Durga Saptashati Chapter 5: The Dialogue between the Goddess and the Messenger

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 fifth chapter begins the last charitra. The gods praise the Goddess; hearing Chanda and Munda describe Ambika’s beauty, Shumbha sends a messenger to her, and the messenger returns disappointed.

Panchamo'dhyaya (॥ पञ्चमोऽध्यायः ॥)

Viniyoga (॥ विनियोगः ॥)

ॐ अस्य श्रीउत्तरचरित्रस्य रुद्र ऋषिः, महासरस्वती देवता, अनुष्टुप् छन्दः, भीमा शक्तिः, भ्रामरी बीजम्, सूर्यतत्त्वम्, सामवेदः स्वरूपम्, महासरस्वतीप्रीत्यर्थे उत्तरचरित्रपाठे विनियोगः।

Om Asya Shri-Uttara-Charitrasya Rudra Rishih, Mahasarasvati Devata, Anushtup Chhandah, Bhima Shaktih, Bhramari Bijam, Suryas Tattvam, Samavedah Svarupam, Mahasarasvati-Prityarthe Uttara-Charitra-Pathe Viniyogah |

Meaning: The rishi of the last (uttara) charitra is Lord Rudra, its deity is Mahasaraswati and its metre is Anushtup. Its shakti is Bhima, its bija is Bhramari, its tattva is Surya (the sun) and its nature is the Samaveda. The last charitra is recited to please Mahasaraswati.

Dhyanam (॥ ध्यानम् ॥)

ॐ घण्टाशूलहलानि शङ्खमुसले चक्रं धनुः सायकं हस्ताब्जैर्दधतीं घनान्तविलसच्छीतांशुतुल्यप्रभाम्। गौरीदेहसमुद्भवां त्रिजगतामाधारभूतां महा- पूर्वामत्र सरस्वतीमनुभजे शुम्भादिदैत्यार्दिनीम्॥

Om Ghanta-Shula-Halani Shankha-Musale Chakram Dhanuh Sayakam Hastabjair Dadhatim Ghananta-Vilasach Chhitamshu-Tulya-Prabham | Gauri-Deha-Samudbhavam Trijagatam Adharabhutam Maha- Purvamatra Sarasvatim Anubhaje Shumbhadi-Daityardinim ||

Meaning: I meditate on Goddess Mahasaraswati, who holds in her hands a bell, a trident, a plough, a conch, a mace, a discus, a bow and arrows. Her radiance is like the moon shining among the clouds. She emerged from the body of Gauri, she is the support of the three worlds, and she destroys Shumbha and the other demons.

Verses

Rishir Uvacha

Verse 1

"ॐ क्लीं" ऋषिरुवाच॥1॥

"Om Kleem" Rishiruvacha || 1 ||

Meaning: The sage says:

Verse 2

पुरा शुम्भनिशुम्भाभ्यामसुराभ्यां शचीपतेः। त्रैलोक्यं यज्ञभागाश्च हृता मदबलाश्रयात्॥2॥

Pura Shumbha-Nishumbhabhyam Asurabhyam Shachipateh | Trailokyam Yajnabhagash Cha Hrita Mada-Balashrayat || 2 ||

Meaning: Long ago, the two demons named Shumbha and Nishumbha, relying on their pride and strength, seized Indra’s rule over the three worlds and the shares of the yajna that belonged to the gods.

Verse 3

तावेव सूर्यतां तद्वदधिकारं तथैन्दवम्। कौबेरमथ याम्यं च चक्राते वरुणस्य च॥3॥

Taveva Suryatam Tadvad Adhikaram Tathaindavam | Kauberamatha Yamyam Cha Chakrate Varunasya Cha || 3 ||

Meaning: The two demons also took into their own hands the powers of the Sun, the Moon and Kubera, and those of Yama and Varuna.

Verse 4

तावेव पवनर्द्धिं च चक्रतुर्वह्निकर्म च।* ततो देवा विनिर्धूता भ्रष्टराज्याः पराजिताः॥4॥

Taveva Pavanarddhim Cha Chakratur Vahnikarma Cha | Tato Deva Vinirdhuta Bhrashta-Rajyah Parajitah || 4 ||

Meaning: They also took over the powers of Vayu and the work of Agni. In this way the gods were driven from their places, lost their kingdoms and were defeated.

Verse 5

हृताधिकारास्त्रिदशास्ताभ्यां सर्वे निराकृताः। महासुराभ्यां तां देवीं संस्मरन्त्यपराजिताम्॥5॥

Hritadhikaras Tridashas Tabhyam Sarve Nirakritah | Mahasurabhyam Tam Devim Samsmaranty Aparajitam || 5 ||

Meaning: Shumbha and Nishumbha seized the powers of all the gods. Then the gods remembered the invincible Goddess who had earlier granted them the boon of saving them in times of trouble.

Verse 6

तयास्माकं वरो दत्तो यथाऽऽपत्सु स्मृताखिलाः। भवतां नाशयिष्यामि तत्क्षणात्परमापदः॥6॥

Tayasmakam Varo Datto Yatha''patsu Smritakhilah | Bhavatam Nashayishyami Tat-Kshanat Paramapadah || 6 ||

Meaning: “The Goddess gave us the boon that whenever we remember her in any great danger, she will at that very moment remove all our great troubles.”

Verse 7

इति कृत्वा मतिं देवा हिमवन्तं नगेश्वरम्। जग्मुस्तत्र ततो देवीं विष्णुमायां प्रतुष्टुवुः॥7॥

Iti Kritva Matim Deva Himavantam Nageshvaram | Jagmustatra Tato Devim Vishnumayam Pratushtuvuh || 7 ||

Meaning: Thinking this, all the gods went to the Himalaya, king of mountains, and there began to praise the Goddess who is the power of Lord Vishnu.

Deva Uchuh

Verse 8

देवा ऊचुः॥8॥

Deva Uchuh || 8 ||

Meaning: The gods said:

Verse 9

नमो देव्यै महादेव्यै शिवायै सततं नमः। नमः प्रकृत्यै भद्रायै नियताः प्रणताः स्म ताम्॥9॥

Namo Devyai Mahadevyai Shivayai Satatam Namah | Namah Prakrityai Bhadrayai Niyatah Pranatah Sma Tam || 9 ||

Meaning: Salutations again and again to the Goddess who is the great power, the bestower of well-being and the primordial nature of all creation. We bow before her with complete faith.

Verse 10

रौद्रायै नमो नित्यायै गौर्यै धात्र्यै नमो नमः। ज्योत्स्नायै चेन्दुरूपिण्यै सुखायै सततं नमः॥10॥

Raudrayai Namo Nityayai Gauryai Dhatryai Namo Namah | Jyotsnayai Chendu-Rupinyai Sukhayai Satatam Namah || 10 ||

Meaning: Salutations to the Goddess of fierce form, the eternal one, Gauri, who upholds the world. Salutations again and again to the Goddess who is bright like moonlight and who gives happiness.

Verse 11

कल्याण्यै प्रणतां वृद्ध्यै सिद्ध्यै कुर्मो नमो नमः।* नैर्ऋत्यै भूभृतां लक्ष्म्यै शर्वाण्यै ते नमो नमः॥11॥

Kalyanyai Pranatam Vriddhyai Siddhyai Kurmo Namo Namah | Nairrityai Bhubhritam Lakshmyai Sharvanyai Te Namo Namah || 11 ||

Meaning: We bow to the Goddess who brings well-being, prosperity and success. Salutations again and again to the Goddess who dwells in the mountains as Lakshmi and who is the power of Lord Shiva.

Verse 12

दुर्गायै दुर्गपारायै सारायै सर्वकारिण्यै। ख्यात्यै तथैव कृष्णायै धूम्रायै सततं नमः॥12॥

Durgayai Durgaparayai Sarayai Sarva-Karinyai | Khyatyai Tathaiva Krishnayai Dhumrayai Satatam Namah || 12 ||

Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Durga, who carries us across difficulties, who is the root of all actions and who is renowned in the world. Salutations again and again to the Goddess of dark and smoky form as well.

Verse 13

अतिसौम्यातिरौद्रायै नतास्तस्यै नमो नमः। नमो जगत्प्रतिष्ठायै देव्यै कृत्यै नमो नमः॥13॥

Atisaumyatiraudrayai Natastasyai Namo Namah | Namo Jagat-Pratishthayai Devyai Krityai Namo Namah || 13 ||

Meaning: Salutations to the Goddess who takes both the most gentle and the most terrifying forms. Salutations again and again to the Goddess who is the support of the whole world and who brings all actions to completion.

Verses 14–16

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विष्णुमायेति शब्दिता। नमस्तस्यै॥14॥ नमस्तस्यै॥15॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥16॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Vishnumayeti Shabdita | Namastasyai || 14 || Namastasyai || 15 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 16 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as the maya of Vishnu — salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her again and again.

Verses 17–19

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु चेतनेत्यभिधीयते। नमस्तस्यै॥17॥ नमस्तस्यै॥18॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥19॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Chetanety Abhidhiyate | Namastasyai || 17 || Namastasyai || 18 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 19 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who is present in all beings as consciousness, that is, as life and awareness — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 20–22

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै॥20॥ नमस्तस्यै॥21॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥22॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Buddhirupena Samsthita | Namastasyai || 20 || Namastasyai || 21 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 22 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as intelligence — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 23–25

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै॥23॥ नमस्तस्यै॥24॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥25॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Nidrarupena Samsthita | Namastasyai || 23 || Namastasyai || 24 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 25 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as sleep — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 26–28

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु क्षुधारूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै॥26॥ नमस्तस्यै॥27॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥28॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kshudha-Rupena Samsthita | Namastasyai || 26 || Namastasyai || 27 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 28 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as hunger — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 29–31

या देवी सर्वभूतेषुच्छायारूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥29॥ नमस्तस्यै॥30॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥31॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshuch Chhaya-Rupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 29 || Namastasyai || 30 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 31 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as shadow — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 32–34

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥32॥ नमस्तस्यै॥33॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥34॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shaktirupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 32 || Namastasyai || 33 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 34 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as power (shakti) — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 35–37

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तृष्णारूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥35॥ नमस्तस्यै॥36॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥37॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Trishna-Rupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 35 || Namastasyai || 36 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 37 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as desire and thirst — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 38–40

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु क्षान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥38॥ नमस्तस्यै॥39॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥40॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kshanti-Rupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 38 || Namastasyai || 39 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 40 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as forgiveness and forbearance — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 41–43

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु जातिरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥41॥ नमस्तस्यै॥42॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥43॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Jatirupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 41 || Namastasyai || 42 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 43 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as their different births and kinds (jati) — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 44–46

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लज्जारूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥44॥ नमस्तस्यै॥45॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥46॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Lajjarupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 44 || Namastasyai || 45 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 46 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as modesty — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 47–49

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥47॥ नमस्तस्यै॥48॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥49॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shantirupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 47 || Namastasyai || 48 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 49 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as peace — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 50–52

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु श्रद्धारूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥50॥ नमस्तस्यै॥51॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥52॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shraddha-Rupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 50 || Namastasyai || 51 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 52 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as faith — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 53–55

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु कान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥53॥ नमस्तस्यै॥54॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥55॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Kantirupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 53 || Namastasyai || 54 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 55 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as beauty and radiance — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 56–58

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लक्ष्मीरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥56॥ नमस्तस्यै॥57॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥58॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Lakshmi-Rupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 56 || Namastasyai || 57 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 58 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as Lakshmi, that is, as happiness, prosperity and auspiciousness — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 59–61

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु वृत्तिरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥59॥ नमस्तस्यै॥60॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥61॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Vrittirupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 59 || Namastasyai || 60 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 61 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as the livelihood and order that sustain life — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 62–64

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु स्मृतिरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥62॥ नमस्तस्यै॥63॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥64॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Smritirupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 62 || Namastasyai || 63 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 64 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as memory, the power to remember — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 65–67

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु दयारूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥65॥ नमस्तस्यै॥66॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥67॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Dayarupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 65 || Namastasyai || 66 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 67 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as compassion — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 68–70

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तुष्टिरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥68॥ नमस्तस्यै॥69॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥70॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Tushtirupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 68 || Namastasyai || 69 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 70 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as contentment — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 71–73

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥71॥ नमस्तस्यै॥72॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥73॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Matrirupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 71 || Namastasyai || 72 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 73 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings as the Mother — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 74–76

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु भ्रान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता॥ नमस्तस्यै॥74॥ नमस्तस्यै॥75॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥76॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Bhranti-Rupena Samsthita || Namastasyai || 74 || Namastasyai || 75 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 76 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides in all beings even as delusion, the confusion about right and wrong — salutations to her again and again.

Verse 77

इन्द्रियाणामधिष्ठात्री भूतानां चाखिलेषु या। भूतेषु सततं तस्यै व्याप्तिदेव्यै नमो नमः॥77॥

Indriyanam Adhishthatri Bhutanam Chakhileshu Ya | Bhuteshu Satatam Tasyai Vyaptidevyai Namo Namah || 77 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who governs the power of the senses of all beings and who pervades all beings — salutations to her again and again.

Verses 78–80

चितिरूपेण या कृत्स्नमेतद् व्याप्य स्थिता जगत्। नमस्तस्यै॥78॥ नमस्तस्यै॥79॥ नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥80॥

Chitirupena Ya Kritsnametad Vyapya Sthita Jagat | Namastasyai || 78 || Namastasyai || 79 || Namastasyai Namo Namah || 80 ||

Meaning: To the Goddess who abides pervading the whole world as consciousness — salutations to her again and again.

Verse 81

स्तुता सुरैः पूर्वमभीष्टसंश्रयात्तथा सुरेन्द्रेण दिनेषु सेविता। करोतु सा नः शुभहेतुरीश्वरी शुभानि भद्राण्यभिहन्तु चापदः॥81॥

Stuta Suraih Purvam Abhishta-Samshrayat Tatha Surendrena Dineshu Sevita | Karotu Sa Nah Shubhahetur Ishvari Shubhani Bhadrany Abhihantu Chapadah || 81 ||

Meaning: May the Goddess, ruler of the world, whom the gods once praised for the fulfilment of their wishes and whom Indra too served, be the cause of auspicious deeds for us and remove all our calamities.

Verse 82

या साम्प्रतं चोद्धतदैत्यतापितैरस्माभिरीशा च सुरैर्नमस्यते। या च स्मृता तत्क्षणमेव हन्ति नः सर्वापदो भक्तिविनम्रमूर्तिभिः॥82॥

Ya Sampratam Choddhata-Daitya-Tapitair Asmabhir Isha Cha Surair Namasyate | Ya Cha Smrita Tat-Kshanam Eva Hanti Nah Sarvapado Bhakti-Vinamra-Murtibhih || 82 ||

Meaning: May the Goddess, who is now being worshipped with faith by us gods as we are tormented by Shumbha and the other demons, save us from all dangers — she who removes all our troubles the very moment she is remembered with devotion.

Rishir Uvacha

Verse 83

ऋषिरुवाच॥83॥

Rishiruvacha || 83 ||

Meaning: The sage says:

Verse 84

एवं स्तवादियुक्तानां देवानां तत्र पार्वती। स्नातुमभ्याययौ तोये जाह्नव्या नृपनन्दन॥84॥

Evam Stavadi-Yuktanam Devanam Tatra Parvati | Snatum Abhyayayau Toye Jahnavya Nripanandana || 84 ||

Meaning: O Prince! While the gods were praising the Goddess in this way, Goddess Parvati came there to bathe in the waters of the Ganga.

Verse 85

साब्रवीत्तान् सुरान् सुभ्रूर्भवद्भिः स्तूयतेऽत्र का। शरीरकोशतश्चास्याः समुद्भूताब्रवीच्छिवा॥85॥

Sabravittan Suran Subhrur Bhavadbhih Stuyate'tra Ka | Sharira-Koshatash Chasyah Samudbhutabravich Chhiva || 85 ||

Meaning: Parvati, of the beautiful brows, asked the gods: “Which goddess are you praising here?” At that very moment, another Goddess emerged from the sheath (kosha) of her body and said that the gods were praising her.

Verse 86

स्तोत्रं ममैतत् क्रियते शुम्भदैत्यनिराकृतैः। देवैः समेतैः समरे निशुम्भेन पराजितैः॥86॥*

Stotram Mamaitat Kriyate Shumbha-Daitya-Nirakritaih | Devaih Sametaih Samare Nishumbhena Parajitaih || 86 ||

Meaning: She said that all these gods, defeated in battle by Shumbha and Nishumbha and troubled by them, were praising her.

Verse 87

शरीर*कोशाद्यत्तस्याः पार्वत्या निःसृताम्बिका। कौशिकीति समस्तेषु ततो लोकेषु गीयते॥87॥*

Sharira-Koshad Yat Tasyah Parvatya Nihsritambika | Kaushikiti Samasteshu Tato Lokeshu Giyate || 87 ||

Meaning: The Goddess who emerged from the sheath of Parvati’s body was named Kaushiki, and she became famous in all the worlds as Goddess Kaushiki.

Verse 88

तस्यां विनिर्गतायां तु कृष्णाभूत्सापि पार्वती। कालिकेति समाख्याता हिमाचलकृताश्रया॥88॥

Tasyam Vinirgatayam Tu Krishnabhut Sapi Parvati | Kaliketi Samakhyata Himachala-Kritashraya || 88 ||

Meaning: After Kaushiki came out of Parvati’s body, Parvati’s body became dark. She then became famous by the name Kalika and made her dwelling in the Himalaya.

Verse 89

ततोऽम्बिकां परं रूपं बिभ्राणां सुमनोहरम्। ददर्श चण्डो मुण्डश्च भृत्यौ शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः॥89॥

Tato'mbikam Param Rupam Bibhranam Sumanoharam | Dadarsha Chando Mundashcha Bhrityau Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh || 89 ||

Meaning: After this, Chanda and Munda, the servants of Shumbha and Nishumbha, saw Goddess Ambika in her supremely beautiful form.

Verse 90

ताभ्यां शुम्भाय चाख्याता अतीव सुमनोहरा। काप्यास्ते स्त्री महाराज भासयन्ती हिमाचलम्॥90॥

Tabhyam Shumbhaya Chakhyata Ativa Sumanohara | Kapyaste Stri Maharaja Bhasayanti Himachalam || 90 ||

Meaning: Chanda and Munda said to Shumbha: “O great King! There is a woman of surpassing beauty there who lights up the Himalaya with her radiance.

Verse 91

नैव तादृक् क्वचिद्रूपं दृष्टं केनचिदुत्तमम्। ज्ञायतां काप्यसौ देवी गृह्यतां चासुरेश्वर॥91॥

Naiva Tadrik Kvachidrupam Drishtam Kenachid Uttamam | Jnayatam Kapyasau Devi Grihyatam Chasureshvara || 91 ||

Meaning: “We have never seen such beauty anywhere else. O King of the asuras! Find out who this Goddess is and bring her to you.

Verse 92

स्त्रीरत्नमतिचार्वङ्गी द्योतयन्ती दिशस्त्विषा। सा तु तिष्ठति दैत्येन्द्र तां भवान् द्रष्टुमर्हति॥92॥

Striratnam Ati-Charvangi Dyotayanti Dishastvisha | Sa Tu Tishthati Daityendra Tam Bhavan Drashtum Arhati || 92 ||

Meaning: “O King of the demons! That woman of exquisite form is lighting up all four directions with her radiance. You should go yourself and see that Goddess.

Verse 93

यानि रत्नानि मणयो गजाश्वादीनि वै प्रभो। त्रैलोक्ये तु समस्तानि साम्प्रतं भान्ति ते गृहे॥93॥

Yani Ratnani Manayo Gajashvadini Vai Prabho | Trailokye Tu Samastani Sampratam Bhanti Te Grihe || 93 ||

Meaning: “O master! All the finest jewels, gems, elephants, horses and other treasures in the three worlds are now in your house.

Verse 94

ऐरावतः समानीतो गजरत्नं पुरन्दरात्। पारिजाततरुश्चायं तथैवोच्चैःश्रवा हयः॥94॥

Airavatah Samanito Gajaratnam Purandarat | Parijata-Tarush Chayam Tathaivochchaihshrava Hayah || 94 ||

Meaning: “Airavata, Indra’s finest elephant, has been brought to you. The Parijata tree and the finest horse, named Uchchaihshravas, are also yours.

Verse 95

विमानं हंससंयुक्तमेतत्तिष्ठति तेऽङ्गणे। रत्नभूतमिहानीतं यदासीद्वेधसोऽद्भुतम्॥95॥

Vimanam Hamsa-Samyuktam Etat Tishthati Te'ngane | Ratnabhutam Ihanitam Yad Asid Vedhaso'dbhutam || 95 ||

Meaning: “Brahma’s wondrous aerial chariot, drawn by swans, also stands in your courtyard, brought to you like a great jewel.

Verse 96

निधिरेष महापद्मः समानीतो धनेश्वरात्। किञ्जल्किनीं ददौ चाब्धिर्मालामम्लानपङ्कजाम्॥96॥

Nidhiresha Mahapadmah Samanito Dhaneshvarat | Kinjalkinim Dadau Chabdhir Malam Amlana-Pankajam || 96 ||

Meaning: “The great treasure named Mahapadma has also been brought from Kubera. The Ocean has given you a garland of never-fading lotuses.

Verse 97

छत्रं ते वारुणं गेहे काञ्चनस्रावि तिष्ठति। तथायं स्यन्दनवरो यः पुराऽऽसीत्प्रजापतेः॥97॥

Chhatram Te Varunam Gehe Kanchana-Sravi Tishthati | Tathayam Syandanavaro Yah Pura''sit Prajapateh || 97 ||

Meaning: “Varuna’s umbrella, which rains gold, is in your house. Prajapati’s finest chariot is also now yours.

Verse 98

मृत्योरुत्क्रान्तिदा नाम शक्तिरीश त्वया हृता। पाशः सलिलराजस्य भ्रातुस्तव परिग्रहे॥98॥

Mrityor Utkrantida Nama Shaktirisha Tvaya Hrita | Pashah Salila-Rajasya Bhratustava Parigrahe || 98 ||

Meaning: “O master! You have also obtained the power that frees one from the bonds of death. The noose of Varuna, lord of the waters, is also in your possession.

Verse 99

निशुम्भस्याब्धिजाताश्च समस्ता रत्नजातयः। वह्निरपि ददौ तुभ्यमग्निशौचे च वाससी॥99॥*

Nishumbhasyabdhi-Jatash Cha Samasta Ratnajatayah | Vahnirapi Dadau Tubhyam Agnishauche Cha Vasasi || 99 ||

Meaning: “Nishumbha has every kind of jewel born of the ocean. Agni too has given you garments as pure and shining as fire.

Verse 100

एवं दैत्येन्द्र रत्नानि समस्तान्याहृतानि ते। स्त्रीरत्नमेषा कल्याणी त्वया कस्मान्न गृह्यते॥100॥

Evam Daityendra Ratnani Samastany Ahritani Te | Striratnam Esha Kalyani Tvaya Kasmanna Grihyate || 100 ||

Meaning: “O King of the demons! In this way, all the finest treasures of the world have come to you. This beautiful and auspicious Goddess is herself a priceless jewel among women — so why do you not bring her to you?”

Rishir Uvacha

Verse 101

ऋषिरुवाच॥101॥

Rishiruvacha || 101 ||

Meaning: The sage says:

Verse 102

निशम्येति वचः शुम्भः स तदा चण्डमुण्डयोः। प्रेषयामास सुग्रीवं दूतं देव्या महासुरम्॥102॥*

Nishamyeti Vachah Shumbhah Sa Tada Chanda-Mundayoh | Preshayamasa Sugrivam Dutam Devya Mahasuram || 102 ||

Meaning: Hearing these words of Chanda and Munda, Shumbha sent a mighty asura named Sugriva to the Goddess as his messenger.

Verse 103

इति चेति च वक्तव्या सा गत्वा वचनान्मम। यथा चाभ्येति सम्प्रीत्या तथा कार्यं त्वया लघु॥103॥

Iti Cheti Cha Vaktavya Sa Gatva Vachananmama | Yatha Chabhyeti Sampritya Tatha Karyam Tvaya Laghu || 103 ||

Meaning: Shumbha said to the messenger: “Give my message to the Goddess and persuade her in such a way that she comes to us gladly. Get this done quickly.”

Verse 104

स तत्र गत्वा यत्रास्ते शैलोद्देशेऽतिशोभने। सा देवी तां ततः प्राह श्लक्ष्णं मधुरया गिरा॥104॥*

Sa Tatra Gatva Yatraste Shailoddeshe'tishobhane | Sa Devi Tam Tatah Praha Shlakshnam Madhuraya Gira || 104 ||

Meaning: The messenger reached the beautiful mountain place where the Goddess was seated. Then the Goddess spoke with him in a calm and sweet voice.

Duta Uvacha

दूत उवाच॥105॥

Duta Uvacha || 105 ||

Meaning: The messenger said:

Verse 106

देवि दैत्येश्वरः शुम्भस्त्रैलोक्ये परमेश्वरः। दूतोऽहं प्रेषितस्तेन त्वत्सकाशमिहागतः॥106॥

Devi Daityeshvarah Shumbhas Trailokye Parameshvarah | Duto'ham Preshitas Tena Tvat-Sakasham Ihagatah || 106 ||

Meaning: “O Goddess! Shumbha, the King of the demons, is the supreme lord of the three worlds. It is he who has sent me to you as his messenger.

Verse 107

अव्याहताज्ञः सर्वासु देवयोनिषु। निर्जिताखिलदैत्यारिः स यदाह शृणुष्व तत्॥107॥

Avyahatajnah Sarvasu Devayonishu | Nirjitakhila-Daityarih Sa Yadaha Shrinushva Tat || 107 ||

Meaning: “His command runs unchecked through all the divine powers and all the worlds. He has defeated all his enemies. Now hear what he has said.

Verse 108

मम त्रैलोक्यमखिलं मम देवा वशानुगाः। यज्ञभागानहं सर्वानुपाश्नामि पृथक् पृथक्॥108॥

Mama Trailokyam Akhilam Mama Deva Vashanugah | Yajnabhagan Aham Sarvan Upashnami Prithak Prithak || 108 ||

Meaning: “He says: ‘The three worlds are under my rule, and all the gods are subject to me. All the shares of the yajna come to me alone, each separately.

Verse 109

त्रैलोक्ये वररत्नानि मम वश्यान्यशेषतः। तथैव गजरत्नं च हृत्वा देवेन्द्रवाहनम्॥109॥**

Trailokye Vararatnani Mama Vashyany Asheshatah | Tathaiva Gajaratnam Cha Hritva Devendra-Vahanam || 109 ||

Meaning: “ ‘All the finest jewels of the three worlds are in my possession. I have also taken possession of the finest elephant of Indra, king of the gods.

Verse 110

क्षीरोदमथनोद्भूतमश्वरत्नं ममामरैः। उच्चैःश्रवससंज्ञं तत्प्रणिपत्य समर्पितम्॥110॥

Kshiroda-Mathanodbhutam Ashvaratnam Mamamaraih | Uchchaihshravasa-Sanjnam Tat Pranipatya Samarpitam || 110 ||

Meaning: “ ‘The gods have bowed to me and handed over Uchchaihshravas, the finest horse, which came forth from the churning of the ocean.

Verse 111

यानि चान्यानि देवेषु गन्धर्वेषूरगेषु च। रत्नभूतानि भूतानि तानि मय्येव शोभने॥111॥

Yani Chanyani Deveshu Gandharveshurageshu Cha | Ratnabhutani Bhutani Tani Mayyeva Shobhane || 111 ||

Meaning: “ ‘All the priceless things that belonged to the gods, the gandharvas and the nagas are now in my possession.

Verse 112

स्त्रीरत्नभूतां त्वां देवि लोके मन्यामहे वयम्। सा त्वमस्मानुपागच्छ यतो रत्नभुजो वयम्॥112॥

Striratna-Bhutam Tvam Devi Loke Manyamahe Vayam | Sa Tvam Asman Upagachchha Yato Ratnabhujo Vayam || 112 ||

Meaning: “ ‘O Goddess! We regard you as the most precious woman in the world. So come to us, for all the finest jewels belong to us.

Verse 113

मां वा ममानुजं वापि निशुम्भमुरुविक्रमम्। भज त्वं च चञ्चलापाङ्गि रत्नभूतासि वै यतः॥113॥

Mam Va Mamanujam Vapi Nishumbham Uruvikramam | Bhaja Tvam Cha Chanchalapangi Ratnabhutasi Vai Yatah || 113 ||

Meaning: “ ‘O Goddess of beautiful eyes! You may choose as your husband either me or my mighty younger brother Nishumbha, for you yourself are like a priceless jewel.

Verse 114

परमैश्वर्यमतुलं प्राप्स्यसे मत्परिग्रहात्। एतद् बुद्ध्या समालोच्य मत्परिग्रहतां व्रज॥114॥

Paramaishvaryam Atulam Prapsyase Mat-Parigrahat | Etad Buddhya Samalochya Mat-Parigrahatam Vraja || 114 ||

Meaning: “ ‘If you accept me, you will receive boundless and unequalled splendour. So think it over and agree to become my wife.’ ”

Rishir Uvacha

Verse 115

ऋषिरुवाच॥115॥

Rishiruvacha || 115 ||

Meaning: The sage says:

Verse 116

इत्युक्ता सा तदा देवी गम्भीरान्तःस्मिता जगौ। दुर्गा भगवती भद्रा ययेदं धार्यते जगत्॥116॥

Ityukta Sa Tada Devi Gambhirantah-Smita Jagau | Durga Bhagavati Bhadra Yayedam Dharyate Jagat || 116 ||

Meaning: Hearing the messenger’s words, Bhagavati Durga, who upholds the world, replied gravely, with a gentle smile.

Devyuvacha

Verse 117

देव्युवाच॥117॥

Devyuvacha || 117 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said:

Verse 118

सत्यमुक्तं त्वया नात्र मिथ्या किञ्चित्त्वयोदितम्। त्रैलोक्याधिपतिः शुम्भो निशुम्भश्चापि तादृशः॥118॥

Satyamuktam Tvaya Natra Mithya Kinchit Tvayoditam | Trailokyadhipatih Shumbho Nishumbhash Chapi Tadrishah || 118 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said: “There is no untruth in what you have said. Shumbha is indeed the lord of the three worlds, and Nishumbha too is very powerful.

Verse 119

किं त्वत्र यत्प्रतिज्ञातं मिथ्या तत्क्रियते कथम्। श्रूयतामल्पबुद्धित्वात्प्रतिज्ञा या कृता पुरा॥119॥

Kim Tvatra Yat Pratijnatam Mithya Tatkriyate Katham | Shruyatam Alpabuddhitvat Pratijna Ya Krita Pura || 119 ||

Meaning: “But how can I make false the vow I made earlier? Hear that vow of mine, which I made long ago without fully thinking it through.

Verse 120

यो मां जयति सङ्ग्रामे यो मे दर्पं व्यपोहति। यो मे प्रतिबलो लोके स मे भर्ता भविष्यति॥120॥

Yo Mam Jayati Sangrame Yo Me Darpam Vyapohati | Yo Me Pratibalo Loke Sa Me Bharta Bhavishyati || 120 ||

Meaning: “He who defeats me in battle, who breaks my pride, and who is equal to me in strength in this world — he alone shall be my husband.

Verse 121

तदागच्छतु शुम्भोऽत्र निशुम्भो वा महासुरः। मां जित्वा किं चिरेणात्र पाणिं गृह्णातु मे लघु॥121॥

Tad Agachchhatu Shumbho'tra Nishumbho Va Mahasurah | Mam Jitva Kim Chirenatra Panim Grihnatu Me Laghu || 121 ||

Meaning: “So let either Shumbha or Nishumbha come here, defeat me in battle and take my hand without delay.”

Duta Uvacha

दूत उवाच॥122॥

Duta Uvacha || 122 ||

Meaning: The messenger said:

Verse 123

अवलिप्तासि मैवं त्वं देवि ब्रूहि ममाग्रतः। त्रैलोक्ये कः पुमांस्तिष्ठेदग्रे शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः॥123॥

Avaliptasi Maivam Tvam Devi Bruhi Mamagratah | Trailokye Kah Pumams Tishthed Agre Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh || 123 ||

Meaning: The messenger said: “O Goddess! Do not be so proud. Tell me, who is there in the three worlds who can stand before Shumbha and Nishumbha?

Verse 124

अन्येषामपि दैत्यानां सर्वे देवा न वै युधि। तिष्ठन्ति सम्मुखे देवि किं पुनः स्त्री त्वमेकिका॥124॥

Anyeshamapi Daityanam Sarve Deva Na Vai Yudhi | Tishthanti Sammukhe Devi Kim Punah Stri Tvamekika || 124 ||

Meaning: “O Goddess! In battle, even the gods could not stand before the other demons. How then can you, a woman alone, stand before Shumbha and Nishumbha?

Verse 125

इन्द्राद्याः सकला देवास्तस्थुर्येषां न संयुगे। शुम्भादीनां कथं तेषां स्त्री प्रयास्यसि सम्मुखम्॥125॥

Indradyah Sakala Devas Tasthur Yesham Na Samyuge | Shumbhadinam Katham Tesham Stri Prayasyasi Sammukham || 125 ||

Meaning: “How can you go alone before Shumbha and Nishumbha, before whom not even Indra and all the gods could stand in battle?

Verse 126

सा त्वं गच्छ मयैवोक्ता पार्श्वं शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः। केशाकर्षणनिर्धूतगौरवा मा गमिष्यसि॥126॥

Sa Tvam Gachchha Mayaivokta Parshvam Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh | Keshakarshana-Nirdhuta-Gaurava Ma Gamishyasi || 126 ||

Meaning: “Take my advice and go to Shumbha and Nishumbha, lest your honour be taken from you in battle and you be carried off by force.”

Devyuvacha

Verse 127

देव्युवाच॥127॥

Devyuvacha || 127 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said:

Verse 128

एवमेतद् बली शुम्भो निशुम्भश्चातिवीर्यवान्। किं करोमि प्रतिज्ञा मे यदनालोचिता पुरा॥128॥

Evametad Bali Shumbho Nishumbhash Chativiryavan | Kim Karomi Pratijna Me Yad Analochita Pura || 128 ||

Meaning: The Goddess said: “What you say is true. Shumbha is very powerful and Nishumbha too is most valiant. But how can I now change the vow I have already made?

Verse 129

स त्वं गच्छ मयोक्तं ते यदेतत्सर्वमादृतः। तदाचक्ष्वासुरेन्द्राय स च युक्तं करोतु तत्॥ॐ॥129॥*

Sa Tvam Gachchha Mayoktam Te Yad Etat Sarvam Adritah | Tad Achakshvasurendraya Sa Cha Yuktam Karotu Tat || Om || 129 ||

Meaning: “Now go from here and tell all that I have said to your king of the asuras, Shumbha. After that, let him do as he thinks fit.”

Conclusion

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये देव्या दूतसंवादो नाम पञ्चमोऽध्यायः॥5॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Devya Dutasamvado Nama Panchamo'dhyayah || 5 ||

Meaning: Thus ends the fifth chapter, named ‘The Dialogue between the Goddess and the Messenger’, in the Devi Mahatmya, within the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana. ॥5॥