INTRODUCTION: Just as Srimad Bhavath Geetha is at the central portion of the epic Maha Bharath,  Devi Mahatmiyam comprising  seven hundred manthirams(sacred  formula for invocation of a deity) is placed at the central portion of Markandeya Puranam. Since it extols the greatness of Chandika Devi  it is called Chandi.  Since it contains seven hundred manthirams it is also called SAPTHA SATHI. It is being recited from time immemorial by theists(aasthigargal in Tamil) from Himalayas to Kanya kumara in  our country called also as Bharath Desam. It is is also used for Japams. Homams . welfare of the humanity and removal of diseases.

It has several commentary texts. A few among them are Santhanavi, Pushpanjali, Ramaasarami, Naakesi, Gupthavathi, Dhamsoththaram, Durga Pratheepam.  DEVI MAHATHMIYAM’S  gratness is also extolled in various Puranas(epics),and also sacred texts such as Kathyayini yanthiram, Katka Thanthiram, Kroda Thanthiram, Meru thanthiram, Mareesi kalpam, Rudra Yaamalam and Chidambara Rahasyam.

In the beginning chapter (called Poorva Baagam)Arkalam, Keelagam, Rathri sooktham, Navakshari Vivesanam, in the central chapter Devi mahatmiyam in three story forms, and at the final chapter Devi sooktham and Rahasya thrayam are found in the Devi Mahathmiyam.  As an annexure at the end Durga saptha sloki, Durga sooktham, Indrakshi sthothram Durga abathutharaga sthothram Devi abaraakshamaabaana sthothram are given here.

One should recite Devi Mahathmiyam  by keeping in one’s mind that Brahma Vidya and Sri Vidya are one and the same. The truths extolled by Vedantha(philosophy) Brahma Vidya  must be put into practice by Sri Vidya which guides us to practice the same. Sri vidya has in itself both Manthram and Thanthram. THADHA DHAMTHAARA MITH YAHOO ROMATHMETHI BAHUSRUTHA. THAAMAVE SAKTHIM BRUVATHE  HREE MAATHMETHISAABARE that is the one only  Almighty(God) is called by the manthra OM IN Brahma vidya and as HREEM in Sri vidya. Since Brhamam amd Brhama Sakthi(Power of Brahmam) can not be separated  Omkaram is called upayathmaham and Hreemgaram is also upayathmagam.  Hreem is called Maya Bheejam (seed)or Bhuvaneswari bheejam. Just as seedling, branch, bud, flower,fruit come out of seed, Maha Kaali, maha Lakshmi, Maha saraswathi appear from Bhuvaneswari Bheejam(seed). The important  forms out of their. total Manthra forms are two. Those who had initiations in Navakshari Manthra should recite saptha sathi as a part of Navarnava japam. Those who had initiations in Saptha sathi Manthra must recite Navakshari japam.

In Chidambara Rahasyam Lord Parameswar(Shiva) says to Parvathi “Devi I will tell you the greatness of Saptha sathi. Just Listen. Those who recite will  get rid of poverty. Tiripura who is in the form Chinmaya  has three shapes and forms.  The Godess Sakthi(also called Para Deathai) took the form of Kali to bless celestials by destroying demons. She appeared as Lakshmi and Saraswathi towards the end period of this universe. Her life history has been told in thirteen chapters  in seven hundred manthras in Markandeya Puranam. Those who read it will be rid of all distress and will be blessed with all right things.
Just as  Pipal tree is the first among trees, God Hari among celestials, so is Saptha sathi among the sthothras(hymns), so says Damara thanthiram. ( YATHA VETHO HI ANATHIRHI THTHVATH SAPTHA SATHI SMURUTHA). Bhuvaneswari samhithai says just as Vedas have no beginning(anaathi) so is Saptha sathi. To recite one should first perform their austerities and after finishing the daily austerities must sit in a  clean place . perform Asamanam, Pranayaamam(breath control exercise) Sankalpam first and then recite Saptha Sathi  after reciting the parts that are found before and after the three main stories and also do Navakshari Japam.  If one does not have time to read all the 13 chapters in one go at least recite the middle story. Or read  1: 2  -3  : 4  ;  5-6-7 -8 ; 9 -10; 11;12;13.  In this order. To recite from memory without referring the book is good.  The Manthras GNANINAMABHI CHETHAMSI DURGA SMRUTHA , SARVAA PAATHAA PRASMANAM  if  recited in the japam separately  and as told in the three stories  by doing Nyasam Dhyanam (meditation) to the concerned deities of those three chapters  then sthothras  VISHVESWARIM JAGATH THATHREEM CHAKRATHAYA SURA GANA OR NAMO DEVYAI MAHA DEVYAI  should be recited. Those Bhakthas who have any wishes (sagama Bhakthas) will  get their wishes fulfilled. Nishgama Bhakthas (those who don’t have any wishes in their mind) will get salvation(Mukthi). Medha Maharishi told Suratha Maha raja Surrender at the feet of Parameswari. If you worship her with all ceremonial rituals  she will be pleased and bestow on you all good things in this world and salvation in the next world.  The maharaja (suratha maha raja)will get back his kingdom  and will become a Manu at a future date.  The other person Samathi belonging to Vysa community  got wisdom (gnanam ) and attained salvation. By saying so, Devi Mahathmyam story comes to a finale.

DURGE SMRUTHA HARASI BEETHIM  ASESHA JANTHO
SWASTHAI SMRUTHA MATHI MATHEEVA SUBAAM THATHASI
DHARITHRIYA DUKKA BHAYA HARINI KA THVATHANYA
SARVOBABAARA KARANAAYA SATHAARTHRA SIDDHA.

ATHMA SAMARPANAM

OM
SWAROOPA NIRUPANA HETHAVE  SRI GURAVE NAMAHA

Meaning of the slokam

Om  The Base for the explanation of swaroopa is Sri Guru and salutations for him.

SARVA MANGALA MAANGALYAE SHIVE SARVAARTHA SAATHIGE

SARANYE  TRAYAMBIKE GOWRI NAARAYANI NAMOSTHUTHE.

FIRST PART:  1. KAVASAM

Markandeyar said:  Oh.  Brahma Deva  That which is very confidential in the world  and that which gives protection for the human beings (that which has not been told to anyone sofar) that (for the benefit of the world) may be taught to me  please.

Brahma said: Oh Brahmin  Devi kavasam is there  for the help of all living beings. That kavasam  is virtuous, and very confidential also. Oh Great Sage  Just listen that.

3. First Parvatha raja puthri(daughter of Parvatha King), Second Brahma chaarini, Third is Chandra kanda Fourth is Kooshmanda

4. Fifth is Skantha Maatha sixth is Kathyayani, Seventh is Kala Rathri, Eighth is Maha Gowri.

5. Nineth is Siddhi Matha Thus the nine forms of Godess Durga has been told to you.  These names has been told by the great Veda Purush(Vedas)

6. Those burnt by Agni(Fire), held in captivity by enemies in a battle, got afraid because of great distress, if they remember one of the names mentioned above and surrender themselves to Devi
 7. They will not encounter any difficulties in the battle. They will not face any distress because the above mentioned Nava(Nine) Durgas will not allow that happen to them. Durga Devi will remove all their difficulties and distresses.

8. Those who remember HER with intense Bhakthi, they will be bestowed with wealth.  Chamunda Devi has a Corpse as her seat. Varahi has buffello as her vehicle.

9. Indrani Deni has the elephant IRAVATHAM as her vehicle. Mahalakshi, the power of Vishnu has eagle as her vehicle. Maheswari’s vehicle is Bull(OX). The power(godess) of God Kumara has peacock as her vehicle.

10. Adorned by various jewels Brahmas’s wife  has Hamsam(Swan) as her vehicle. All of them shine brightly by wearinf various jewels and gems.

11. All of them having got into their Rathams(car) (in order to protect celestials ) appear in a angry mood.

they carry Conch, Chakra(Disc) Gatha(a battle club, cudgel,bludgeon ), Kaththi(sword), Kalappai(plough), Ulakkai(pestle) as weapons

12. Kedagam(shield),Thomaram(mace or large club), Kodari(axe),kayiru(thread),Kundayudam(pick axe) Trisulam(Tridant) and bow called Saarngam

13. They carry the above weapons to protect Bhakthas(Devotees) from fear, to kill the bodies of Demons and for the benefit of celestials.

14. Devi with mighty power, with full of joy. Who remove the fear, who is fearsome for enemies, who is very difficult  to be seen, protect me Devi.

15. Let indirani protect me in the east,  Agni Devathai(angel for fire) protect me in south east(Agni moolai), Varahi in the south, Gadgatharini in south west,  {Nirruthi},

16. Let Vaaruni sakthi protect in the west, Mruga vahani Vayu sakthi in north west(Vaayu moolai), Gowmari in the North, Soolatharini in North east(Eesaana moolai),

17. Brahmani protect me from above Vishnu sakthi protect me from below, Thus in all the ten directions Chamundi who is having corose as a vehicle protect me.

18. Let Jaya sakthi be in my front. Vijaya sakthi from behind, Ajitha on the left side, Aparajitha on the right side protect me.

19 Let Uthyodhini protect my tuft, Uma my head, my fore head be ptotected by Maalathaari, Let Yasavini protect my eye brows

20. Let Thrinethra  devi protect the centre portion in between the two eye brows, Yamakanda Devi my nose, Let Sangini devi protect the central portion of my eyes, let Dwaravasini protect my ears.

21. Let Kaaliga Devi protect my cheeks, Sangini Devi my earlobes, Sugantha Devi protect my noses, Let Charchika Devi protect the upper portion of my lips,

222. Let Amruthakala devi protect the lower portion of my lips, Let Saraswathi protect my tongue, Gowmari my teeth, Let Chandigai protect the central portion of my neck

23.Let my Uvula(Ul naakku in tamil)be protected by Chithra kanda Devi, Maha mayai my jaws, Let Kamakshi protect my chins, Sarva mangala Devi my speech

24. Let Badrakali protect my neck, Dhanurthari protect my spine or back bone(Muthugu Elembu in tamil) Outer portion of my neck be protected by Neelagreeeva Devi, Nalakoobari protect my neck bone,

25. Lt my both shoulders be protected by Gadga thaarini, let Vajra thaarini protect my shoulders, Thandini my hands, ambigai my fingers

26. Let Sooleswari protect my nails, Maha Devi my breasts, Let Soka vinasini protect my mind

27. Let Lalitha Devi protect my heart, Soola tharini my stomach, Kaamini devi my Naabi, Let Kugyeswari protect my secret part of my body

28. Let Boothana protect my penis, Mahisha vahani the orifice at the bottom of my back portion(flauts0, let Bagavathi protect my hips, Vindya vasini my knees

29. Let Mahabala Devi protect my thighs, Vinayaki Devi the central portion of my knee, Narasimha devi protect my ankles, Mitoujasi protect the back portion of my legs

30, 31. Let Sri Dhari protect my fingers of the legs, Nails in the legs by thamshstrakarasi, hair by urthva kesini, Gowberi protect the pores of hair, Vaheeswari my skin, Let my blood semen fat, flesh, brain, all be protected by Parvathi Devi.

32 Let my intestine be protected by Kalarathri, body chakras by Padmavathi, suba dadu by Choodamani

33 The brightness of nails be protected by Jwala Mukhi, Abedya  Devi all joints, Brahmani protect my semen, Chathreswari my shadow

34Let Dharma charini protect my ego, mind and intellect, Likewise ptotect my internal gases(vayu in tamil) called Pranan, Abanan, Vyanan, Samanan, Uthanan also.

35
354. Let Chakrin protect always my fame, beauty, Let Indrani protect my Gothram. Chandike protect my cows.

36. Let Mahalakshmi protect my sons, Bhairavi my wife, Shemangari my path or way. Let Vijaya protect me all sides at all times

37. If any part is not protected because it is not shielded as above Devi who is also called Jeyanthi and Papanasini  protect them.

38, 39 Any one who aspires better health should not go even one step ahead without remembering the names of Devi. If protected as aboveeven if one goes to anywhere or any place He will get all that aspired by him and all his thoughts will be fulfilled. Whatever be his wishes all those wishes will be fulfilled. .

40. That person in this will get unparalled wealth.  He can not be defeated in any battle. He will be fearless.

41. Those who have been protected as mentioned  will be worshipped in all the three worlds. The protections offered by Devi can not be obtained even by celestials.

42. Those who this read in the middle of the four roads with all sincerity and discipline He will get wealth from Gods also. He can not be defeated by any one in all the three worlds.

43. He will not have un natural death, and will live for one hundred years. All diseases that may appear in the skin, blood will disappear.

44. In this world any poison from animate and inanimate objects and all ill effects of bad manthras  will get destroyed.

45, Those who travel in this world or in the sky, those who appear from the water, those who appear from initiation of manthras, those appear with bodies, soolini devathais, likewise  Sagini, Dagini devathais,

46. those who travel in  the mid air, strong Daaaginis, Demons, ghosts,yakshas, kandharvas, rakshasas

47. Brahma rakshas, Vedalam(also called ghosts), Kooshmanda, Bhairava bad Devathais,  when this Kavasam(protective shield) if worn in the heart will run away.

48. He will get name and fame in this world everywhere.

49,50. The devotee first do japa with this Kavasam. Then He should do japa or recite the Chandi sthothram which contains seven hundred Manthras.  In all mountains forests, Gardens, and till this world exists  He and his progeny(sons, grandsons, great grand sons) will live happily forever. At the end of his sojurn in this world with his body, He will get as a prasadam of Maha mayai , a very high and indestructible post which even celestials can not aspire or get.

PRATHAMA CHRITHRAM(FIRST HISTORY)

MAHA KALI DHYANAM: I resort to Maha kali who has ten faces, ten legs, and holds in her hands the sword, disc, mace, arrow, bow, clib, spear, missile, human head and conch, who is three eyed, adorned with ornaments on all her limbs, and luminoua like a blue jewel, and whom Brahma extolled in order to destroy Madhu and Kaidaba when Vishnu was in his mystic(yoga)sleep.
1-3
Markandeyar said: Savarni, son of Surya is called the eighth Manu(one cycle of creation is divided 14 manvanthras. The period ruled over by one Manu is called Manvanthra. The period ruled by Savarni is called Savarni Manvanthra which is eigth in the cycle of creations). Listen. While I describe in detail about his birth, how savarni  the illustrious son of Surya became the lord of eigth Manvanthra by the grace of Mahamaya(Divine Mother).

4-5 In olden days there was a king called Suratha born of the Caitra dynasty, ruling over the world in the period Svarocisa. He protected his subjects as he would his own children. At that time the kings, who were the destroyers of the Kola became his enemies.

6-7 He the wielder of powerful weapons, fought a battle with the destroyers of kolas, but was defeated by them though they were a small force. Then he returned to his own city and ruled over his own country. Then that illustrious king was attacked by these powerful enemies.

8-9 Even in his own city, the king now bereft of strength was robbed of his treasury and army by his own powerful, vicious and evil –disposed ministers. Thereafter deprived of his sovereignty the king left alone on horse back for a dense forest under the pretext of hunting.

10-11He saw there the hermitage of Medhas the supreme among the twice born inhabited by wild animals which were peaceful and graced by the disciples of the sage. Entertained by the sage, Suratha the king spent some time moving about in the ashramam(hermitage) of the grat sage.

12-16  There then overcome with attachment he fell into the thought “I do not know whether the Capital well guarded by my ancestors and recently deserted by me, is being guarded righteously  or not by my servants of evil nature. I do not know what enjoyments my chief elephant heroic and always elated and now fallen into the hands of my enemies will get. Those who were my constant followers and received favour, riches and food from me now certainly pay homage to other kings. The treasure which I have gathered with great care will be squandered by those constant spendthrifts, who are addicted to improper expenditures.

17-19 The King was continuously thinking of these and other things. Near the ashram of the Brahmin  he saw a merchant and asked him “who are yoy? What is the reason of your coming here? Wherefore do you appear as if afflicted with grief and depression? Hearing this speech of the king said in a friendly tone, the merchant bowed respectfully and replied to the king.

20-25 The merchant replied “I am a merchant named Samadhi and born in a wealthy family. I have been thrown out by my sons, and wife who are wicked through greed of wealth. My wife and sons have misappropriated my wealth and made me pauper. Thrown out by my trusted relatives I have come to the forest grief stricken.  Staying here I do not know anything as regards good or bad of my sons, relations and wife. At the moment my mind is thinking of their welfare only. How are they? Are my sons living good or evil lives?
26-28 The king said why your mind affectionately attached to those covetous folks your sons, wife and others who have cheated of your wealth?
29-34  The Merchant said “this very thought has occurred to me just as you have uttere it. What can I do? My mind does not become hard. It bears deep affection to those very persons who have driven me out in their greed for wealth, abandoning the love for a father  and attachment to one’s master and relations. I do not comprehend although I know it, how is that the mind is prone to love even towards worthless relatives. On account of them I heave sighs and also feel dejected. What can I do since my mind does not become hard towards those loving ones?

35-38 Markandeya said: then o. Brahmin the merchant Samadhi and the noble king together approached the sage and after observing the etiquette worthy of him and as was proper they sat down and had a conversation on various topics.

39-45  The king said “Sir. I wish to ask you one thing. Be pleased to reply for the same. Without the control of my intellect my mind is afflicted  with sorrow. Though I have lost kingdom like a ignorant man ( though I am aware of my ignorance) I have an attachment to all the paraphernalia of the kingdom  . O. best among the sages How is this? And this Merchant has been disowned by his chidren, wife and servants and forsaken by his own people. Still he has affecttowards them all. Thus both He and I drawn by attachment towards objects whose defects we do not know are exceedingly unhappy. Sir, How this happens then that though we are aware of it this delusion strikes us. This delusion besets me as well as him blinded as we are I respect of discrimination

46-49  The sage said Sir, every being has the knowledge of objects perceivable by the senses. An object of sense reaches it in various ways. Some beings are blind by day and others are being blind by night. Some beings have equal sight both by day and night. Humanbeings are certainly endowed with knowledge but they are no the only beings to be so endowed.for cattle birds, animals, and other beings also cofnise object of senses.

50-58 The knowledge that men have , birds and beasts too have; and what they have men also posses. And the rest(like eating and sleeping)is common to both of them. Look at these birds, which though they possess knowledge and are themselves distressed by hunger are yet, because of the delusion engaged in dropping gains into the beaks of their young ones. Human beings  are, attached to their children because of greed for return help.  Do you not see this? Even so , men are hurled into the whirlpool of attachment, the pit of delusionthrough the power of Maha Maya who makes the existence of the world possible. This Maha Maya is the Yoga Nithra of Maha Vishnu who is the lord of the world. It is by her only the world is deluded. Verily She who is also called Bhavathi  Maha maya forcibly drawing the minds of the wise throws them into delusion. She creats the entire universe both moving and unmoving. It is she who when propitiated becomes a boon giver to human beings for their final Mukthi(liberation). She is the supreme knowledge the cause of the bondage of transmigration and the soverign over all lords.

59-62  The king then said “Respected sir, who is that Deviwhom you call Maha Maya? How did she come into being and what is her sphere of action? What constitutes her nature? What is her shape and form? Where from did she originate? All that I wish to hear from you Brahmin.

63-71 The sage said She is eternal embodied as universe. All this is pervaded by her. Neverthless she incarnates in many waya. Hear it from. When she manifests herself in order to accomplish the purposes of celestials, she is said to be born in the world though she is eternal and ever living. At the end of Kalpa (when the life of Brahma ends) when the universe was one ocean (by the water produced by the deluge) and the Lord stretched out on his Sesha(the five hooded Snake) and took to mystic sleep two terrible demons(asuras0 named Madhu and Kaithaba sprung int being from the dirt collected from lord Vishnu’s ear tried to kill Brahma. Brahma the father of all living beings of this world was sitting on a Lotus in the navel of Maha Vishnu. Seeing these asuras(demons0and Janarthana(Maha Vishnu) asleep and with a way to awaken him from His Yoga Nithra, Brahma with concentrated mind extolled Yoga Nithra  dwelling in the eyes of Maha Vishnu. Lord Brahma extolled the incomparable Godess Vishnu, Yoga nithra the queen of this cosmos the supporter of the worlds the cause gor sustenance and dissolution of this universe.

72-74  Brahma said You are Svaha(the propitiatoru manthra of the celestials uttered when an oblation is offeredin the Agni for them in Homama) and svadha(propitiatory manthra uttered while offering oblations in Agni in homams to departed souls), You are verily the Vasat and embodiment of svara  You are nectar. You are the embodiment of threefold mantra(Omkara made up of a, u,and m) You are a half matra. Though eternal. You are verily that which can not be uttered specifically. You are Savithri the supreme mother of all celestials.

75-77  By you this universe is borne, by you this universe is created, By you it is protected. O. Devi? At the end you consume it also. You are always of the form of the world. At the time of creation you are in the form of creative force , at the time of sustentation you take the form of protective power. And at the time of dissolution of the world you take the shape and form of destructive power. You ae the supreme knowledge and nescience the great intellect and contemplation.You are also the grat delusion. The great and female form of demons.

78-81  You are the primordial cause of every thing bringing into force the three qualities(sattva, Rajaas and Thamas). You are the great night of final dissolution. And the terrible night of delusion. You are the godess of good fortune, the ruler, modesty, intelligence characterized by knowledge bashfulness nourishment contentment tranquility  forbearance. Armed with sword spear, club, discus, conch, bow, arrows, slingsand iron mace.  You are terrible and at the same time you are pleasing. You are more pleasing than all the pleasing things and exceedingly beautiful. You are indeed the supreme Eswari beyond the high and low.

82-87  And whatever and wherever a thing exists real or unreal whatever power al that possess is yourself. You are the soul of every thing how can I praise you ? By you even he who creats sustains and dissolves the world is put to sleep. Who is here capable of showering praises on you? You have made all of us—Vishnu, myself and Siva taks our embodied forms? O. Devi being lauded thus, bewitch these two unassailable demons Madhu and Kaitabha with your superior powers. Let Vishnu the master of the world be quickly awakened from sleep(yoga nithra) and rouse up his nature to slay these two great demons.

88-95   The sage said  There the Devi of delusionpraised thus Brahma the creator, in order to awaken Vishnu for the destruction of Madhu and Khaithaba drew herself out from the eyes Vishnu, mouth, nostrils, arms, heart, and breast and appeared in the sight of Brahma. Janarthana(Maha Vishnu)Lord of the universe quitted by her  rose up from his couch(bed)on the Universe of ocean and saw those two demons Madhuand Khaithaba with eyes red in anger endeavouring to devour Brahma. Therupon the all pervading Bhagavan Vishnu got up and fought with the demons for five thousand years using his own arms as weapons. And they frenzied with their exceeding power and deluded by Maha Mayiexclimed to Vishnu “You can ask any boon from us”

96-98  If you are satisfied with me the both of you must be killed by me now. There is no need for any othe boon than this. This is the only boon I seek from you.

99-101    The sage said Those two demons thus bewitched by Maha Maya  gazing  then at the entire world turned into water told Maha Vishnu the lotus eyed one, “Slay us at the pot where theearth is not flooded with water.   

102-104  The sage said : saying ‘Be it be’. Maha Vishnu the great wielder of couch discus, and mace took them on His loins” and severed their heads. With his Chakra(discus). Thus Maha Mayi herself appeared when praised by Brahma. Now listen again the glory of this Devi  which I am going to tell you

             Here ends Chapter called Madhu Kahithaba Vadham of Devi Mahathmyam  in Markandeya Purana  during the period Savarni  Manu

MADHYAMA CHARITHRAM;

Medidation on Mahalakshmi:  I resort to Mahalakshmi the destroyer of Mahisasura who is seated on the lotus is the complexion of coral and who holds in her (eighteen) hands rosary, axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, bow, pitcher, rod, sakthi, sword, shield, conch bell, wine-cup, trident, noose and the discus(chakra) Sudarsana.

Second Chapter:  MAHISASURA SAINYA VADHAM
105-108
The sage said “ Of yore when Mahisasura was the lord of asuras, indra the lord of celestials, there was a war between celestials and asuras for a full one hundred years. In that the army of the celestailas was defeated by the valorus asuras. Agter conquering all the celestials Mahisasura became the Lord of Heaven (for which till then Indra was the king and ruler).
109-110
Then the defeated celestials headed by Brahma went to the place where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu were. The celestials described to them in detail the entire sequence of events (war) and the defeat that they got in the hands asuras.
111-112

He(Mahisasura himself has assumed thr jurisdictions of Surya, Indra,Agni, Vayu, Chandra, Yama and Varuna and other celestials(Devas). Thrown out from Heaven by that evil natured Mahisasura, the hosts of celestials wander on the earth like ordinary human beings. All that has been done by the enemy of the celestials has been explained to you both and we have sought shelter and protection under both of you. May both of you be pleased to think out the means of his destructionsi 

113  Having thus heard the words of the celestials Vishnu was angry and so also Shiva and their faces  became red,fierce with frowns.

114-115  Then issued forth a grat light from the face of Vishnu who was full of intense anger  and from that of Brahma and Shiva too a light emerged. From the bodies of Indra, and other celestials also sprang forth a very great light. And all tis light united together.

116-117  The Devas saw there a concentration of light like a mountain blazing excessively pervading all with its flames. Then that unique light produced from the bodies of all the celestials pervading all the three worls with its glittering light and lustre combined into one and became female form.

118-119 By that which was Shiva’s light her face came int existence. By Yama’s light her hair, by Vishnu’slight her arms by Chandra’s light her two breasts. By Indra’s light her waist, By varuna’s light her shanks(thighs) and by earth’s light her hips.

120-122  By Brahma’s light her feet, by Surya’s light her toes, By Vasu’s light her fingerd, by Kuber’s light her nose By Prajapathi’s light her teeth, and similarly by Agni’s light her three eyes were formed. The light of two Sandhya times(twilight) became her eye-brows, the light Vayu her ears, the manifestations of other celestials lights too contributed to her auspiciousness.

123  Then looking at her who had come into being from these assembles lights of all celestials who are immortals also  and who were oppressed by Mahisasura became happy and experienced joy.

124-125  The bearer of Pinaka(bow’ name) Lord Shiva drawining forth a Trisul from his own Trisul  presented it to that female form. And Vishnu bringing forth a Discus(chkra) from his own Sudarsana chakra gave to her. Varuna gave her a conch(sangu in tamil) Agni a spear (EEtti in tamil) the Marutha also gave her a bow and also quivers (ambara thuni in tamil) with full of arrows.

126-127  Indra the lord of celestials gaver her a thunderbolt(Vajrayutham in tamil) and a bell from that of his elephant Iravatham  Yama gave her a staff(called Thandam in tamil) and varuna the lord of waters a noose(paasa kayiru in tamil) Brahma gave a string of beads(rosary0 and a water pot.

128  Surya bestowed his own rays on all the pores of her skin and Kala(Time) gaver a spotless sword and shield(Kedayam in tamil).

129-133  The ocean of milk(Paal kadal in tamil) gave her a necklace a pair undecaying garments(always fresh and new dress) a divine crest jewel, a pair of ear rings bracelets, a brilliant half mon ornament, armlets on all arms a pair of shining anklets a unique necklace and excellent rings on all the fingers . Viswakarma(divine architect)gave her a brilliant axe, weapons of various forms, and alsi impenetrable armour. The ocean gave her a never fading lotus for her head, and another for her breasts, besides a very beautiful lotus in her hand. The mountain Himavat gave her a lion to ride on and also various jewels.

134-137   The lord of wealth Kubera gave  her a drinking cup full of wine. Seha the fivehooded snake the lord of all snakes who supports the earth gave her a serpant necklace with best jewels. Honoured likewise by other devas also with ornaments and weapons She (the Devi) roared loudly with a deafening laugh again and again. By her unending exceedingly great terrible roar the entire sky was filled reverberated . All worlds shook and the oceans trembled.

138-150  The earth quaked and all the mountains rocked. Victory to you exclaimed the celestials in joy on seeing her seated on a lion. The sages who bowed their bodies in devotion extolled(praised) her . Seeing the three world agiated the asuras(the foes of celestials) mobilized all their armies and rose up together with uplifted weapons Mahisasura exclaiming  Ha. What is this?  And rushed towards that roar surrounded innumerable asuras. Ther he saw the Devi pervading the three worlds with her lustre. Making the earth bend with her footsteps scrapping the sky with her crown  shaking the nether world (Paathaalam in tamil) with the swang of her bow string and standing there pervading all the quarters around with her thousand arms. Then began a battle between the Devi and asuras in which quarters of the sky were illumined by the weapons and arms hurled diversely. Mahisasura’s army general  Ciksura and samara attended by forces comprising four parts. And other asuras fought. A great asura named Uthakra with 60,000 chariots and Mahahanu with one crore(ten million)of chariots gave battle. Asiloman another great asura with fifteen millions of chariots and Baskala with six millions fought in that battle. Parivarita with many thousands of elephant and horses and surrounded by ten millions of chariots fought in the battle. An asura named Bidala fought in that battle surrounded by five hundred crores  of chariots. And othr grat asuras thousands in number surrounded with chariots elephants and horses fought with the Devi in that battle.

151-152  Mahisasura was surrounde in that battle with thousands of crores of horses elephants and chariots. Others in the battle fought against the Devi with iron maces and javelins(eetteees in tamil), spears , clubs, swords, axes and halberds. Some hurled spears and others nooses(paasam in tamil).

153-162  They began to srike her with swords in order to kill her. Showering her/own weapons and arms that Devi Chandika very easily cut into pieces all these weapons and arms. Without any strain on her face and with gods and sages extolling her the Eswari threw her weapons and arms at the bodies of the asuras. And the lion also which carried the Devi shaking its mane in rage stalked among the hosts of asuras like a conflagration amidst the forests.The sighs which Devi engaged in the battle heaved  became at once her battalions by hundreds and thousands. Energised by the power of Devi these battalions fought with axes javelins swords halbreds and destroyed the asuras. Of these battalions some beat drums some blew conches and others played tablas in that great martial festival. Then the Devi killed hundreds of asuras with her trisul club, showers of spears swords, and the like. And threw down others who were stupefied by the noise of her bell. And binding others with her noose she dragged them on the ground . Some were split into two by the sharp slashes of the sword and others smashed by the blows of her mace, lay down on the ground. And some severely hammered by her club vomited forth blood.
163-164 Pierced in the breast by her trisul some fell on the ground. Pierced all over by her arrows and resembling porcupines some of the enemies od celestials gave up their live on that field of battle. Some had their arms cut off some their necks broken the heads of others rolled down. Some others were torn under in the middle of their trunks and some great asuras fell on the ground with their legs severed.
165  Some rendered one armed and one legged were again clove in twain by the Devi. And others though rendered headless fel and roared again.

166 Headless trunks fought with the Devi with best weapons in their hands. Some of these headless danced there in the battle to the rhythm of the musical instruments.

167-69  The trunks of some others  grat asuras with their asuras spears, lances still in their hands shouted at the Devi with their just severed heads ‘stop stop’.  That part of earth where the battle was fought became impassable with the asuras, elephants and horses and chariots that had been felled.

170-171 The profuse blood from the asuras elephants and horses flowed immediately like large rivers amidst that army of the asuraas. As fire consumes a huge heap of straw and wood so did Devi destroy that vast army of asuras in no time.

172-173  And her carrier lion thundering aloud with quivering mane prowled about in the battle field. Appearing to search out the vital breaths from the bodies of the enemies of devas. In the battle field the battalions o Devi fought in such a manner with the asuras that the celestials in heavn showeing flowers praised them.

Here ends the second chapter called Mahisasura sainya vatham  of Devi Mahatmya  in Markandeya purana during the period of savarni manu   

MAHISHASURA VATHAM; THIRD CHAPTER

Dhyanam: OM. UTHYATH BANU-SAHASRA GANDHIM-ARUNASHOUMAM SIROMALIKAM RAKTHALIPTHA BAYODHARAM JAPAVADEEM VIDHYAM ABEETHIM VARAM-HASTHAPJAIR-THATHATHEEM THRINETHRA-VILASATH-VAKTHRA ARAVINDA-SHRIYAM.DEVEEM BHAKTHA HIMAMSU RATHNA MAKUDAM VANDE ARAVINDASTHITHAM.

174-176  The sage said Then chiksura the great demon general seeing that army being slain(by the Devi)advanced in anger to fight with Ambika. That asura rained showers of arrows on the Devi in the battle even as a cloud rain on the summit of the Meru Mountain.

177       Then the Devi easily cutting asunder the masses of his arrows killed his horses and their controller with arrows.

178 Forthwith she split his bow and lofty banner and with her arrows pierced the body of that demon(asura)whose bow had been cut.

179 His bow shattered his chariot broken his horses killed and his chairioteer slain the demon armed with a sword and shield(Kedayam in tamil0rushed at the Devi.

180 Swiftly he smot the lion on the head with his sharpedged sword and struck the Devi also on her head.

181 O. King his sword broke into pieces as it touched her arm. Thereupon his eyes turning red with anger he grasped his pike(trisul).

182  Then the great demon flung at Bhadrakali the pike, blazing with lustre as if he was hurling the very sun from the skies.

183     Seeing that pike coming upon her the Devi hurled her pike that shattered his pike into a hundred fragments and the demon himself.

184  Mahishasura’s valiant general having been killed Chamaran the afflictor of Devas mounted on an elephant advanced.

185 He also hurled spear(EETTEE in Tamil)at the Devi  Ambika quickly assailed it with a whoop(loud sound) made it lusterless and fall to the ground.

186  Seeing his spear brken and fallen Chamara full of anger flung a pike and she split that also with her arrows.

187  Then the lion leaping up and seating itself at the centre of the elephant’s forehead engaged itself in a hand to hand fight with that foe of celestials(Devas).

188 Fighting, the two came down to earth from the back of the elephant and fought very impetuously dealing the most terrible blows at each other.

189 Then the lion springing up quickly to the sky and descending severed Chamara’s head with a blow from its paw.

190  And Udagra was killed in the battle by the Devi with stones, trees, and the like  and Karala also was stricken down by her teeth and fists and slaps.

191 Engaged , the Devi ground Uddhata to powder with the blows of her club and killed Baskala with a dart and destroyed Tamara and Andhaka with arrows.

192  The three eyed Supreme Devi(Eswari) killed Ugrasya and Ugraveerya and Mahahanu  also with her trrisul.

193
 With her sword she struck down Bidala’s head from his body and sent Durdhara and Durmukha to Yamalokam(abode of death) with her arrows.

194 As his army was thus being destroyed Mahishasura terrified the troops of the Devi with his own buffalo form.

195 Some by a blow of his muzzle(mugavaikattai in tamil0, some by stamping with his hoeves(kulambu in tamil) some by lashesof his tail and othersa by the pokes of his horns

196 Some he laid low on the face of the earth by his impetuous speed some by his bellowing(Moochchu katru in tamil) and wheeling movement and others by the blast of his breath.

197  Having laid low her army Mahishasura eushed to slay the lion of the Maha Devi. This enraged Devi(Ambikai).

198 Mahishasura great in valour(Veeram in Tamil) pounded the surface of the earth with his hooves in rage tossed up the high mountains with his horns and bellowed terribly.

199 Crushed by the velocity of his wheeling the earth disintegrated and lashed by his tail the sea overflowed all around.

200 Pierced by his swaying horns the clouds went into frafments. Cast up by the blast of his breath mountains fell down from the sky in hundreds.

201  Seeing the great Demon(asura) swollen with rage and advancing towards her Chandika displayed her wrath in order to slay(kill) him.

202 she flung her noose(Paasa kayiru in Tamil0 over him and boun the great asura. Thus bound in the great battle he quitted his baddalo form.

203 Then he became a lion suddenly. While Devi cut off the head (of his lion form) he took the appearance of a man with sword in his hand.

204 Immediately then Devi with her arrows chopped off the man together with his sword and shield. Then he became a big elephant.

205  The elephant tugged at her great lion with his trunk and roared ludly but as he was dragging the Devi cut off his trunk with her sword.

206  The great asura then resumed his buffalo shape and shook the tree worlds withtheir movable and immovable objects.

207  Enraged there at Chandika the Mother of the three worlds quaffed a divine again and again and laughed  her eyes becoming red.

208  And the asura also roared intoxicated with his strength and valour and hurled mountains against Chandika with his horns.

209  And she with showers of arrows pulverized those mountains hurled at her and spoke to him in flurried words the colour of her face accentuated with the intoxication of divine drink.

210-211  The Devi said “roar Roar you fool for a moment while I drink this wine. When you will br slain by me, the Devas will soon roar in this very place.

212-213 The Sage said “having exclaimed thus, she jumped and landed herself on the asura pressed him on the neck with her foot and struck him with her spear.

214  And thereupon caught up under her foot Mahishasura haf issued forth in his real form from his own buffalo mouth being completely overcome by the valour of Devi.

215  Fighting thus with his half revealed form the great asura was laid by the Devi who struck off his head with her great sword.

216 Then crying loudly the whole asura army perished. And all the hosts celestials were in great joy and happiness.

217

  With the great  sages of heaven , the celestials praised the Devi The Gandharva chiefs sang and the bevies of Apsaras danced.

Here ends the third chapter called Mahishasura vatham of Devi Mahatmyam in Markandeya puranam during the period of Savarni the Manu.

DEVI MAHATHMYAM   FOURTH CHAPTER;

DEVI STHUTHI:

218-219  The sage said   when that most valiant but evil-natured Mahishasura and the army of that foe of the devas were destroyed by the Devi Indra and the hosts of Devas uttered their words of praise their necks and shoulders reverently bent and bodies rendered beautiful with horripilation and exultation(un measurable joy).

220 To the Ambika who is worthy of worship by all Devas and sages and pervades this world by her power and who is the embodiment of the entire powers of all the hosts of Devas we bow in Bhakthi. May she grant us auspicious things.

221  May Chandika whose incomparable greatness and power Bhagavan Vishnu Brahma, and Hara(Shiva) are unable to describe bestow her mind on protecting the entire world and on destroying the fear of evil.

222  O. devi we bow before you who are yourself good fortune in the dwellings of the virtuous and ill-fortune in those of vicious intelligence in the hearts of the learned faith in the hearts of the good and modesty in the hearts of the high born. May you protect the universe.

223  o. Devi how can we describe your inconceivable form, or your abundant surpassing valour that destroys the demons or your wonderful feats displayed in battles among all the hosts of gods demons and others?

224  You are the origin of the world . Though you are possessed of the three gunas(sathva, Rajas, thamas) you are not known to have any of the ir attendant defects . You are incomprehensible even to Vishnu, Shiva< and Brahma. You are the resort of all. The entire world is composed of an infinitesimal portion of yourself. You re verily the supreme primordial Prakrti untransformed.

225  O. Devi you are svaha  at whose utterance the whole assemblage og gods attains satisfaction in all the sacrifices. You are the Svadha which gives satisfaction to the manes. Therefore you are chanted by people. 

226  O. devi you are Bhagavathi the supreme vidya which is the cause of liberation and great inconceivable penances which are the means for your realization. You the supreme knowledge are cultivated by sages desiring liberation whose senses are well restrained who are devoted Reality and have shed all the blemishes.

227  You are the soul of Sabda-Brahman. You are the repository of the very pure Rik, Yajur Vedas hymns and of Saama the recital of whose words is beautiful with the Udgitha(Pranava or omkara or the music of saama veda). You are Bhagavathi embodying the three Vedas. And you are the sustenance whereby life is maintained. You are the supreme destroyer of the pain of all the worlds.

228  O. Devi you are the Intellect by which the essence of all scriptures is comprehended. You are Durga the boat that takes men across the difficult ocean of worldly exixtence devoid of attachments. You are Sri who has invariably taken her abode in the heart of Vishnu. You are indeed Gauri who has established herself with Shiva.

229  Gently smiling pure, resembling the full moon’s orb beautiful like the splendor of excellent gold was your face. Yet it was strange that being swayed by anger Mahishasura suddenly stuck your face when he saw it.

230 Far strange it is that after seeing your wrathful face  O. devi terrible with its frowns and red in hue like the rising moon that Mahishasura did not forthwith give up his life. For who can live after beholding the enraged Destroyer.

231  O. Devi be propitious (bless us). You are supreme If enraged you immediately destroy the demon’s families for the welfare of the world. This was known the very moment when the extensive forces of Mahishasura were brought to their end.

232  You who are always bounteous with whom you are well pleased those fortunate ones, are indeed the object of esteem in the country theirs are riches theirs are glorious and their acts of righteousness perish not. They are indeed blessed and possessed of devoted children, servants and wives.

233  By your grace O. Devi the blessed individual does daily all righteous deeds with utmost care and thereby attains to heaven. Are you not therefore O. Devi the bestower  of reward in all the three worlds.

234  When called to mind in a difficult pass, you remove fear for every person. When called to mind by those in happiness you bestow a mind still further pious. Which goddess but you O. dispeller of poverty pain and fear, has an ever sympathetic heart for helping everyone.

235  The world attains by the killing of those foes. And though these demons have committed sins to keep them long in hell let them reach heaven by meeting death eventually at the battle with me, thinking thus that you O. Devi certainly destroy our enemies.

236  Don’t you reduce to ashes all demons by mere sight? But you direct your weapons against them so that even the inimical ones purified by the missiles may attain the higher worlds. Such is your mostly kindly intention towards them.

237  If the eyes of the demons had not been put out by the terrible flashes of the mass of lights issuing from your sword or by the copious lustre of your spear point it is because they saw also your face resembling the moon giving out cool rays.

238  O>Devi your nature is to subdue the conduct of the wicked. This your peerless beauty is inconceivable for others your power destroys those who have robbed the celestials of their prowesss and you have thus manifested your compassion even towards the enemies.

239 What is your  prowess to be compared to? Where can one find this beauty of yours most charming, yet striking fear in enemies. Compassion in heart and relentlessness in battle are seen. O. Devi  O Destroyer of boons nly in you in all the three worlds.

240 Through the destruction of the enemies all these worlds have been saved by yoy. Having killed them in the battle front you have led even those hosts of enemies to heaven and you have dispelled our fear from the frenzied enemies of the celestials. Salutations to you.

241 O. Devi protect us with nyour spear. O. Ambika protect al of us with your sword protect us by the sound of your bell and by the twang of your bow-string.

242 O. Chandika guard us in the east in the west in the north and in the south by the brandishing of your spear. O. Eswari.

243 Protect us and the earth with those lovely forms of yours  moving about in the three worlds  as also with your excludingly terrible form.

244 O. Ambika protect us on every side with your sword spear and club and whatever other weapons your sprou-like soft hand has touched.

245-247  The sage said Thus the supporter of the worlds was praised by the celestials worshipped with celestial flowers that blossomed in Nandana(Name of the flower garden in heaven) and with perfumes  and unguents. And with devotion all of them offered her---heavenly incense. Benignly serene in countenance she spoke to all obedient devas.

248-249  The Devi said Choose all of yoy, O. Devas whatever you desire of me. (gratified immensely with these hymns I grant it with great pleasure.).

250-252  The Devas said Since our enemy this Mahishasura has been slain by Bhagavathi everything has been accomplished and nothing remains to be done.

253  And if a boon is to be granted to us by you O. Maheswari whenever we think of you again destroy our direct calamities.

254- O Mother of spotless countenance and whatever mortal shall  praise you with these hymns, may you who have become gracious towards us, be also for his increase in his wealth wife and other fortunes together with riches prosperity and life, O. Ambika

 
255-256  The sage said O. King being thus propitiated by the celestials for the sake of the world and for their own sake Bhadrakali sai “Be it so” and vanished from the sight.

257  Thus I have narrated O. King how the Devi who desires the good for all the three worlds made her appearance of yore out of the bodies of the celestials.

258-259  And again how as a benefactress of the celestials  she appeared in the form of Gowri for the slaying of wicked demons as well as Sumbha and Nisumbha  and for the protection of the worlds listen as I relate it. I shall tell it to you as it happened.

Here ends the fourth of chapter in Devi Mahatmyam  Called Devi Sthuthi in Markandeya purana during the period od Savarni the Manu.

DEVI MAHATHMYAM  FIFTH CHAPTER:

                             DEVI—DOODHA SAMVATHAM

260-261  The sage(Rishi) said; Of yore ndra’s sovereignity over the three worlds and his portion of the sacrifices were taken away by the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha by force of their pride and strength.

262 The two themselves took over likewise the offices of the Moon, Sun, Kubera, Yama and Varuna.

263  They themselves exercised Vayu’s authority and Agni’s duty. Deprived of their lordship and sovereignities the celestials were defeated.

264  Deprived of their functions and expelled by these two great demons all the celestials thought of the invincible Devi.

265  She had granted us the boon. “whenever in calamities you think of me that very same moment I will put an end to all your worst calamities. “

266  Resolving thus the celestials went to Himavan  lord of Mountains and there extolled the Devi who is the illusive power(Maya) of Maha Vishnu.

267-268  The Devas said “Salitations to the Devi to the Mahadevi. Salutations always ro her who is eversuspicious. Salutations to her who is the primordial cause and the sustaining power. With attention we have made obeisance to her.

269  Salutations to her who is terrible to her who is etrnal. Salutations to Gowri the supporter of the Universe. Salutations always to her who is of the form of the Moon and Moon-light and happiness itself.

270  We bow to her who is welfare: we make salutations to her who is prosperity and success. Salutations to the consort of Shiva who is herself the good fortune the good fortune as well as misfortune of kings.

271  Salutations always to Durga who takes one across difficulties who is essence who is the author of everything; who is knowiedge of discrimination and who is blue-black as also smoke-like in complexion.

272 We prostrate before her who is at once most gentle and more terrible; we salute her again and again. Salutations to the Devi who is of the form of Volition.

273-275  Salutations again and again to the Devi who in all beings is called Vishnu mayai.

276-278  Salutations again and again to the Devi who abides in all beings as consciousness.

279-281  Salutations To the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of intelligence.

282-284 salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of sleep.

285-287  Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form hunger.

288-290  Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of reflection.

291-293  Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of power.

294-296  Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of thirst.

297-299  Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form forgiveness.

300-302 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of genus

303-305 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of  modesty

306-308 salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of peace

309-311 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of faith

312-314 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of loveliness.

315-317 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of good fortune.

318-320 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of memory.

321-323 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of contentment.

324-326 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of compassion.

327-329 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of activity.

330-332 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of mother.

333-335 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of error

337 To her who presides over all elements and the senses and is ever present in all beings to the al pervading Devi salutations again and again.

338-340 To her who pervades this entire world and abides in the form consciousness salutations to her

341-  Praised long ago by the Gods for fulfilling their desires and likewise honoured daily by the Lord of Gods may Eswari the source of all good creat happiness and prosperity for us and may she destroy our misfortunes.

342 Tormented by arrogant daityas we god now honour her the supreme power. With bodies bowed down in devotion at this moment we remember her who destroys all afflictions. 

343 The sage said

344 O king while the gods were thus engaged in praise and adoration Parvathi came to bathe in the waters of the Ganga

345 She who is fair of countenance asked the Gods “whom we are praising?” From her own body an auspicious form emerged and replied.

346 This hymn is an appeal to me by those whom the daitya Sumbha cast out by the assembled Gods whom Nisumbha defeated in the battle.

347 And since Ambika came forth from Parvathi’s bodily form she is glorified in all the worlds as Kausiki.

348 thereupon Parvathi became black. Thus known as Kausiki she makes her abode in Himalayas.

349Then Chand and Munda two servants Sumbha and Nisumbha beheld Ambika,s captivating beauty.

350 And they told Sumbha  ‘O great king an unknown woman surpassingly beautiful dwells illuminating the Himalayas.