Durga Saptashati Chapter 2: Mahishasura Sainya Vadha

Durga Saptashati Chapter 2, known as Dvitiya Adhyaya or Mahishasura-Sainya-Vadha, opens the Madhyama Charitra of the Devi Mahatmya, presided over by Mahalakshmi. The chapter describes how the Goddess took form from the combined radiance of all the gods, how each god armed and adorned her, and how she destroyed the vast army of the demon-king Mahishasura.

This is the chapter of the Goddess's birth. When the gods, defeated by Mahishasura and driven out of heaven, take refuge in Vishnu and Shiva, the anger of the gods pours out of their bodies as light, and that light becomes a woman whose brilliance fills the three worlds. Her roar shakes the earth, and the battle that follows ends with Mahishasura's generals and their armies destroyed.

The chapter contains 69 textual units, traditionally counted as 1 uvacha line and 68 full verses. Every one of them is given below in Sanskrit, with transliteration and a simple English meaning.

Durga Saptashati Chapter 2 at a Glance

Particular	Details
Chapter	Dvitiya Adhyaya (Second Chapter)
Traditional Name	Mahishasura-Sainya-Vadha – The Slaying of Mahishasura's Army
Charitra	Madhyama Charitra – Chapters 2, 3 and 4
Presiding Deity	Mahalakshmi
Rishi	Vishnu
Metre	Ushnik
Shakti	Shakambhari
Bija	Durga
Tattva	Vayu
Vedic Form	Yajurveda
Main Theme	The birth of the Goddess from the radiance of the gods, her arming, and the destruction of Mahishasura's army
Narrator	Sage Medha ("Rishir Uvacha"), within Sage Markandeya's narration
Principal Figures	Mahishasura, the gods led by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the Goddess (Chandika, Ambika), her lion, her ganas, and the asura generals Chikshura, Chamara, Udagra, Mahahanu, Asiloma, Bashkala, Parivarita and Bidala
Traditional Count	69 textual units (173 from the beginning of the text)
Source	Markandeya Purana – Devi Mahatmya
Navratri	Read on Day 2 (with Chapters 3 and 4 in the nine-day schedule)

Story of Durga Saptashati Chapter 2

Long ago a war was fought between the gods and the asuras for a full hundred years. Mahishasura led the asuras and Indra led the gods. The asuras won; Mahishasura took Indra's throne, seized the powers of Surya, Indra, Agni, Vayu, Chandra, Yama and Varuna, and drove the gods out of heaven to wander the earth like mortals.

The defeated gods, with Brahma at their head, went to Vishnu and Shiva and told them everything. Hearing it, Vishnu and Shiva grew angry, their brows furrowed – and from Vishnu's face, from Brahma, from Shiva, and then from Indra and all the other gods, a great radiance (tejas) burst out. It gathered in one place like a blazing mountain, and that incomparable light became a woman whose brilliance filled the three worlds.

Her face formed from Shiva's radiance, her hair from Yama's, her arms from Vishnu's, her eyes from Agni's, her ears from Vayu's – limb by limb the Goddess took shape from the light of the gods. Then each god gave her his own weapon or ornament: Shiva a trident drawn from his trident, Vishnu a discus from his discus, Indra a thunderbolt and the bell of Airavata, the Himalaya a lion to ride, the Ocean of Milk her garments and jewels, Kubera a cup of divine drink, and Shesha a necklace of serpents.

Honoured by the gods, the Goddess laughed aloud and roared. The sky filled with the sound, the oceans trembled, the earth shook and the mountains swayed; the gods cried "Victory!" and the sages praised her. Mahishasura, hearing the roar, rushed towards it with all his asuras and saw the Goddess standing with her thousand arms filling every direction, her crown touching the sky.

The battle began. Mahishasura's generals – Chikshura, Chamara, Udagra, Mahahanu, Asiloma, Bashkala, Parivarita and Bidala – attacked with armies of millions of chariots, elephants and horses. The Goddess cut their weapons to pieces as if in play; her lion tore through the asura ranks like a forest fire; and from her very breath came hundreds and thousands of ganas who fought beside her. Asuras fell to her trident, mace, sword, noose and arrows until the earth could not be crossed and rivers of blood ran through the field. In a moment the great army was destroyed, as fire destroys a heap of dry grass, and the gods showered flowers from the sky.

Who Appears in Chapter 2?

Figure	Role in the Chapter
Sage Medha	Narrates the chapter to King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi
Mahishasura	The buffalo-demon who defeated the gods and took Indra's throne
Indra and the gods	Defeated and driven from heaven; they seek refuge with Vishnu and Shiva
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva	From their anger the radiance that becomes the Goddess first bursts forth
The Goddess (Chandika, Ambika)	Born from the combined radiance of the gods; Mahalakshmi is the presiding form of this Charitra
The lion	Given by the Himalaya; the Goddess's mount, who tears through the asura army
The ganas	Attendant warriors born from the Goddess's breath in battle
Chikshura	Mahishasura's commander
Chamara, Udagra, Mahahanu, Asiloma, Bashkala, Parivarita, Bidala	Asura generals who lead their armies against the Goddess

Structure of Chapter 2

The chapter can be understood in four parts:

The gods' defeat and their plea to Vishnu and Shiva – Verses 1–8
The birth of the Goddess from the radiance of the gods – Verses 9–18
The arming of the Goddess and her roar – Verses 19–34
The battle and the destruction of Mahishasura's army – Verses 35–69

Durga Saptashati Chapter 2 Sanskrit with Meaning

॥ श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती – द्वितीयोऽध्यायः ॥

Viniyoga

ॐ मध्यमचरित्रस्य विष्णुर्ऋषिः, महालक्ष्मीर्देवता, उष्णिक् छन्दः, शाकम्भरी शक्तिः, दुर्गा बीजम्, वायुस्तत्त्वम्, यजुर्वेदः स्वरूपम्, श्रीमहालक्ष्मीप्रीत्यर्थं मध्यमचरित्रजपे विनियोगः।

Om Madhyama-Charitrasya Vishnur Rishih, Mahalakshmir Devata, Ushnik Chhandah, Shakambhari Shaktih, Durga Bijam, Vayus Tattvam, Yajurvedah Svarupam, Shri-Mahalakshmi-Prityartham Madhyama-Charitra-Jape Viniyogah |

Meaning: The Rishi of the middle Charitra is Vishnu, its deity is Mahalakshmi, its metre is Ushnik, its Shakti is Shakambhari, its Bija is Durga, its Tattva is Vayu (air), and its form is the Yajurveda. This recitation of the middle Charitra is undertaken to please Shri Mahalakshmi.

Dhyana

ॐ अक्षस्रक्परशुं गदेषुकुलिशं पद्मं धनुष्कुण्डिकां दण्डं शक्तिमसिं च चर्म जलजं घण्टां सुराभाजनम्।

शूलं पाशसुदर्शने च दधतीं हस्तैः प्रसन्नाननां सेवे सैरिभमर्दिनीमिह महालक्ष्मीं सरोजस्थिताम्॥

Om Akshasrak-Parashum Gadeshu-Kulisham Padmam Dhanush-Kundikam Dandam Shaktim Asim Cha Charma Jalajam Ghantam Surabhajanam |

Shulam Pasha-Sudarshane Cha Dadhatim Hastaih Prasannananam Seve Sairibha-Mardinim Iha Mahalakshmim Saroja-Sthitam ||

Meaning: I worship Mahalakshmi, seated on a lotus, with a serene and joyful face, the slayer of Mahishasura. In her eighteen hands she holds a rosary, an axe, a mace, an arrow, a thunderbolt, a lotus, a bow, a water pot, a staff, a spear, a sword, a shield, a conch, a bell, a cup of divine drink, a trident, a noose and the Sudarshana discus.

Verse 1 – Rishir Uvacha

"ॐ ह्रीं" ऋषिरुवाच॥१॥

"Om Hreem" Rishir Uvacha || 1 ||

Meaning: Remembering the Goddess's seed mantra "Hreem", the sage Medha said:

Verse 2

देवासुरमभूद्युद्धं पूर्णमब्दशतं पुरा। महिषेऽसुराणामधिपे देवानां च पुरन्दरे॥२॥

Devasuram Abhud Yuddham Purnam Abda-Shatam Pura |

Mahishe'suranam Adhipe Devanam Cha Purandare || 2 ||

Meaning: "Long ago, a war between the gods and the asuras went on for a full hundred years. Mahishasura was the king of the asuras, and Indra was the king of the gods."

Verse 3

तत्रासुरैर्महावीर्यैर्देवसैन्यं पराजितम्। जित्वा च सकलान् देवानिन्द्रोऽभून्महिषासुरः॥३॥

Tatrasurair Mahaviryair Devasainyam Parajitam | Jitva Cha Sakalan Devan Indro'bhun Mahishasurah || 3 ||

Meaning: "In that war the mighty asuras defeated the army of the gods. Having conquered all the gods, Mahishasura made himself Indra."

Verse 4

ततः पराजिता देवाः पद्मयोनिं प्रजापतिम्। पुरस्कृत्य गतास्तत्र यत्रेशगरुडध्वजौ॥४॥

Tatah Parajita Devah Padmayonim Prajapatim | Puraskritya Gatastatra Yatresha-Garudadhvajau || 4 ||

Meaning: "Then the defeated gods, with the lotus-born Brahma leading them, went to the place where Shiva and Vishnu, whose banner bears Garuda, were."

Verse 5

यथावृत्तं तयोस्तद्वन्महिषासुरचेष्टितम्। त्रिदशाः कथयामासुर्देवाभिभवविस्तरम्॥५॥

Yathavrittam Tayos Tadvan Mahishasura-Cheshtitam | Tridashah Kathayamasur Devabhibhava-Vistaram || 5 ||

Meaning: "The gods told the two of them, in full detail, everything Mahishasura had done and how the gods had been overpowered."

Verse 6

सूर्येन्द्राग्न्यनिलेन्दूनां यमस्य वरुणस्य च। अन्येषां चाधिकारान् स स्वयमेवाधितिष्ठति॥६॥

Suryendragny-Anilendunam Yamasya Varunasya Cha | Anyesham Chadhikaran Sa Svayam Evadhitishthati || 6 ||

Meaning: "They said: 'He himself has taken over the offices of Surya, Indra, Agni, Vayu, Chandra, Yama, Varuna and the other gods.'"

Verse 7

स्वर्गान्निराकृताः सर्वे तेन देवगणा भुवि।

विचरन्ति यथा मर्त्या महिषेण दुरात्मना॥७॥

Svargan Nirakritah Sarve Devagana Bhuvi | Vicharanti Yatha Martya Mahishena Duratmana || 7 ||

Meaning: "'That wicked Mahisha has driven all the gods out of heaven, and now they wander the earth like mortals.'"

Verse 8

एतद्वः कथितं सर्वममरारिविचेष्टितम्। शरणं वः प्रपन्नाः स्मो वधस्तस्य विचिन्त्यताम्॥८॥

Etadvah Kathitam Sarvam Amarari-Vicheshtitam | Sharanam Vah Prapannah Smo Vadhastasya Vichintyatam || 8 ||

Meaning: "'We have told you everything that enemy of the gods has done. We have come to you for refuge. Please think of a way to destroy him.'"

Verse 9

इत्थं निशम्य देवानां वचांसि मधुसूदनः। चकार कोपं शम्भुश्च भ्रुकुटीकुटिलाननौ॥९॥

Ittham Nishamya Devanam Vachamsi Madhusudanah | Chakara Kopam Shambhushcha Bhrukuti-Kutilananau || 9 ||

Meaning: "Hearing these words of the gods, Vishnu and Shiva grew angry, and their faces darkened with furrowed brows."

Verse 10

ततोऽतिकोपपूर्णस्य चक्रिणो वदनात्ततः। निश्चक्राम महत्तेजो ब्रह्मणः शङ्करस्य च॥१०॥

Tato'tikopa-Purnasya Chakrino Vadanattatah | Nishchakrama Mahattejo Brahmanah Shankarasya Cha || 10 ||

Meaning: "Then from the face of Vishnu, who was full of anger, a great radiance burst forth – and from Brahma and from Shiva as well."

Verse 11

अन्येषां चैव देवानां शक्रादीनां शरीरतः। निर्गतं सुमहत्तेजस्तच्चैक्यं समगच्छत॥११॥

Anyesham Chaiva Devanam Shakradinam Shariratah | Nirgatam Sumahat Tejas Tach Chaikyam Samagachchhata || 11 ||

Meaning: "A very great radiance came forth from the bodies of Indra and the other gods too, and all of it gathered into one."

Verse 12

अतीव तेजसः कूटं ज्वलन्तमिव पर्वतम्। ददृशुस्ते सुरास्तत्र ज्वालाव्याप्तदिगन्तरम्॥१२॥

Ativa Tejasah Kutam Jvalantamiva Parvatam | Dadrishuste Surastatra Jvala-Vyapta-Digantaram || 12 ||

Meaning: "The gods saw there a mass of light like a blazing mountain, its flames filling every direction."

Verse 13

अतुलं तत्र तत्तेजः सर्वदेवशरीरजम्। एकस्थं तदभून्नारी व्याप्तलोकत्रयं त्विषा॥१३॥

Atulam Tatra Tattejah Sarva-Deva-Sharirajam | Ekastham Tadabhunnari Vyapta-Lokatrayam Tvisha || 13 ||

Meaning: "That incomparable radiance, born from the bodies of all the gods and gathered in one place, became a woman, and her brilliance filled the three worlds."

Verse 14

यदभूच्छाम्भवं तेजस्तेनाजायत तन्मुखम्। याम्येन चाभवन् केशा बाहवो विष्णुतेजसा॥१४॥

Yad Abhuch Chhambhavam Tejas Tenajayata Tanmukham | Yamyena Chabhavan Kesha Bahavo Vishnutejasa || 14 ||

Meaning: "Her face was formed from the radiance of Shiva, her hair from the radiance of Yama, and her arms from the radiance of Vishnu."

Verse 15

सौम्येन स्तनयोर्युग्मं मध्यं चैन्द्रेण चाभवत्। वारुणेन च जङ्घोरू नितम्बस्तेजसा भुवः॥१५॥

Saumyena Stanayor Yugmam Madhyam Chaindrena Chabhavat | Varunena Cha Janghoru Nitambas Tejasa Bhuvah || 15 ||

Meaning: "Her breasts were formed from the radiance of the Moon, her waist from Indra's, her legs and thighs from Varuna's, and her hips from the radiance of the Earth."

Verse 16

ब्रह्मणस्तेजसा पादौ तदङ्गुल्योऽर्कतेजसा। वसूनां च कराङ्गुल्यः कौबेरेण च नासिका॥१६॥

Brahmanas Tejasa Padau Tad-Angulyo'rka-Tejasa | Vasunam Cha Karangulyah Kauberena Cha Nasika || 16 ||

Meaning: "Her feet were formed from the radiance of Brahma, her toes from the Sun's, her fingers from the radiance of the Vasus, and her nose from Kubera's."

Verse 17

तस्यास्तु दन्ताः सम्भूताः प्राजापत्येन तेजसा। नयनत्रितयं जज्ञे तथा पावकतेजसा॥१७॥

Tasyastu Dantah Sambhutah Prajapatyena Tejasa | Nayana-Tritayam Jajne Tatha Pavakatejasa || 17 ||

Meaning: "Her teeth were formed from the radiance of Prajapati, and her three eyes from the radiance of Agni."

Verse 18

भ्रुवौ च सन्ध्ययोस्तेजः श्रवणावनिलस्य च। अन्येषां चैव देवानां सम्भवस्तेजसां शिवा॥१८॥

Bhruvau Cha Sandhyayos Tejah Shravanav Anilasya Cha | Anyesham Chaiva Devanam Sambhavas Tejasam Shiva || 18 ||

Meaning: "Her eyebrows were the radiance of the two twilights, and her ears the radiance of Vayu. The auspicious Goddess was born, too, from the radiance of all the other gods."

Verse 19

ततः समस्तदेवानां तेजोराशिसमुद्भवाम्। तां विलोक्य मुदं प्रापुरमरा महिषार्दिताः॥१९॥

Tatah Samasta-Devanam Tejorashi-Samudbhavam | Tam Vilokya Mudam Prapuramara Mahisharditah || 19 ||

Meaning: "Then the gods, who had been tormented by Mahisha, looked on her – born from the gathered radiance of all the gods – and were filled with joy."

Verse 20

शूलं शूलाद्विनिष्कृष्य ददौ तस्यै पिनाकधृक्। चक्रं च दत्तवान् कृष्णः समुत्पाद्य स्वचक्रतः॥२०॥

Shulam Shulad Vinishkrishya Dadau Tasyai Pinakadhrik | Chakram Cha Dattavan Krishnah Samutpadya Svachakratah || 20 ||

Meaning: "Shiva, the bearer of the Pinaka bow, drew a trident out of his own trident and gave it to her. Vishnu brought forth a discus from his own discus and gave her that."

Verse 21

शङ्खं च वरुणः शक्तिं ददौ तस्यै हुताशनः। मारुतो दत्तवांश्चापं बाणपूर्णे तथेषुधी॥२१॥

Shankham Cha Varunah Shaktim Dadau Tasyai Hutashanah | Maruto Dattavamsh Chapam Banapurne Tatheshudhi || 21 ||

Meaning: "Varuna gave her a conch, Agni gave her a spear, and Vayu gave her a bow and two quivers full of arrows."

Verse 22

वज्रमिन्द्रः समुत्पाद्य कुलिशादमराधिपः। ददौ तस्यै सहस्राक्षो घण्टामैरावताद् गजात्॥२२॥

Vajramindrah Samutpadya Kulishad Amaradhipah | Dadau Tasyai Sahasraksho Ghantam Airavatad Gajat || 22 ||

Meaning: "Indra, the thousand-eyed king of the gods, brought forth a thunderbolt from his own thunderbolt and gave it to her, and a bell from his elephant Airavata."

Verse 23

कालदण्डाद्यमो दण्डं पाशं चाम्बुपतिर्ददौ। प्रजापतिश्चाक्षमालां ददौ ब्रह्मा कमण्डलुम्॥२३॥

Kaladandad Yamo Dandam Pasham Chambupatir Dadau | Prajapatish Chakshamalam Dadau Brahma Kamandalum || 23 ||

Meaning: "Yama gave her a staff from his staff of Time, and Varuna, lord of the waters, gave her a noose. Prajapati gave her a rosary, and Brahma a water pot."

Verse 24

समस्तरोमकूपेषु निजरश्मीन् दिवाकरः। कालश्च दत्तवान् खड्गं तस्याश्चर्म च निर्मलम्॥२४॥

Samasta-Romakupeshu Nijarashmin Divakarah | Kalashcha Dattavan Khadgam Tasyash Charma Cha Nirmalam || 24 ||

Meaning: "The Sun placed his own rays in every pore of her body. Kala, Time, gave her a sword and a spotless shield."

Verse 25

क्षीरोदश्चामलं हारमजरे च तथाम्बरे। चूडामणिं तथा दिव्यं कुण्डले कटकानि च॥२५॥

Kshirodash Chamalam Haramajare Cha Tathambare | Chudamanim Tatha Divyam Kundale Katakani Cha || 25 ||

Meaning: "The Ocean of Milk gave her a spotless necklace, two garments that never grow old, a divine crest-jewel, earrings and bracelets."

Verse 26

अर्धचन्द्रं तथा शुभ्रं केयूरान् सर्वबाहुषु। नूपुरौ विमलौ तद्वद् ग्रैवेयकमनुत्तमम्॥२६॥

Ardha-Chandram Tatha Shubhram Keyuran Sarvabahushu | Nupurau Vimalau Tadvad Graiveyakam Anuttamam || 26 ||

Meaning: "It also gave her a bright crescent ornament, armlets for all her arms, two spotless anklets and a matchless ornament for her neck."

Verse 27

अङ्गुलीयकरत्नानि समस्तास्वङ्गुलीषु च। विश्वकर्मा ददौ तस्यै परशुं चातिनिर्मलम्॥२७॥

Anguliyaka-Ratnani Samastasv Angulishu Cha | Vishvakarma Dadau Tasyai Parashum Chatinirmalam || 27 ||

Meaning: "And jewelled rings for all her fingers. Vishvakarma gave her an axe of flawless brightness,"

Verse 28

अस्त्राण्यनेकरूपाणि तथाभेद्यं च दंशनम्। अम्लानपङ्कजां मालां शिरस्युरसि चापराम्॥२८॥

Astrany Aneka-Rupani Tathabhedyam Cha Damshanam | Amlana-Pankajam Malam Shirasyurasi Chaparam || 28 ||

Meaning: "weapons of many kinds, and an armour that could not be pierced. He also gave her a garland of unfading lotuses for her head and another for her breast."

Verse 29

अददज्जलधिस्तस्यै पङ्कजं चातिशोभनम्।

हिमवान् वाहनं सिंहं रत्नानि विविधानि च॥२९॥

Adadaj Jaladhis Tasyai Pankajam Chatishobhanam | Himavan Vahanam Simham Ratnani Vividhani Cha || 29 ||

Meaning: "The Ocean gave her a lotus of great beauty. The Himalaya gave her a lion to ride on, and jewels of many kinds."

Verse 30

ददावशून्यं सुरया पानपात्रं धनाधिपः। शेषश्च सर्वनागेशो महामणिविभूषितम्॥३०॥

Dadav Ashunyam Suraya Panapatram Dhanadhipah | Sheshashcha Sarvanagesho Mahamani-Vibhushitam || 30 ||

Meaning: "Kubera, the lord of wealth, gave her a drinking cup that is never empty of divine wine. Shesha, the king of all serpents, who holds up this earth,"

Verse 31

नागहारं ददौ तस्यै धत्ते यः पृथिवीमिमाम्। अन्यैरपि सुरैर्देवी भूषणैरायुधैस्तथा॥३१॥

Nagaharam Dadau Tasyai Dhatte Yah Prithivim Imam | Anyairapi Surairdevi Bhushanair Ayudhais Tatha || 31 ||

Meaning: "gave her a necklace of serpents set with great gems. The other gods too honoured the Goddess with ornaments and weapons."

Verse 32

सम्मानिता ननादोच्चैः साट्टहासं मुहुर्मुहुः। तस्या नादेन घोरेण कृत्स्नमापूरितं नभः॥३२॥

Sammanita Nanadochchaih Sattahasam Muhurmuhuh | Tasya Nadena Ghorena Kritsnam Apuritam Nabhah || 32 ||

Meaning: "Honoured in this way, the Goddess roared aloud again and again, laughing a terrible laugh. The whole sky was filled with her dreadful roar."

Verse 33

अमायतातिमहता प्रतिशब्दो महानभूत्। चुक्षुभुः सकला लोकाः समुद्राश्च चकम्पिरे॥३३॥

Amayatatimahata Pratishabdo Mahanabhut | Chukshubhuh Sakala Lokah Samudrashcha Chakampire || 33 ||

Meaning: "That immense, far-reaching roar raised a mighty echo. All the worlds were shaken, and the oceans trembled."

Verse 34

चचाल वसुधा चेलुः सकलाश्च महीधराः। जयेति देवाश्च मुदा तामूचुः सिंहवाहिनीम्॥३४॥

Chachala Vasudha Cheluh Sakalashcha Mahidharah | Jayeti Devashcha Muda Tamuchuh Simhavahinim || 34 ||

Meaning: "The earth quaked and all the mountains swayed. The gods joyfully cried 'Victory!' to the Goddess who rides the lion."

Verse 35

तुष्टुवुर्मुनयश्चैनां भक्तिनम्रात्ममूर्तयः। दृष्ट्वा समस्तं संक्षुब्धं त्रैलोक्यममरारयः॥३५॥

Tushtuvur Munayash Chainam Bhakti-Namratma-Murtayah | Drishtva Samastam Sankshubdham Trailokyam Amararayah || 35 ||

Meaning: "The sages, bowed in devotion, praised her. Seeing the whole of the three worlds in turmoil, the enemies of the gods"

Verse 36

सन्नद्धाखिलसैन्यास्ते समुत्तस्थुरुदायुधाः। आः किमेतदिति क्रोधादाभाष्य महिषासुरः॥३६॥

Sannaddhakhila-Sainyaste Samuttasthur Udayudhah | Ah Kimetaditi Krodhad Abhashya Mahishasurah || 36 ||

Meaning: "armed all their forces and rose up with weapons raised. 'Ah, what is this?' cried Mahishasura in anger,"

Verse 37

अभ्यधावत तं शब्दमशेषैरसुरैर्वृतः। स ददर्श ततो देवीं व्याप्तलोकत्रयां त्विषा॥३७॥

Abhyadhavata Tam Shabdam Asheshair Asurair Vritah | Sa Dadarsha Tato Devim Vyapta-Lokatrayam Tvisha || 37 ||

Meaning: "and rushed towards the sound, surrounded by all his asuras. Then he saw the Goddess, whose brilliance filled the three worlds –"

Verse 38

पादाक्रान्त्या नतभुवं किरीटोल्लिखिताम्बराम्। क्षोभिताशेषपातालां धनुर्ज्यानिःस्वनेन ताम्॥३८॥

Padakrantya Natabhuvam Kiritollikhitambaram | Kshobhitashesha-Patalam Dhanur-Jya-Nihsvanena Tam || 38 ||

Meaning: "the earth bending under the tread of her feet, her crown scratching the sky, the twang of her bowstring shaking all the nether worlds,"

Verse 39

दिशो भुजसहस्रेण समन्ताद् व्याप्य संस्थिताम्। ततः प्रववृते युद्धं तया देव्या सुरद्विषाम्॥३९॥

Disho Bhuja-Sahasrena Samantad Vyapya Samsthitam | Tatah Pravavrite Yuddham Taya Devya Suradvisham || 39 ||

Meaning: "and standing with her thousand arms filling every direction. Then the battle between the Goddess and the enemies of the gods began."

Verse 40

शस्त्रास्त्रैर्बहुधा मुक्तैरादीपितदिगन्तरम्। महिषासुरसेनानीश्चिक्षुराख्यो महासुरः॥४०॥

Shastrastrair Bahudha Muktair Adipita-Digantaram | Mahishasura-Senanish Chikshurakhyo Mahasurah || 40 ||

Meaning: "Every direction blazed with the many weapons and missiles that were hurled. Chikshura, the great asura who was Mahishasura's commander, fought in it,"

Verse 41

युयुधे चामरश्चान्यैश्चतुरङ्गबलान्वितः। रथानामयुतैः षड्भिरुदग्राख्यो महासुरः॥४१॥

Yuyudhe Chamarash Chanyaish Chaturanga-Balanvitah | Rathanam Ayutaih Shadbhir Udagrakhyo Mahasurah || 41 ||

Meaning: "and so did Chamara with others, leading a four-fold army of chariots, elephants, horses and foot soldiers. The great asura Udagra fought with sixty thousand chariots."

Verse 42

अयुध्यतायुतानां च सहस्रेण महाहनुः। पञ्चाशद्भिश्च नियुतैरसिलोमा महासुरः॥४२॥

Ayudhyatayutanam Cha Sahasrena Mahahanuh | Panchashadbhish Cha Niyutair Asiloma Mahasurah || 42 ||

Meaning: "Mahahanu fought with ten million warriors, and the great asura Asiloma with five million."

Verse 43

अयुतानां शतैः षड्भिर्बाष्कलो युयुधे रणे। गजवाजिसहस्रौघैरनेकैः परिवारितः॥४३॥

Ayutanam Shataih Shadbhir Bashkalo Yuyudhe Rane | Gaja-Vaji-Sahasraughair Anekaih Parivaritah || 43 ||

Meaning: "Bashkala fought in the battle with six million warriors. The asura Parivarita came surrounded by many thousands of elephants and horses"

Verse 44

वृतो रथानां कोट्या च युद्धे तस्मिन्नयुध्यत। बिडालाख्योऽयुतानां च पञ्चाशद्भिरथायुतैः॥४४॥

Vrito Rathanam Kotya Cha Yuddhe Tasminn Ayudhyata | Bidalakhyo'yutanam Cha Panchashadbhir Athayutaih || 44 ||

Meaning: "and by ten million chariots, and fought in that battle. Then the asura Bidala came with five hundred crore chariots"

Verse 45

युयुधे संयुगे तत्र रथानां परिवारितः। अन्ये च तत्रायुतशो रथनागहयैर्वृताः॥४५॥

Yuyudhe Samyuge Tatra Rathanam Parivaritah | Anye Cha Tatrayutasho Ratha-Naga-Hayair Vritah || 45 ||

Meaning: "and fought in that battle surrounded by them. Many other great asuras too, surrounded by tens of thousands of chariots, elephants and horses,"

Verse 46

युयुधुः संयुगे देव्या सह तत्र महासुराः। कोटिकोटिसहस्रैस्तु रथानां दन्तिनां तथा॥४६॥

Yuyudhuh Samyuge Devya Saha Tatra Mahasurah | Koti-Koti-Sahasrais Tu Rathanam Dantinam Tatha || 46 ||

Meaning: "fought the Goddess in that battle. And Mahishasura himself stood in the battle surrounded by thousands of crores of chariots and elephants"

Verse 47

हयानां च वृतो युद्धे तत्राभून्महिषासुरः। तोमरैर्भिन्दिपालैश्च शक्तिभिर्मुसलैस्तथा॥४७॥

Hayanam Cha Vrito Yuddhe Tatrabhun Mahishasurah | Tomarair Bhindipalaish Cha Shaktibhir Musalais Tatha || 47 ||

Meaning: "and horses. The asuras fought the Goddess with javelins, slings, spears and pestles,"

Verse 48

युयुधुः संयुगे देव्या खड्गैः परशुपट्टिशैः। केचिच्च चिक्षिपुः शक्तीः केचित्पाशांस्तथापरे॥४८॥

Yuyudhuh Samyuge Devya Khadgaih Parashu-Pattishaih | Kechichcha Chikshipuh Shaktih Kechit Pashams Tathapare || 48 ||

Meaning: "and with swords, axes and sharp-edged pattishas. Some hurled spears at her, and others threw nooses."

Verse 49

देवीं खड्गप्रहारैस्तु ते तां हन्तुं प्रचक्रमुः। सापि देवी ततस्तानि शस्त्राण्यस्त्राणि चण्डिका॥४९॥

Devim Khadga-Praharais Tu Te Tam Hantum Prachakramuh | Sapi Devi Tatastani Shastrany Astrani Chandika || 49 ||

Meaning: "Some rushed at the Goddess with sword-blows to kill her. But the Goddess Chandika, raining her own weapons and missiles,"

Verse 50

लीलयैव प्रचिच्छेद निजशस्त्रास्त्रवर्षिणी। अनायस्तानना देवी स्तूयमाना सुरर्षिभिः॥५०॥

Lilayaiva Prachichchheda Nija-Shastrastra-Varshini | Anayastanana Devi Stuyamana Surarshibhih || 50 ||

Meaning: "cut all their weapons to pieces as if in play. Not a trace of strain showed on her face, and the gods and sages sang her praises."

Verse 51

मुमोचासुरदेहेषु शस्त्राण्यस्त्राणि चेश्वरी। सोऽपि क्रुद्धो धुतसटो देव्या वाहनकेशरी॥५१॥

Mumochasura-Deheshu Shastrany Astrani Cheshvari | So'pi Kruddho Dhutasato Devya Vahana-Keshari || 51 ||

Meaning: "The Goddess loosed her weapons and missiles upon the bodies of the asuras. And her lion too, enraged and shaking its mane,"

Verse 52

चचारासुरसैन्येषु वनेष्विव हुताशनः। निःश्वासान् मुमुचे यांश्च युध्यमाना रणेऽम्बिका॥५२॥

Chacharasura-Sainyeshu Vaneshviva Hutashanah | Nihshvasan Mumuche Yamshcha Yudhyamana Rane'mbika || 52 ||

Meaning: "ranged through the asura armies like fire through a forest. And the breaths that Ambika breathed out as she fought"

Verse 53

त एव सद्यः सम्भूता गणाः शतसहस्रशः। युयुधुस्ते परशुभिर्भिन्दिपालासिपट्टिशैः॥५३॥

Ta Eva Sadyah Sambhuta Ganah Shata-Sahasrashah | Yuyudhuste Parashubhir Bhindipalasi-Pattishaih || 53 ||

Meaning: "at once became ganas, attendant warriors, by the hundreds and thousands. They fought with axes, slings, swords and pattishas,"

Verse 54

नाशयन्तोऽसुरगणान् देवीशक्त्युपबृंहिताः। अवादयन्त पटहान् गणाः शङ्खांस्तथापरे॥५४॥

Nashayanto'suraganan Devi-Shaktyupabrimhitah | Avadayanta Patahan Ganah Shankhams Tathapare || 54 ||

Meaning: "destroying the hosts of asuras, made strong by the Goddess's power. Some of the ganas beat war-drums and others blew conches,"

Verse 55

मृदङ्गांश्च तथैवान्ये तस्मिन् युद्धमहोत्सवे। ततो देवी त्रिशूलेन गदया शक्तिवृष्टिभिः॥५५॥

Mridangamsh Cha Tathaivanye Tasmin Yuddha-Mahotsave | Tato Devi Trishulena Gadaya Shakti-Vrishtibhih || 55 ||

Meaning: "and others played mridangas in that great festival of battle. Then the Goddess, with her trident, her mace, showers of spears,"

Verse 56

खड्गादिभिश्च शतशो निजघान महासुरान्। पातयामास चैवान्यान् घण्टास्वनविमोहितान्॥५६॥

Khadgadibhish Cha Shatasho Nijaghana Mahasuran | Patayamasa Chaivanyan Ghanta-Svana-Vimohitan || 56 ||

Meaning: "her sword and other weapons, slew great asuras by the hundreds, and felled others who were dazed by the sound of her bell."

Verse 57

असुरान् भुवि पाशेन बद्ध्वा चान्यानकर्षयत्। केचिद् द्विधा कृतास्तीक्ष्णैः खड्गपातैस्तथापरे॥५७॥

Asuran Bhuvi Pashena Baddhva Chanyan Akarshayat | Kechid Dvidha Kritas Tikshnaih Khadga-Patais Tathapare || 57 ||

Meaning: "She bound some asuras with her noose and dragged them along the ground. Others were cut in two by the strokes of her sharp sword."

Verse 58

विपोथिता निपातेन गदया भुवि शेरते। वेमुश्च केचिद्रुधिरं मुसलेन भृशं हताः॥५८॥

Vipothita Nipatena Gadaya Bhuvi Sherate | Vemushcha Kechid Rudhiram Musalena Bhrisham Hatah || 58 ||

Meaning: "Some lay on the ground, crushed by the blows of her mace; some, struck hard by her pestle, vomited blood."

Verse 59

केचिन्निपतिता भूमौ भिन्नाः शूलेन वक्षसि। निरन्तराः शरौघेण कृताः केचिद्रणाजिरे॥५९॥

Kechin Nipatita Bhumau Bhinnah Shulena Vakshasi | Nirantarah Sharaughena Kritah Kechid Ranajire || 59 ||

Meaning: "Some fell to the ground with their chests pierced by her trident. Some, on that battlefield, were riddled through and through by her flood of arrows."

Verse 60

श्येनानुकारिणः प्राणान् मुमुचुस्त्रिदशार्दनाः। केषाञ्चिद् बाहवश्छिन्नाश्छिन्नग्रीवास्तथापरे॥६०॥

Shyenanukarinah Pranan Mumuchus Tridashardanah | Keshanchid Bahavash Chhinnash Chhinnagrivas Tathapare || 60 ||

Meaning: "Pierced like that, those tormentors of the gods gave up their lives. Some had their arms cut off, and others their necks."

Verse 61

शिरांसि पेतुरन्येषामन्ये मध्ये विदारिताः। विच्छिन्नजङ्घास्त्वपरे पेतुरुर्व्यां महासुराः॥६१॥

Shiramsi Petur Anyesham Anye Madhye Vidaritah | Vichchhinna-Janghas Tvapare Petururvyam Mahasurah || 61 ||

Meaning: "The heads of some fell; some were split through the middle; and other great asuras fell to the earth with their legs cut off."

Verse 62

एकबाह्वक्षिचरणाः केचिद्देव्या द्विधा कृताः। छिन्नेऽपि चान्ये शिरसि पतिताः पुनरुत्थिताः॥६२॥

Eka-Bahv-Akshi-Charanah Kechiddevya Dvidha Kritah | Chhinne'pi Chanye Shirasi Patitah Punar Utthitah || 62 ||

Meaning: "Some were cut in two by the Goddess and left with one arm, one eye and one leg. Others, even with their heads cut off, fell and rose again."

Verse 63

कबन्धा युयुधुर्देव्या गृहीतपरमायुधाः। ननृतुश्चापरे तत्र युद्धे तूर्यलयाश्रिताः॥६३॥

Kabandha Yuyudhur Devya Grihita-Paramayudhah | Nanritush Chapare Tatra Yuddhe Turya-Layashritah || 63 ||

Meaning: "Headless trunks fought on with the Goddess, their great weapons still in hand; others among them danced to the rhythm of the war-music."

Verse 64

कबन्धाश्छिन्नशिरसः खड्गशक्त्यृष्टिपाणयः। तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति भाषन्तो देवीमन्ये महासुराः॥६४॥

Kabandhash Chhinna-Shirasah Khadga-Shakty-Rishti-Panayah | Tishtha Tishtheti Bhashanto Devimanye Mahasurah || 64 ||

Meaning: "Headless trunks, swords, spears and lances still in their hands, and other great asuras shouted at the Goddess, 'Stop! Stop!'"

Verse 65

पातितै रथनागाश्वैरसुरैश्च वसुन्धरा। अगम्या साभवत्तत्र यत्राभूत्स महारणः॥६५॥

Patitai Ratha-Nagashvair Asuraish Cha Vasundhara | Agamya Sabhavat Tatra Yatrabhutsa Maharanah || 65 ||

Meaning: "Where that great battle was fought, the earth was so heaped with fallen chariots, elephants, horses and asuras that it could not be crossed."

Verse 66

शोणितौघा महानद्यः सद्यस्तत्र प्रसुस्रुवुः।

मध्ये चासुरसैन्यस्य वारणासुरवाजिनाम्॥६६॥

Shonitaugha Mahanadyah Sadyastatra Prasusruvuh | Madhye Chasura-Sainyasya Varana-Sura-Vajinam || 66 ||

Meaning: "Great rivers of blood began at once to flow through the asura army, from the elephants, the asuras and the horses."

Verse 67

क्षणेन तन्महासैन्यमसुराणां तथाम्बिका। निन्ये क्षयं यथा वह्निस्तृणदारुमहाचयम्॥६७॥

Kshanena Tan Mahasainyam Asuranam Tathambika | Ninye Kshayam Yatha Vahnis Trina-Daru-Mahachayam || 67 ||

Meaning: "In a moment Ambika destroyed that vast army of the asuras, as fire destroys a great heap of grass and wood."

Verse 68

स च सिंहो महानादमुत्सृजन्धुतकेसरः। शरीरेभ्योऽमरारीणामसूनिव विचिन्वति॥६८॥

Sa Cha Simho Mahanadam Utsrijan Dhutakesarah | Sharirebhyo'mararinam Asun Iva Vichinvati || 68 ||

Meaning: "And her lion, shaking its mane and roaring aloud, seemed to be searching out the very life-breaths from the bodies of the gods' enemies."

Verse 69

देव्या गणैश्च तैस्तत्र कृतं युद्धं महासुरैः। यथैषां तुतुषुर्देवाः पुष्पवृष्टिमुचो दिवि॥ॐ॥६९॥

Devya Ganaishcha Taistatra Kritam Yuddham Mahasuraih | Yathaisham Tutushur Devah Pushpa-Vrishti-Mucho Divi || Om || 69 ||

Meaning: "Thus the Goddess and her ganas fought the great asuras there; and the gods, delighted, showered flowers from the sky." Om.

Chapter Colophon

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये महिषासुरसैन्यवधो नाम द्वितीयोऽध्यायः॥२॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Mahishasura-Sainya-Vadho Nama Dvitiyo'dhyayah || 2 ||

Meaning: Thus ends the second chapter, named "The Slaying of Mahishasura's Army", of the Devi Mahatmya in the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana.

उवाच १, श्लोकाः ६८, एवम् ६९, एवमादितः॥१७३॥

Uvacha 1, Shlokah 68, Evam 69, Evamaditah || 173 ||

Meaning: One uvacha line and 68 verses – 69 textual units in this chapter, and 173 from the beginning of the text.

Significance of Durga Saptashati Chapter 2

Durga Saptashati Chapter 2 is the chapter of the Goddess's birth. Nowhere else in the Devi Mahatmya is she described taking form; here she comes into being before the reader's eyes, limb by limb, from the gathered light of every god.

The chapter makes a precise point about what the Goddess is. The gods, defeated and powerless, cannot fight Mahishasura themselves. What they can do is release their tejas – and when all of that power gathers in one place, it is not a god who stands there but the Goddess. She is the power of the gods made one, and therefore greater than any of them; the weapons they then give her are their own powers handed back to their source.

The battle that follows shows that power at work: the asura army is not defeated by effort but destroyed "as if in play", with the Goddess's face unstrained, her lion and her breath-born ganas doing the work beside her.

Main Teachings of Chapter 2

Shakti is the power behind every god: the Goddess is born when the powers of all the gods unite, and each god's weapon becomes hers (Verses 9–31).
Anger turned to righteous purpose creates: the radiance that becomes the Goddess bursts from the gods' anger at injustice, not from calm (Verses 9–13).
Divine power is unhurried: she destroys the army without a trace of strain on her face (Verse 50).
The Goddess is never alone: her lion and the ganas born from her breath fight with her, and the gods and sages praise her as she fights (Verses 51–54).
Evil is vast, and still it is destroyed in a moment: the generals come with millions, and the whole host is gone like grass before fire (Verses 40–47 and 67).

The Birth of the Goddess: Limb by Limb

Verses 14–18 tell which god's radiance formed each part of the Goddess's body.

Part of the Goddess	Formed from the radiance of
Face	Shiva
Hair	Yama
Arms	Vishnu
Breasts	The Moon (Soma)
Waist	Indra
Legs and thighs	Varuna
Hips	The Earth
Feet	Brahma
Toes	The Sun
Fingers	The Vasus
Nose	Kubera
Teeth	Prajapati
Three eyes	Agni
Eyebrows	The two twilights (Sandhya)
Ears	Vayu

The Gifts of the Gods

Verses 20–31 list what each god gave the newborn Goddess.

Giver	Gift
Shiva	A trident drawn from his own trident
Vishnu	A discus brought forth from his own discus
Varuna	A conch; and a noose
Agni	A spear
Vayu	A bow and two quivers full of arrows
Indra	A thunderbolt from his own, and the bell of his elephant Airavata
Yama	A staff from his staff of Time
Prajapati	A rosary
Brahma	A water pot
The Sun	His rays, placed in every pore of her body
Kala (Time)	A sword and a spotless shield
The Ocean of Milk	A necklace, ageless garments, a crest-jewel, earrings, bracelets, a crescent ornament, armlets, anklets, a neck ornament and rings
Vishvakarma	An axe, many weapons, impenetrable armour and garlands of unfading lotuses
The Ocean	A lotus
The Himalaya	A lion to ride, and jewels
Kubera	A cup never empty of divine wine
Shesha	A necklace of serpents set with great gems

Why Is Chapter 2 Called Mahishasura-Sainya-Vadha?

The second chapter is traditionally known as Mahishasura-Sainya-Vadha because it ends with the destruction (vadha) of the army (sainya) of Mahishasura – his generals and their millions of chariots, elephants and horses. Mahishasura himself survives this chapter; his own death is the subject of Chapter 3.

Traditional Recitation of Chapter 2

Chapter 2 opens the Madhyama Charitra of the Devi Mahatmya, which runs through Chapters 2, 3 and 4 under Mahalakshmi. In every schedule of the Path it is read on the second day.

Reading Schedule

Schedule	Day 2	Context
3-day Path (by Charitra)	Chapters 2–4	Day 1: Chapter 1 · Day 3: Chapters 5–13
7-day Path	Chapters 2–3	Day 1: 1 · Day 3: 4 · Day 4: 5–8 · Day 5: 9–10 · Day 6: 11 · Day 7: 12–13
9-day Navratri Path	Chapters 2–4	Day 1: 1 · Day 3: 5–6 · Day 4: 7 · Day 5: 8 · Day 6: 9–10 · Day 7: 11 · Day 8: 12 · Day 9: 13

Because Chapter 2 begins a new Charitra, its own Viniyoga and the Dhyana of Mahalakshmi given above are recited before it. The chapter is read through to its colophon in one sitting; a chapter is never left unfinished. The exact procedure varies by tradition, lineage and method, and devotees should follow the method prescribed by their Guru or family tradition.

Traditional Spiritual Significance

Chapter 2 is the chapter of Shakti gathering: scattered, defeated powers become one invincible form. Devotees traditionally approach it for:

Devotion towards Goddess Mahalakshmi, the presiding deity of the Madhyama Charitra
Strength and courage when one's own powers feel scattered or defeated
Victory over hostile forces, after the pattern of the destruction of Mahishasura's army
Reflection on the Goddess as the single power behind all the gods
Remembrance of the Goddess in her newborn, fully armed form

These are traditional devotional associations and should not be understood as guaranteed worldly or medical outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Durga Saptashati Chapter 2 called?

Durga Saptashati Chapter 2 is called Dvitiya Adhyaya and is traditionally known as Mahishasura-Sainya-Vadha, "The Slaying of Mahishasura's Army". It is the first chapter of the Madhyama Charitra.

What happens in Chapter 2 of Durga Saptashati?

The gods, defeated by Mahishasura and driven out of heaven, take refuge in Vishnu and Shiva. From the anger of the gods a great radiance bursts forth and becomes the Goddess; each god gives her a weapon or ornament; and when Mahishasura attacks with his generals and their vast armies, she destroys the whole host.

Who is the main Goddess in Durga Saptashati Chapter 2?

The presiding deity of the Madhyama Charitra is Mahalakshmi, and the Dhyana at the head of the chapter describes her eighteen-armed form seated on a lotus. In the verses themselves the Goddess is called Chandika and Ambika.

How was the Goddess born in Chapter 2?

From the combined radiance of all the gods. Light burst from Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva, Indra and every other god, gathered into a blazing mass, and became a woman whose brilliance filled the three worlds. Verses 14–18 tell which god's radiance formed each part of her body.

Who are the asura generals in Chapter 2?

Chikshura, Mahishasura's commander, and Chamara, Udagra, Mahahanu, Asiloma, Bashkala, Parivarita and Bidala, each leading an army of millions of chariots, elephants and horses. Their deaths one by one are told in Chapter 3; here it is their armies that are destroyed.

Does Mahishasura die in Chapter 2?

No. Chapter 2 ends with the destruction of his army. Mahishasura himself fights the Goddess and is slain in Chapter 3.

What are the ganas in Chapter 2?

Attendant warriors who came into being from the Goddess's breath as she fought (Verses 52–53). They fought beside her with axes, swords and slings, beating drums and blowing conches.

How many verses are there in Durga Saptashati Chapter 2?

The traditional count gives 69 textual units: 1 uvacha line and 68 full verses, as the count line after the colophon states. Together with Chapter 1 this makes 173 units from the beginning of the text.

Can Chapter 2 be recited on its own?

Chapter 2 begins the Madhyama Charitra, so it carries its own Viniyoga and Dhyana and can be recited by itself with them. In the three-day and nine-day schedules it is read together with Chapters 3 and 4, which complete the Charitra. The preliminaries of the Path Vidhi are performed before it as for the whole Path.