DEVI MAHTMYAM  351 TO 389

351  No where has anyone ever seen such supreme beauty. May you learn who the godess is and take possession of her O Lord of asuras.

352  She abides there a jewel among women fairest of limb casting her radiance in all directions O chief of daityas surely you must behold her.

353  Master wherever gems and jewels , elephants, horses and other riches exist in the three worlds all those now enhance your dwelling.

354 From Indra you have taken Airavatha, the jewel among elephants and also the celestial coral tree(karpagam in tamil) and horse Ucchiaravas

355  Taken from Brahma this wondrous jewel among chariots yoked with swans, stands here in your courtyard.

356 Seized from Kubera the lord wealth is his treasure . And the lord of the ocean has relinquished his garland of unfading lotuses.

357  Varuna’s umbrella which showers down gold now stands in your house along with this best of chariots which once was Prajapathi’s.

358  Master you have taken Yama’s spear which grants departure from his life. Varuna’s noose is among your brother’s possessions.

359  To Nisumbha belong all manner gems born of the sea. And to the two of you, Agni has given garments perified by his own fire.

360  Thus  O  chief of daityas you have appropriated all things of value. Why then do you not seize this jewel among women for yourself/

361  The sage said;

362  On hearing these words of Chanda and Munda, Sumbha sent the great asura Sugriva as a messenger to the Devi.

  363  Instructing him, he said:”Go to her and speak such words on my behalf that she will be delighted and will quickly come to me.

364  Sugriva went there to the resplendent , craggy place where the Devi dwelt and spoke honeyed words to her unctuous tones.

365 The messenger said :

366 O  Devi in the three worlds Sumbha the lord Daityas is the supreme sovereign. I am his messenger. I have come here to your presence, sent by him.

367 Who has conquere all the enemies of the daityas and whose command is never resisted in the dwellings of the Gods. Hear what he says;

368  All the three worlds are mine. And the Gods submit to my will. I enjoy each one’s share of the sacrifices every one of them.

369  Indeed I possess all the finest gems in the three worlds. And I have taken Airavatham the jewel among the elephants and Indra’s mount.

370  The immortal Gods , bowed down in reverence offered me Uchchiravas the jewel among the horses, born from the churning of the ocean of milk.

371  And whatever else is precious among the gods and celestial beings aii that is mine.

372  We think of you , O  Godess , as the jewel among in the world, which indeed you are. Come to us, for we take pleasure in all the finest things.

373Choose either me, or my valiant younger brother Nisumbha, for with your flashing eyes you are truly a jewel.

374  By taking me with you will obtain dominion beyond compare. With reasoning mind consider this well and become my wife.

375  The seer said:

376  “Thus addressed , the Devi smiled inscrutably. The blessed, auspicious Durga, who supports the universe spoke.
.

377  The Devi said:

378  “You have spoken the truth. There is nothing false in what you have said. Sumbha is the ruler  of the three worlds and so also is Nisumbha.

379  But how can I go back on my word?  Hear of the vow I once made out of foolishness.

380  He alone who conquers me in the battle, who removes my pride, who equals my strength in the world, will become my husband.

381  Therefore let Sumbha or the great asura Nisumbha come here. Why delay? Having conquered me, let him take my hand in the marriage.

382  The messenger said:

383  “You are arrogant , O  Devi. Speak not so in my presence. What man in the three worlds surpasses Sumbha and Nisumbha?

384  Even against the other daityas all the gods can not stand face to face in battle . O devi, How then can you who are one woman alone?

385  Indra  and all the other Gods could not resist Sumbha and the other demons in battle. How will you, a woman, go forth and confront them?

386  As I have said , go to Sumbha and Nisumbha’s side. Suffer no the indignity of being dragged there by your hair.

387  The Devi said:

388  “So must it be. Sumbha is mighty and Nisumbha is exceedingly heroic, but what can I do? My rash vow was made long ago.

389  Go back and tell the chief of asuras exactly what I have said. And let him do what is fitting”.        

                        KILAKA STHOTHRA

INTRODUCTION: The kilaka sthothra (hymn of the Pin)holds the bolt(arkala)in place and keeps the Devi Mahathmyam  ‘s power under lock and key, as it were lest it should fall into the wrong hands and be misused. What is the meaning? Only by self-surrender in complete devotion can the practitioner be receiptive to the Devi’s grace.

Om salutations to Chandika.

Markandeya said;

1.    Om, to him whose body is pure knowledge, whose divine eyes are the three Vedas, to him who is the cause of attaining the supreme. Salutations to (shiva) who wears half-moon.
2.    Whoever would understand all this the key to the verses (of the Devi Mahatmya) and is ever intent on reciting them shall surely succeed.
3.    A  actions for thwarting adversity succeed for those who sing the Devi’s praises with this multitude of verses in succession.
4.    Without this recitation there is no spell or medicine or anything else that will succeed in thwarting adversity.

5.    But with recitation all will succeed. When Hara(Shiva) created this uncertainity in the world he also ordained this entire auspicious devi Mahathmya.

6.    And he made secret this very hymn to chandika. The recite reaches her through holiness in order that she may be pleased and accept his appeal.

7.    Without doubt he who meditates with full concentration on the fourteenth or eighth days of the dark lunar  fornight attains complete well-being.

8.    He gives devotion to Devi and he receives her grace. In no other way is she pleased. And so Mahadeva(Shiva) secured the Devi Mahathmya with a pin.

9.    Who ever constantly recite this Chandi properly with the restraint removed, surely becomes  a perfected being a divine attendant even a celestial singer.

10.    And when he goes about no danger arises anywhere. Never is he subject to untimely death and at death he will attain liberation.

11.    Knowing all thus and having commenced this practice one should perform  the recitation Devi Mahathmyam . Not doing so, one perishes. Knowing so, the wise devote themselves to this complete fulfillment.

12.    Beauty charm and whatever other auspicious qualities are seen in women, all those are by he Devi’s grace. For that reason this auspicious  devi Mahathmya should be recited.

13.    Even when this hymn is recited softly the success is resounding, its fulfillment is complete.

14.    Sovereignty  prosperity health the destruction of enemies and supreme liberation are indeed by her grace, why should people not praise her?

15.    One who always remembers Chandika in his heart attains his fondest desire. In his heart the Devi shall forever dwell.

16.    At first Mahadeva imposed the restraint of this pin. Freed from that restraint  The Devi Mahathmya is to be recited by those whose minds are fixed in meditation.


                                                 RARTI SUKTHAM

At the face value, the Rathri suktha (hymnsto night) is a glorious nature poem in praise of the deified night. Described as a beautiful goddess whose many eyes are stars that illumine everu quarter. Her approaching darkness causes people animals and birds to seek rest. But there are predators, animals, and human beings that lurk in that darkness. Against them the hymn appeals for protection and easy passage through the night until, as surely as the crushing blackness engulfs the earth like a wave, Night’s sister , Dawn heralds the returning light of day.

1.    OM  The goddess Night , approaching , illumines every direction with her eyes. She has put on all glories.
2.    The immortal goddess has filled the world’s breadth, heights, and depths with her light. She drives away darkness.
3.    The approaching goddess follows upon her sister Dawn, at whose coming the darkness likewise departs.
4.    Now she is upon us. At her coming we go to rest as birds to their nest in a tree.
5.    The villagers have gone to rest and so too, all the creatures that walk, or fly, even the ravenous hawks.
6.    Ward off the she wolf and the wolf, ward off the thief, O wave of darknesss and be easy for us t pass through.
7.     For now the palpable blackness crushes down upon me. O  Dawn collect it dutifully.
8.    As you would accept a precious herd of cattle O daughter of heaven  O  Night accept this hymn offered as if to a conqueror.

SEVENTH CHAPTER  DEVI MAHATHMYAM

THE SLAYING (KILLING) OF CHANDA AND MUNDA

412The sage said

413 “headed by Chanda and Munda, the Daityas’four fold army of elephants, charioteers, cavalry, and infantry went forth at Sumbha’s command, brandishing weapons.

414  They saw the Devi smiling gently, seated upon her lion, atop the great peak of the highest mountain.

415  Seeing her, they contrived to carry her off. While some approached  with swords drawn and bows poised in readiness.

416 Ambika cried out angrily against those foes, and in wrath her face turned as black as ink.

417  From her scowling brow, Kali sprang forth frightful of countenance and armed with sword and noose(paasak kayiru in tamil).

418 Bearing a strange skull-topped staff (Thandam in tamil)adorned with a garland of skulls, and clad  in a tiger’s skin. Her emaciated flesh appalling.

419  Her mouth gaping, her lolling tongue horrifying, her sunken eyes glowing red, she filled the four quarters of the sky with her roars.

420  Swiftly falling upon the great asuras in that army, she slew and devoured those hosts of the Gods’ foes.

421  Attacking the rear guard and seizing the elephants with their drivers, warriers and bells, she flung them into her mouth with a single hand.

422  In a like manner she tossed the cavalry with its horses and the charioteers into her mouth and ground them furiously between her teeth,

423  She seized one asura by the hair and another by the throat. Crushing another under foot she slammed yet another against her breasts.

424  The weapons and great missiles the asuras hurled she caught in her mouth and ground angrily between her teeth.

425  All that army of mighty and evil natured asuras  she ravaged devouring some and beating others severely.

426  She struck down some with her sword and battered others with her skull-topped staff, Other asuras met their destruction between her gnashing teeth.

427  When Chanda saw the entire army of asuras swiftly struck down he rushed at the terrifying Kali.

428  With a formidable deluge of arrows, that asura engulfed the glowering Kali with Munda hurled discuss(Chakram in tamil) at her  by the thousands.

429  Myriad discuses that entered her mouth as so many solar orbs, vanishing into the denseness of a cloud.

430  With a terrifying roar, Kali laughed in fury, her fearsome teeth gleaning within her ghastly moth.

431  Mounting her great lion the Devi rushed at Chanda, seized him by the hair, and severed his head with her sword.

432  Seeing Chanda slain(killed), Munda attacked her. She pushed him to the ground and struck him in fury with her sword.

433  Seeing Chanda and also the most valorous Munda slain, the remaining army panicked and fled in all directions.

434  And Kali grasping the heads of Chanda and Munda approached Chandika. Mingling fierce, loud laughter with her words, she said:

435  I here present to you Chanda and Munda as two great offerings in the sacrifice of battle. You Yourself shall slay Sumbha and Nisumbha.

436  The Sage said:

437  When she saw those great asuras Chanda and Munda, brought before her, the auspicious Chandika spoke these playful words to kali.

438  Because you have overpowered Chanda and Munda and delivered them to me, you. O. devi will henceforth be known in the world as Chamundi.

Here ends the seventh chapter called The slaying of Chanda and Munda of Devi mahathmyam  in markadeya Purana during the period of Savarni Manu

CHAPTER EIGHT; THE SLAYING OF RAKTHA BEEJA

439  The sage said:

440 After Chanda was killed Munda slain and the vast army annihilated the lord of asuras powerful Sumbha

441 burned with rage, lost his cool and did not see the reason  ordered the marshalling of all the demons

442  Now let the Daitya clans with all their troops go forth, the eighty six Udayadha and eighty four Kambhu families together with their forces

443 Let the fifty Kotivirya families and the hundred Dhamura clans depart at my command

444  So also at my command le the Kalaka, Daurhrda Maurya, and Kalakeya asuras set out in haste armed for battle

445 Having issued his orders Sumbha the lord of asuras went forth attended by many thousands of might army

446  Seeing that most formidable army approach Chandika filled the space between earth and sky with the resonance of his bow string.

447 Thereupon her lion  made a deafening roar O king and Ambika heightened the noise with her clanging bell

448 Kali drowned out the din of bowstring, lion and bell filling every direction with terrifying howls from her gaping mouth

449 Hearing the tumult the enraged demon armies closed in in the Devi her lion and Kali from all the directions

450 O King at that very moment to insure the wellbeing of the supreme Gods and to annihilate their adversaries surpassingly brave and powerful

451  Sakthis the gods’ ebbodied powers sprang forth from the bodies of Brahma, Shuva, Skanda, Vishnu and Indra mirroring the form of each. They all approached Chandika

452Whatever the God’s  form was  whatever his adornments and his vehicle in that very form his sakthi went forth to combat the asuras

453  In a celestial chariot drawn by swans, Brahma’s sahthi came forth with rosary beads and water pot in hand. She is called Brahmini

454  Maheswari arrived astride a bull, holding the trisul wearing the snakes as bracelets and adorned with the crescent moon

455 Ambika having the war god’d form and riding a fine peacock, came forth as Kaumari  with spear in hand to fight against the Daityas

456 In the same manner Vaishnavi mounted on her vehicle Garuda approached holding conch., discus, mace bow and sword.

457 The sakthi  of Hari who bears the unique form of the sacrificial boar came forward as Varahi in that aspect

458  Narasimhi resembling the Vishnu’s embodiment as a man-lion arrived there scattering the constellations with the toss her mane.

459 Thousand eyed Indra  with the thunder bolt in hand Indri arrived riding on the lord of elephants

460 Ten Siva surrounded by those sakthis of the gods said to Chandika Let the asuras be quickly slain for my satisfaction

461 Thereupon from the body of the Devi there came forth Chandika’s own terrifying sakthi savage in her fury and howling like a hundred jackals.

462 And she said to Shiva of dark matted locks  “Go my lord a my messenger to Sumbha and Nisumbha

463  Say to those two danavas  Namely Sumbha and Nisumbha who are arrogant also  and to all other danavas assembled ther for a battle

464  Indra must regain the  three worlds the gods must again enjoy the sacrificial oblations  and you must go back to your nether world if you wish to live.

465  But if you are proud of your army’s strength and  wish to fight it out in the battle then come and let my jackals be satiated with your flesh.

466  Since the Devi appointed Shiva himself as a messenger she is known in the world Sivaddothi.

467  Hearing Shiva declare the Devi’s words the great asuras  became angry and went to the place where Kathyayini stoo
468 At the outbreak of the battle the god’d adversariesarrogant in their anger rained torrents of arrows, spears and lances upon Devi

469  And she with great arrows shot from the resounding bow, playfully split asunder their arrows, lances, spears and axes.

470  kali roamed about the battle front slashing her enemies to shreds with her spear and crushing them with her skull topped staff.

471 And Brahmi where ever she went left her enemies  sapped of their strength  disabled by the holy water sprinkled from her water pot.

472  Maheswari slew the Daityas with her trisul so, too, did Vaishnavi with her discus Kaumari with her spear

473  Indri with her thunderbolt Daityas and danavas torn as under fell by hundreds dicscharging torrents of blood upon the earth.

474  They fell, scattered by blows from Varahi’s  boar like snout pierced  through the chest by her trunks and ripped apart by the discus

475  Narasimhi tearing other asuras apart with her claws and devouring them roamed about the battle field filling the sky with her roars.

476  Dazed by Siva dhoothi’s violent laughter the asuras fell to the ground and she devoured those fallen ones.

477  When the enemy troop saw the enraged band of Mothers crushing the mighty asurs Raktha Beeja went forth in anger to the battle field.

478  Whenever a drop of blood fel from his body on the ground an asura of like measure would rise up fom the earth. 

479  With club in hand the great asura fought with Indra’s sakthi. Then Indri struck Raktha Beeja with her thunder bolt.

480  Blood streamed in torrents from the stricken asura and from that blood rose up warriors of identical form and might.

481  As many drops of blood fell from his body so many beings of equal valour strength and courage arose.

482  and thse who sprang up from his blood battled there with the Mothers even more fiercely hurling the most formidable of weapons.

483  When the Devi’s thunder bolt struck Raktha Beeja’s head, blood flowed again and from it asuras were born by the thousands.

484  In the combat Vishnavi attacked the lord of asuras  with her discus and Indri beat him with his mace.

485  Blood flowed from the cuts of Vaishnavi’s discus and there from great asuras of equal measure arose by thousands and filled the world.

486  Kaumari with her spear, Varahi with her sword and Maheswari with her trisul struck the asura  Raktha Bheeja.

487  and he the mighty rage filled Daitya struck all the mothers one by one with his club.

488 Out of the blood that streamed upon the earth, from the relentless wounds of spear, lance and other weapons asuras sprang up by the hundreds.

489  and those demons born from this one demon’s flowing blood pervaded all the world. Utter terror seized the Gods.

490 Chandika burst into laughter at their despair and said to Kali  “O”  Chamundi open wide your mouth.

491  and quickly drink in the drops of blood from my weapons’ blows and the great asuras born there from.

492  Roam about on the battle field and devour the great demons sprung from Raktha Bheeja. So shall this Daitya drained of blood go to his destruction.

493  As you consume those fierce asuras others shall not arise. Having spoken thus the Devi attacked Raktha Bheeja  with her lance.

494  While Kali avidly lapped up his blod Raktha Bheeja turned upon Chandika with his club.

495  but his cudgel blows caused her not even the slightest pain. From his beaten body flowed copiously.

496  in every direction and Chamundi engulfed it with her mouth. And within her mouth those great asuras  who sprang into being from the flow. 

497  those she now devoured even while drinking Raktha Bheeja’s blood.

498  The Devi assailed Raktha Bheeja with the lance, thubder bole, arrows, swords, and spears while Chandika drank his blood.

499 “O” King, battered by the array of weapons and drained of blood the great asura Raktha Bheeja fell into the ground.

500  The gods attained immeasurable joy, “O” king and the band of Mothers born from them danced about intoxicated with blood.

               Here ends the eighth chapter called “The Slaying of Raktha Bheeja “  of Devi Mahthmya in the Markandeya purana during the period of Savarni Manu


CHAPTER NINE;  THE SLAYING OF NISUMBHA

501  the king said

502 “Wonderful is this, revered sir, that you have told me about the Devi’s glorious deed in slaying Raktha Bheeja

503  I wish to hear more about what Sumbha and the angry Nisumbha did after Raktha Bheeja was killed.

504  The sage said:

505  After Raktha Bheeja was killed and others slain in the battle Sumbha and Nisumbha feill into unbounded wrath.

506 Seeing that his mighty army was being alaughtered Nisumbha was overcome with fury and rushed forward with the best of his demon forces.

507  In front of him, behind him, and on both sides great asuras their lips compressed in anger, advanced to kill Devi

508  Having battled the Mothers Sumbha mighty in valor and surrounded by his forces came forward in fury to attack the Devi.

509  Fierce fighting erupted between them and like two thunder clouds Sumbha and Nisumbha rained down torrents of arrows on the Devi.

510 Chandika intercepted them with her own volley of arrows and struck the demon chiefs in the limbs with a stream of weapons.

511  Nisumbha seizing his sharpened spear and shining shield struck the lion, the mount of Vevi on the head.

512  Her lion assaulted,  the Devi swiftly cut through Nisumbha’s superb sword with her razor sharp arrow and through his shield emblazoned with eight moons.

513  His shield and sword broken, the asura hurled his spear and as it came toward her, that too, the Devi cut into half with her discus(chakra)

514  Full of rage, the danava Nisumbha seized his lance and as it came flying, the Devi crushed it with a blow of her fist.

515  Then swinging club, Nosumbha flung it at Chandika. The Devi’s trisul reduced it to ashes.



516  After wounding the demon chief with axe in hand, the Devi forcec him to the fround with a volley of arrows.

517  When he saw Nisumbha, his brother of fearsome strength lying fallen on the ground Sumbha moved forward greatly enraged to kill Ambika.

518  Standing on his chatiot and holding aloft magnificent weapons he shone forth and filled the entire sky with his eight incomparable arms.

519  While she watched approach the Devi sounded her conch, set off an unbearable reverberations with her bow string.

520    and filled the firmament with the ringing of her bell, which sapped the strength of the assembled demon armies.

521  Then the lion filled every direction with great roars that caused even the elephants’ mighty prowess to falter

522  Kali sprang skyward and alighted pounding the earth with her two hands.  The noise drowned out all the previous sounds.

523  Siva dhoothi laughed loudly and menancingly. When the asras grew terrified at the sounds Sumbha became angry.

524  Ambika cried out for him that evil natured one to stop,
and the gods cheered her on to victory from their positions in the sky.

525  But Sumbha approached and hurled a fearsome, flaming sprar, an oncoming mass of fire that the Devi’s own firebrand warded off.

526  The inter space between the three worlds was pervaded by Sumbha’s lion-like roar, but the dreadful thunder clap of the Devi smothered that  “O” king

527  The Devi split the arrows shot by Sumbha and Sumbha also split the arrows discharged by her sharp arrows in hundreds and housands

528  Then Chandika became angry and smote him with a trisul. Wounded there with he fainted and fell to the ground.

529  Then Nisumbha regaining consciousness seized his bow and struck with arrows the Devi Kali and the lion.

530  And the danuja lord d, the son of Diti, putting forth a myriad arms, covered Chandika with myriad discuses

531  Then the Bhagavathi Durga the destroyer difficulties and afflictions became angry and split those arrows with her own arrows.

532  There upon Nisumbha surrounded by the Daitya host, swiftly seizing his club, rushed at Chandika to slay her.

533  As he was just rushing at her Chandika clove his club with her sharp edged sword and took hold of a dart.

534  As Nisumbha the afflictor of the devas, was advancing with the dart in hand, Chandika pierced him in the heart with a swiftly hurried dart.

535  From  Nisumbha’s heart that was pierced by the dart, issued forth another person of great strength and valour exclaiming the Devi  “stop”

536  Then the Devi laughing loudly severed the head of him, who issued forth with her sword. There upon he fell  to the ground.

537  The lion then devoured those asuras whose necks he had crushed with his fierce teeth, and Kali  and Siva Dhoothi devoured others.

538  Some great asuras perished, being pierced through by the spear of Kaumari. Others were repulsed by sprinkling of the water purified by the incantation Of Brahmani.

539  Others fell, pierced by a trisul wielded by Maheswari, some were powdered on the ground by the blows from the snout of Vaarahi.

540  Some danavas were cut to pieces by the discus of Vaishnavi and others again by the thunderbolt discharged from the palm of Indri.

541  Some asuras perished themselves, some from the great battle and others were devoured by Kali, Siva Dhoodhi and the lion.

Here ends the ninth (9th) chapter  called “ The slaying of Nisumbha” of Devi Mahathmyam in Markandeya Purana during the period of Savarni, the Manu.

CHAPTER TEN;  THE SLAYING OF SUMBHA

542 THE SAGE SAID;

543  Seeing the lifeless body of Nisumbha, the brother who was dear to him as life itself, and seeing his forces being slaughtered, the enraged Sumbha spoke these words.

544 “O” Durga who are corrupt with the arrogance of power do not show your pride here, for thou you are haughty you fight depending on the strength of others.

545  The Devi said:

546  I am alone here in the world. Who else is there besides me? Behold. “O” vile one. These are but projections of my own power, now entering back into me.

547  There upon all these goddesses led by Brahmi, merged into Devi’s body. Then Ambika alone remained.

548  The Devi said:

549  I have now withdrawn the many forms I inhabited here, projected by my power. I stand alone. Be resolute in combat.

550  The sage said;

551  Then a horrific batte broke out between the two of them, the Devi and Sumbha while all the gods and asuras watched it.

552  with showers of arrows, sharp weapons and terrifying missiles he two met again in a combat that frightened the entire world.

553  The wondrous weapons that Ambika now unleashed in hundreds, the Daitya chief deflected with defensive strikes.

554  And the magic missiles that he hurled the supreme Devi shttered playfully with fierce cry of contempt.

555  Then the asura covered her with hundreds of arrows. Provoked, the Devi cut through it with her discus.

556 His bow broken the daitya chief took his spear,but even as it rested in his hand the Devi cut through it with her discus.

557  Then, grasping his sword emblazoned with a hundred moons, the supreme  lord of Daityas rushed towards the Devi.

558  As he advanced Chandika broke his sword with sharp arrows shot from her bow, and also his shield that shone as the sun’s rays.

559  His steed slain his bow broken his chariot wrecked the Daitya grasped his fearsome mace, intent on destroying Ambika.

560  With sharp arrows she shattered the onrushing Sumbha’s mace. Still, he rushed at her with upraised fist.

561  The Daitya chief slammed his fist down on the Devi’s heart and she struck him on the chest with her palm.

562  Struck by the blow, the demon king fell on the ground. At once he rose up again.

563  and springing upward he seized the Devi and ascended high into the sky. There in the mid air Chandika battled with him.

564  In the sky the Daitya and Chandika fought hand to hand as never before, to the astonishment of saints and sages.

565  And after prolonged fight Ambika snatched him up, swung him around and flung him to earth.

566  Striking the ground, the evil one immediately raised his fist and ran forward, desirous of destroying Ambika.

567  The Devi thrust her spear through his chest and threw tat onrushing lord of all demons to the ground.

568 Pierced through by the Devi’s weapon, his life breath gone, he fell to the ground shaking all the earth together with its oceans, islands and mountains.

569  When the evil one is slain, all the universe became calm, regaining its natural order and the sky cleared.

570  The flaming clouds of portent that formerly gathered now subsided and rivers again flowed along their courses when Sumbha fell slain.

571  All the hosts of gods were overjoyed when he lay slain and the celestial musicians sang sweetly.

572  Others sounded their instruments and throngs of heavenly nymphs danced. Favorable winds blew and the sun shone in glory.

573  The sacred blazed peacefully and tranquil became the strange sounds that had risen in different quarters.

                    Here ends the tenth chapter called “ The slaying if Sumbha’ of Devimahathmyam in Markandeya purana during the period of Savarni the Manu.

CHAPTER ELEVEN;   HYMN TO NARAYANI

574-575  The sage said; When the great lord of asuras was slain there by the Devi, Indra and other celestials led by Agni with their object fulfilled and their cheerful aces illuminating the quarters, praise her Kathyayani.

576  “O” Devi you who remove the sufferings of your suppliants, be gracious. Be propitious “O” mother of the whole world. Be gracious  “O” Mother of the  universe. Protect the universe. You are “O” Devi the ruler of all that is moving and moving.

577  You are the sole substratum of the world because you subsist in the form of the earth. By you, who exist in the shape of water, all the universe is gratified. “O” Devi of inviolable valour.

578  You are the power of Vishnu, and have endless valour. You are the primaeval  Maya, which is the source of the universe. By you all this universe has been thrown into an illusion. “O” devi If you become gracious you become the cause of final emancipation in this world.

579  All forms of knowledge are your aspects. “O” devi so are all women in the world. Endowed with various attributes. By yoy alone, the Mother, this world filled. What praise can there be for youwho are of the nature of primary and secondary expression regarding objects worthy of praise?

580  When you have been lauded as the embodiment of all beings, the Devi the effulgent one, and bestower of the enjoyment and liberation, what words however excellent can praise you.

581  Salutations be o you “O” devi Narayani  “O” you who abide as intelligence in the hearts of all creatures. And bestow enjoyment and liberation.

582  Salutations be to you  “O”  Narayani  “O” you who in the form of minutes, moments and divisions of time bring about change in things and have thus the power to destroy the universe.

583  Salutations be to you “O” Narayani  “O”” you who are the good of all good, “O” auspicious Devi who accomplish every object the giver of refuge  “O” three eyed Gauri.

584  Salutations be to you  “O” Narayani, you who have the power of creation sustentation an destruction and are eternal. You are the substratum and embodiment three Gunas Satva, Tamas and rajas.

585  Salutations be to you  “O” Narayani  “O” you who are intent on saving the dejected and distressed that take refuge under yoy. “O” you Devi who remove the sufferings of all.

586  Salutations be to you “O” Narayani. “O” you who ride in the heavenly chariot yoked with swans’ and assume the form of Brahman.  “O” devi who sprinkle the water with Kusa grass.

587   Salutations be to you “O” Narayani “O” You who bear the trisul, the moon and the serpent and ride a big bull and have the form of Maheswari

588 Salutations be to you  “O” Narayani  “O” you who are attended by peacock and cock and bear a great spear.  “O” you who are sinless and take the form of Kaumari

589  Salutations be to you  “O” Narayani,  “O” you who hold the great weapons conch, discus, club and bow and take the form of Vaishnavi

590  Salutations be to you  “O” Narayani   “O” you who grasp a huge formidable discus and uplift the earth with thy tusk. “O” auspicious Devi who has a boar-like form

591  Salutations be to you  “O” Narayani, “O” you who in the fierce form of a man-lion. Put forth your efforts to slay the daityas. “O” you who possess the benevolence of saving the worlds.

592  Salutations be to you  “O” Narayani you who have diadem and great thunderbolt are dazzling with a thousand eyes and took away the ife of Vrtra, “O” Indri

593  Salutations be to you  “O”  Narayani “O”  you who in the form of Siva Dhoothi slew the mighty hosts of the daityas.  “O”  you of terrible form and loud throat.

594  Salutations be to you  “O”  Narayani, “O” you who have a face of terrible with tusks and are adorned with a garland of heads, Chamundi,  “O” slayer of Munda

595  Salutations be to you  “O” Narayani,  “O”  you who are good fortune, modesty, great wisdom, faith nourishment and svadha.  “O” you who are immovable   “O” you great night and great Illusion.

596  Salutations be to you  “O”  Narayani  “O” you who are intelligence and Saraswathi.  “O” best one, prosperity consort of Vishnu, Dark one, nature be propitious.

597  “O”  Queen of all you who exist in the form of all  and possess every night , save us from error.  “O” Devi Salutations be to you Durga Devi.

598  May this benign countenance of yours adorned with three eyes, protect us from al fears. Salutations to you “O”  Kathyayani

599 Terrible with flames  , exceedingly sharp destroyer of all the asuras, may your trisul guard us from fear.  Salutations be to you  “O”  Bhadrakali.

600  May your bell that destroys the daityas’ life force and fills the world with its ringing protect us from all evils.  “O” Devi even as a mother protects her children.

601  May your sword smeared with the mire of asuras’ blod and far and blazing as the sun’s rays , be for our welfate.  “O”  chandika we bow to you.

602  When pleased you destroy all afflictions but when displeased you thwart all aspirations. No calamity befalls those who have taken refuge in you and they who resort to you become a refuge to others.

603  “O”  Devi multiplying your own form into many you have wrought destruction on the mighty asuras, who hate righteousness “O”  Ambika who else can accomplish that.

604  Who other than you, abides in all forms of learning, in the sacred texts that are lights of understanding, in the primordial wisdom of the Vedas? Yet who else confounds this universe in the darkest abyss of attachment.

605  Where malevolent beings and venomous serpents lurk, where enemies and thieves abound  , where forest conflagrations rage, there and even in mind ocean you stand and protect the universe.

606  “O”  ruler of the universe you protect the universe. You are the essence of all things and you support all that is.  All kings must praise you.  “O” Revered one and those wh bow to you in devotion become the refuge of all.

607  Be gracious  “O”  Devi, Even as you have destroyed the asuras, protect us always from the fear of enemies. May you subdue the evils of all the worlds and great disasters born of ominous portents.

608  To those who bow down to you be gracious, “O” Devi who remove the afflictions of all and who are worthy of praise by the dwellers of the three worlds. Confer your boons upon the worlds.

609  The Devi Said:

610  “O”  Hosts of gods, I am the giver of boons. Whatever blessing is your heart’s desire choose hat and I will grant it for the welfare of the world.

611 The Gods said;

612  “O” ruler of all. May you allay the miseries of the three worlds and so too annihilate our enemies.

613  The Devi said:

614  When the 28th cycle in the age of Manu Vaivasvatha has come two other great asuras also named Sumbha and Nisumbha will arise

615  Then shall I be born in the home of the cowherd Nanda brought forth from Yasoda’s womb and dwelling in the Vindhya Mountains I shall destroys two asuras.

616  Again having incarnated on earth, in a surprisingly horrific form  I shall slay the demons descended from Vipracitti.

617  Upon devouring those fierce asuras my teeth will become red like pomegranate flowers.

618  There after in praise of me the gods in heaven and the humans in the mortal realm will forever call me Rakthadantika.

619  Again when no rain has fallen for a hundred years and thereis no water on earth then praised by sages  I shall appear but not born of a womb

620  Since I shall behold the sages with a hundred eyes humans will praise me as Sathakshi.

621 Causing the rains to fall, “O” gods, I shall support the entire the world with life sustaining vegetables brought forth feom my own substance.

622  Thus shall I be celebrated on earth as Sakambari.

623  and then also shall I slay a great asura called Durgama and thus come to be celebrated as the Devi Durga.

624  Again when I have assumed terrible form in the Himalayas, I shall destroy malevolent beings for the protection of sages.

625  Then all the sages with bodies bowed will praise me. Thus shall I come to be celebrated by the name of BHIMA DEVI.

626  When a demon called Aruna wreaks great havoc in the three worlds then shall I assume form as a swarm of countless bees.

627  and slay the great asura for the welfare of the three worlds. Thus will people every where praise me as BHRAMARI

628  And so whenever danger arises feom demonic sources I shall descend and bring about the complete destruction of enemies.

           Here ends the eleventh chapter “Hymn to Narayani” of Devi mahathmyam in Markandeya purana during the period of Savarni the Manu. 

CHAPTER THIRTEEN; GRANTING OF BOONS SURATHA AND THE MERCHANT

670  The sage said;

671  Thus I have narrated  to you  “O”  king, this sublime poem on the glory of Devi

672  The Devi is endowed with such a mighty power. By her this world is held. Knowlrdge is similarly conferred by her Vishnu Maya (the illusive power of Baghavan Vishnu0.

673  By her you and this merchant and other thoughtful people deluded, just as others have been deluded and wliibe deluded also.

674  “O”  Great King take refuge in her the supreme Eswari. She indeed when worshipped bestows on men enjoyment ,heaven and final release

675 Markandeya said:

676  Hearing his words Suratha the king bowed in reverence to the great sage

677  Despondent over excessive attachment and the loss of his kingdom, he went at once to practice austerities  “O”  great Sage and so did the merchant

678  that they might obtain a vision of the Mother. The King and the Merchant settled on a river bank and engaged in spiritual practice  chanting the hymn to the Devi

679  Having made an earthen image of the Devi on the sands of the river they both worshipped her with flowers incense fire and libations of water.

680  Now abstaining from food and now restraining in their food, with their minds on her and with concentration they both offered sacrifices sprinkled with blood drawn from their own bodies.

681  When they with concentrated mind worshipped her for three years Chandika the upholder of the world was well pleased and spoke to them in visible form i.e., she appeared befpre them in person and spoke thus;

682  The Devi Said:

683  That which you desire  “O” king, and you the delight of the family

684  receive all that from me. Well pleased I will grant it.

685  Markandeya said:

686  Thereupon the king chose a kingdom imperishable even in another life time and alsi his own kingdom here to be reclaimed by force from his enemies’ control

687  And then the wise merchant  dispassionate in mind chose that knowledge which severes attachment  from  “I”  and  “mine”.

688 The Devi said:

689  In a few days  “O” King you will reclaim ypur own kingdom.

690  When your enemies are slain thence forth it will yours forever.

691  And after your death you will obtain another birth from the sun god Vivasvat

692  Dweling on earth you will become the lord of the age(Manvantharam) called  by the name savarni manu.

693  And  “O” the best of the merchants

694  I grant you the boon which you have desired of me. Supreme knowledge shall be yours that will lead to final liberation.

695  Markandeya said:

696 When she had given each his desired boon the Devi lovingly praised by both of them vanished at once.

697-700  Thus having received the Devi’s boon, Suratha the foremost of ksatriyas  wil obtain birth from the sun god and will become the manu named savarni. Shal become the manu named Savarni. Klim. OM

The Devi Mahathmya of 700 verses is concluded.

      Here ends the thirteenth chapter “The bestowing of boons to Suratha and the Merchant” of Devi Mahathmyam in Markandeya Puranam during the period of the Savarni Manu

OM TAT SAT OM.

PRADHANIKA RAHASYAM:

The King said:

1.    OM. Blessed one, you have told me about Chandika’s manifestations. O  Knower of the sacred, Be pleases to speak of their essential nature.
        
2.    Accepting my reverence  “O” twice born, tell me everything of the Devi’s true being and by what manner  and by which ritual I should worship

3.    The sage said: This is the supreme secret and it should not be revealed. But loo how devoted you are. Hence I will tell you the same.

4.    First and foremost is Mahalakshmi. She holds the three forces of creation. She is supreme. She is both defined by form and indefinably formless. Having manifested in every way she abides in every thing.

5.    She holds a citron ( a pale yellow lemon like fruit called Naarthangai in tamil), mace, shield and drinking vessel. On her head  “O”  King she bears a serpant, linga and yoni.

6.    Her complexion is the colour of molten gold, and her ornaments also shine like molten gold. She filled the entire void 9empty space) with her radiant light.

7.    Seeing the entire universe a void(empty space) the supreme sovereign conceived a surpassing form through her power of Tamas guna.

8.    She became a woman shining black collyrium(KAN MAI in tamil), teeth glittering in her lovely mouth, her eyes wide , her waist slender(Kodi idai in tamil).

       9    Her four adorned with sword, drinking cup, head, and shield(Kedayam in tamil), her neck garlanded with strands of headless torsos(body without head) and necklace made skulls.

10 T he dark one this fairest of women asked Mahalakshmi “Mother give me my names and deeds. Salutations to you agai and again.

11. Mahalakshmi answered  her “ I give you the names and the actions(you will perform)

12.    Maha maya, Maha kali, Maha mari, Ksudha, Trsa, Nidra, Trsna, Ekavira, Kalarathri, Duratyaya
13.    These are your names and their meaning will be revealed by your actions. Understanding your actions through them whoever reflects on them will attain happiness.
14.    “O” King when she had spoken to her thus Mahalakshmi through her surpassingly pure power (guna) Sattva assumed another form lustrous like the moon.
15.    She became an exquisite woman holding rosary and goad( a stick with a sharp pointed needle at one end to drive cattle)Veena, and book. And to her Mahalakshmi gave names
16.    Mahavidya, Maha vani, Bharati, Vak, Saraswathi, Arya, Brahmi, Kamadhenu, Vedagarbha and Dhisvari.
17.    Then Mahalaksjmi said to Mahakali and Maha saraswathi “Goddesses, bring forth couples male and female  according to your natures.
18.    Having spoken thus Mahalakshmi produced her own female and male couples born of the golden womb, resplendent and seated on a lotus.
19.    The Mother called the male Brahma, Vidhi, Virincha Dhada, and she  called the female Sri, Padma, Kamala, Lakshmi
20.    Likewise Maha kali and Bharathi each produced a couple. I shall tell you their forms and names.
21.    Maha kali brought forth a blue throated red armed white limbed and moon crested male and a white female.
22.    He is Rudra, Sankara, Sthanu, Kaparthi, and Trilochana(three eyed). The woman is trayi, Vidya, Kamadhenu, Bhasha, Akshara and svara
23.    “O” King, Mahasaraswathi brought forth a shining white female and a blue black male. I shall tell you their names.
24.    Vishnu, Krishna, Hrishikesa, Vasudeva, Janarthana. The female names Uma, Gowri, Sathi, Chandi, Sundari, Subhaga, Siva
25.    In that way the three young women at once assumed malenesss. Those who are able to see will certainly see. But not the rest who remain uncomprehending.
26.    Then  “O”  king, Mahalakshmi presented Trayi as a wife to Brahma. Gowri to Ruthra and Sri to Vishnu.
27.    Vrincha united with saraswathi and created an egg. The heroic Rudra together with Gowri broke that egg to open
28.    Within that egg  “O”  King, was the primary matter destined to evolve into all the universe moving and unmoving consisting of the five gross elements.
29.    Kesava together with Lakshmi nourished and protected it. Maheswara along with Gowri dissolved all the universe.
30.    “O”  Great King, Mahalakshmi is the supreme sovereign, the true essence of all that is. She is both formless and with form, bearing various names.
31.    She can be described by different names. Yet by no other name can she truly be known.    

VAIKRTIKA  RAHASYAM:

The sage said;

1.    OM. The Devi who appears manifest in three ways—as containing the three gunas, as dark and as brilliant pure—is called Sarva, Chandika, Durga, Bhadra and Bhagavathi.
2.    She is said to be Vishnu’s mystic sleep, Maha kali whose energy is tamas, whom brahma seated on the lotus praised that she might destroy Madhu and Khaitaba.
3.    She has ten faces, ten arms, and ten feet. She is lustrous as collyrium(Kan mai in tamil)she shines radiantly as if garlanded with her thirty eyes.
4.    “O”  king, even tnough she is frightful appearance with glittering teeth and fangs, she is the beauty in form he foundation of all loveliness and green splendor.
5.    She bears the sword, arrow, mace, spear, discus, conch, and sling. She carris the iron club and bow and a head dripping with blood.

6.    She is Vishnu’s deluding power the inscrutable Maha Kali. When pleased she brings all that is moving and unmoving under her worshiper’s control

7.    She who emerged from the bodies of all gods as boundless light  is Maha lakshmi who contains the three energies and who became embodied as Mahisha’s slayer.

8.    Whit is her face, deep blue her arms, brilliant white the orbs of her breasts, red her feet, deep blue her arousing shanks(part of the leg between the knee and ankle) and thighs.

9.    Muliti coloured is her lap. Bedecked with multi colured garlands and raiment (dress, cloth). She is variously anointed and abounds in a beauty that is pure loveliness.

10.    Although she has a thousand arms she should be worshipped in eighteen armed form. The weapons here described proceed in order from her lower right hand.

11.    Rosary, lotus, arrows, sword, thunderbolt ( a shaft of lightning with a crash of thunder), mace, discus, trisul, axe, conch, bell and noose(Paasa kayiru in tamil)

12.    Spear, staff (Thandam in Tamil), bow, drinking vessel, and water pot. She whose arms adorned with these weapons she who is seated on the lotus.

13.    The sovereign who encompasses all the gods This Maha lakshmi is to be worshipped. “O”  King. Doing so, one becomes the master of all the worlds and of the gods.

14.    She who was born from the body of Gowri, and who embodies the sole energy of sattva is proclaimed to be Saraswathi the destroyer of the asura Sumbha.

15.    In her right arms she carries the arrow, pestle, spear, discus, conch, bell, ploughshare( the part of the plough that makes furrows on the ground) and bow  “O”  King

16.    When worshipped with devotion she grants omniscience. She is the goddess who crushed Nisumbha the asura, and destroyed the asura Sumbha.

17.    Thus  “O”  King, the true nature of the Devi’s embodied forms has been told to you. Hear how the mother of the world is worshipped in her individual forms.

18.     When Mahalakshmi is worshipped , Maha Kali and Maha Saraswathi are to be worshipped on her right and left. At the back are the three couples.

19.    Brahma, and Saraswathi in the middle, Rudra and Gowri on their right, and Vishnu and Lakshmi on their left with the three goddesses standing in the front.

20.    The eighteen armed Maha lakshmi is in the middle, the ten faced Maha Kali on the left and the eight armed Saraswathi on the right. Maha Lakshmi is to be worshipped as the primary deity.

21.    When the eighteen armed form is worshipped,  “O”  king along with the ten faced and eight armed forms then on the right and left

22.    Time and death is to be worshipped to allay all misfortune. When the eight armed slayer of the Asura sumbha is worshipped.

23.    Her nine sakthis should be worshipped and also Rudra and Vinayaka. With the hymn that begins “Salutations to Devi”one should honor  Maha Lakshmi.

24.    In the worship of three manifestations, the verses of their respective hymns should be uttered. The eighteen armed slayer of Mahisha is to be worshipped.

25.    She herself is proclaimed as Maha lakshmi, Maha Kali, and Maha Saraswathi the great ruler of all worlds, reigning over the virtuous, and the wicked.

26.    One who worships Mahisha’s slayer becomes the master of the world. To Chandika the upholder worlds who is tender towards her devotees one should offer worship

27.     With oblations and the like with adornments, with flowers perfumed with sandal paste, with whole blossoms, incense and lights and with all manner  of  food offerings.

28.    With blood sacrifice, flesh, and wine  “O”  King and with prostrations the ritual sipping of water and sweetly fragranr sandalwood.

29.    With offerings of camphor and betel nut, all made with complete devotion. On the left side in front of the Devi the great decapitated asura

30.     Mahisha should be hnoured having attained union with her who is supreme. On the right side in front the lion who is the whole and mighty dharma

31.    The Devi’s vehicle, should be worshipped for he sustains all that is moving and unmoving. With one pointed mind the wise one, should sinf her praises

32.    Then with folded hands should praise her with these episodes of Devi Mahathmyam or by the middle one alone, but not by one only of the other two.

33.    Or by chanting half an episode, for that would create a weak point in the recitation.  Circumambulating the deity with reverence with both the hands foled on the head.

34.    One should vigorously ask for forgiveness again and again from the sustainer of the world. With each verse should one make an oblation of milk, seasame (EL in tamil)and ghee.

35.    Or one make an auspicious offering to Chandika with the verses of the Devi Mahathmyam’s hymns. With the mind turned inward and fully concentrated one should worship the Devi with the salutations verses.

36.    Intent on devotion, with hands folded and head bowed in reverence deeply collected in oneself, one should meditate on the supreme Chandika for a long time and mind filled with her.

37.    One who daily worships the supreme sovereign in this way having accordingly experienced all enjoyment with dispassionattains union with the Devi.

38.    If one does not always worship Chandika who is kind towards her devotees, his merits will the supreme sovereign burn to ashes.

39.    Therfore  “O”  King worship Chandika the great ruler of all the worlds, in the prescribed manner and you will attain happiness.

END OF VAIKRTIKA RAHASYAM

The above said Vaikrtika rahasyam concentrates on the Devi’s modification(Vikrti) from formless state to one with form and shape. It offers formal worship through visualization, meditation, ritual offerings and  the chanting of the Devi mahathmya.

MURTI RAHASYA:

The sage said:

1.    OM. She who will be born to Nanda and named Nanda Bhagavathi, when praised and worshipped with devotion, will grant mastery over the three worlds.
       
2.    Her beauty shines like the finest gold, her garments are  of golden brilliance. Golden is the Devi’s splendor and of pure gold are her adornments.

3.    Lotus, goad, and conch grace her four arms. She is Indira, Kamala, Lakshmi, Sri, seated on a resplendent lotus.

4.    O faultless one, the goddess of whom I now speak is called Raktha danthika. I will describe her true nature, listen, for it allays all fears.

5.    Red is her clothing, red her body, red the ornaments, on all her limbs, red her weapons, red her eyes and her hair. Great indeed is the terror she inspires.

6.    Red her rending talons(claw), red her teeth, and red her fangs. As a wife is loving toward her husband, the Devi loves the person who is devoted to her.

7.    She is expansive like the earth, and her two breasts are like Mount Meru—full of heavy massive and alluring.

8.    Firm and exquisite they hold the milk of perfect bliss. With these breasts that satisfy al wants the Devi nourishes her devotees.

9.    She carries sword, drinking vessel, pestle, and plough the Devi known as the red Chamundi and yogeswari.

10.    She pervades the entire world, unmoving and moving. One who worships her with devotion extends through out the universe.

11.    As a woman attends her beloved the Devi attends one who constantly urns the mind to this wonderful hymn to Raktha danthika.

12.    Sakambari,s colour is blue, her eyes like a blue lotus, her navel deep and her slender waist adorned with three flods of skin.

13.    Her breasts are firm, even, and full, rounded, plump and solid. Reposing on a lotus she holds a handful of arrows, a blue blossom.

14.    And all manner of flowers ender plants, roots, fruits, and vegetables in dazzling abundance with tastes to please every palate. Said to remove all fear of hunger, thirst and death.

15.    The supreme sovereign bears a bow of glittering splendor. She is celebrated as Sakambari, Satakshi, and Duga.

16.    Free from sorrow subduing evil, allaying difficulty and misfortune, She is Uma, Gowri, sati, Chandi, Kalika and Parvathi.

17.    By praising Sakambari contemplating her repeating her name worshipping her and surrendering to her one quickly obtains the everlasting reward of food, drink, and freedom from death.

18.    Bhima is also cloured blue with shining fangs and death. A wide eyed woman with full round breasts.

19.    She holds a glittering scimitar( a short curved sword) drum, head, and drinking vessel. She is called the solitary warrior Kalarathri praised as the giver of desires.

20.    Bhramari, inviolable within her encircling light, is a many splendored goddess, anointed with various perfumes and adorned with multihued gems.

21.    With multi coloured bees in hand she is sung as the great pestilence. Thus  “O” lord of the earth , are explained the incarnations of the Devi.

22.    Of the mother of the world, of Chandika, renowned for satisfying every desire. This is the supreme secret which you must not divulge to anyone.

23.    This explanation of her divine embodiments that yields the desired resuls. Therefore with unflagging perseverance repeat the Devi’s name unceasingly.

24.    By proper recitations of the verses  og the Devi Mahathmyam you will be released from your offending acts acquired over seen lifetimes even those as heinous as the killing of a Brahmana.

25.      Meditation on the Devi is I proclaim the great secret of secrets and if you preserve it will grant the fulfillment of your each and every desire.

The Murti rahasya elaborates on the Devi’s further earthly manifestations as foretold in 11th chapter of Devi Mahathmyam. It describes the iconography of these five incarnations and specifies the benefits of worshipping them. The sage’s final word 23, 24, 25 as above summarizes the supreme secret. That constantly reciting Chandika’s name, reciting Devi Mahathmyam and meditating on the Devi are the way to eternal bliss.

- End of Devi Mahathmyam -