Durga Saptashati Chapter 2: The Slaying of Mahishasura’s Army

The Durga Saptashati, also known as the Devi Mahatmya and the Chandi Path, is a sacred Hindu text of 700 verses in 13 chapters that celebrates the glory of Goddess Durga. The second chapter begins the middle charitra. It describes how the Goddess manifested from the combined radiance of the gods and destroyed the army of Mahishasura.

Shri Durga Saptashati – Dvitiyo'dhyaya (॥ श्रीदुर्गासप्तशती - द्वितीयोऽध्यायः ॥)

Viniyoga (॥ विनियोगः ॥)

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, Vayustattvam, Yajurvedah Svarupam, Shri-Mahalakshmi-Prityartham Madhyama-Charitra-Jape Viniyogah |

Meaning: The rishi of the middle charitra is Lord Vishnu, its deity is Mahalakshmi and its metre is Ushnik. Its shakti is Shakambhari, its bija is Durga and its tattva is Vayu (air). It is connected with the nature of the Yajurveda. It is recited (viniyoga) in the recitation of the middle charitra to please Shri Mahalakshmi.

Dhyanam (॥ ध्यानम् ॥)

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 Shaktimasim Cha Charma Jalajam Ghantam Surabhajanam | Shulam Pasha-Sudarshane Cha Dadhatim Hastaih Prasannananam Seve Sairibha-Mardinim Iha Mahalakshmim Saroja-Sthitam ||

Meaning: I worship Mother Mahalakshmi, seated on a lotus, with a joyful face, the slayer of Mahishasura. In her many hands she holds a rosary, an axe, a mace, an arrow, a thunderbolt, a lotus, a bow, a water pot (kamandalu), a staff, a spear (shakti), a sword, a shield, a conch, a bell, a vessel of honey, a trident, a noose and the Sudarshana discus.

Verses

Rishir Uvacha ("ॐ ह्रीं" ऋषिरुवाच॥1॥)

Verse 2

देवासुरमभूद्युद्धं पूर्णमब्दशतं पुरा। महिषेऽसुराणामधिपे देवानां च पुरन्दरे॥2॥

Devasuram Abhud Yuddham Purnam Abda-Shatam Pura | Mahishe'suranam Adhipe Devanam Cha Purandare || 2 ||

Meaning: The sage says: Long ago, a terrible war was fought between the gods and the asuras (demons) 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॥3॥

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 himself took the seat of Indra.

Verse 4

ततः पराजिता देवाः पद्मयोनिं प्रजापतिम्। पुरस्कृत्य गतास्तत्र यत्रेशगरुडध्वजौ॥4॥

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

Meaning: Then the defeated gods, with Brahma leading them, went to the place where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu were seated.

Verse 5

यथावृत्तं तयोस्तद्वन्महिषासुरचेष्टितम्। त्रिदशाः कथयामासुर्देवाभिभवविस्तरम्॥5॥

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

Meaning: The gods told Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in detail the whole story of Mahishasura’s tyranny and their own defeat.

Verse 6

सूर्येन्द्राग्न्यनिलेन्दूनां यमस्य वरुणस्य च। अन्येषां चाधिकारान् स स्वयमेवाधितिष्ठति॥6॥

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

Meaning: They said: “Mahishasura has seized the powers of Surya, Indra, Agni, Vayu, Chandra, Yama, Varuna and the other gods. He has made himself the master of all.

Verse 7

स्वर्गान्निराकृताः सर्वे तेन देवगणा भुवि। विचरन्ति यथा मर्त्या महिषेण दुरात्मना॥7॥

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

Meaning: “That wicked Mahishasura has driven all the gods out of heaven. Now they wander the earth like mortals.

Verse 8

एतद्वः कथितं सर्वममरारिविचेष्टितम्। शरणं वः प्रपन्नाः स्मो वधस्तस्य विचिन्त्यताम्॥8॥

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

Meaning: “We have told you of all that demon’s atrocities. Now we have come to take refuge in you. Please find some way to destroy him.”

Verse 9

इत्थं निशम्य देवानां वचांसि मधुसूदनः। चकार कोपं शम्भुश्च भ्रुकुटीकुटिलाननौ॥9॥

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

Meaning: Hearing the words of the gods, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva became very angry with Mahishasura. In their anger their brows furrowed and their faces grew stern.

Verse 10

ततोऽतिकोपपूर्णस्य चक्रिणो वदनात्ततः। निश्चक्राम महत्तेजो ब्रह्मणः शङ्करस्य च॥10॥

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

Meaning: Then a great radiance (tej) burst forth from the face of the enraged Lord Vishnu. In the same way, a very great radiance came forth from the bodies of Brahma and Lord Shiva.

Verse 11

अन्येषां चैव देवानां शक्रादीनां शरीरतः। निर्गतं सुमहत्तेजस्तच्चैक्यं समगच्छत॥11॥

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

Meaning: A great radiance also came forth from the bodies of Indra and the other gods, and all of it came together in one place.

Verse 12

अतीव तेजसः कूटं ज्वलन्तमिव पर्वतम्। ददृशुस्ते सुरास्तत्र ज्वालाव्याप्तदिगन्तरम्॥12॥

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

Meaning: That gathered radiance looked like a blazing mountain. Its brilliance and flames spread in all four directions.

Verse 13

अतुलं तत्र तत्तेजः सर्वदेवशरीरजम्। एकस्थं तदभून्नारी व्याप्तलोकत्रयं त्विषा॥13॥

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

Meaning: That incomparable radiance, which had come forth from the bodies of all the gods, gathered in one place and took the form of a divine woman. The three worlds were lit up by her light.

Verse 14

यदभूच्छाम्भवं तेजस्तेनाजायत तन्मुखम्। याम्येन चाभवन् केशा बाहवो विष्णुतेजसा॥14॥

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

Meaning: The Goddess’s face was formed from the radiance of Lord Shiva. Her hair came from the radiance of Yamaraja, and her arms from the radiance of Lord Vishnu.

Verse 15

सौम्येन स्तनयोर्युग्मं मध्यं चैन्द्रेण चाभवत्। वारुणेन च जङ्घोरू नितम्बस्तेजसा भुवः॥15॥

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

Meaning: Her two breasts came from the radiance of the Moon, her waist from the radiance of Indra, her thighs from the radiance of Varuna, and her hips from the radiance of the Earth.

Verse 16

ब्रह्मणस्तेजसा पादौ तदङ्गुल्योऽर्कतेजसा। वसूनां च कराङ्गुल्यः कौबेरेण च नासिका॥16॥

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

Meaning: Her two feet came from the radiance of Brahma, her toes from the radiance of the Sun, her fingers from the radiance of the Vasus, and her nose from the radiance of Kubera.

Verse 17

तस्यास्तु दन्ताः सम्भूताः प्राजापत्येन तेजसा। नयनत्रितयं जज्ञे तथा पावकतेजसा॥17॥

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

Meaning: Her teeth came 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॥18॥

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

Meaning: Her eyebrows were formed from the radiance of Sandhya (twilight), and her ears from the radiance of Vayu. In the same way, the other limbs of that auspicious Goddess came forth from the radiance of the other gods.

Verse 19

ततः समस्तदेवानां तेजोराशिसमुद्भवाम्। तां विलोक्य मुदं प्रापुरमरा महिषार्दिताः॥19॥*

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

Meaning: Seeing that divine Goddess, born of the radiance of all the gods, the gods who had been tormented by Mahishasura were filled with joy.

Verse 20

शूलं शूलाद्विनिष्कृष्य ददौ तस्यै पिनाकधृक्। चक्रं च दत्तवान् कृष्णः समुत्पाद्य स्वचक्रतः॥20॥*

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

Meaning: Lord Shiva, the bearer of the trident, drew a trident out of his own trident and gave it to the Goddess. Lord Vishnu too brought forth a discus from his own discus and presented it to her.

Verse 21

शङ्खं च वरुणः शक्तिं ददौ तस्यै हुताशनः। मारुतो दत्तवांश्चापं बाणपूर्णे तथेषुधी॥21॥

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

Meaning: Varuna gave the Goddess a conch. Agni gave her the shakti (spear), and Vayu gave her a bow and two quivers full of arrows.

Verse 22

वज्रमिन्द्रः समुत्पाद्य कुलिशादमराधिपः।* ददौ तस्यै सहस्राक्षो घण्टामैरावताद् गजात्॥22॥

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

Meaning: Indra, king of the gods, brought forth another thunderbolt (vajra) from his own and gave it to the Goddess. He also presented her with a bell taken from his elephant Airavata.

Verse 23

कालदण्डाद्यमो दण्डं पाशं चाम्बुपतिर्ददौ। प्रजापतिश्चाक्षमालां ददौ ब्रह्मा कमण्डलुम्॥23॥

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

Meaning: Yamaraja gave his staff (danda), Varuna gave a noose (pasha), Prajapati gave a rosary of akshas (rudraksha beads), and Brahma presented a kamandalu (water pot).

Verse 24

समस्तरोमकूपेषु निजरश्मीन् दिवाकरः। कालश्च दत्तवान् खड्गं तस्याश्चर्म च निर्मलम्॥24॥*

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

Meaning: The Sun God filled every pore of the Goddess’s body with the brilliance of his rays. Kala (Time) gave her a sword and a gleaming shield.

Verse 25

क्षीरोदश्चामलं हारमजरे च तथाम्बरे। चूडामणिं तथा दिव्यं कुण्डले कटकानि च॥25॥

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

Meaning: The Ocean of Milk presented the Goddess with a shining necklace, divine garments that never grow old, a divine crest-jewel, earrings and bracelets.

Verse 26

अर्धचन्द्रं तथा शुभ्रं केयूरान् सर्वबाहुषु। नूपुरौ विमलौ तद्वद् ग्रैवेयकमनुत्तमम्॥26॥

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

Meaning: She was given a bright crescent-shaped ornament, armlets for all her arms, beautiful anklets for her feet and a fine ornament for her neck.

Verse 27

अङ्गुलीयकरत्नानि समस्तास्वङ्गुलीषु च। विश्वकर्मा ददौ तस्यै परशुं चातिनिर्मलम्॥27॥

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

Meaning: Rings made of jewels were given for all her fingers. Vishvakarma also gave her a very beautiful, spotless axe.

Verse 28

अस्त्राण्यनेकरूपाणि तथाभेद्यं च दंशनम्। अम्लानपङ्कजां मालां शिरस्युरसि चापराम्॥28॥

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

Meaning: The Goddess was given many kinds of weapons and an armour that was hard to pierce. She was also given garlands of never-fading lotuses to wear on her head and chest.

Verse 29

अददज्जलधिस्तस्यै पङ्कजं चातिशोभनम्। हिमवान् वाहनं सिंहं रत्नानि विविधानि च॥29॥

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

Meaning: The Ocean gave the Goddess a very beautiful lotus. The Himalaya presented her with a lion to ride and many kinds of jewels.

Verse 30

ददावशून्यं सुरया पानपात्रं धनाधिपः। शेषश्च सर्वनागेशो महामणिविभूषितम्॥30॥

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

Meaning: Kubera, the lord of wealth, gave the Goddess a vessel full of drink (madhu). Sheshanaga, king of all the serpents, gave her a serpent-necklace adorned with precious gems.

Verse 31

नागहारं ददौ तस्यै धत्ते यः पृथिवीमिमाम्। अन्यैरपि सुरैर्देवी भूषणैरायुधैस्तथा॥31॥

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

Meaning: Sheshanaga, who upholds the earth, gave the Goddess a beautiful necklace of serpents. The other gods too honoured the Goddess by presenting her with many ornaments and weapons.

Verse 32

सम्मानिता ननादोच्चैः साट्टहासं मुहुर्मुहुः। तस्या नादेन घोरेण कृत्स्नमापूरितं नभः॥32॥

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

Meaning: Honoured by the gods, the Goddess laughed aloud again and again and let out a terrible roar. The whole sky resounded with her roar.

Verse 33

अमायतातिमहता प्रतिशब्दो महानभूत्। चुक्षुभुः सकला लोकाः समुद्राश्च चकम्पिरे॥33॥

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

Meaning: That mighty roar of the Goddess echoed with a terrible sound. All the worlds were thrown into turmoil, and even the oceans trembled.

Verse 34

चचाल वसुधा चेलुः सकलाश्च महीधराः। जयेति देवाश्च मुदा तामूचुः सिंहवाहिनीम्॥34॥*

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

Meaning: The earth began to shake and all the mountains swayed. Then the gods joyfully said to the Goddess, who was riding on the lion: “Victory to you, O Devi!”

Verse 35

तुष्टुवुर्मुनयश्चैनां भक्तिनम्रात्ममूर्तयः। दृष्ट्वा समस्तं संक्षुब्धं त्रैलोक्यममरारयः॥35॥

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

Meaning: The sages too bowed with devotion and praised the Goddess. Seeing the turmoil in the three worlds, the asuras made their whole army ready for battle.

Verse 36

सन्नद्धाखिलसैन्यास्ते समुत्तस्थुरुदायुधाः। आः किमेतदिति क्रोधादाभाष्य महिषासुरः॥36॥

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

Meaning: All the asura soldiers put on their armour, took up their weapons and stood ready for battle. Mahishasura said angrily: “What on earth is happening?”

Verse 37

अभ्यधावत तं शब्दमशेषैरसुरैर्वृतः। स ददर्श ततो देवीं व्याप्तलोकत्रयां त्विषा॥37॥

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

Meaning: Surrounded by all the asuras, Mahishasura rushed towards that terrible sound. There he saw the Goddess, whose radiance filled the three worlds.

Verse 38

पादाक्रान्त्या नतभुवं किरीटोल्लिखिताम्बराम्। क्षोभिताशेषपातालां धनुर्ज्यानिःस्वनेन ताम्॥38॥

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

Meaning: The earth was pressed down by the weight of the Goddess’s feet, her crown seemed to touch the sky, and the twang of her bow shook even the netherworlds (patala).

Verse 39

दिशो भुजसहस्रेण समन्ताद् व्याप्य संस्थिताम्। ततः प्रववृते युद्धं तया देव्या सुरद्विषाम्॥39॥

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

Meaning: The Goddess stood encompassing all the directions with her thousands of arms. Then a terrible battle began between the Goddess and the asuras.

Verse 40

शस्त्रास्त्रैर्बहुधा मुक्तैरादीपितदिगन्तरम्। महिषासुरसेनानीश्चिक्षुराख्यो महासुरः॥40॥

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

Meaning: All the directions of the battlefield blazed with the many kinds of weapons being used. A mighty asura named Chikshura was Mahishasura’s commander.

Verse 41

युयुधे चामरश्चान्यैश्चतुरङ्गबलान्वितः। रथानामयुतैः षड्भिरुदग्राख्यो महासुरः॥41॥

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

Meaning: An asura named Chamara also began to fight the Goddess with his huge army. The great demon Udagra also entered the battle with an army of thousands of chariots.

Verse 42

अयुध्यतायुतानां च सहस्रेण महाहनुः। पञ्चाशद्भिश्च नियुतैरसिलोमा महासुरः॥42॥

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

Meaning: An asura named Mahahanu also began to fight with thousands of soldiers. The great demon Asiloma also came onto the battlefield with a very large army.

Verse 43

अयुतानां शतैः षड्भिर्बाष्कलो युयुधे रणे। गजवाजिसहस्रौघैरनेकैः परिवारितः॥43॥**

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

Meaning: An asura named Bashkala also began to fight with a very large army. An asura named Parivarita was fighting, surrounded by an army of many elephants and horses.

Verse 44

वृतो रथानां कोट्या च युद्धे तस्मिन्नयुध्यत। बिडालाख्योऽयुतानां च पञ्चाशद्भिरथायुतैः॥44॥

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

Meaning: The asura Parivarita was fighting surrounded by an army of ten million chariots. An asura named Bidala also entered the battle with a very great number of chariots.

Verse 45

युयुधे संयुगे तत्र रथानां परिवारितः।* अन्ये च तत्रायुतशो रथनागहयैर्वृताः॥45॥

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

Meaning: There the asura Parivarita was also fighting with an army of chariots. Besides these, many other asuras, surrounded by thousands of chariots, elephants and horses, began to fight the Goddess.

Verse 46

युयुधुः संयुगे देव्या सह तत्र महासुराः। कोटिकोटिसहस्रैस्तु रथानां दन्तिनां तथा॥46॥

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

Meaning: Many mighty asuras began to fight the Goddess. They had armies of tens of millions of chariots and vast numbers of elephants.

Verse 47

हयानां च वृतो युद्धे तत्राभून्महिषासुरः। तोमरैर्भिन्दिपालैश्च शक्तिभिर्मुसलैस्तथा॥47॥

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

Meaning: Mahishasura too was in the battle, surrounded by countless horses and a huge army. The asuras attacked the Goddess with weapons such as the tomara, bhindipala, shakti and pestle.

Verse 48

युयुधुः संयुगे देव्या खड्गैः परशुपट्टिशैः। केचिच्च चिक्षिपुः शक्तीः केचित्पाशांस्तथापरे॥48॥

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

Meaning: The asuras fought the Goddess with weapons such as the sword, the axe and the pattisha. Some hurled spears (shakti) and some threw nooses.

Verse 49

देवीं खड्गप्रहारैस्तु ते तां हन्तुं प्रचक्रमुः। सापि देवी ततस्तानि शस्त्राण्यस्त्राणि चण्डिका॥49॥

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

Meaning: Some asuras rushed at the Goddess with swords to kill her. Then Goddess Chandika too took up her weapons.

Verse 50

लीलयैव प्रचिच्छेद निजशस्त्रास्त्रवर्षिणी। अनायस्तानना देवी स्तूयमाना सुरर्षिभिः॥50॥

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

Meaning: As if in play, the Goddess cut down all the weapons of the asuras. There was not the slightest sign of weariness on her face, and the gods and sages were singing her praises.

Verse 51

मुमोचासुरदेहेषु शस्त्राण्यस्त्राणि चेश्वरी। सोऽपि क्रुद्धो धुतसटो देव्या वाहनकेशरी॥51॥

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

Meaning: Bhagavati rained weapons without pause on the bodies of the asuras. The Goddess’s mount, the lion, also enraged and shaking its mane, charged onto the battlefield.

Verse 52

चचारासुरसैन्येषु वनेष्विव हुताशनः। निःश्वासान् मुमुचे यांश्च युध्यमाना रणेऽम्बिका॥52॥

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

Meaning: The Goddess’s lion moved through the army of the asuras like a fire spreading through a forest. The breaths that Goddess Ambika breathed out while fighting also gave rise to many mighty ganas (attendant warriors).

Verse 53

त एव सद्यः सम्भूता गणाः शतसहस्रशः। युयुधुस्ते परशुभिर्भिन्दिपालासिपट्टिशैः॥53॥

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

Meaning: Hundreds and thousands of ganas at once came forth from the Goddess’s breath. Taking up weapons such as axes, bhindipalas, swords and pattishas, they began to fight the asuras.

Verse 54

नाशयन्तोऽसुरगणान् देवीशक्त्युपबृंहिताः। अवादयन्त पटहान् गणाः शङ्खांस्तथापरे॥54॥

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

Meaning: Made strong by the Goddess’s power, those ganas destroyed the asuras while beating drums and blowing conches.

Verse 55

मृदङ्गांश्च तथैवान्ये तस्मिन् युद्धमहोत्सवे। ततो देवी त्रिशूलेन गदया शक्तिवृष्टिभिः॥55॥*

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

Meaning: In that terrible battle, some of the ganas were playing mridangas (drums). Then the Goddess struck the asuras with a shower of tridents, maces and spears.

Verse 56

खड्गादिभिश्च शतशो निजघान महासुरान्। पातयामास चैवान्यान् घण्टास्वनविमोहितान्॥56॥

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

Meaning: With her sword and other weapons, the Goddess slew hundreds of great demons. Many asuras fell unconscious at the terrible sound of her bell.

Verse 57

असुरान् भुवि पाशेन बद्ध्वा चान्यानकर्षयत्। केचिद् द्विधा कृतास्तीक्ष्णैः खड्गपातैस्तथापरे॥57॥

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

Meaning: The Goddess bound many asuras with her noose and dragged them along the ground. Some asuras were cut in two by the stroke of her sharp sword.

Verse 58

विपोथिता निपातेन गदया भुवि शेरते। वेमुश्च केचिद्रुधिरं मुसलेन भृशं हताः॥58॥

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

Meaning: Many asuras fell to the ground wounded by blows of the mace. Some were badly wounded by the pestle and began to bleed.

Verse 59

केचिन्निपतिता भूमौ भिन्नाः शूलेन वक्षसि। निरन्तराः शरौघेण कृताः केचिद्रणाजिरे॥59॥

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

Meaning: Some asuras fell to the ground with their chests pierced by the spear. Many asuras fell on the battlefield wounded by the arrows the Goddess shot without pause.

Verse 60

श्ये*नानुकारिणः प्राणान् मुमुचुस्त्रिदशार्दनाः। केषाञ्चिद् बाहवश्छिन्नाश्छिन्नग्रीवास्तथापरे॥60॥

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

Meaning: Many asuras who had tormented the gods were slain in the battle. Some had their arms cut off and some their necks.

Verse 61

शिरांसि पेतुरन्येषामन्ये मध्ये विदारिताः। विच्छिन्नजङ्घास्त्वपरे पेतुरुर्व्यां महासुराः॥61॥

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

Meaning: The heads of many asuras were cut off and fell to the ground. Some had their bodies split through the middle, and some fell to the ground because their thighs were cut off.

Verse 62

एकबाह्वक्षिचरणाः केचिद्देव्या द्विधा कृताः। छिन्नेऽपि चान्ये शिरसि पतिताः पुनरुत्थिताः॥62॥

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

Meaning: The Goddess cut many asuras to pieces. Some asuras, even after their heads were cut off, fell to the ground, rose again and went on fighting.

Verse 63

कबन्धा युयुधुर्देव्या गृहीतपरमायुधाः। ननृतुश्चापरे तत्र युद्धे तूर्यलयाश्रिताः॥63॥

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

Meaning: The headless trunks of some asuras went on fighting the Goddess with great weapons. Other headless trunks were seen dancing to the rhythm of the instruments playing on the battlefield.

Verse 64

कबन्धाश्छिन्नशिरसः खड्गशक्त्यृष्टिपाणयः। तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति भाषन्तो देवीमन्ये महासुराः॥64॥*

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

Meaning: The headless trunks of some asuras were fighting with swords, spears and lances in their hands. Other great demons were challenging the Goddess, crying: “Stop! Stop!”

Verse 65

पातितै रथनागाश्वैरसुरैश्च वसुन्धरा। अगम्या साभवत्तत्र यत्राभूत्स महारणः॥65॥

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

Meaning: Where this terrible battle was fought, the earth was filled with fallen chariots, elephants, horses and the bodies of asuras. It had become hard even to move about there.

Verse 66

शोणितौघा महानद्यः सद्यस्तत्र प्रसुस्रुवुः। मध्ये चासुरसैन्यस्य वारणासुरवाजिनाम्॥66॥

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

Meaning: So much blood flowed from the bodies of the asuras, elephants and horses that in a short while great rivers of blood began to flow there.

Verse 67

क्षणेन तन्महासैन्यमसुराणां तथाम्बिका। निन्ये क्षयं यथा वह्निस्तृणदारुमहाचयम्॥67॥

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

Meaning: Goddess Ambika destroyed that vast army of the asuras in a short time, just as fire instantly burns up a great heap of grass and wood.

Verse 68

स च सिंहो महानादमुत्सृजन्धुतकेसरः। शरीरेभ्योऽमरारीणामसूनिव विचिन्वति॥68॥

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

Meaning: The Goddess’s lion, shaking its mane and roaring loudly, moved through the army of the asuras, and it seemed as if it were drawing the life out of their bodies.

Verse 69

देव्या गणैश्च तैस्तत्र कृतं युद्धं महासुरैः। यथैषां तुतुषुर्देवाः पुष्पवृष्टिमुचो दिवि॥ॐ॥69॥**

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

Meaning: The Goddess and her ganas fought a terrible battle with those great demons. Seeing the Goddess victorious in this battle, the gods were overjoyed and began to shower flowers from the sky.

Conclusion

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये महिषासुरसैन्यवधो नाम द्वितीयोऽध्यायः॥2॥

|| 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’, in the Devi Mahatmya, within the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana. ॥2॥

उवाच 1, श्लोकाः 68, एवम् 69, एवमादितः॥173 ॥

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