess to this entire universe, because of that you protect the universe. You are the soul of the universe and so you upkeep it. You are venerable to the greatest lords of this world and so all those whom, who venerate you with humility, becomes the people on whom the universe depends.
Devi praseedha paripalaya no ari bheether, Nithyam yadha asura vadha dhu naiva sadhya, Paapani sarva jagatham prasamam nayasu, Uthpathapaka janithamscha mahopa sargaan., 33
Oh Goddess, take mercy on us. Similar to how you have saved us from the fear of enemies by killing those asuras in an instant please save us for all time. Bring to an end the sins being committed in this world and the great problems brought about by people themselves by not following Dharma (Just action).
Pranatham praseedha thwam devi viswarthi haarini, Trilokya vasinaameedye lokaanaam varada bhava.,34
Hey Goddess who destroys all pain from this world, become pleased with all those who salute you. Hey Goddess, who is fit to be worshipped by all beings of all the three worlds, grants them boons.
Devyuvacha: Varadaham suragana, varama yanmasechadha, Tham vrunudhwam jagatham upakarakam.,35
The goddess told: Hey devas who have assembled here, I am the giver of boons. I would give you any boon that you desire which would be helpful to this universe.
Deva ouchu: Sarva Badha prasamanam trilokyasya akhileswari, Evameva thwaya karyamasmad vairi vinasanam.,36
The Devas told: Hey Goddess of the entire world, please keep on doing the destruction of our enemies, which would destroy the sorrow of all the three worlds.
Devyuvacha: Vaivasthenthare prapthe ashta vimsathi me yuge, Shumbho Nishumbhschaivanya vath pathsyathe maha surou,,37
In the Vaiwaswatha Manwanthara (During the rule of Vaiwaswatha manu), in the twenty eighth Yuga (portion) two other asuras called Shumbha and Nishumbha would be born.
Nanda gopa gruhe jatha yasodha garbha sambhava, Thathsthou nasayishyami Vindhya chala vasini.,38
Then I would be born in the house of Nanda gopa to Yasodha and shall live in Vindhya mountains and kill them.
Punarapyathi roudhrena roopena pruthwithale, Avatheerya hanishyami vaiprachithamscha danavan.,39
Again I would be born in this world with a terrorizing form and kill the asuras who are the sons of VaipraChithi.
Bakshyanthyascha thanugran Vaiprachithan mahasuran, Raktha dantha bavishyanthi dhadimi kusumopama.,40
Eating those two terrible Rakshasas who are the sons of Vaiprachithi, my teeth would become red like the pomegranate flowers. (This form of Devi who is red all over is known as Raktha Chamunda)
Thatha maam devatha swarge marthya loke cha manava, Sthuvantho vyaharishyanthi sathatham raktha dandhikaam.,41
Because of that all the devas in heaven and human beings on earth will always pray me and refer to me as Raktha Dandhika. (Goddess with red teeth)
Bhooyascha satha varshikyam ana vrushtiyanambhasi, Munibhi samsmrutha bhoomou sambavishyamiayonija.,42
Then afterwards when the world does not receive any rain for one hundred years, I would be remembered by the sages and would be born without the assistance of a woman. (Similar to Chamundi coming from Parvathy)
Thatha sathena nethranam nirekshishyami yanmunin, Keerthiyishyanthi manuja sathaksheem ithi maam thatha.,43
Then I would see the sages with my hundred eyes and then people will praise me as Sathakshi (Hundred eyed Goddess)
Tathoham akhilam lokamathma deha samudbhavai, Barishyami sura, sakair avrushte prana dharakai.,44
Then oh devas, I would protect the entire world till it rains, by production of life saving crops from my body. (Commentators mention Amaranths as the crop that she will produce)
Sakambhareethi vikhyatam thadha yaasyamaham bhuvi, Thathraiva cha vadishyami durgama akhyaam maha suram.,45
Durga devithi vikyatham thanme nama bhavishyathi., 46
Then I would become famous in the world as Shakambharee(She who gave plants like amaranths from her body and filled up the belly), At that time I would kill an Asura called Durgama and would become famous by the name Durga.
Rakshamsi bakshayishyami muneenaam thrana karanath, Thadha mam munaya sarve sthoshyanthya namra moorthaya.,47
Bheema devithi vikhyatham thanme nama bhavishyathi., 48
Then when I take a huge form and live on Himalaya Mountains and eat all rakshasas for protecting the sages there, they will salute me with devotion and I would become famous by the name of Bheema devi (Goddess with very huge form)
Thadaham bramaram roopam kruthwa asankhyayashad padam, Trilokyasya hitharthaya vadishyami mahasuram.,49
Bramareethi cha maam lokasthadha sthoshyanthi sarvadha., 50
At the time when a great Asura called Aruna who will trouble all the three worlds, I would be born with a form which is the form of endless black bees, for protecting the three worlds Then I would kill that great Asura. Then people of all the world would praise me as Bramari.
Itham yadha yadha badha dhanavotha bhavishyathi, Thada thada vatheeryaham karishyamari samkshyam.,51
Like this whenever problems arise from asuras, I would take an incarnation and destroy your enemies.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Narayani sthuthir Nama, Ekadaso adhyaya,
This is the eleventh chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the prayer to Narayani Occurring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana
Chapter 12: The greatness of the story of Devi[edit]
Devyuvacha: Ebhi sthavai scha maam nithyam sthoshyathe ya samahitha, Tasyaham sakala badhaam nasayishyamasamsyam.,1
The goddess told: Whoever with concentrated minds prays daily with this prayer, I would definitely remove all his problems.
Madhu Kaidaba nasam cha Mahishasura gathanam, Kerthayishyanthi ye thaddwadham Shumbha Nishumbhayo.,2
Ashtamyam cha chaturdasyam navamyam chaika chethasa, Sroshyanthi chaiva ye bhakthya mama mahthmyamuthamam.,3
Na tesham dushkrutham kinchith dushkruthotha na chapadha, Na bavisyathi daridryam na chaiveshta viyojanam.,4
All those who sing and praise the story of the death of Madhu, Kaidabha, Mahishasura, Shumbha and Nishumbha and all those with close attention hear these great stories of my greatness on Ashtami (eighth day after new and full moon), Chathurthi (fourth day after new and full moon) and Navami (ninth day after new and full moon) will never have sins, no danger by doing bad actions, suffer no poverty and have no separation from people who love them.
Shathrutho na bhayam tasya, dasyutho vaa na rajatha, Na sastranalatho youghath kadachith bavishyathi.,5
Such people have no fear from enemies, no fear from thieves or kings and no fear from weapons, fire and floods forever.
Tasmanmamaithan mahathmyam patithavyam samahithai, Srothavyam cha sada bakthya param swasththyanam mahath.,6
So with rapt attention they have to read and hear with devotion this great story which is the gateway for all that is good.
Upasarganaseshamsthu aha Marie samuthbhavan, Thadha trividhamulpatham mahathmyam samayenmama.,7
My praise (story of praise) would remove all forms of pestilence and the three types of problems. (Arising from ourselves, from ghosts and devils and natural disasters)
Yatraithat patyathe samyang nithyamayathane mama, Sadaa na thadvimokshyami sannidhyam thathra me sthitham.,8
I will never leave any temple of mine where this is read according to prescribed method and my presence would always be there in that temple.
Balipradhane poojayam agni karye mahothsave, Sarvam mamaithad charithamucharyam sravyameva cha.,9
It is necessary to read and hear my entire story, in sacrifices aimed at me, prayers, fire sacrifices and great Festivals.
Janatha ajanatha vapi bali poojam thadha krutham, Pratheekshishyamaham preethya vahni homam thadha krutham.,10
Sacrifices, prayers and fire sacrifices done by people who are well versed in the methods or people ignorant of the methods, would both be lovingly received by me, if my story is heard or read.
Sarath kale maha pooja kriyathe yaa cha varshiki, Thasyam mamaithan mahathmyam sruthwa bhakthi samanwitha.,11
Sarva badhavi nirmuktho dana dhanya suthanvitha, Manushyo math prasaadena bavishyathi na samsaya.,12
There is no doubt that, in the great prayers of sarad navarathri and vasantha navarathri, those who hear fully this story of my greatness, because of my grace and blessing would be free of all great problems
Sruthwa mamaithan mahathmyam thadha chothpathaya shubha, Parakramam cha yudheshu jayathe nirbhaya pumaan.,13
Those men who hear this story of my greatness, my holy birth and valour in wars will become devoid of fear.
Ripava samkshayam yanthi kalyanam chopapadyathe, Nandathe cha kulam pumsam mahatmyam mama srunwatham.,14
Those men who hear this story of my greatness would have all their enemies destroyed, good things will happen and their family will increase.
Santhi karmani sarvathra thadha duswapna darshane, Gruha peedasu chograsu mahathmyam srunuyath mama.,15
In all rites to bring peace, in times when bad dreams recur and in times when the nine planets trouble you, it is necessary to hear this story of my fame.
Upasarga samam yanthi gruha peedascha daruna, Duswapnam cha nrubhirdrushtam suswapnamupa jayathe.,16
All problems and troubles created by the planets would be destroyed and the bad dreams seen by men would become good dreams.
Balagrahabhi bhoothanam balanam shanthi karakam, Sanghadha bhede cha nrunam maithree karanamthamam.,17
This would bring peace to the children troubled by evil spirits troubling children and bring to an end the quarrels between friends.
Durvruthanaam aseshanam bala hanikaram param, Rakshobhootha pisachanaam patanadeva nasanam.,18
Just by your reading the story of my greatness, all bad people troubling you would loose their strength and all ghosts, devils and evil spirits would be destroyed.
Sarvam mamaithan mahatmyam mama sannidhi karakam, Pasu pushparga dhoopaischa gandha deepair sthodathamai.,19
20. Vipranam bhojanair homai prokshaneeyairahar nisam,
Anyischa vividhair bhogair pradanair vathsarenaya.
Preethirme kriyathe saasmin sakrudhacharithe sruthe, Srutham harathi paapani thadarogyam praychathi.,21
This story of my greatness would ensure my presence wherever it is read. All the happiness created in me by giving cows, flowers, lights, oblations, other great scents, lamps, giving food to Brahmins during night and day, and other pleasures and charity continuously for one year, can simply be got by reading or hearing this story just ones. Hearing and reading of this story once destroys all sins committed.
Rakshaam karothi bhoothebhyo janmanam keerthanam mama, Yudhashu charitham yanme dushta daithya nibarhanam.,22
Thasmin srithe vairi krutham bhayam pumsaam na jayathe, Yushmabhi sthuthayo yascha yascha brahma rishibhi krutha.,23
Brahmana cha kruthasthasthu prayachanthi shubaam mathim., 24
The story of my births gives protection from ghosts. The hearing of the story of my killing of bad asuras in the war between devas and asuras, removes all fear in men due to enemies. The prayers done by you, the prayers done by great sages and the prayer done by lord Brahma gives good conduct.
Dasyubhirva vrutha shunye grahitho vapi shathrubhi, Simha vyagranuyatho, vaa vane vaa vanahasthibhi.,25
Ragna krudhena chagnaptho vadhyo bandhagadho api vaa, Aagoornitho vaa vathena sthithapothe maharnave.,26
Pathathsu chapi sasthreshu samgrame brusa darune, Sarvabadhasu ghorasu vedhanabhyardhitho, api vaa.,27
Smaran mamaithacharitham naro muchyathe sankatath., 28
Even when one is surrounded by forest fire, or surrounded by thieves in a far away lonely place, or has been caught by enemies, or is being followed in the forest by tigers and lion, or surrounded by wild elephants ready to kill, or sentenced to death by an angry king, or tied extremely tightly or situated in a ship in the sea which is tossed by hurricane, or lost all weapons in a horrifying war or is being seriously troubled by great unbearable pain, he (man) would be saved from his problem just by remembering about my story.
Mama prabhavad simhadhya dasyavo vairinasthadha, Dhooradeva palayanthe smarathascharitham mama.,29
Because of my power, lions, thieves and enemies will run away from one who remembers about my story.
Rishir Uvacha: Ithyukthwa saa bhagawathi chandika chanda vikrama, Pasyathameve devanam thathraivanthara dheeyatha.,30
The sage told: The greatly valorous Goddess Chandika having told thus suddenly disappeared from there even while the devas were seeing.
Thepi deva nirathanga swadhikaran yadha pura, Yagnabhagabhuja sarve chakrurvinihathaaraya.,31
All those devas, their enemies having been killed, started getting their share from fire sacrifices, became fearless and started enforcing their power like olden times.
Daithyascha devya nihathe Shumbhe deva ripow yudhi, Jagatdwidwamsini thasmin mahogre athula vikrame, Nishumbhe cha maha veerye sesha patalamayayu.,32
Once The great Shumbha who was the enemy of devas, who was troubling all the three worlds, who was very angry and who was of unmatched power and the very powerful Nishumbha were killed by the Goddess in the war, the remaining asuras went to Patala.
Evam Bhagawathi devi saa nithyapi puna puna, Sambhooya kuruthe Bhoopa, Jagatha paripalanam.,33
Hey king, thus that Devi who is the Goddess, though she exists forever, again and again is born and protects all the three worlds.
Thayaiththanmohyathe viswam Saiva viswaam prasuyathe, Saaya chitha cha vijanam thushta rudhim prayaschadhi.,34
The Goddess enchants this universe and she herself gives birth to this universe. That Goddess being prayed without interest in any thing gives that knowledge that leads to salvation and gives wealth in materialistic sense.
Vyaptham thayaithat sakalam brahmandam manujeswara, Maha kalya maha kale maha mai swaroopaya.,35
Hey king of men, during the deluge she as the destroyer spreads throughout this Brahma’s universe and makes the great gods like Brahma do their jobs properly.
Saiva kale mahamari Saiva srushti bhavathyaja, Sthidhim karothi bhoothanam Saiva kale sanathani.,36
She is the destroyer during the deluge and when at the time of creation (after the deluge) that Goddess who does not have any birth becomes the power of creation and that same Goddess who is forever looks the world afterwards.
Bhavakale nrunam Saiva lakshmir vrudhipradha, Saivabhave thadhalakshmir vinasayopajayathe.,37
In the human abode in good times she herself becomes Goddess Lakshmi who gives progress and in bad times she herself causes destruction as Alakshmi.
Sthutha sampoojitha puspair dhoopa gandhabhir sthadha, Dadath vitham puthramscha mathim dharme gathim shubham.,38
She being worshipped by prayers, flowers incense and sandal gives wealth, children, good sense and salvation.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Devi Charitha Mahatmyam name, Dwadaso adhyaya,
This is the twelfth chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with The greatness of the story of Devi Occurring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana
Chapter 13: The getting of boons by Suradha and Vaisya[edit]
Rishir Uvacha: Ethathe Kaditham Bhoopa, Devi Mahatmyam Uthamam, Evam prabhava saa devi yayedham dharyadhe Jagat.,1
The Sage told: Hey king, I have told the holy story of “Devi Mahatmyam. ” That goddess who carries the entire world with her has all the greatness told in the Mahtamya.
Vidhya thadiva kriyathe bhagawad Vishnu mayaya, Thaya thawamesha vaisyascha thadaivayai vivekina,,2
Mohyanthe mohithaschaiva mohameshyanthi chapare, Thamupaihi maharaja, saranam parameshwareem.,3
Aradhitha saive nrunaam bhoga swargapavargadha., 4
Knowledge or intelligence is created by the power of Vishnu Maya and she herself creates illusions to hide the truth from wise people such as you and Vaisya. Some others will attain only illusion. So, king, surrender before this great goddess. Once she is worshipped that Goddess will give material pleasures, heaven and salvation.
Markandeya Uvacha: Ithi Thasya vacha sruthwa Suradha sa Naradhipa.
Pranipathya mahabagam tham rushim samshitha vrutham, Nirvinno athi mamathwena rajyapaharanena cha.,5
Jagama sadhyasthapase sa cha vaisyo maha mune, Sandharsanartham ambhaya nadee pulinamasritha.,6
Sage Markandeya told: Hearing these words of Sage Sumedhas, The king Suradha became very lucky. Saluting that sage, who observed serious penance, being extremely sorrowful because of egoism, and because of his kingdom being robbed by him, went immediately for doing penance. The Vaisya also did the same thing. Hey sage they reached the river shores for making efforts to se the Goddess. (Sage Markandeya is telling this story to Sage Kroshtaki in the Markandeya Purana.)
Sa cha vaisya thapasthape devi suktham param japan, Thou thasmin puline devya kruthwa moorthim mahimayim.,7
Arhanam chakrathasthasya pushpa doopagni tharpanai., 8
That king and Vaisya did penance by repeating “Devi Suktham”. They made a statue of the goddess by mud on the floor of sand and worshipped it by flowers, incense, and fire sacrifices and other methods of satisfying her. (There is lot of controversy about what is mentioned as “Devi Suktham. ” It only literally means that which is extremely suitable to praise her greatness. Some people say that this is a manthra from Rig-Veda. Some people say that it is a Sthothra called “Devi Suktham. ” But majority people are of the opinion that it is the prayer starting with “Namo devyai Maha Devyai…” in the fifth chapter. Sloka number s 7-36)
Niraharou yathaharou thanmanaskou samahithou, Dhadhthsthuthou balinchaiva nija gathra sugukshitham.,9
They took less food and then no food, concentrated their mind on the goddess, controlled their senses and offered her an offering made wet by the blood from their bodies.
Evam samaradhayatho sthreebhir varshair yathathmano., Parithushta jagatdathri prathyaksham praha Chandika.,10
Thus being worshipped with absolute concentration for three years, that Goddess Chandika who is the mother of the world became pleased and appeared before them.
Devyuvacha: Yath prathayathe twaya bhoopa, thwaya cha kula nandhana, Mathasthath prapyatham sarvam parithushta daddadmi vaam.,11
The Goddess told:
Hey king and Hey good son of a family (Vaisya), you both please get from me what all you prayed for. I am pleased with you and I will give you everything.
Markandeya Uvacha: Thatho vavre nrupo rajyamavi bramsa janmani, Athrapi cha nijam rajyam hatha shatru balam balath.,12
Sage Markandeya told: Then the king requested for kingship even in his next birth as well as his kingdom in the present birth in which he would be able to destroy the enemy forces.
Mamethyahamithi pragna sangavichyuthikarakam., 13
Then that Vaisya, who had great wisdom with a sense of renunciation, requested for wisdom in which feelings like me and mine will not be there.
Devyuavacha: Swalpai rahebhir nrupathe, swam rajyam prapsyathe bhavan, Hathwa ripunaskalitham thava thathra bhavishyathi.,14
The Goddess told: Hey king, you will regain your kingdom in a few days. There you would destroy your enemies and you will have your kingdom permanently.
Mruthascha bhooya samprapya janma devatdwivaswatha, Savarniko nama manur bhavan bhuvi bhavishyathi.,15
You after giving away this body would be born again in the world from the Sun God and would become a Manu called “Savarni. ” (He would become eighth son of Sun God and would rule over the entire world. )
Vaisya varya thwaya yascha varo asmatho abhivanchidha, Tham prayaschami samsidhai thava gnanam bhavishyathi.,16
Hey great Vaisya, the boon requested by you from me would be given to you and you would gain wisdom of God and attain salvation.
Markandeya uvacha: Ithi dathwa thayor deva, yada abilakshitham varam, Babhoovantharhitha sadhyo bhakthya thabhyam abishtutha.,17
Sage Makandeya told: After thus giving them the boons requested by them, and after being worshipped by them with devotion, she became quickly invisible.
Evam devya varam labhdhwa suradha kshtyarshabha, Surya janama samasadhya savarnir bhavitha manu.,18
Savarnir bhavitha manu.
Thus the Kshatriya (belonging to the caste of kings) king Suradha, after getting the boon from the goddess, was born to the Sun God, and would become a Manu called Savarni.
A manu called Savarni[edit]
It is normal to end an epic with a repetition again of the last few words of the epic.
Ithi Markandeya purane savarnike manwanthare, Devi Mahatmye, Suradha vaiysyor vara pradhanam Nama, Trayodasor adhyaya,
This is the thirteenth chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with giving boon to Suradha and Vaisya Occurring in the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana