The Goddess's Exchange with the Messenger

Verse 1 (markandeya.85.1)

ऋषिरुवाच पुरा शुम्भनिशुम्भाभ्यामसुराभ्यां शचीपतेः । त्रैलोक्यं यज्ञभागाश्च हृता मदबलाश्रयात् ॥ 85.1 ॥

ṛṣiruvāca purā śumbhaniśumbhābhyāmasurābhyāṁ śacīpateḥ trailokyaṁ yajñabhāgāśca hṛtā madabalāśrayāt

The sage said: Formerly, the three worlds and the shares of sacrifice belonging to the Lord of Shachi were seized by the two asuras Shumbha and Nishumbha, relying on the pride of their own strength.

Verse 2 (markandeya.85.2)

तावेव सूर्यतां तद्वदधिकारं तथैन्दवम् । कौबेरमथ याम्यं च चक्राते वरुणस्य च ॥ 85.2 ॥

tāveva sūryatāṁ tadvadadhikāraṁ tathaindavam kauberamatha yāmyaṁ ca cakrāte varuṇasya ca

Those two themselves took on the offices of the Sun, and likewise of the Moon, of Kubera, of Yama, and of Varuna as well.

Verse 3 (markandeya.85.3)

तावेव पवनर्धि च चक्रतुर्वह्निकर्म च । अन्येषाञ्चाधिकारान् स स्वयमेवाधितिष्ठति । ततो देवा विनिर्धूता भ्रष्टराज्याः पराजिताः ॥ 85.3 ॥

tāveva pavanardhi ca cakraturvahnikarma ca anyeṣāñcādhikārān sa svayamevādhitiṣṭhati tato devā vinirdhūtā bhraṣṭarājyāḥ parājitāḥ

Those same two also took on the office of Vayu and the function of Agni; and Shumbha himself came to occupy the offices of the others too. Then the gods, driven out, their sovereignty lost, defeated,

Verse 4 (markandeya.85.4)

हृताधिकारास्त्रिदशास्ताभ्यां सर्वे निराकृताः । महासुराभ्यां तां देवीं संस्मरन्त्यपराजिताम् ॥ 85.4 ॥

hṛtādhikārāstridaśāstābhyāṁ sarve nirākṛtāḥ mahāsurābhyāṁ tāṁ devīṁ saṁsmarantyaparājitām

their offices seized, all the gods, cast out by those two great asuras, called to mind that unconquered goddess.

Verse 5 (markandeya.85.5)

तयास्माकं वरो दत्तो यथाऽपत्सु स्मृताखिलाः । भवतां नाशयिष्यामि तत्क्षणात् परमापदः ॥ 85.5 ॥

tayāsmākaṁ varo datto yathā ’patsu smṛtākhilāḥ bhavatāṁ nāśayiṣyāmi tatkṣaṇāt paramāpadaḥ

"By her a boon was given to us, that whenever in calamity she is called to mind by all of us together, she will destroy your gravest dangers that very instant."

Verse 6 (markandeya.85.6)

इति कृत्वा मतिं देवा हिमवन्तं नगेश्वरम् । जग्मुस्तत्र ततो देवीं विष्णुमायां प्रतुष्टुवुः ॥ 85.6 ॥

iti kṛtvā matiṁ devā himavantaṁ nageśvaram jagmustatra tato devīṁ viṣṇumāyāṁ pratuṣṭuvuḥ

Having resolved thus, the gods went to Himavan, the lord of mountains; and there they praised the goddess Vishnumaya.

Verse 7 (markandeya.85.7)

देवा ऊचुः नमो देव्यै महादेव्यै शिवायै सततं नमः । नमः प्रकृत्यै भद्रायै नियताः प्रणताः स्म ताम् ॥ 85.7 ॥

devā ūcuḥ namo devyai mahādevyai śivāyai satataṁ namaḥ namaḥ prakṛtyai bhadrāyai niyatāḥ praṇatāḥ sma tām

The gods said: Salutation to the goddess, to the great goddess, to the auspicious one, salutation ever; salutation to Prakriti, to the gracious one — steadfastly we bow to her.

Verse 8 (markandeya.85.8)

रौद्रायै नमो नित्यायौ गौर्यै धात्र्यै नमो नमः । नमो जगत्प्रतिष्ठायै देव्यै कृत्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.8 ॥

raudrāyai namo nityāyau gauryai dhātryai namo namaḥ namo jagatpratiṣṭhāyai devyai kṛtyai namo namaḥ

Salutation to Raudra, to the eternal one, to Gauri, to Dhatri, salutation again and again; salutation to her who is the foundation of the world, to the goddess, to ritual action itself, salutation again and again.

Verse 9 (markandeya.85.9)

द्योत्स्त्रायै चेन्दुरूपिण्यै सुखायै सततं नमः । कल्याण्यै प्रणतां वृद्ध्यै सिद्ध्यै कुर्मो नमो नमः ॥ 85.9 ॥

dyotstrāyai cendurūpiṇyai sukhāyai satataṁ namaḥ kalyāṇyai praṇatāṁ vṛddhyai siddhyai kurmo namo namaḥ

Salutation ever to Jyotsna, who has the form of the moon, and to happiness itself; to Kalyani we offer salutation, to the increase and success of those who bow, again and again.

Verse 10 (markandeya.85.10)

नैरृत्यै भूभृतां लक्ष्म्यै शर्वाण्यै ते नमो नमः । दुर्गायै दुर्गपारायै सारायै सर्वकारिण्यै । ख्यात्यै तथैव कृष्णायै धूम्रायै सततं नमः ॥ 85.10 ॥

nairṛtyai bhūbhṛtāṁ lakṣmyai śarvāṇyai te namo namaḥ durgāyai durgapārāyai sārāyai sarvakāriṇyai khyātyai tathaiva kṛṣṇāyai dhūmrāyai satataṁ namaḥ

Salutation, salutation to Nairriti, to the Fortune of kings, to Sharvani; to Durga, who carries devotees beyond difficulty, to the essence, to her who does all things; to Fame, and likewise to Krishna and to Dhumra, salutation ever.

Verse 11 (markandeya.85.11)

अतिसौम्यातिरौद्रायै नतास्तस्यै नमो नमः । मनो जगत्प्रतिष्ठायै देव्यै कृत्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.11 ॥

atisaumyātiraudrāyai natāstasyai namo namaḥ mano jagatpratiṣṭhāyai devyai kṛtyai namo namaḥ

Bowed down, we offer salutation, salutation again, to her who is exceedingly gentle and exceedingly terrible; salutation to her who is the foundation of the world, to the goddess, to ritual action itself, salutation again and again.

Verse 12 (markandeya.85.12)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विष्णुमायेति शब्दिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.12 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu viṣṇumāyeti śabditā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who in all beings is called Vishnumaya — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 13 (markandeya.85.13)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु चेतनेत्यभिधीयते । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.13 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu cetanetyabhidhīyate namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who in all beings is called Consciousness — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 14 (markandeya.85.14)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.14 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu buddhirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Intelligence — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 15 (markandeya.85.15)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै मनो नमः ॥ 85.15 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu nidrārūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai mano namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Sleep — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 16 (markandeya.85.16)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु क्षुधारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.16 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu kṣudhārūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Hunger — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 17 (markandeya.85.17)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु च्छायारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.17 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu cchāyārūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Shadow — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 18 (markandeya.85.18)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.18 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu śaktirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Power — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 19 (markandeya.85.19)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तृष्णारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.19 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu tṛṣṇārūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Thirst — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 20 (markandeya.85.20)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु क्षान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.20 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu kṣāntirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Forbearance — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 21 (markandeya.85.21)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु जातिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.21 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu jātirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of innate Nature — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 22 (markandeya.85.22)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लज्जारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.22 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu lajjārūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Modesty — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 23 (markandeya.85.23)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.23 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu śāntirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Peace — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 24 (markandeya.85.24)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु श्रद्धारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.24 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu śraddhārūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Faith — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 25 (markandeya.85.25)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु कान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.25 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu kāntirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Radiance — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 26 (markandeya.85.26)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लक्ष्मीरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.26 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu lakṣmīrūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Fortune — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 27 (markandeya.85.27)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु धृतिरूपेण संस्थिता । तमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.27 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu dhṛtirūpeṇa saṁsthitā tamastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Steadfastness — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 28 (markandeya.85.28)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु वृत्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.28 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu vṛttirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Livelihood — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 29 (markandeya.85.29)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु स्मृतिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.29 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu smṛtirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Memory — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 30 (markandeya.85.30)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु दयारूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.30 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu dayārūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Compassion — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 31 (markandeya.85.31)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु नीतिरूपेणं संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.31 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu nītirūpeṇaṁ saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of right Conduct — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 32 (markandeya.85.32)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तुष्टिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.32 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu tuṣṭirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Contentment — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 33 (markandeya.85.33)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु पुष्टिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.33 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu puṣṭirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Nourishment — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 34 (markandeya.85.34)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.34 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu mātṛrūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Motherhood — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 35 (markandeya.85.35)

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु भ्रान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.35 ॥

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu bhrāntirūpeṇa saṁsthitā namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

The goddess who abides in all beings in the form of Delusion — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 36 (markandeya.85.36)

इन्द्रियाणामधिष्ठात्री भूतानां चाखिलेषु या । भूतेषु सततं तस्यै व्याप्तिदेव्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.36 ॥

indriyāṇāmadhiṣṭhātrī bhūtānāṁ cākhileṣu yā bhūteṣu satataṁ tasyai vyāptidevyai namo namaḥ

She who presides over the senses, and who dwells in all beings — to her, the goddess of all-pervading presence, salutation, salutation.

Verse 37 (markandeya.85.37)

चितिरूपेण या कृत्स्त्रमेतद् व्याप्य स्थिता जगत् । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ 85.37 ॥

citirūpeṇa yā kṛtstrametad vyāpya sthitā jagat namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ

She who, in the form of Consciousness, pervades and abides in this entire universe — salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation to her, salutation, salutation.

Verse 38 (markandeya.85.38)

स्तु ता सुरैः पूर्वमभीष्टसंश्रयात् तथासुरेन्द्रेण दिनेषु सेविता । करोतु सा नः शुभहेतुरीश्वरी शुभानि भद्राण्यभिहन्तु चापदः ॥ 85.38 ॥

stu tā suraiḥ pūrvamabhīṣṭasaṁśrayāt tathāsurendreṇa dineṣu sevitā karotu sā naḥ śubhaheturīśvarī śubhāni bhadrāṇyabhihantu cāpadaḥ

She who was praised before by the gods when seeking their desired refuge, and who was worshipped daily also by the lord of the gods — may that Sovereign Lady, the cause of all blessing, grant us auspicious and gracious things, and dispel all calamities.

Verse 39 (markandeya.85.39)

या साम्प्रतं चोद्धतदैत्यतापितैर् अस्माभिरीशा च सुरैर्नमस्यते । या च स्मृता तत्क्षणमेव हन्ति नः सर्वापदो भक्तिविनम्कमूर्तिभिः ॥ 85.39 ॥

yā sāmprataṁ coddhatadaityatāpitair asmābhirīśā ca surairnamasyate yā ca smṛtā tatkṣaṇameva hanti naḥ sarvāpado bhaktivinamkamūrtibhiḥ

She who is now worshipped by us gods, tormented by the arrogant daityas, our forms bowed low in devotion — the Sovereign Lady who, the very moment she is remembered, at once destroys all our calamities.

Verse 40 (markandeya.85.40)

ऋषिरूवाच एवं स्तवादियुक्तानां देवानां तत्र पार्वती । स्नातुमभ्याययौ तोये जाह्नव्या नृपनन्दन ॥ 85.40 ॥

ṛṣirūvāca evaṁ stavādiyuktānāṁ devānāṁ tatra pārvatī snātumabhyāyayau toye jāhnavyā nṛpanandana

The sage said: O prince, while the gods there were thus engaged in hymns, Parvati came there to bathe in the waters of the Ganga.

Verse 41 (markandeya.85.41)

साब्रवीत्तान् सुरान् सुभ्रूर्भवद्भिः स्तूयतेऽत्र का । शरीरकोशतश्चास्याः समुद्भूताब्रवीच्छिवा ॥ 85.41 ॥

sābravīttān surān subhrūrbhavadbhiḥ stūyate ’tra kā śarīrakośataścāsyāḥ samudbhūtābravīcchivā

She, the lovely-browed one, said to those gods: "Who is it that is being praised here by you?" And from her own bodily sheath there emerged a goddess, who said —

Verse 42 (markandeya.85.42)

स्तोत्रं ममैतत् क्रियते शुम्भदैत्यनिराकृतैः । देवैः समेतैः समरे निशुम्भेन पराजितैः ॥ 85.42 ॥

stotraṁ mamaitat kriyate śumbhadaityanirākṛtaiḥ devaiḥ sametaiḥ samare niśumbhena parājitaiḥ

"This hymn is being made to me by the assembled gods, driven out by the daitya Shumbha, and defeated in battle by Nishumbha."

Verse 43 (markandeya.85.43)

शरीरकोशाद्यत्तस्याः पार्वत्या निः सृताम्बिका । कौशिकीति समस्तेषु ततो लोकेषु गीयते ॥ 85.43 ॥

śarīrakośādyattasyāḥ pārvatyā niḥ sṛtāmbikā kauśikīti samasteṣu tato lokeṣu gīyate

Since that Ambika emerged from the bodily sheath of Parvati, she is thereafter sung of in all the worlds as Kaushiki.

Verse 44 (markandeya.85.44)

तस्यां विनिर्गतायां तु कृष्णाभूत् सापि पार्वती । कालिकेति समाख्याता हिमाचलकृताश्रया ॥ 85.44 ॥

tasyāṁ vinirgatāyāṁ tu kṛṣṇābhūt sāpi pārvatī kāliketi samākhyātā himācalakṛtāśrayā

And when she had emerged, that very Parvati became dark, and, taking up her abode in the Himalaya, was thereafter known as Kalika.

Verse 45 (markandeya.85.45)

ततोऽम्बिकां परं रूपं बिभ्राणां सुमनोहरम् । ददर्श चण्डो मुण्डश्च भृत्यौ शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः ॥ 85.45 ॥

tato ’mbikāṁ paraṁ rūpaṁ bibhrāṇāṁ sumanoharam dadarśa caṇḍo muṇḍaśca bhṛtyau śumbhaniśumbhayoḥ

Then Chanda and Munda, the two servants of Shumbha and Nishumbha, saw Ambika bearing a supreme and most enchanting form.

Verse 46 (markandeya.85.46)

ताभ्यां शुम्भाय चाख्याता अतीव सुमनोहरा । काप्यास्ते स्त्री महाराज भासयन्ती हिमाचलम् ॥ 85.46 ॥

tābhyāṁ śumbhāya cākhyātā atīva sumanoharā kāpyāste strī mahārāja bhāsayantī himācalam

By those two it was reported to Shumbha: "A certain woman, O great king, exceedingly enchanting, stands there illuminating the Himalaya."

Verse 47 (markandeya.85.47)

नैव तादृक् क्वचिद्रूपं दृष्टं केनचिदुत्तमम् । ज्ञायतां काप्यसौ देवी गृह्यतां चासुरेश्वर ॥ 85.47 ॥

naiva tādṛk kvacidrūpaṁ dṛṣṭaṁ kenaciduttamam jñāyatāṁ kāpyasau devī gṛhyatāṁ cāsureśvara

"Never has such a supreme form been seen anywhere by anyone. Let it be found out who this goddess is, O lord of the asuras, and let her be seized."

Verse 48 (markandeya.85.48)

स्त्रीरत्नमतिचार्वङ्गी द्योतयन्ती दिशस्त्विषा । सा तु तिष्ठति दैत्येन्द्र तां भवान् द्रष्टुमर्हति ॥ 85.48 ॥

strīratnamaticārvaṅgī dyotayantī diśastviṣā sā tu tiṣṭhati daityendra tāṁ bhavān draṣṭumarhati

"A jewel among women, of most lovely limbs, illuminating the directions with her radiance — she stands there, O lord of the daityas; you ought indeed to see her."

Verse 49 (markandeya.85.49)

यानि रत्नानि मणयो गजाश्वादीनि वै प्रभो । त्रैलोक्ये तु समस्तानि साम्प्रतं भान्ति ते गृहे ॥ 85.49 ॥

yāni ratnāni maṇayo gajāśvādīni vai prabho trailokye tu samastāni sāmprataṁ bhānti te gṛhe

"O lord, whatever jewels, gems, elephants, horses, and the like exist in the three worlds — all of them now shine in your own house."

Verse 50 (markandeya.85.50)

ऐरावतः समानीतो गजरत्नं पुरन्दरात् । पारिजाततरुश्चायं तथैवोच्चैः श्रवा हयः ॥ 85.50 ॥

airāvataḥ samānīto gajaratnaṁ purandarāt pārijātataruścāyaṁ tathaivoccaiḥ śravā hayaḥ

"Airavata, the jewel among elephants, has been brought from Purandara; and likewise this Parijata tree, and the horse Uchchaihshravas."

Verse 51 (markandeya.85.51)

विमानं हंससंयुक्तमेतत्तिष्ठति तेऽङ्गणे । रत्नभूतमिहानीतं यदासीद्वेधसोऽद्भुतम् ॥ 85.51 ॥

vimānaṁ haṁsasaṁyuktametattiṣṭhati te ’ṅgaṇe ratnabhūtamihānītaṁ yadāsīdvedhaso ’dbhutam

"This swan-yoked celestial chariot stands here in your courtyard, brought here as a jewel, that wondrous thing which belonged to the Creator."

Verse 52 (markandeya.85.52)

निधिरेष महापद्मः समानीतो धनेश्वरात् । किञ्जल्किनीं ददौ चाब्धिर्मालामम्लानपङ्कजाम् ॥ 85.52 ॥

nidhireṣa mahāpadmaḥ samānīto dhaneśvarāt kiñjalkinīṁ dadau cābdhirmālāmamlānapaṅkajām

"This treasure, the Mahapadma, has been brought from the Lord of Wealth; and the Ocean gave you a garland strung with lotus-filaments, of unfading lotuses."

Verse 53 (markandeya.85.53)

छत्रं ते वारुणं गेहे काञ्चनस्त्रावि तिष्ठति । तथायं स्यन्तनवरो यः पुरासीत् प्रजापतेः ॥ 85.53 ॥

chatraṁ te vāruṇaṁ gehe kāñcanastrāvi tiṣṭhati tathāyaṁ syantanavaro yaḥ purāsīt prajāpateḥ

"Your Varuna-parasol, dripping gold, stands in your house; and likewise this finest of chariots, which formerly belonged to Prajapati."

Verse 54 (markandeya.85.54)

मृत्योरुत्क्रान्तिदा नाम शक्तिरीश त्वया हृता । पाशः सलिलराजस्य भ्रातुस्तव परिग्रहे ॥ 85.54 ॥

mṛtyorutkrāntidā nāma śaktirīśa tvayā hṛtā pāśaḥ salilarājasya bhrātustava parigrahe

"O lord, the spear named Utkrantida, belonging to Death, has been seized by you; and the noose of the King of the Waters is in the possession of your own brother."

Verse 55 (markandeya.85.55)

निशुम्भस्याब्धिजाताश्च समस्ता रत्नजातयः । वह्निरपि ददौ तुभ्यमग्निशौचे च वाससी ॥ 85.55 ॥

niśumbhasyābdhijātāśca samastā ratnajātayaḥ vahnirapi dadau tubhyamagniśauce ca vāsasī

"And all the varieties of jewels born of the ocean belong to Nishumbha; Agni too has given you two garments purified by fire."

Verse 56 (markandeya.85.56)

एवं दैत्येन्द्र रत्नानि समस्तान्याहृतानि ते । स्त्रीरत्नमेषा कल्याणी त्वया कस्मान्न गृह्यते ॥ 85.56 ॥

evaṁ daityendra ratnāni samastānyāhṛtāni te strīratnameṣā kalyāṇī tvayā kasmānna gṛhyate

"Thus, O lord of the daityas, all these jewels have been brought to you. Why then is this jewel among women, this auspicious one, not taken by you as well?"

Verse 57 (markandeya.85.57)

ऋषिरुवाच निशम्येति वचः शुम्भः स तदा चण्डमुण्डयोः । प्रेषयामास सुग्रीवं दूतं देव्या महासुरः ॥ 85.57 ॥

ṛṣiruvāca niśamyeti vacaḥ śumbhaḥ sa tadā caṇḍamuṇḍayoḥ preṣayāmāsa sugrīvaṁ dūtaṁ devyā mahāsuraḥ

The sage said: Hearing these words of Chanda and Munda, that great asura Shumbha then sent Sugriva as a messenger to the goddess.

Verse 58 (markandeya.85.58)

शुम्भ उवाच इति चेति च वक्तव्या सा गत्वा वचनान्मम । यथा चाभ्येति संप्रीत्या तथा कार्यं त्वया लघु ॥ 85.58 ॥

śumbha uvāca iti ceti ca vaktavyā sā gatvā vacanānmama yathā cābhyeti saṁprītyā tathā kāryaṁ tvayā laghu

Shumbha said: Go and speak to her, on my behalf, this and that; and act quickly so that she may come to me willingly, out of good will.

Verse 59 (markandeya.85.59)

स तत्र गत्वा यत्रास्ते शैलोद्देशेऽतिशोभने । तां च देवीं ततः प्राह श्लक्ष्णं मधुरया गिरा ॥ 85.59 ॥

sa tatra gatvā yatrāste śailoddeśe ’tiśobhane tāṁ ca devīṁ tataḥ prāha ślakṣṇaṁ madhurayā girā

He went there to that most beautiful mountain region where she dwelt, and then addressed the goddess in a smooth and sweet voice.

Verse 60 (markandeya.85.60)

दूत उवाच देवि दैत्येश्वरः शुम्भस्त्रैलोक्ये परमेश्वरः । दूतोऽहं प्रेषितस्तेन त्वत्सकाशमिहागतः ॥ 85.60 ॥

dūta uvāca devi daityeśvaraḥ śumbhastrailokye parameśvaraḥ dūto ’haṁ preṣitastena tvatsakāśamihāgataḥ

The messenger said: O goddess, Shumbha, lord of the daityas, is the supreme sovereign of the three worlds. I am a messenger, sent by him, and have come here into your presence.

Verse 61 (markandeya.85.61)

अव्याहताज्ञः सर्वासु यः सदा देवयोनिषु । निर्जिताखिलदैत्यारिः स यदाह शृणुष्व तत् ॥ 85.61 ॥

avyāhatājñaḥ sarvāsu yaḥ sadā devayoniṣu nirjitākhiladaityāriḥ sa yadāha śṛṇuṣva tat

He whose command is unopposed in all the races of gods forever, who has utterly conquered the enemies of the daityas — hear what he says.

Verse 62 (markandeya.85.62)

मम त्रैलोक्यमखिलं मम देवा वशानुगाः । यज्ञभागानहं सर्वानुपाश्नामि पृथक् पृथक् ॥ 85.62 ॥

mama trailokyamakhilaṁ mama devā vaśānugāḥ yajñabhāgānahaṁ sarvānupāśnāmi pṛthak pṛthak

"The whole triple world is mine; the gods are all subject to my will; I enjoy all the shares of sacrifice, each and every one, separately."

Verse 63 (markandeya.85.63)

त्रैलोक्ये वररत्नानि मम वश्यान्यशेषतः । तथैव गजरत्नं च हृत्वा देवेन्द्रवाहनम् ॥ 85.63 ॥

trailokye vararatnāni mama vaśyānyaśeṣataḥ tathaiva gajaratnaṁ ca hṛtvā devendravāhanam

"The finest jewels in the three worlds are all, without exception, under my control; and likewise, having seized the jewel among elephants, the mount of the lord of gods,"

Verse 64 (markandeya.85.64)

क्षीरोदमथनोद्भूतमश्वरत्नं ममामरैः । उच्चैः श्रवससंज्ञं तत्प्रणिपत्य समर्पितम् ॥ 85.64 ॥

kṣīrodamathanodbhūtamaśvaratnaṁ mamāmaraiḥ uccaiḥ śravasasaṁjñaṁ tatpraṇipatya samarpitam

"the jewel among horses, born from the churning of the Ocean of Milk, known by the name Uchchaihshravas, has been humbly offered to me by the immortals."

Verse 65 (markandeya.85.65)

यानि चान्यानि देवेषु गन्धर्वेषूरगेषु च । रत्नभूतानि भूतानि तानि मय्येव शोभने ॥ 85.65 ॥

yāni cānyāni deveṣu gandharveṣūrageṣu ca ratnabhūtāni bhūtāni tāni mayyeva śobhane

"And whatever other beings exist among the gods, the gandharvas, and the serpents that are, as it were, jewels — those, O lovely one, are with me alone."

Verse 66 (markandeya.85.66)

स्त्रीरत्नभूतां त्वां देवि लोके मन्यामहे वयम् । सा त्वमस्मानुपागच्छ यतो रत्नभुजो वयम् ॥ 85.66 ॥

strīratnabhūtāṁ tvāṁ devi loke manyāmahe vayam sā tvamasmānupāgaccha yato ratnabhujo vayam

"You, O goddess, we consider to be the jewel among women in this world. Since we are the enjoyers of jewels, come therefore to us."

Verse 67 (markandeya.85.67)

मां वा ममानुजं वापि निशुम्भमुरुविक्रमम् । भज त्वं चञ्चलापाङ्गि रत्नभूतासि वै यतः ॥ 85.67 ॥

māṁ vā mamānujaṁ vāpi niśumbhamuruvikramam bhaja tvaṁ cañcalāpāṅgi ratnabhūtāsi vai yataḥ

"O you of the restless glances, take as your own either me, or my younger brother, the vastly powerful Nishumbha — since you are indeed a very jewel."

Verse 68 (markandeya.85.68)

परमैश्वर्यमतुलं प्राप्स्यसे मत्परिग्रहात् । एतद् बुद्ध्या समालोच्य मत्परिग्रहतां व्रज ॥ 85.68 ॥

paramaiśvaryamatulaṁ prāpsyase matparigrahāt etad buddhyā samālocya matparigrahatāṁ vraja

"Through union with me, you shall attain incomparable, supreme sovereignty. Consider this well with your intellect, and come to be my consort."

Verse 69 (markandeya.85.69)

ऋषिरुवाच इत्युक्ता सा तदा देवी गम्भीरान्तः स्मिता जगौ । दुर्गा भगवती भद्रा ययेदं धार्यते जगत् ॥ 85.69 ॥

ṛṣiruvāca ityuktā sā tadā devī gambhīrāntaḥ smitā jagau durgā bhagavatī bhadrā yayedaṁ dhāryate jagat

The sage said: Thus addressed, the goddess then spoke, with a deep, inward smile — she, Durga, the Blessed and Gracious One, by whom this world is upheld —

Verse 70 (markandeya.85.70)

देव्युवाच सत्यमुक्तत्वया नात्र मिथ्या किञ्चित्त्वयोदितम् । त्रैलोक्याधिपतिः सुम्भो निशुम्भश्चापि तादृशः ॥ 85.70 ॥

devyuvāca satyamuktatvayā nātra mithyā kiñcittvayoditam trailokyādhipatiḥ sumbho niśumbhaścāpi tādṛśaḥ

The goddess said: What you have spoken is true; nothing at all that you have said is false. Shumbha is indeed the lord of the three worlds, and Nishumbha likewise.

Verse 71 (markandeya.85.71)

किं त्वत्र यत्प्रतिज्ञातं मिथ्या तत्क्रियते कथम् । श्रूयतामल्पबुद्धित्वात् प्रतिज्ञा या कृता पुरा ॥ 85.71 ॥

kiṁ tvatra yatpratijñātaṁ mithyā tatkriyate katham śrūyatāmalpabuddhitvāt pratijñā yā kṛtā purā

But here, how can what has been vowed be made false? Listen, then, to the vow that was made formerly, out of my own limited understanding:

Verse 72 (markandeya.85.72)

यो मां जयति संग्रामे यो मे दर्पं व्यपोहति । यो मे प्रतिबलो लोके स मे भर्ता भविष्यति ॥ 85.72 ॥

yo māṁ jayati saṁgrāme yo me darpaṁ vyapohati yo me pratibalo loke sa me bhartā bhaviṣyati

"He who defeats me in battle, who destroys my pride, who is my equal in strength in this world — he shall become my husband."

Verse 73 (markandeya.85.73)

तदागच्छतु शुम्भोऽत्र निशुम्भो वा महासुरः । मां जित्वा किं चिरेणात्र पाणि गृह्णातु मे लघु ॥ 85.73 ॥

tadāgacchatu śumbho ’tra niśumbho vā mahāsuraḥ māṁ jitvā kiṁ cireṇātra pāṇi gṛhṇātu me laghu

Let Shumbha, then, come here — or the great asura Nishumbha. Having defeated me, let him quickly take my hand; why delay?

Verse 74 (markandeya.85.74)

दूत उवाच अवलिप्तासि मैवं त्वं देवि ब्रूहि ममाग्रतः । त्रैलोक्ये कः पुमांस्तिष्ठेदग्रे शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः ॥ 85.74 ॥

dūta uvāca avaliptāsi maivaṁ tvaṁ devi brūhi mamāgrataḥ trailokye kaḥ pumāṁstiṣṭhedagre śumbhaniśumbhayoḥ

The messenger said: You are arrogant! Do not speak to me in this manner, O goddess. What man in all the three worlds could stand before Shumbha and Nishumbha?

Verse 75 (markandeya.85.75)

अन्येषामपि दैत्यानां सर्वे देवा न वै युधि । तिष्ठन्ति संमुखे देवि किं पुनः स्त्री त्वमेकिका ॥ 85.75 ॥

anyeṣāmapi daityānāṁ sarve devā na vai yudhi tiṣṭhanti saṁmukhe devi kiṁ punaḥ strī tvamekikā

O goddess, before even the other daityas, no gods at all can stand face to face in battle — how much less then can you, a woman, alone?

Verse 76 (markandeya.85.76)

इन्द्राद्याः सकला देवास्तस्थुर्येषां न संयुगे । शुम्भादीनां कथं तेषां स्त्री प्रयास्यसि संमुखम् ॥ 85.76 ॥

indrādyāḥ sakalā devāstasthuryeṣāṁ na saṁyuge śumbhādīnāṁ kathaṁ teṣāṁ strī prayāsyasi saṁmukham

Before whom all the gods, headed by Indra, could not stand in battle — how will you, a mere woman, go to face them?

Verse 77 (markandeya.85.77)

सा त्वं गच्छ मयैवोक्ता पार्श्वं शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः । केशाकर्षणनिर्धूतगौरवा मा गमिष्यसि ॥ 85.77 ॥

sā tvaṁ gaccha mayaivoktā pārśvaṁ śumbhaniśumbhayoḥ keśākarṣaṇanirdhūtagauravā mā gamiṣyasi

Go, then, as I myself have told you, to the side of Shumbha and Nishumbha; do not go in such a way that your dignity is stripped away by being dragged there by the hair!

Verse 78 (markandeya.85.78)

देव्युवाच एवमेतद् बली शुम्भो निशुम्भश्चातिवीर्यवान् । किं करोमि प्रतिज्ञा मे यदनालोचिता पुरा ॥ 85.78 ॥

devyuvāca evametad balī śumbho niśumbhaścātivīryavān kiṁ karomi pratijñā me yadanālocitā purā

The goddess said: It is indeed so — Shumbha is mighty, and Nishumbha too is of exceeding valor. Yet what can I do? My vow was made formerly without due consideration.

Verse 79 (markandeya.85.79)

स त्वं गच्छ मयोक्तं ते यदेतत्सर्वमादृतः । तदाचक्ष्वासुरेन्द्राय स च युक्तं करोतु तत् ॥ 85.79 ॥

sa tvaṁ gaccha mayoktaṁ te yadetatsarvamādṛtaḥ tadācakṣvāsurendrāya sa ca yuktaṁ karotu tat

Go, then, and respectfully report to the lord of the asuras all that I have told you here; and let him do as is fitting.