The Defeat of Mahishasura and the Glory of Katyayani

Verse 1 (skanda.6.121.1)

सूत उवाच । देवानां तद्वचः श्रुत्वा ततः सा परमेश्वरी । प्रोवाच वाहनं किंचिद्देवा यच्छतु मे द्रुतम्

sūta uvāca devānāṁ tadvacaḥ śrutvā tataḥ sā parameśvarī provāca vāhanaṁ kiṁciddevā yacchatu me drutam

Suta said: Having heard the gods' words, the Supreme Goddess said, "O gods, quickly give me some vehicle."

Verse 2 (skanda.6.121.2)

ततः सिंहं ददौ गौरी यानार्थं विकृताननम् । तमारुह्य प्रतस्थे सा ततो विंध्यं नगं प्रति

tataḥ siṁhaṁ dadau gaurī yānārthaṁ vikṛtānanam tamāruhya pratasthe sā tato viṁdhyaṁ nagaṁ prati

Then a lion with a fierce face was given to Gauri as her mount; mounting it, she set out toward Mount Vindhya.

Verse 3 (skanda.6.121.3)

तस्यैकं शृंगमास्थाय रम्यं श्रेष्ठद्रुमान्वितम् । फलपुष्पसमाकीर्णं लतामंडपमंडितम्

tasyaikaṁ śṛṁgamāsthāya ramyaṁ śreṣṭhadrumānvitam phalapuṣpasamākīrṇaṁ latāmaṁḍapamaṁḍitam

She reached one lovely peak of that mountain, filled with excellent trees, laden with fruits and flowers, and adorned with bowers of creepers.

Verse 4 (skanda.6.121.4)

ततस्तपोऽकरोत्साध्वी तीव्रव्रतपरायणा । संयम्येन्द्रियवर्गं स्वं ध्यायमाना महेश्वरम्

tatastapo'karotsādhvī tīvravrataparāyaṇā saṁyamyendriyavargaṁ svaṁ dhyāyamānā maheśvaram

There the virtuous one performed austerities, devoted to a severe vow, restraining her senses, meditating on Maheshvara.

Verse 5 (skanda.6.121.5)

यथायथा तपोवृद्धिस्तस्याः सञ्जायते द्विजाः । तथा रूपं च कांतिश्च शरीरे प्रतिवर्धते

yathāyathā tapovṛddhistasyāḥ sañjāyate dvijāḥ tathā rūpaṁ ca kāṁtiśca śarīre prativardhate

O brahmins, as her austerity increased more and more, so too did her beauty and radiance increase in her body.

Verse 6 (skanda.6.121.6)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे प्राप्तास्तत्र दैत्येशकिंकराः । ते तां दृष्ट्वा व्रतोपेतामत्यद्भुतवपुर्ध राम् । गत्वा प्रोचुः स्वनाथस्य महिषस्य दुरात्मनः

etasminnaṁtare prāptāstatra daityeśakiṁkarāḥ te tāṁ dṛṣṭvā vratopetāmatyadbhutavapurdha rām gatvā procuḥ svanāthasya mahiṣasya durātmanaḥ

Meanwhile the servants of the lord of daityas arrived there; seeing that maiden of most wondrous form, devoted to her vow, they went and reported this to their evil-souled lord Mahisha.

Verse 7 (skanda.6.121.7)

चारा ऊचुः । भ्रममाणैर्धरापृष्ठे दृष्टाऽपूर्वा कुमारिका । विन्ध्याचलेऽद्य चास्माभिर्भुजैर्द्वादशभिर्युता । नानाशस्त्रधरैर्दीप्तैश्चर्मच्छादितगात्रका

cārā ūcuḥ bhramamāṇairdharāpṛṣṭhe dṛṣṭā'pūrvā kumārikā vindhyācale'dya cāsmābhirbhujairdvādaśabhiryutā nānāśastradharairdīptaiścarmacchāditagātrakā

The spies said: "Wandering over the earth, today we saw an unprecedented maiden on Mount Vindhya, endowed with twelve arms,"

Verse 8 (skanda.6.121.8)

न देवी न च गन्धर्वी नासुरी नागकन्यका । तादृग्रूपा पुराऽस्माभिः काचिद्दृष्टा नितम्बिनी

na devī na ca gandharvī nāsurī nāgakanyakā tādṛgrūpā purā'smābhiḥ kāciddṛṣṭā nitambinī

"bearing various blazing weapons of many kinds, her limbs covered with armor."

Verse 9 (skanda.6.121.9)

न विद्मो यन्निमित्तं सा तपश्चक्रे यशस्विनी । स्वर्गकामाऽर्थकामा वा पतिकामाथ वा विभो

na vidmo yannimittaṁ sā tapaścakre yaśasvinī svargakāmā'rthakāmā vā patikāmātha vā vibho

"She is neither a goddess, nor a gandharva-maiden, nor an asura-maiden, nor a naga-maiden; never before have we seen such a broad-hipped woman."

Verse 10 (skanda.6.121.10)

सूत उवाच । तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा महिषो दानवाधिपः । कामदेव वशं प्राप्तः श्रवणादपि तत्क्षणात्

sūta uvāca teṣāṁ tadvacanaṁ śrutvā mahiṣo dānavādhipaḥ kāmadeva vaśaṁ prāptaḥ śravaṇādapi tatkṣaṇāt

"We do not know for what purpose that illustrious woman performs austerities — whether desiring heaven, wealth, or a husband, O lord."

Verse 11 (skanda.6.121.11)

ततस्तानग्रतः कृत्वा सैन्येन महता न्वितः । जगाम कौतुकाविष्टो यत्रास्ते सा तु कन्यका

tatastānagrataḥ kṛtvā sainyena mahatā nvitaḥ jagāma kautukāviṣṭo yatrāste sā tu kanyakā

Suta said: Having heard their words, Mahisha, lord of the danavas, was overcome by the god of love merely from hearing of her.

Verse 12 (skanda.6.121.12)

यथा मृत्युकृते मन्दः शृगालः सिंहवल्लभाम् । वने सुप्तां सुविश्वस्तां सर्वथाप्य कुतोभयाम्

yathā mṛtyukṛte mandaḥ śṛgālaḥ siṁhavallabhām vane suptāṁ suviśvastāṁ sarvathāpya kutobhayām

Then, putting them in front, accompanied by a vast army, filled with curiosity he went to where that maiden was.

Verse 13 (skanda.6.121.13)

तस्याः संदर्शनादेव ततः कामशरैर्हतः । स दानवप्रधानश्च तत्क्षणादेव सद्द्विजाः

tasyāḥ saṁdarśanādeva tataḥ kāmaśarairhataḥ sa dānavapradhānaśca tatkṣaṇādeva saddvijāḥ

Like a foolish jackal, courting death, approaching a lioness sleeping in the forest, utterly trusting and fearless,

Verse 14 (skanda.6.121.14)

अथ प्राह प्रियं वाक्यमेकाकी तत्पुरःस्थितः । धृत्वा दूरतरेसैन्यं तस्या रूपेण मोहितः

atha prāha priyaṁ vākyamekākī tatpuraḥsthitaḥ dhṛtvā dūrataresainyaṁ tasyā rūpeṇa mohitaḥ

Merely at the sight of her, O excellent brahmins, that foremost of danavas was instantly struck by the arrows of Kama.

Verse 15 (skanda.6.121.15)

विरुद्धं यौवनस्यैतद्व्रतं ते चारुहासिनि । तस्मादेतत्परित्यक्त्वा त्रैलोक्यस्वामिनी भव

viruddhaṁ yauvanasyaitadvrataṁ te cāruhāsini tasmādetatparityaktvā trailokyasvāminī bhava

Then, keeping his army at a distance, standing alone before her, overcome by her beauty, he began to speak pleasant words.

Verse 16 (skanda.6.121.16)

अहं हि महिषो नाम दानवेन्द्रो यदि श्रुतः । मया येन सहस्राक्षो द्वन्द्वयुद्धे विनिर्जितः

ahaṁ hi mahiṣo nāma dānavendro yadi śrutaḥ mayā yena sahasrākṣo dvandvayuddhe vinirjitaḥ

"O sweetly-smiling one, this vow is contrary to your youth; therefore abandon it and become the mistress of the three worlds."

Verse 17 (skanda.6.121.17)

त्रेलोक्यं सकलं मह्यं सांप्रतं च वशे स्थितम् । तस्मात्त्वं भव सुश्रोणि भार्या मम सुवल्लभा

trelokyaṁ sakalaṁ mahyaṁ sāṁprataṁ ca vaśe sthitam tasmāttvaṁ bhava suśroṇi bhāryā mama suvallabhā

"If you have heard of me, I am the danava-lord named Mahisha, by whom the thousand-eyed Indra was conquered in single combat."

Verse 18 (skanda.6.121.18)

सहस्रं मम भार्याणामन्यदस्ति सुशोभनम् । तत्सर्वं तेऽद्य भृत्यत्वं सांप्रतं प्रक रिष्यति

sahasraṁ mama bhāryāṇāmanyadasti suśobhanam tatsarvaṁ te'dya bhṛtyatvaṁ sāṁprataṁ praka riṣyati

"The entire three worlds are now under my control; therefore, O fair one, become my dear and lovely wife."

Verse 19 (skanda.6.121.19)

अहं चापि तवात्यंतं दासभावं समाश्रितः । वर्तयिष्यामि सुश्रोणि प्रदत्त्वाऽशेषसंपदः

ahaṁ cāpi tavātyaṁtaṁ dāsabhāvaṁ samāśritaḥ vartayiṣyāmi suśroṇi pradattvā'śeṣasaṁpadaḥ

"I have a thousand other beautiful wives; from today all of them shall become your servants."

Verse 20 (skanda.6.121.20)

सूत उवाच । तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा ततः सा परमेश्वरी । प्रोवाच भर्त्समाना तं कोपसंरक्तलोचना

sūta uvāca tasya tadvacanaṁ śrutvā tataḥ sā parameśvarī provāca bhartsamānā taṁ kopasaṁraktalocanā

"And I too, O fair one, having offered you all my wealth, shall live in a state of utter servitude toward you."

Verse 21 (skanda.6.121.21)

धिग्धिक्पापसमाचार कुमारव्रतधारिणीम् । कामोपहतचित्तात्मा किं मामित्थं प्रभा षसे

dhigdhikpāpasamācāra kumāravratadhāriṇīm kāmopahatacittātmā kiṁ māmitthaṁ prabhā ṣase

Suta said: Having heard his words, the Supreme Goddess, her eyes red with anger, spoke, rebuking him.

Verse 22 (skanda.6.121.22)

अहं तव वधार्थाय निर्मिता विबुधोत्तमैः । तस्मात्त्वां नाशयिष्यामि स्मरेष्टं यद्धृदि स्थितम्

ahaṁ tava vadhārthāya nirmitā vibudhottamaiḥ tasmāttvāṁ nāśayiṣyāmi smareṣṭaṁ yaddhṛdi sthitam

"Shame, shame on your sinful conduct, addressing one who holds a maiden's vow! Your mind overpowered by lust, why do you speak to me thus?"

Verse 23 (skanda.6.121.23)

महिष उवाच । यद्येवं तद्वरारोहे युक्ता स्याच्च कुमारिका । प्रार्थनीया भवेदत्र सर्वेषां प्राणिनां यतः

mahiṣa uvāca yadyevaṁ tadvarārohe yuktā syācca kumārikā prārthanīyā bhavedatra sarveṣāṁ prāṇināṁ yataḥ

"I have been created by the greatest of the wise for your very destruction; therefore I shall destroy you, along with whatever desire is fixed in your heart."

Verse 24 (skanda.6.121.24)

स्वर्गार्थं क्रियते धर्मस्तपश्च वरवर्णिनि । येन भोगाः प्रभुञ्जंति ये दिव्या ये च मानुषाः

svargārthaṁ kriyate dharmastapaśca varavarṇini yena bhogāḥ prabhuñjaṁti ye divyā ye ca mānuṣāḥ

Mahisha said: "O fair-limbed one, if that is so, then this maiden is indeed fit to be sought by all beings, since"

Verse 25 (skanda.6.121.25)

तस्माद्देहि ममात्मानं गांधर्वेण सुशोभने । विवाहेन यतोऽन्येषां स प्रधानः प्रकीर्तितः

tasmāddehi mamātmānaṁ gāṁdharveṇa suśobhane vivāhena yato'nyeṣāṁ sa pradhānaḥ prakīrtitaḥ

"O excellent-complexioned one, dharma and austerity are performed only for the sake of heaven, by which both divine and human beings enjoy pleasures."

Verse 26 (skanda.6.121.26)

एवं प्रवदतस्तस्य सा देवी क्रोधमूर्छिता । तद्वक्त्रांतं समुद्दिश्य शरं चिक्षेप स क्षणात्

evaṁ pravadatastasya sā devī krodhamūrchitā tadvaktrāṁtaṁ samuddiśya śaraṁ cikṣepa sa kṣaṇāt

"Therefore, O beautiful one, give yourself to me by the gandharva form of marriage, since it is proclaimed the foremost among all other forms of marriage."

Verse 27 (skanda.6.121.27)

विवेश वदनं तस्य वल्मीकं पन्नगो यथा । अथ तैर्मार्गगणैर्विद्धः स वक्त्रांतान्नदंस्ततः

viveśa vadanaṁ tasya valmīkaṁ pannago yathā atha tairmārgagaṇairviddhaḥ sa vaktrāṁtānnadaṁstataḥ

As he spoke thus, the Goddess, maddened with anger, at that very instant shot an arrow, aiming at the depth of his mouth.

Verse 28 (skanda.6.121.28)

सुस्राव रुधिरं भूरि गैरिकं पर्वतो यथा । ततः कोपपरीतात्मा निवृत्त्याथ शनैः शनैः

susrāva rudhiraṁ bhūri gairikaṁ parvato yathā tataḥ kopaparītātmā nivṛttyātha śanaiḥ śanaiḥ

It entered his mouth just as a serpent enters an anthill; then, pierced by those sharp arrows, he began to roar from his mouth.

Verse 29 (skanda.6.121.29)

स्वसैन्यं त्वरितो भेजे कामेन च वशी कृतः । प्रोवाच सैनिकान्सर्वान्दुष्टा स्त्रीयं प्रगृह्यताम् । यथा न त्यजति प्राणान्प्रहारैर्जर्जरीकृता

svasainyaṁ tvarito bheje kāmena ca vaśī kṛtaḥ provāca sainikānsarvānduṣṭā strīyaṁ pragṛhyatām yathā na tyajati prāṇānprahārairjarjarīkṛtā

He poured forth abundant blood, as a mountain pours out red ochre; then, overcome with rage, slowly, slowly withdrawing,

Verse 30 (skanda.6.121.30)

एषा मम न सन्देहः प्रिया भार्या भविष्यति । यदि नो शस्त्रपातेन पंचत्वमुपयास्यति

eṣā mama na sandehaḥ priyā bhāryā bhaviṣyati yadi no śastrapātena paṁcatvamupayāsyati

Overpowered by desire, he hastened to his own army and said to his soldiers, "Seize this wicked woman," "in such a way that, though battered by blows, she does not give up her life. Without doubt she shall become my beloved wife — if she does not die from the fall of weapons."

Verse 31 (skanda.6.121.31)

एवमुक्तास्तदा तेन दानवा युद्धदुर्मदाः । दुद्रुवुः सम्मुखास्तस्या मुञ्चन्तो निशिताञ्छरान्

evamuktāstadā tena dānavā yuddhadurmadāḥ dudruvuḥ sammukhāstasyā muñcanto niśitāñcharān

Thus commanded by him, those danavas, intoxicated with battle-lust, rushed toward her, releasing sharp arrows.

Verse 32 (skanda.6.121.32)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे देवी सा दृष्ट्वा तानुपस्थितान् । युद्धाय कृतसंकल्पांस्तर्जतश्च मुहुर्मुहुः

etasminnaṁtare devī sā dṛṣṭvā tānupasthitān yuddhāya kṛtasaṁkalpāṁstarjataśca muhurmuhuḥ

Meanwhile, seeing them present, resolved for battle and repeatedly threatening, the Goddess prepared herself.

Verse 33 (skanda.6.121.33)

ततस्तु लीलया देवी मुक्ता तीक्ष्णान्महाशरान् । तान्सर्वांस्ताडयामास सर्वमर्मसु तत्क्षणात्

tatastu līlayā devī muktā tīkṣṇānmahāśarān tānsarvāṁstāḍayāmāsa sarvamarmasu tatkṣaṇāt

Then the Goddess, with mere sport, released sharp great arrows and instantly struck them all in their vital points.

Verse 34 (skanda.6.121.34)

अथ तीक्ष्णैः शरैर्दैत्या निहता दानवास्तथा । एके पंचत्वमापन्ना गताश्चान्य इतस्ततः

atha tīkṣṇaiḥ śarairdaityā nihatā dānavāstathā eke paṁcatvamāpannā gatāścānya itastataḥ

Struck by those sharp arrows, the daityas and danavas were slain; some met their death, while others fled here and there.

Verse 35 (skanda.6.121.35)

ततः सैन्यं समालोक्य तद्भग्नं च तया रणे । कोपाविष्टस्ततो दैत्यः स्वयं तां समुपाद्रवत्

tataḥ sainyaṁ samālokya tadbhagnaṁ ca tayā raṇe kopāviṣṭastato daityaḥ svayaṁ tāṁ samupādravat

Then, seeing his army broken by the Goddess in battle, that daitya, filled with rage, himself rushed upon her.

Verse 36 (skanda.6.121.36)

यच्छञ्छृंगप्रहारांश्च तस्याः शतसहस्रशः । गर्जितं विदधच्चोग्रं शारदाभ्रसमं मुहुः

yacchañchṛṁgaprahārāṁśca tasyāḥ śatasahasraśaḥ garjitaṁ vidadhaccograṁ śāradābhrasamaṁ muhuḥ

Striking her with hundreds and thousands of blows from his horns, he repeatedly roared fiercely, like an autumn cloud.

Verse 37 (skanda.6.121.37)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे देवी साट्टहासकृतस्वना । त्रैलोक्यविवरं सर्वं यच्छब्देन प्रपूरितम्

etasminnaṁtare devī sāṭṭahāsakṛtasvanā trailokyavivaraṁ sarvaṁ yacchabdena prapūritam

Meanwhile the Goddess burst into loud laughter, and the sound filled the entire expanse of the three worlds.

Verse 38 (skanda.6.121.38)

एवं तस्या हसंत्याश्च वक्त्रान्तादथ निर्ययुः । पुलिंदाः शबरा म्लेछास्तथान्येऽरण्यवासिनः

evaṁ tasyā hasaṁtyāśca vaktrāntādatha niryayuḥ puliṁdāḥ śabarā mlechāstathānye'raṇyavāsinaḥ

Thus, as she laughed, from her mouth there emerged Pulindas, Shabaras, Mlecchas, and other forest-dwelling peoples,

Verse 39 (skanda.6.121.39)

शकाश्च यवनाश्चैव शतशश्तु वपुर्धरा । वर्म स्थगितगात्राश्च यमदूता इवापरे

śakāśca yavanāścaiva śataśaśtu vapurdharā varma sthagitagātrāśca yamadūtā ivāpare

and Shakas and Yavanas too, embodied by the hundreds, their limbs shielded in armor, like other messengers of Yama.

Verse 40 (skanda.6.121.40)

ते प्रोचुर्देवि नो ब्रूहि येन सृष्टा वयं क्षितौ । कार्येण क्रियते कृत्स्नं येन शीघ्रं वरानने

te procurdevi no brūhi yena sṛṣṭā vayaṁ kṣitau kāryeṇa kriyate kṛtsnaṁ yena śīghraṁ varānane

They said: "O Goddess, tell us, for what purpose have we been created on this earth? O fair-faced one, tell us quickly what task is to be accomplished by us."

Verse 41 (skanda.6.121.41)

देव्युवाच । एतानस्य सुदुष्टस्य सैनिकान्बलगर्वितान् । सूदयध्वं द्रुतं वाक्यादस्मदीयाद्यथेच्छया

devyuvāca etānasya suduṣṭasya sainikānbalagarvitān sūdayadhvaṁ drutaṁ vākyādasmadīyādyathecchayā

The Goddess said: "By my very word, quickly destroy, according to your own will, these soldiers of this most wicked one, who are intoxicated with strength."

Verse 42 (skanda.6.121.42)

अथ ते तद्वचः श्रुत्वा वल्गंतोऽसिधनुर्द्धराः । दैतेयबलमुद्दिश्य दुद्रुवुर्वेगमाश्रिताः

atha te tadvacaḥ śrutvā valgaṁto'sidhanurddharāḥ daiteyabalamuddiśya dudruvurvegamāśritāḥ

Then, hearing her words, leaping about, bearing swords and bows, they rushed with great speed against the army of the daityas.

Verse 43 (skanda.6.121.43)

ततस्तेषां महद्युद्धं मिथो जज्ञे सुदारुणम् । नात्मीयं न परं तत्र केनचिज्ज्ञा यते क्वचित्

tatasteṣāṁ mahadyuddhaṁ mitho jajñe sudāruṇam nātmīyaṁ na paraṁ tatra kenacijjñā yate kvacit

Then a great and terrible battle broke out between them, so fierce that nowhere could anyone distinguish friend from foe.

Verse 44 (skanda.6.121.44)

अथ ते दानवाः सर्वे योधैर्देवीसमुद्भवैः । भग्ना व्यापादिताश्चान्ये प्रहारैर्जर्जरीकृताः

atha te dānavāḥ sarve yodhairdevīsamudbhavaiḥ bhagnā vyāpāditāścānye prahārairjarjarīkṛtāḥ

Then all those danavas, struck by the warriors born of the Goddess, were broken, slain, and shattered by fierce blows.

Verse 45 (skanda.6.121.45)

ततो भग्नं बलं दृष्ट्वा महिषः क्रोधमूर्छितः । तामुवाच क्रुधा देवीं वचनैः परुषाक्षरैः

tato bhagnaṁ balaṁ dṛṣṭvā mahiṣaḥ krodhamūrchitaḥ tāmuvāca krudhā devīṁ vacanaiḥ paruṣākṣaraiḥ

Then, seeing his army broken, Mahisha, maddened with rage, spoke to the Goddess with harsh and cruel words.

Verse 46 (skanda.6.121.46)

आः पापे स्त्रीति मत्वाद्य न हतासि मया युधि । तस्मात्पश्य प्रहारं मे तत्त्वं बुध्यसि नान्यथा

āḥ pāpe strīti matvādya na hatāsi mayā yudhi tasmātpaśya prahāraṁ me tattvaṁ budhyasi nānyathā

"Ah, wretched woman! It is only because I thought you a mere woman that I have not yet slain you in battle; now behold my blow — only then will you know the truth, not otherwise."

Verse 47 (skanda.6.121.47)

एवमुक्त्वा विशेषेण प्रहारान्स विचिक्षिपे । विषाणाभ्यां महावेगो भर्त्सयानो मुहुर्मुहुः

evamuktvā viśeṣeṇa prahārānsa vicikṣipe viṣāṇābhyāṁ mahāvego bhartsayāno muhurmuhuḥ

Having said this, he began to strike especially fierce blows with his two horns, again and again threatening her with great speed.

Verse 48 (skanda.6.121.48)

ततोऽभ्याशगतं दृष्ट्वा सा देवी दानवं च तम् । आरुरोहाथ वेगेन पृष्ठिदेशेन कोपतः

tato'bhyāśagataṁ dṛṣṭvā sā devī dānavaṁ ca tam ārurohātha vegena pṛṣṭhideśena kopataḥ

Then, seeing that danava come near, the Goddess, in anger, swiftly leapt onto his back.

Verse 49 (skanda.6.121.49)

ततश्चुक्रोश दैत्योऽसौ व्योममार्गं समाश्रितः । पृष्ठ्यास्तलेन निर्भिन्नो रुधिरौघपरिप्लुतः

tataścukrośa daityo'sau vyomamārgaṁ samāśritaḥ pṛṣṭhyāstalena nirbhinno rudhiraughapariplutaḥ

Then, taking to the path of the sky, that daitya cried out, pierced by the soles of her feet, drenched in a flood of blood.

Verse 50 (skanda.6.121.50)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे सिंहः स तस्या ज्योतिसंभवः । जग्राह पश्चिमे भागे दंष्ट्राग्रैर्निशितैः क्रुधा

etasminnaṁtare siṁhaḥ sa tasyā jyotisaṁbhavaḥ jagrāha paścime bhāge daṁṣṭrāgrairniśitaiḥ krudhā

Meanwhile that lion, born of her radiance, furiously seized him from behind with the sharp tips of its fangs.

Verse 51 (skanda.6.121.51)

ततो निश्चलतां प्राप्तः पादाक्रांतश्च दानवः । अकरोद्भैरवान्नादान्न शक्तश्चलितुं पदम्

tato niścalatāṁ prāptaḥ pādākrāṁtaśca dānavaḥ akarodbhairavānnādānna śaktaścalituṁ padam

Then, pinned down by her foot, the danava became motionless, and unable to move even a step, he made terrible cries.

Verse 52 (skanda.6.121.52)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे प्राप्ताः सर्वे देवाः सवासवाः । व्योमस्थास्तां तदा प्रोचुर्देवीं हर्षसमन्विताः

etasminnaṁtare prāptāḥ sarve devāḥ savāsavāḥ vyomasthāstāṁ tadā procurdevīṁ harṣasamanvitāḥ

Meanwhile all the gods, together with Indra, arrived there; standing in the sky, filled with joy, they said to the Goddess.

Verse 53 (skanda.6.121.53)

एतस्य शिरसश्छेदं शीघ्रं कुरु सुरेश्वरि । खङ्गेनानेन तीक्ष्णेन यावन्नो याति चान्यतः

etasya śirasaśchedaṁ śīghraṁ kuru sureśvari khaṅgenānena tīkṣṇena yāvanno yāti cānyataḥ

"O queen of the gods, quickly cut off his head with this sharp sword, before he escapes elsewhere."

Verse 54 (skanda.6.121.54)

सा श्रुत्वा वचनं तेषां देवी कोपसमन्विता । खड्गं व्यापारयामास कंठे तस्यातिपीवरे

sā śrutvā vacanaṁ teṣāṁ devī kopasamanvitā khaḍgaṁ vyāpārayāmāsa kaṁṭhe tasyātipīvare

Hearing their words, the Goddess, filled with anger, wielded her sword upon his very thick neck.

Verse 55 (skanda.6.121.55)

स तेन खड्गघातेन कंठः पीनोऽपि निष्ठुरः । द्विधा जज्ञेऽथ दैत्यस्य दधत्तुष्टिं दिवौकसाम्

sa tena khaḍgaghātena kaṁṭhaḥ pīno'pi niṣṭhuraḥ dvidhā jajñe'tha daityasya dadhattuṣṭiṁ divaukasām

By that stroke of the sword, his neck, though thick and hard, split into two parts, bringing satisfaction to the dwellers of heaven.

Verse 56 (skanda.6.121.56)

द्वादशार्कप्रतीकाशो वक्त्रांतश्चर्मखड्गधृक् । भर्त्सयंस्तां महादेवीं खड्गोद्यतकरां तदा । खड्गं व्यापारयन्गात्रे तस्या बालार्कसन्निभम्

dvādaśārkapratīkāśo vaktrāṁtaścarmakhaḍgadhṛk bhartsayaṁstāṁ mahādevīṁ khaḍgodyatakarāṁ tadā khaḍgaṁ vyāpārayangātre tasyā bālārkasannibham

His face blazing like twelve suns, holding a hide-bound sword, threatening the great Goddess with sword raised, he began to wield that sword, radiant like the rising sun, upon her body.

Verse 57 (skanda.6.121.57)

ततः केशेषु चाधाय यावत्तस्यापि चिक्षिपे । प्रहारं गात्रनाशाय तावदूचे स दानवः

tataḥ keśeṣu cādhāya yāvattasyāpi cikṣipe prahāraṁ gātranāśāya tāvadūce sa dānavaḥ

Then, seizing her by the hair, just as he raised the blow to destroy her body, that danava then spoke —

Verse 58 (skanda.6.121.58)

दानव उवाच । जय देवि जयाचिंत्ये जय सर्वसुरेश्वरि । जय सर्वगते देवि जय सर्वजनप्रिये

dānava uvāca jaya devi jayāciṁtye jaya sarvasureśvari jaya sarvagate devi jaya sarvajanapriye

The Danava said: "Victory, O Goddess! Victory, O inconceivable one! Victory, O queen of all the gods! Victory, O all-pervading Goddess! Victory, O beloved of all people!"

Verse 59 (skanda.6.121.59)

जय कामप्रदे नित्यं जय त्रैलोक्यसुन्दरि । जय त्रैलोक्य रक्षार्थमुद्यते ह्यकुतोभये

jaya kāmaprade nityaṁ jaya trailokyasundari jaya trailokya rakṣārthamudyate hyakutobhaye

"Victory, O ever wish-granting one! Victory, O beauty of the three worlds! Victory, O fearless one, risen for the protection of the three worlds!"

Verse 60 (skanda.6.121.60)

जय देवि कृतानंदे जय दैत्यविनाशिनि । जय क्लेशच्छिदे कांते जयाभक्तविमोहदे

jaya devi kṛtānaṁde jaya daityavināśini jaya kleśacchide kāṁte jayābhaktavimohade

"Victory, O Goddess who bestows bliss! Victory, O destroyer of daityas! Victory, O beloved remover of afflictions! Victory, O deluder of the unfaithful!"

Verse 61 (skanda.6.121.61)

त्वं सृष्टिस्त्वं वरा देवी त्वं लक्ष्मीस्त्वं सरस्वती । त्वं स्वाहा त्वं स्वधा तुष्टिः पुष्टिर्मेधा धृतिः क्षमा

tvaṁ sṛṣṭistvaṁ varā devī tvaṁ lakṣmīstvaṁ sarasvatī tvaṁ svāhā tvaṁ svadhā tuṣṭiḥ puṣṭirmedhā dhṛtiḥ kṣamā

"You are creation, you are the supreme Goddess, you are Lakshmi, you are Sarasvati; you are Svaha, you are Svadha, and you are contentment, nourishment, intelligence, steadfastness, and forbearance."

Verse 62 (skanda.6.121.62)

तस्मात्कुरु प्रसादं मे प्राणान्रक्ष दयां कुरु । प्रणतस्य सुदीनस्य हीनस्य च विशेषतः

tasmātkuru prasādaṁ me prāṇānrakṣa dayāṁ kuru praṇatasya sudīnasya hīnasya ca viśeṣataḥ

"Therefore be gracious to me, protect my life, and show compassion, especially upon one who is humble, most wretched, and lowly."

Verse 63 (skanda.6.121.63)

अहं दुर्वाससा शप्तो हिरण्याक्षसुतो बली । महिषत्वं समानीतस्त्वया देवी विमोक्षितः

ahaṁ durvāsasā śapto hiraṇyākṣasuto balī mahiṣatvaṁ samānītastvayā devī vimokṣitaḥ

"I, the mighty son of Hiranyaksha, was cursed by Durvasas and made a buffalo; O Goddess, you have now freed me from that state."

Verse 64 (skanda.6.121.64)

तस्माद्दर्पः प्रमुक्तोऽद्य मया दानवसंभवः । किंकरत्वं प्रयास्यामि सांप्रतं ते सुरेश्वरि

tasmāddarpaḥ pramukto'dya mayā dānavasaṁbhavaḥ kiṁkaratvaṁ prayāsyāmi sāṁprataṁ te sureśvari

"Therefore, O queen of the gods, I have now abandoned the pride born of my danava-nature; henceforth I shall live as your servant."

Verse 65 (skanda.6.121.65)

जय सर्वगते देवि सर्वदुष्टविनाशिनि

jaya sarvagate devi sarvaduṣṭavināśini

"Victory, O all-pervading Goddess, destroyer of all the wicked!"

Verse 66 (skanda.6.121.66)

इति तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा कृपणं सा सुरेश्वरी । कृपाविष्टाऽब्रवीद्वाक्यं ततो व्योमस्थितान्सुरान्

iti tasya vacaḥ śrutvā kṛpaṇaṁ sā sureśvarī kṛpāviṣṭā'bravīdvākyaṁ tato vyomasthitānsurān

Hearing his piteous words, the compassionate queen of the gods then spoke to the gods stationed in the sky.

Verse 67 (skanda.6.121.67)

किं करोमि दया जाता ममैनं प्रति हे सुराः । तस्मान्नाहं हनिष्यामि दानवं दीनजल्पकम्

kiṁ karomi dayā jātā mamainaṁ prati he surāḥ tasmānnāhaṁ haniṣyāmi dānavaṁ dīnajalpakam

"O gods, what shall I do? Compassion has arisen in me for him; therefore I shall not slay this piteously-speaking danava,"

Verse 68 (skanda.6.121.68)

विमुखं खड्गशस्त्रं च तवास्मीति प्रवादिनम् । अपि मे पितृहंतारं न हन्यां रिपुमाहवे

vimukhaṁ khaḍgaśastraṁ ca tavāsmīti pravādinam api me pitṛhaṁtāraṁ na hanyāṁ ripumāhave

"who says his sword and weapon are turned away from you and that he is yours — even my father's slayer, if he were an enemy, I would not slay in battle."

Verse 69 (skanda.6.121.69)

देवा ऊचुः । न चेदसि च देवेशि त्वमेनं दानवाधमम् । नाशयिष्यति तत्कृत्स्नं त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम्

devā ūcuḥ na cedasi ca deveśi tvamenaṁ dānavādhamam nāśayiṣyati tatkṛtsnaṁ trailokyaṁ sacarācaram

The gods said: "O queen of the gods, if you do not destroy this vilest of danavas, he will destroy the entire three worlds, moving and unmoving alike."

Verse 70 (skanda.6.121.70)

एष व्यर्थःश्रमः सर्वस्तथास्माकं भविष्यति । तव संभूतिसंभूतस्तव क्लेशस्तथाऽखिलः

eṣa vyarthaḥśramaḥ sarvastathāsmākaṁ bhaviṣyati tava saṁbhūtisaṁbhūtastava kleśastathā'khilaḥ

"Then all our effort will become useless, and all your suffering too, which arose from your very own origin, will go in vain."

Verse 71 (skanda.6.121.71)

देव्युवाच । नाहमेनं हनिष्यामि त्यजिष्यामि तथाऽमराः । एनं कचग्रहं कृत्वा धारयिष्यामि सर्वदा

devyuvāca nāhamenaṁ haniṣyāmi tyajiṣyāmi tathā'marāḥ enaṁ kacagrahaṁ kṛtvā dhārayiṣyāmi sarvadā

The Goddess said: "O immortals, I shall neither slay him nor release him; holding him by the hair, I shall keep him thus forever."

Verse 72 (skanda.6.121.72)

देवा ऊचुः । साधुसाधु महाभागे युक्तमुक्तं त्वया वचः । एतद्धि युज्यते कर्तुं कालेऽस्मिंस्त्रिदशेश्वरि

devā ūcuḥ sādhusādhu mahābhāge yuktamuktaṁ tvayā vacaḥ etaddhi yujyate kartuṁ kāle'smiṁstridaśeśvari

The gods said: "Well said, well said, O most fortunate one! What you have spoken is fitting; O queen of the thirty gods, this is indeed proper to do at this time."

Verse 73 (skanda.6.121.73)

सांप्रतं मर्त्यलोके त्वं रूपमेतत्समाश्रिता । शस्त्रोद्यतकरा रौद्रा महिषोपरि संस्थिता

sāṁprataṁ martyaloke tvaṁ rūpametatsamāśritā śastrodyatakarā raudrā mahiṣopari saṁsthitā

"Now, having assumed this form in the mortal world — fierce, weapon raised in hand, established upon the buffalo —"

Verse 74 (skanda.6.121.74)

अवाप्स्यसि परां पूजां दुर्लभा ममरैरपि । यस्त्वामेतेन रूपेण संस्थितां पूजयिष्यति

avāpsyasi parāṁ pūjāṁ durlabhā mamarairapi yastvāmetena rūpeṇa saṁsthitāṁ pūjayiṣyati

"you shall receive, from whoever worships you thus established in this form, the highest worship — difficult to attain even for the gods."

Verse 75 (skanda.6.121.75)

त्वमस्य संगतो भावि विख्याता विंध्यवासिनी । किं ते वा बहुनोक्तेन शृणु संक्षेपतो वचः

tvamasya saṁgato bhāvi vikhyātā viṁdhyavāsinī kiṁ te vā bahunoktena śṛṇu saṁkṣepato vacaḥ

"United thus with him, you shall become renowned by the name Vindhyavasini. What use is there in saying much — hear our word in brief."

Verse 76 (skanda.6.121.76)

अस्मदीयं परं तथ्यं सर्वलोकहितावहम् । पार्थिवानां त्वदायत्तं बलं देवि भविष्यति

asmadīyaṁ paraṁ tathyaṁ sarvalokahitāvaham pārthivānāṁ tvadāyattaṁ balaṁ devi bhaviṣyati

"O Goddess, this is our supreme and true word, for the benefit of the entire world — the strength of kings shall depend upon you."

Verse 77 (skanda.6.121.77)

युद्धकाले समुत्पन्ने भक्तानां नात्र संशयः । प्रस्थानं वा प्रवेशं च यः करिष्यति मानवः

yuddhakāle samutpanne bhaktānāṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ prasthānaṁ vā praveśaṁ ca yaḥ kariṣyati mānavaḥ

"When the time of battle arises, there is no doubt for your devotees — whatever human being, at the time of setting forth or entering (battle),"

Verse 78 (skanda.6.121.78)

त्वां स्मृत्वा प्रणिपत्याथ पूजयित्वा विशेषतः । तस्य संपत्स्यते सिद्धिः सर्वकृत्येषु सर्वदा । इह कापुरुषस्यापि किं पुनः सुभटस्य च

tvāṁ smṛtvā praṇipatyātha pūjayitvā viśeṣataḥ tasya saṁpatsyate siddhiḥ sarvakṛtyeṣu sarvadā iha kāpuruṣasyāpi kiṁ punaḥ subhaṭasya ca

"remembering you, bowing down, and worshipping you especially — for him success shall come in every undertaking, always; if this is so even for a coward, what then to say of a hero."

Verse 79 (skanda.6.121.79)

आश्विनस्य सिते पक्षे नवम्यां चाष्टमीदिने । पूजयिष्यति यो मर्त्त्यस्त्वां सद्भक्तिसमन्वितः

āśvinasya site pakṣe navamyāṁ cāṣṭamīdine pūjayiṣyati yo marttyastvāṁ sadbhaktisamanvitaḥ

"On the bright fortnight of the month of Ashvina, on the ninth and eighth days, whatever mortal, endowed with true devotion, shall worship you,"

Verse 80 (skanda.6.121.80)

तस्य संवत्सरं यावत्समग्रं सुरसुन्दरि । न भविष्यति वै रोगो न भयं न पराभवः । नापमृत्युर्न चौरादि समुद्भूत उपद्रवः

tasya saṁvatsaraṁ yāvatsamagraṁ surasundari na bhaviṣyati vai rogo na bhayaṁ na parābhavaḥ nāpamṛtyurna caurādi samudbhūta upadravaḥ

"O beauty of the gods, for a full year he shall face neither disease nor fear nor defeat nor untimely death nor any calamity arising from thieves and the like."

Verse 81 (skanda.6.121.81)

सूत उवाच । एवमुक्त्वाथ ते देवास्तां देवीं हर्षसंयुताः । अनुज्ञातास्तया जग्मुः स्वां पुरीममरावतीम्

sūta uvāca evamuktvātha te devāstāṁ devīṁ harṣasaṁyutāḥ anujñātāstayā jagmuḥ svāṁ purīmamarāvatīm

Suta said: Having said this, those gods, filled with joy, took leave of the Goddess and went to their own city, Amaravati.

Verse 82 (skanda.6.121.82)

तत्र गत्वा चिरात्प्राप्य स्वं राज्यं पाकशासनः । पालयामास संहृष्टस्त्रैलोक्यं हतकटकम्

tatra gatvā cirātprāpya svaṁ rājyaṁ pākaśāsanaḥ pālayāmāsa saṁhṛṣṭastrailokyaṁ hatakaṭakam

Having gone there, after a long time regaining his own kingdom, Indra, rejoicing, ruled over the three worlds, their enemy forces destroyed.

Verse 83 (skanda.6.121.83)

लोकाश्च सुखसंपन्नाः सर्वे जाता स्ततः परम् । यज्ञभागभुजो देवा भूयो जाता जगत्त्रये

lokāśca sukhasaṁpannāḥ sarve jātā stataḥ param yajñabhāgabhujo devā bhūyo jātā jagattraye

Thereafter all the worlds became endowed with happiness, and the gods, who enjoy the share of sacrifices, were born again throughout the three worlds.

Verse 84 (skanda.6.121.84)

ततः परं च सा देवी त्रैलोक्ये ख्यातिमागता । सर्वक्षेत्रेषु तीर्थेषु स्थानेषु च विशेषतः

tataḥ paraṁ ca sā devī trailokye khyātimāgatā sarvakṣetreṣu tīrtheṣu sthāneṣu ca viśeṣataḥ

After this, that Goddess attained renown throughout the three worlds, especially in all sacred fields, tirthas, and holy places.

Verse 85 (skanda.6.121.85)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे जातः सुरथोनाम भूपतिः । आनर्तस्तेन सद्भक्त्या क्षेत्रेऽत्रैव विनिर्मिता

etasminnaṁtare jātaḥ surathonāma bhūpatiḥ ānartastena sadbhaktyā kṣetre'traiva vinirmitā

Meanwhile there arose a king named Suratha, by whom, with true devotion, the shrine (Anarta) was established in this very field.

Verse 86 (skanda.6.121.86)

यस्तां पश्यति सद्भक्त्या चैत्राष्टम्यां सितेऽहनि । स पुमान्वत्सरं यावत्कृतार्थः स्यान्न संशयः

yastāṁ paśyati sadbhaktyā caitrāṣṭamyāṁ site'hani sa pumānvatsaraṁ yāvatkṛtārthaḥ syānna saṁśayaḥ

Whoever, with true devotion, beholds her on the bright eighth day of Chaitra — that person, without doubt, remains fulfilled for the entire year.