Devi Mahatmyam

Devi Mahatmyam

Chapter 13: The getting of boons by Suradha and Vaisya.

1.    Rishir Uvacha:-

       Ethathe Kaditham Bhoopa, Devi Mahatmyam Uthamam,

       Evam prabhava saa devi yayedham dharyadhe Jagat.

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.

2.    Vidhya thadiva kriyathe bhagawad vishnu mayaya,

       Thaya thawamesha vaisyascha thadaivayai vivekina,

3.    Mohyanthe mohithaschaiva mohameshyanthi chapare,

       Thamupaihi maharaja, saranam parameshwareem.

4.    Aradhitha saive nrunaam bhoga swargapavargadha.

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.

5.    Pranipathya mahabagam tham rushim samshitha vrutham,

       Nirvinno athi mamathwena rajyapaharanena cha.

6.    Jagama sadhyasthapase sa cha vaisyo maha mune,

       Sandharsanartham ambhaya nadee pulinamasritha.

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.)

7.    Sa cha vaisya thapasthape devi suktham param japan,

       Thou thasmin puline devya kruthwa moorthim mahimayim.

8.    Arhanam chakrathasthasya pushpa doopagni tharpanai.

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)

9.    Niraharou yathaharou thanmanaskou samahithou,

       Dhadhthsthuthou balinchaiva nija gathra sugukshitham.

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.

10.  Evam samaradhayatho sthreebhir varshair yathathmano.,

       Parithushta jagatdathri prathyaksham praha Chandika.

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.

11.  Devyuvacha:-

       Yath prathayathe twaya bhoopa, thwaya cha kula nandhana,

       Mathasthath prapyatham sarvam parithushta daddadmi vaam.

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.

12.  Markandeya Uvacha:-

       Thatho vavre nrupo rajyamavi bramsa janmani,

       Athrapi cha nijam rajyam hatha shatru balam balath.

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.

13.  Mamethyahamithi pragna sangavichyuthikarakam,

      

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.

14.  Devyuavacha:-

       Swalpai rahebhir nrupathe, swam rajyam prapsyathe bhavan,

       Hathwa ripunaskalitham thava thathra bhavishyathi.

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.

15.  Mruthascha bhooya samprapya janma devatdwivaswatha,

       Savarniko nama manur bhavan bhuvi bhavishyathi.

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. )

16.  Vaisya varya thwaya yascha varo asmatho abhivanchidha,

       Tham prayaschami samsidhai thava gnanam bhavishyathi.

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.

17.  Markandeya uvacha:-

       Ithi dathwa thayor deva, yada abilakshitham varam,

       Babhoovantharhitha sadhyo bhakthya thabhyam abishtutha.

Sage Makandeya told:-

After thus giving them the boons requested by them, and after being worshipped by them with devotion, she became quickly invisible.

18.  Evam devya varam labhdhwa suradha kshtyarshabha,

       Surya janama samasadhya savarnir bhavitha manu.

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

(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

Devi Mahatmyam

Devi Mahatmyam

Chapter 12: The greatness of the story of Devi.

1.    Devyuvacha:-

       Ebhi sthavai scha maam nithyam sthoshyathe ya samahitha,

       Tasyaham sakala badhaam nasayishyamasamsyam.

The goddess told:-

Whoever with concentrated minds prays daily with this prayer, I would definitely remove all his problems.

2.    Madhu Kaidaba nasam cha Mahishasura gathanam,

       Kerthayishyanthi ye thaddwadham Shumbha Nishumbhayo.

3.    Ashtamyam cha chaturdasyam navamyam chaika chethasa,

       Sroshyanthi chaiva ye bhakthya mama mahthmyamuthamam.

4.    Na tesham dushkrutham kinchith dushkruthotha na chapadha,

       Na bavisyathi daridryam na chaiveshta viyojanam.

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.

5.    Shathrutho na bhayam tasya, dasyutho vaa na rajatha,

       Na sastranalatho youghath kadachith bavishyathi.

Such people have no fear from enemies, no fear from thieves or kings and no fear from weapons, fire and floods forever.

6.    Tasmanmamaithan mahathmyam patithavyam samahithai,

       Srothavyam cha sada bakthya param swasththyanam mahath.

So with rapt attention they have to read and hear with devotion this great story which is the gateway for all that is good.

7.    Upasarganaseshamsthu aha Marie samuthbhavan,

       Thadha trividhamulpatham mahathmyam samayenmama.

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)

8.    Yatraithat patyathe samyang nithyamayathane mama,

       Sadaa na thadvimokshyami sannidhyam thathra me sthitham.

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.

9.    Balipradhane poojayam agni karye mahothsave,

       Sarvam mamaithad charithamucharyam sravyameva cha.

It is necessary to read and hear my entire story, in sacrifices aimed at me, prayers, fire sacrifices and great festivals.

10.  Janatha ajanatha vapi bali poojam thadha krutham,

       Pratheekshishyamaham preethya vahni homam thadha krutham.

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.

11.  Sarath kale maha pooja kriyathe yaa cha varshiki,

       Thasyam mamaithan mahathmyam sruthwa bhakthi samanwitha.

12.  Sarva badhavi nirmuktho dana dhanya suthanvitha,

       Manushyo math prasaadena bavishyathi na samsaya.

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

13.  Sruthwa mamaithan mahathmyam thadha chothpathaya shubha,

       Parakramam cha yudheshu jayathe nirbhaya pumaan.

Those men who hear this story of my greatness, my holy birth and valour in wars will become devoid of fear.

14.  Ripava samkshayam yanthi kalyanam chopapadyathe,

       Nandathe cha kulam pumsam mahatmyam mama srunwatham.

Those men who hear this story of my greatness would have all their enemies destroyed, good things will happen and their family will increase.

15.  Santhi karmani sarvathra thadha duswapna darshane,

       Gruha peedasu chograsu mahathmyam srunuyath mama.

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.

16.  Upasarga samam yanthi gruha peedascha daruna,

       Duswapnam cha nrubhirdrushtam suswapnamupa jayathe.

All problems and troubles created by the planets would be destroyed and the bad dreams seen by men would become good dreams.

17.  Balagrahabhi bhoothanam balanam shanthi karakam,

       Sanghadha bhede cha nrunam maithree karanamthamam.

This would bring peace to the children troubled by evil spirits troubling children and bring to an end the quarrels between friends.

18.  Durvruthanaam aseshanam bala hanikaram param,

       Rakshobhootha pisachanaam patanadeva nasanam.

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.

19.  Sarvam mamaithan mahatmyam mama sannidhi karakam,

       Pasu pushparga dhoopaischa gandha deepair sthodathamai.

20.  Vipranam bhojanair homai prokshaneeyairahar nisam,

       Anyischa vividhair bhogair pradanair vathsarenaya.

21.  Preethirme kriyathe saasmin sakrudhacharithe sruthe,

       Srutham harathi paapani thadarogyam praychathi.

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.

22.  Rakshaam karothi bhoothebhyo janmanam keerthanam mama,

       Yudhashu charitham yanme dushta daithya nibarhanam.

23.  Thasmin srithe vairi krutham bhayam pumsaam na jayathe,

       Yushmabhi sthuthayo yascha yascha brahma rishibhi krutha.

24.  Brahmana cha kruthasthasthu prayachanthi shubaam mathim.

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.

25.  Dasyubhirva vrutha shunye grahitho vapi shathrubhi,

       Simha vyagranuyatho, vaa vane vaa vanahasthibhi.

26.  Ragna krudhena chagnaptho vadhyo bandhagadho api vaa,

       Aagoornitho vaa vathena sthithapothe maharnave.

27.  Pathathsu chapi sasthreshu samgrame brusa darune,

       Sarvabadhasu ghorasu vedhanabhyardhitho, api vaa

28.  Smaran mamaithacharitham naro muchyathe sankatath.

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.

29.  Mama prabhavad simhadhya dasyavo vairinasthadha,

       Dhooradeva palayanthe smarathascharitham mama.

Because of my power, lions, thieves and enemies will run away from one who remembers about my story.

30.  Rishir Uvacha:-

       Ithyukthwa saa bhagawathi chandika chanda vikrama,

       Pasyathameve devanam thathraivanthara dheeyatha.

The sage told:-

The greatly valorous Goddess Chandika having told thus suddenly disappeared from there even while the devas were seeing.

31.  Thepi deva nirathanga swadhikaran yadha pura,

       Yagnabhagabhuja sarve chakrurvinihathaaraya.

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.

32.  Daithyascha devya nihathe Shumbhe deva ripow yudhi,

       Jagatdwidwamsini thasmin mahogre athula vikrame,

       Nishumbhe cha maha veerye sesha patalamayayu.

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.

33.  Evam Bhagawathi devi saa nithyapi puna puna,

       Sambhooya kuruthe Bhoopa, Jagatha paripalanam.

Hey king, thus that Devi who is the Goddess, though she exists forever, again and again is born and protects all the three worlds.

34.  Thayaiththanmohyathe viswam saiva viswaam prasuyathe,

       Saaya chitha cha vijanam thushta rudhim prayaschadhi.

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.

35.  Vyaptham thayaithat sakalam brahmandam manujeswara,

       Maha kalya maha kale maha mai swaroopaya.

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.

36.  Saiva kale mahamari saiva srushti bhavathyaja,

       Sthidhim karothi bhoothanam saiva kale sanathani.

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.

37.  Bhavakale nrunam saiva lakshmir vrudhipradha,

       Saivabhave thadhalakshmir vinasayopajayathe.

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.

38.  Sthutha sampoojitha puspair dhoopa gandhabhir sthadha,

       Dadath vitham puthramscha mathim dharme gathim shubham.

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

(To be contd…..)

Devi Mahatmyam

Devi Mahatmyam

Chapter 11: Prayer to Narayani.

1.    Devya hathe thathra mahasurendra,

       Sendra suravahni purogamastham,

       Kathyayanim thushtuvarishta laabha,

       Vikasi vakthrabja vikasithasa.

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.)

2.    Devi prapannarthi hare praseeda,

       Praseedha mathar jagatha akhilasya,

       Praseedha visweswari, pahi viswam,

       Thwam eswari devi chara charasya.

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.

3.    Adharabhootha jagath swam eka,

       Mahee swaroopena yatha Sdhithasi,

       Apam swaroopa sdithaya thwaithat,

       Apyaiyathe kruthsnamalamghya veerye.

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.

4.    Twam vaishnavi sakthiranantha veerya,

       Viswasya bheejam paramasi maya.

       Sammohitham devi, samastha metha,

       Twam vai prasanna bhuvi mukthi hethu.

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. )

5.    Vidhya samasthasthava devi, bhedha,

       Sthreeya samastha sakala jagathsu,

       Twayaikaya poorithamambayaithath,

       Kaa they sthuthi sthavyapara aparokthi.

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.

6.    Sarva bhootha yada devi swarga mukthi pradhayani,

       Thwam sthutha sthuthaye ka va bhavanthu paramokthaya.

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?

7.    Sarvasya budhi roopena, janasya hrudhi samsththe,

       Swargapavargadhe devi, narayani namosthuthe.

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. )

8.    Kalakashtadhi roopena parinama pradhayini,

       Visvasyoparathou shakthe, narayani namosthuthe.

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. )

9.    Sarva mangala mangalye, Shive, sarvartha sadhake,

       Saranye triambike Gowri narayani namosthuthe.

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

10.  Srushti sthithi vinasanam sakthi bhoothe, sanathani,

       Gunasraye, gunamaye, narayani namosthuthe.

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

11.  Saranagatha deenaartha, parithrana parayane,

       Sarvsyarthi hare devi, narayani namosthuthe.

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

12.  Hamsa yuktha vimanasthe, brahmani roopa dharini,

       Kaushambha ksharike devi, Narayani namoshthuthe.

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

13.  Trishula chandrahi dhare, maha vrushabha vahini,

       Maheswari swaroopena narayani namosththe.

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

14.  Mayura kukkuda vruthe, maha shakthi dhare anaghe,

       Kaumari roopa samsthane, Narayani namosththe.

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.

15.  Samkha chakra gadha sarnkhya graheetha paramayudhe,

       Praseedha Vaishnavi roope, Narayani namoshthuthe.

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

16.  Graheethogra maha chakre, damshtro dhyutha vasundhare,

       Varaha roopini, shive, narayani namosthuthe.

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

17.  Nrusimha roopenogrena hanthum daithyan kruthodhyame,

       Trilokya trana sahithe, Narayani namosthuthe.

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

18.  Kiritini, maha vajre, sahasra nayanojwale,

       Vruthra prana hare, narayani namoshthe.

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

19.  Shivadhoothi swaroopena hatha daithya maha bale,

       Ghora roope, maharave, Narayani namosthuthe.

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

20.  Damshtra karala vadane, siro mala vibhooshane,

       Chamunde, munda madhane, narayani namosthuthe.

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

21.  Lakshmi lajje mahavidhye, sradhe, pushti swadhe, druve,

       Maha rathri maha maye, Narayani namosthuthe.

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

22.  Medhe, saraswathi, vare, bhoothi bhabravi, thamasi,

       Niyathe, thwam, praseedhesa, narayani namosthuthe.

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

23.  Sarva swaroope sarveshe, sarva shakthi samanvithe,

       Bhayebhya sthrahino devi, durga devi namosthuthe.

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.

24.  Ethathe vadanam soumyam, lochana thraya bhooshitham,

       Pathu na sarva bhoothebhya, kathyayani namosthuthe.

Oh Goddess Kathyayani, our salutations to you, let your pretty face adorned with the three eyes protect us from all beings.

25.  Jwala karala mathyugra maseshasura soodhanam,

       Trishoolam padu no bheeder bhadrakali, namosthuthe.

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.

26.  Hinasthi diarrhea thejammsi, swanena poorya saa jagath,

       Saa ganda pathu no devipapebhyena suthaniva.

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.

27.  Asurasrugwasa panga charchithasthe karojjwala,

       Shubhaya gadgo bhavathu chandike, thwam natha vayam.

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.

28.  Roganseshanapahamsi thushta,

       Rushta thu kaman sakalan abheeshtaan,

       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.

29.  Ethath krutham yath kadanam twayadyai,

       Dharmadwisham devi, mahasuranam,

       Roopairanekair bahudathma murthim.

       Kruthwambike thath prakarothi kaanya?

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?

30.  Vidhyasu sasthreshu viveka dheepa,

       Shadyeshu vakyeshu cha kaa twadhanya,

       Mamathwa garthe athi maha andhakare,

       Bhibramayathye thadheeva viswam.

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. )

31.  Rakshamsi yathrogra vishamscha naga,

       Yathrarayo dasyu balani yathra,

       Dhavanalo yathra thadabdhi madhye,

       Thathra sthitha thwam paripasi viswam.

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.

32.  Visweswari thwam paripasi viswam,

       Viswathmika dharayaseethi viswam,

       Viswesa vandhya bhavathi bhavanthi,

       Viwasraya ye thwayi bhakthi namra.

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.

33.  Devi praseedha paripalaya no ari bheether,

       Nithyam yadha asura vadha dhu naiva sadhya,

       Paapani sarva jagatham prasamam nayasu,

       Uthpathapaka janithamscha mahopa sargaan.

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).

34.  Pranatham praseedha thwam devi viswarthi haarini,

       Trilokya vasinaameedye lokaanaam varada bhava.

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.

35.  Devyuvacha:-

       Varadaham suragana, varama yanmasechadha,

       Tham vrunudhwam jagatham upakarakam.

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.

36.  Deva ouchu:-

       Sarva Badha prasamanam trilokyasya akhileswari,

       Evameva thwaya karyamasmad vairi vinasanam.

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.

37.  Devyuvacha:-

       Vaivasthenthare prapthe ashta vimsathi me yuge,

       Shumbho Nishumbhschaivanya vath pathsyathe maha surou,

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.

38.  Nanda gopa gruhe jatha yasodha garbha sambhava,

       Thathsthou nasayishyami Vindhya chala vasini.

Then I would be born in the house of Nanda gopa to Yasodha and shall live in Vindhya mountains and kill them.

39.  Punarapyathi roudhrena roopena pruthwithale,

       Avatheerya hanishyami vaiprachithamscha danavan.

Again I would be born in this world with a terrorizing form and kill the asuras who are the sons of VaipraChithi.

40.  Bakshyanthyascha thanugran Vaiprachithan mahasuran,

       Raktha dantha bavishyanthi dhadimi kusumopama.

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)

41.  Thatha maam devatha swarge marthya loke cha manava,

       Sthuvantho vyaharishyanthi sathatham raktha dandhikaam.

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)

42.  Bhooyascha satha varshikyam ana vrushtiyanambhasi,

       Munibhi samsmrutha bhoomou sambavishyamiayonija.

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)

43.  Thatha sathena nethranam nirekshishyami yanmunin,

       Keerthiyishyanthi manuja sathaksheem ithi maam thatha.

Then I would see the sages with my hundred eyes and then people will praise me as Sathakshi (Hundred eyed Goddess)

44.  Tathoham akhilam lokamathma deha samudbhavai,

       Barishyami sura, sakair avrushte prana dharakai.

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)

45.  Sakambhareethi vikhyatam thadha yaasyamaham bhuvi,

       Thathraiva cha vadishyami durgama akhyaam maha suram.

46.  Durga devithi vikyatham thanme nama bhavishyathi.

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.

47.  Rakshamsi bakshayishyami muneenaam thrana karanath,

       Thadha mam munaya sarve sthoshyanthya namra moorthaya.

48.  Bheema devithi vikhyatham thanme nama bhavishyathi.

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)

49.  Thadaham bramaram roopam kruthwa asankhyayashad padam,

       Trilokyasya hitharthaya vadishyami mahasuram.

50.  Bramareethi cha maam lokasthadha sthoshyanthi sarvadha.

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.

51.  Itham yadha yadha badha dhanavotha bhavishyathi,

       Thada thada vatheeryaham karishyamari samkshyam.

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

(To be contd…..)

Devi Mahatmyam

Devi Mahatmyam

Chapter 10: Killing of Shumbha.

1.    Rishir Uvacha:-

       Nishumbham nihatham drushtwa bratharam pranasammitham,

       Hanyamanam balanchaiva Shumbha krudha abraveedvacha.

The sage told:-

Seeing that his solu like brother was killed as also his army, Shumbha became very angry and told.

2.    Balavale pa dushte, thwam maa durge, Garvamavaha,

       Anyasam balamasrithya yudhyase yathi manani.

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.

3.    Devyuvacha:-

       Ekaivaham jagathyathra dwithiya kaa mamaa para,

       Pasyaitha dushta, mayyeva visanthyo madvibhuthaya.

The goddess told:-

In this world, I only am and where is the second. Please see that all these people enter within me.

4.    Thatha samasthastha devyo brahmani pramukhalayam,

       Thasya devyasthanou jagmur ekaivasee thadambika.

Afterwards all the goddesses like Brahmani became one with the body of goddess Chandika and the goddess became alone.

5.    Devi uvacha:-

       Aham vibhoothya bahubhiriha roopair yathasthadha,

       Tatsamhrutham mayaikeva thishtamyajou sthidhirobhava.

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.

6.    Rishir uvacha:-

       Thatha pravavrutham yudham devya shumbhasya cho bhayo,

       Pasyaitham sarva devanam asuranaam cha darunam.

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).

7.    Saravarshai sithai sasthraisthadha asthraischaiva dharunai,

       Thayor yudhamabhooth bhooya sarva loka bayankaram.

A very fearful and terrible war took place between them in which sharp arrows were rained and using other weapons and horrifyingly great arrows

8.    Divyanasthrani sathaso mumuche yanyadhambika,

       Babhancha thani daithyendra sthath prathi gatha karthrubhi.

Afterwards when the goddess sent several divine arrows in batches of hundreds, Shumbha destroyed them using arrows, which were capable of destroying them.

9.    Mukthani thena chasthrani divyani parameshwari,

       Banbancha leelayaivogra hoongarocharanadhibhi.

That Goddess Chandika cut the divine arrows sent by Shumbha by her deep breath (Hum) and also playfully.

10.  Thatha sara sathair devi machadhayatha so asura,

       Saapi that kupitha devi dhanu chicchedha cheshubhi.

Then that Shumbha covered the Goddess with hundreds of arrows and becoming angry due to this, she cut off his bow using her arrows.

11.  Chinne dhanushi daithyendra sthadha shakthi madhadade,

       Chichechadha devi chakrena thamapyasya kare sthithaam.

When his bow was broken, That Shumbha took in his hand a spear and the goddess cut it with her holy wheel.

12.  Thatha gadgamupadhaya sathachandram cha bhanumath,

       Abhyadavatha thaam deveem daithyanam adhipeswara.

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.

13.  Thasya pathatha evasu gadgam chichedha chandika,

       Dhanur mukthai shithairbanaischarma charkarakamalam.

Goddess Chandika while he was coming cut off his sword and shield which were reflecting the sun, with arrows sent from her bow.

14.  Hathaswa sa thadha daithya chinnadhanwa visaradhi,

       Jagraha mudhgaram goram ambika nidhanodhyadha.

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.

15.  Chichedhaa pathatha thasya mudhgaram nishithai sarai,

       Thadapi so abhyadavatham mushti mudhyamya vegavaan.

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.

16.  Sa mushtim padayamasa hrudhaye daithya pungava,

       Devyastham chapi saa devi thalanorasya thadayath.

That chief of asuras hit the goddess with his fist on her forehead and she slapped him with her palm on his chest.

17.  Thalapraharabhi hatho nipapatha maheethale,

       Sa daithyaraja sahasa punareva thadosthidha.

That king of asuras fell on the ground due to her slap but recovered and got up fast.

18.  Uthpathya cha pragruhyo uchair devim gaganamasthidha,

       Thathrapi saa niradhara yuyudhe thena chandika.

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.

19.  Niyudham khe thadha daithyaschandika cha parasparam,

       Chakrathu pradhamam yudham muni vismayakarakam.

Then that Asura and goddess Chandika first fought with bare hands on the sky, making the sages aghast.

20.  Thatho niyudham suchiram kruthwa thenambhika saha,

       Uthpathya bramayamasa chikshepa dharani thale.

After fighting war with bare hands for long time, that goddess lifted him and threw him on the ground.

21.  Samkshiptho dharanim prapya mushti mudhyamya vegatha,

       Abhyadavatha dushtathma chandika nidhanechaya.

Thus thrown that Asura reached the earth, recovered fast and with a wish to kill the goddess ran towards her with clenched fist.

22.  Thamayantham thatho devi sarva daithya janeswaram,

       Jagathyam pathayamasa bhithwa soolena vakshasi.

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.

23.  Sa gathasu papthorvyam devi soolagravikshatha,

       Chalayan sakalam pruthweem sabdhi dweepam saparvatham.

That Shumbha torn by the trident of the goddess fell dead on the ground shaking the entire earth with its oceans, islands and mountains.

24.  Thatha prasannamakhilam hathe thasmin durathmani,

       Jagathswasthyamatheevapa nirmalam cha bhavnnabha.

When the bad one was killed, the entire universe became happy, the world became calmer and the sky became clearer

25.  Uthpathamegha solka ye pragasamsthe samam yayu,

       Saritho marga vahinyasthadha samsthathra pathithe.

Those clouds, which were comet shaped before Shumbha died, became calm and also all the rivers started flowing in the right direction.

26.  Thatho deva gana sarve harsha nirbhara manasa,

       Bhabhuvur nihathe thasmin gandharva lalitham Jagu.

Because of his killing, the mind of all the groups of devas was filled with happiness. Gandharwas sang prettily.

27.  Avadhayamsthadhai vanyai nanyathu schapsarogana.

Vavu punyasthadha vatha suprabho bhoo divakara.

Similarly another group of devas played musical instruments, apsaras (celestial dancers) danced in-groups, holy wind blew and the sun shone brightly.

28.  Jajwaluschagnaya santha santha digjanithaswana.

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

(to be contd…..)