Durga Saptashati Chapter 8: The Slaying of Raktabija

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 eighth chapter describes the slaying of Raktabija.

Ashtamo'dhyaya (॥ अष्टमोऽध्यायः ॥)

Dhyanam (॥ ध्यानम् ॥)

ॐ अरुणां करुणातरङ्गिताक्षीं धृतपाशाङ्कुशबाणचापहस्ताम्। अणिमादिभिरावृतां मयूखै- रहमित्येव विभावये भवानीम्॥

Om Arunam Karuna-Tarangitakshim Dhrita-Pashankusha-Bana-Chapa-Hastam | Animadibhir Avritam Mayukhai- Rahamityeva Vibhavaye Bhavanim ||

Meaning: I meditate on Mother Bhavani, whose complexion is reddish and whose eyes are full of compassion. In her hands are the noose, the goad, the arrow and the bow. She is surrounded by divine powers such as Anima and shines with her own radiance.

Verses

Rishir Uvacha

Verse 1

"ॐ" ऋषिरुवाच॥1॥

"Om" Rishiruvacha || 1 ||

Meaning: The sage says:

Verse 2

चण्डे च निहते दैत्ये मुण्डे च विनिपातिते। बहुलेषु च सैन्येषु क्षयितेष्वसुरेश्वरः॥2॥

Chande Cha Nihate Daitye Munde Cha Vinipatite | Bahuleshu Cha Sainyeshu Kshayiteshv Asureshvarah || 2 ||

Meaning: When both the asuras Chanda and Munda had been slain and the very large army of the asuras had also been destroyed, Shumbha, the King of the asuras, became very angry.

Verse 3

ततः कोपपराधीनचेताः शुम्भः प्रतापवान्। उद्योगं सर्वसैन्यानां दैत्यानामादिदेश ह॥3॥

Tatah Kopa-Paradhina-Chetah Shumbhah Pratapavan | Udyogam Sarva-Sainyanam Daityanam Adidesha Ha || 3 ||

Meaning: Consumed by rage, the mighty Shumbha ordered all the asura armies to prepare for battle.

Verse 4

अद्य सर्वबलैर्दैत्याः षडशीतिरुदायुधाः। कम्बूनां चतुरशीतिर्निर्यान्तु स्वबलैर्वृताः॥4॥

Adya Sarva-Balair Daityah Shadashitir Udayudhah | Kambunam Chaturashitir Niryantu Svabalair Vritah || 4 ||

Meaning: Shumbha commanded that eighty-six kinds of great asura armies and the eighty-four Kambu battalions set out for battle with their soldiers and weapons.

Verse 5

कोटिवीर्याणि पञ्चाशदसुराणां कुलानि वै। शतं कुलानि धौम्राणां निर्गच्छन्तु ममाज्ञया॥5॥

Kotiviryani Panchashad Asuranam Kulani Vai | Shatam Kulani Dhaumranam Nirgachchhantu Mamajnaya || 5 ||

Meaning: He also ordered the fifty crore (five hundred million) mighty asura troops and the hundred divisions of the asuras named Dhaumra to set out for battle at his command.

Verse 6

कालका दौर्हृदा मौर्याः कालकेयास्तथासुराः। युद्धाय सज्जा निर्यान्तु आज्ञया त्वरिता मम॥6॥

Kalaka Daurhrida Mauryah Kalakeyas Tathasurah | Yuddhaya Sajja Niryantu Ajnaya Tvarita Mama || 6 ||

Meaning: “Let all the asuras named Kalaka, Daurhrida, Maurya and Kalakeya also make ready at once and set out for battle at my command.”

Verse 7

इत्याज्ञाप्यासुरपतिः शुम्भो भैरवशासनः। निर्जगाम महासैन्यसहस्रैर्बहुभिर्वृतः॥7॥

Ity Ajnapyasurapatih Shumbho Bhairava-Shasanah | Nirjagama Mahasainya-Sahasrair Bahubhir Vritah || 7 ||

Meaning: Having given these orders, Shumbha, the King of the asuras, set out for battle, surrounded by a vast number of armies.

Verse 8

आयान्तं चण्डिका दृष्ट्वा तत्सैन्यमतिभीषणम्। ज्यास्वनैः पूरयामास धरणीगगनान्तरम्॥8॥

Ayantam Chandika Drishtva Tat Sainyam Atibhishanam | Jyasvanaih Purayamasa Dharani-Gaganantaram || 8 ||

Meaning: Goddess Chandika saw that terrible asura army coming towards her and, with the twang of her bow, filled the whole space between earth and sky with sound.

Verse 9

ततः सिंहों महानादमतीव कृतवान् नृप।* घण्टास्वनेन तन्नादमम्बिका चोपबृंहयत्॥9॥*

Tatah Simhom Mahanadam Ativa Kritavan Nripa | Ghanta-Svanena Tan Nadam Ambika Chopabrimhayat || 9 ||

Meaning: O King! Then the Goddess’s lion roared most terribly, and Goddess Ambika made that roar even louder with the loud ringing of her bell.

Verse 10

धनुर्ज्यासिंहघण्टानां नादापूरितदिङ्मुखा। निनादैर्भीषणैः काली जिग्ये विस्तारितानना॥10॥

Dhanur-Jya-Simha-Ghantanam Nada-Purita-Dinmukha | Ninadair Bhishanaih Kali Jigye Vistaritanana || 10 ||

Meaning: All the directions echoed with the twang of the bow, the roar of the lion and the sound of the bell. Goddess Kali too opened her mouth wide and made a terrible sound.

Verse 11

तं निनादमुपश्रुत्य दैत्यसैन्यैश्चतुर्दिशम्। देवी सिंहस्तथा काली सरोषैः परिवारिताः॥11॥

Tam Ninadam Upashrutya Daitya-Sainyaish Chaturdisham | Devi Simhastatha Kali Saroshaih Parivaritah || 11 ||

Meaning: Hearing that terrible sound, the armies of the asuras began to surround the Goddess, her lion and Goddess Kali from all sides.

Verse 12

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे भूप विनाशाय सुरद्विषाम्। भवायामरसिंहानामतिवीर्यबलान्विताः॥12॥

Etasminn Antare Bhupa Vinashaya Suradvisham | Bhavayamara-Simhanam Ativirya-Balanvitah || 12 ||

Meaning: O King! At that very moment, to destroy the enemies of the gods and to protect the gods, most powerful divine Shaktis began to appear there.

Verse 13

ब्रह्मेशगुहविष्णूनां तथेन्द्रस्य च शक्तयः। शरीरेभ्यो विनिष्क्रम्य तद्रूपैश्चण्डिकां ययुः॥13॥

Brahmesha-Guha-Vishnunam Tathendrasya Cha Shaktayah | Sharirebhyo Vinishkramya Tadrupaish Chandikam Yayuh || 13 ||

Meaning: The Shaktis of Brahma, Shiva, Kartikeya, Vishnu and Indra came forth from their bodies and, taking forms like their own, came to Goddess Chandika.

Verse 14

यस्य देवस्य यद्रूपं यथाभूषणवाहनम्। तद्वदेव हि तच्छक्तिरसुरान् योद्धुमाययौ॥14॥

Yasya Devasya Yadrupam Yatha-Bhushana-Vahanam | Tadvadeva Hi Tach Chhaktir Asuran Yoddhum Ayayau || 14 ||

Meaning: Whatever form, ornaments and mount each god had, his Shakti came with that same form, ornaments and mount to fight the asuras.

Verse 15

हंसयुक्तविमानाग्रे साक्षसूत्रकमण्डलुः। आयाता ब्रह्मणः शक्तिर्ब्रह्माणी साभिधीयते॥15॥

Hamsa-Yukta-Vimanagre Sakshasutra-Kamandaluh | Ayata Brahmanah Shaktir Brahmani Sabhidhiyate || 15 ||

Meaning: Brahmani, the Shakti of Brahma, came riding an aerial chariot drawn by swans. In her hands were a rosary and a kamandalu.

Verse 16

माहेश्वरी वृषारूढा त्रिशूलवरधारिणी। महाहिवलया प्राप्ता चन्द्ररेखाविभूषणा॥16॥

Maheshvari Vrisharudha Trishula-Vara-Dharini | Mahahivalaya Prapta Chandrarekha-Vibhushana || 16 ||

Meaning: Maheshvari, the Shakti of Lord Shiva, came riding a bull. She held a trident in her hand, great serpents adorned her body, and a crescent moon graced her head.

Verse 17

कौमारी शक्तिहस्ता च मयूरवरवाहना। योद्धुमभ्याययौ दैत्यानम्बिका गुहरूपिणी॥17॥

Kaumari Shaktihasta Cha Mayura-Vara-Vahana | Yoddhum Abhyayayau Daityan Ambika Guharupini || 17 ||

Meaning: Kaumari, the Shakti of Lord Kartikeya, came to fight the asuras holding the shakti weapon (spear) in her hand and riding an excellent peacock.

Verse 18

तथैव वैष्णवी शक्तिर्गरुडोपरि संस्थिता। शङ्खचक्रगदाशार्ङ्गखड्गहस्ताभ्युपाययौ॥18॥

Tathaiva Vaishnavi Shaktir Garudopari Samsthita | Shankha-Chakra-Gada-Sharnga-Khadga-Hastabhyupayayau || 18 ||

Meaning: Vaishnavi, the Shakti of Lord Vishnu, came riding Garuda. In her hands were the conch, discus, mace, Sharnga bow and sword.

Verse 19

यज्ञवाराहमतुलं रूपं या बिभ्रतो हरेः।** शक्तिः साप्याययौ तत्र वाराहीं बिभ्रती तनुम्॥19॥

Yajnavaraham Atulam Rupam Ya Bibhrato Hareh | Shaktih Sapyayayau Tatra Varahim Bibhrati Tanum || 19 ||

Meaning: Varahi, the Shakti of Lord Vishnu’s Varaha (boar) form, also came there. She had taken a body like that of a boar.

Verse 20

नारसिंही नृसिंहस्य बिभ्रती सदृशं वपुः। प्राप्ता तत्र सटाक्षेपक्षिप्तनक्षत्रसंहतिः॥20॥

Narasimhi Nrisimhasya Bibhrati Sadrisham Vapuh | Prapta Tatra Satakshepa-Kshipta-Nakshatra-Samhatih || 20 ||

Meaning: Narasimhi, the Shakti of Lord Narasimha, also came there. Her body was like that of Narasimha, and with the tossing of her mane it seemed as if even the stars of the sky were being scattered.

Verse 21

वज्रहस्ता तथैवैन्द्री गजराजोपरि स्थिता। प्राप्ता सहस्रनयना यथा शक्रस्तथैव सा॥21॥

Vajrahasta Tathaivaindri Gajarajopari Sthita | Prapta Sahasra-Nayana Yatha Shakras Tathaiva Sa || 21 ||

Meaning: Aindri, the Shakti of Indra, came holding the thunderbolt in her hand and riding an excellent elephant like Airavata. Like Indra, she too had a thousand eyes.

Verse 22

ततः परिवृतस्ताभिरीशानो देवशक्तिभिः। हन्यन्तामसुराः शीघ्रं मम प्रीत्याऽऽह चण्डिकाम्॥22॥

Tatah Parivritas Tabhir Ishano Deva-Shaktibhih | Hanyantam Asurah Shighram Mama Pritya''ha Chandikam || 22 ||

Meaning: Then Goddess Chandika was surrounded by all these divine Shaktis. She said: “For my pleasure, quickly destroy these asuras.”

Verse 23

ततो देवीशरीरात्तु विनिष्क्रान्तातिभीषणा। चण्डिकाशक्तिरत्युग्रा शिवाशतनिनादिनी॥23॥

Tato Devi-Sharirat Tu Vinishkrantati-Bhishana | Chandika-Shaktir Atyugra Shiva-Shata-Ninadini || 23 ||

Meaning: Then, from the body of Goddess Chandika, there emerged a most terrifying and powerful Shakti, whose fearsome cry echoed all around.

Verse 24

सा चाह धूम्रजटिलमीशानमपराजिता। दूत त्वं गच्छ भगवन् पार्श्वं शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः॥24॥

Sa Chaha Dhumrajatilam Ishanam Aparajita | Duta Tvam Gachchha Bhagavan Parshvam Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh || 24 ||

Meaning: That invincible Shakti said: “O Shiva! Go as my messenger to Shumbha and Nishumbha.

Verse 25

ब्रूहि शुम्भं निशुम्भं च दानवावतिगर्वितौ। ये चान्ये दानवास्तत्र युद्धाय समुपस्थिताः॥25॥

Bruhi Shumbham Nishumbham Cha Danavav Atigarvitau | Ye Chanye Danavastatra Yuddhaya Samupasthitah || 25 ||

Meaning: “Give my message to the arrogant Shumbha and Nishumbha and to all the other danavas who have come there to fight.

Verse 26

त्रैलोक्यमिन्द्रो लभतां देवाः सन्तु हविर्भुजः। यूयं प्रयात पातालं यदि जीवितुमिच्छथ॥26॥

Trailokyam Indro Labhatam Devah Santu Havirbhujah | Yuyam Prayata Patalam Yadi Jivitum Ichchhatha || 26 ||

Meaning: “ ‘Return to Indra his rule over the three worlds and let the gods receive their share of the yajna. If you wish to live, go to Patala (the netherworld).

Verse 27

बलावलेपादथ चेद्भवन्तो युद्धकाङ्क्षिणः। तदागच्छत तृप्यन्तु मच्छिवाः पिशितेन वः॥27॥

Balavalepad Atha Chedbhavanto Yuddha-Kankshinah | Tad Agachchhata Tripyantu Machchhivah Pishitena Vah || 27 ||

Meaning: “ ‘But if, out of pride in your strength, you wish to fight, then come and fight. Then my Shiva-ganas will feast on your flesh.’ ”

Verse 28

यतो नियुक्तो दौत्येन तया देव्या शिवः स्वयम्। शिवदूतीति लोकेऽस्मिंस्ततः सा ख्यातिमागता॥28॥

Yato Niyukto Dautyena Taya Devya Shivah Svayam | Shivadutiti Loke'smims Tatah Sa Khyatimagata || 28 ||

Meaning: Because the Goddess herself had sent Shiva as her messenger, that Goddess became famous in the world by the name ‘Shivaduti’.

Verse 29

तेऽपि श्रुत्वा वचो देव्याः शर्वाख्यातं महासुराः। अमर्षापूरिता जग्मुर्यत्र कात्यायनी स्थिता॥29॥*

Te'pi Shrutva Vacho Devyah Sharvakhyatam Mahasurah | Amarsha-Purita Jagmuryatra Katyayani Sthita || 29 ||

Meaning: Hearing these words of the Goddess and the message delivered by Shiva, the great asuras were filled with rage and went to where Goddess Katyayani stood.

Verse 30

ततः प्रथममेवाग्रे शरशक्त्यृष्टिवृष्टिभिः। ववर्षुरुद्धतामर्षास्तां देवीममरारयः॥30॥

Tatah Prathamam Evagre Shara-Shakty-Rishti-Vrishtibhih | Vavarsur Uddhatamarshas Tam Devim Amararayah || 30 ||

Meaning: The enraged asuras began at once to rain arrows, spears and lances upon the Goddess.

Verse 31

सा च तान् प्रहितान् बाणाञ्छूलशक्तिपरश्वधान्। चिच्छेद लीलयाऽऽध्मातधनुर्मुक्तैर्महेषुभिः॥31॥

Sa Cha Tan Prahitan Banan Chhula-Shakti-Parashvadhan | Chichchheda Lilaya''dhmata-Dhanur-Muktair Maheshubhih || 31 ||

Meaning: With the powerful arrows shot from her bow, the Goddess easily cut down the asuras’ arrows, tridents, spears and axes.

Verse 32

तस्याग्रतस्तथा काली शूलपातविदारितान्। खट्वाङ्गपोथितांश्चारीन् कुर्वती व्यचरत्तदा॥32॥

Tasyagratas Tatha Kali Shulapata-Vidaritan | Khatvanga-Pothitamsh Charin Kurvati Vyacharat Tada || 32 ||

Meaning: In front of the Goddess, Kali moved about destroying the asuras. She was wounding them with blows of her trident and khatvanga.

Verse 33

कमण्डलुजलाक्षेपहतवीर्यान् हतौजसः। ब्रह्माणी चाकरोच्छत्रून् येन येन स्म धावति॥33॥

Kamandalu-Jalakshepa-Hataviryan Hataujasah | Brahmani Chakaroch Chhatrun Yena Yena Sma Dhavati || 33 ||

Meaning: Brahmani, by sprinkling the water from her kamandalu, destroyed the strength and vigour of the asuras. Wherever she went, the strength of the enemies waned.

Verse 34

माहेश्वरी त्रिशूलेन तथा चक्रेण वैष्णवी। दैत्याञ्जघान कौमारी तथा शक्त्यातिकोपना॥34॥

Maheshvari Trishulena Tatha Chakrena Vaishnavi | Daityan Jaghana Kaumari Tatha Shaktyatikopana || 34 ||

Meaning: Maheshvari slew the demons with her trident, Vaishnavi with her discus, and the furious Kaumari with her spear (shakti).

Verse 35

ऐन्द्रीकुलिशपातेन शतशो दैत्यदानवाः। पेतुर्विदारिताः पृथ्व्यां रुधिरौघप्रवर्षिणः॥35॥

Aindri-Kulisha-Patena Shatasho Daitya-Danavah | Petur Vidaritah Prithvyam Rudhiraugha-Pravarshinah || 35 ||

Meaning: Struck by Aindri’s thunderbolt, hundreds of daityas and danavas fell wounded to the ground, and blood began to flow from their bodies.

Verse 36

तुण्डप्रहारविध्वस्ता दंष्ट्राग्रक्षतवक्षसः। वाराहमूर्त्या न्यपतंश्चक्रेण च विदारिताः॥36॥

Tunda-Prahara-Vidhvasta Damshtragra-Kshata-Vakshasah | Varahamurtya Nyapatamsh Chakrena Cha Vidaritah || 36 ||

Meaning: Goddess Varahi destroyed many asuras with blows of her snout. Asuras were also wounded by her tusks, and many fell to the ground from the blows of her discus.

Verse 37

नखैर्विदारितांश्चान्यान् भक्षयन्ती महासुरान्। नारसिंही चचाराजौ नादापूर्णदिगम्बरा॥37॥

Nakhair Vidaritamsh Chanyan Bhakshayanti Mahasuran | Narasimhi Chacharajau Nada-Purna-Digambara || 37 ||

Meaning: Goddess Narasimhi tore apart many great asuras with her claws and began to devour them. All the directions echoed with her terrible roar.

Verse 38

चण्डाट्टहासैरसुराः शिवदूत्यभिदूषिताः। पेतुः पृथिव्यां पतितांस्तांश्चखादाथ सा तदा॥38॥

Chandattahasair Asurah Shivadutyabhidushitah | Petuh Prithivyam Patitams Tamsh Chakhadatha Sa Tada || 38 ||

Meaning: Terrified by Shivaduti’s fearsome laughter, the asuras began to fall to the ground, and that Goddess began to devour the fallen asuras.

Verse 39

इति मातृगणं क्रुद्धं मर्दयन्तं महासुरान्। दृष्ट्वाभ्युपायैर्विविधैर्नेशुर्देवारिसैनिकाः॥39॥

Iti Matriganam Kruddham Mardayantam Mahasuran | Drishtvabhyupayair Vividhair Neshur Devari-Sainikah || 39 ||

Meaning: Seeing the enraged Matrika Shaktis destroying the great asuras in this way, the army of the enemies of the gods was struck with fear and, despite many efforts, could not stand against them.

Verse 40

पलायनपरान् दृष्ट्वा दैत्यान् मातृगणार्दितान्। योद्धुमभ्याययौ क्रुद्धो रक्तबीजो महासुरः॥40॥

Palayana-Paran Drishtva Daityan Matriganarditan | Yoddhum Abhyayayau Kruddho Raktabijo Mahasurah || 40 ||

Meaning: Seeing the asuras fleeing, tormented by the Matrika Shaktis, the great demon Raktabija came forward in great fury to fight.

Verse 41

रक्तबिन्दुर्यदा भूमौ पतत्यस्य शरीरतः। समुत्पतति मेदिन्यां तत्प्रमाणस्तदासुरः॥41॥*

Raktabindur Yada Bhumau Patatyasya Shariratah | Samutpatati Medinyam Tat-Pramanas Tadasurah || 41 ||

Meaning: Whenever a drop of blood from Raktabija’s body fell to the ground, a new asura of the same size and strength as himself was instantly born.

Verse 42

युयुधे स गदापाणिरिन्द्रशक्त्या महासुरः। ततश्चैन्द्री स्ववज्रेण रक्तबीजमताडयत्॥42॥

Yuyudhe Sa Gadapanir Indrashaktya Mahasurah | Tatash Chaindri Svavajrena Raktabijam Atadayat || 42 ||

Meaning: That great demon, mace in hand, began to fight Aindri, the Shakti of Indra. Then Aindri struck Raktabija with her thunderbolt.

Verse 43

कुलिशेनाहतस्याशु बहु सुस्राव शोणितम्।* समुत्तस्थुस्ततो योधास्तद्रूपास्तत्पराक्रमाः॥43॥

Kulishenahatasyashu Bahu Susrava Shonitam | Samuttasthus Tato Yodhas Tadrupas Tat-Parakramah || 43 ||

Meaning: From the blow of the thunderbolt, a great deal of blood flowed from Raktabija’s body. From his blood were born many new warriors with the same form and strength as himself.

Verse 44

यावन्तः पतितास्तस्य शरीराद्रक्तबिन्दवः। तावन्तः पुरुषा जातास्तद्वीर्यबलविक्रमाः॥44॥

Yavantah Patitastasya Sharirad Raktabindavah | Tavantah Purusha Jatas Tad-Virya-Bala-Vikramah || 44 ||

Meaning: As many drops of blood as fell to the ground from his body, so many new men were born, and they too were as strong and powerful as Raktabija.

Verse 45

ते चापि युयुधुस्तत्र पुरुषा रक्तसम्भवाः। समं मातृभिरत्युग्रशस्त्रपातातिभीषणम्॥45॥

Te Chapi Yuyudhus Tatra Purusha Rakta-Sambhavah | Samam Matribhir Atyugra-Shastrapatati-Bhishanam || 45 ||

Meaning: All those new asuras born from the blood also began to fight most fiercely with the Matrika Shaktis.

Verse 46

पुनश्च वज्रपातेन क्षतमस्य शिरो यदा। ववाह रक्तं पुरुषास्ततो जाताः सहस्रशः॥46॥

Punashcha Vajrapatena Kshatamasya Shiro Yada | Vavaha Raktam Purushastato Jatah Sahasrashah || 46 ||

Meaning: When Raktabija’s head was wounded again by Aindri’s thunderbolt, even more blood flowed from it, and thousands of new asuras were born from it.

Verse 47

वैष्णवी समरे चैनं चक्रेणाभिजघान ह। गदया ताडयामास ऐन्द्री तमसुरेश्वरम्॥47॥

Vaishnavi Samare Chainam Chakrenabhijaghana Ha | Gadaya Tadayamasa Aindri Tam Asureshvaram || 47 ||

Meaning: In the battle, Vaishnavi struck Raktabija with her discus, and Aindri struck that king of the asuras with her mace.

Verse 48

वैष्णवीचक्रभिन्नस्य रुधिरस्रावसम्भवैः। सहस्रशो जगद्व्याप्तं तत्प्रमाणैर्महासुरैः॥48॥

Vaishnavi-Chakra-Bhinnasya Rudhira-Srava-Sambhavaih | Sahasrasho Jagadvyaptam Tat-Pramanair Mahasuraih || 48 ||

Meaning: From the blood that came out of Raktabija’s body when he was wounded by Vaishnavi’s discus, thousands of asuras like him were born and spread out on all sides.

Verse 49

शक्त्या जघान कौमारी वाराही च तथासिना। माहेश्वरी त्रिशूलेन रक्तबीजं महासुरम्॥49॥

Shaktya Jaghana Kaumari Varahi Cha Tathasina | Maheshvari Trishulena Raktabijam Mahasuram || 49 ||

Meaning: Kaumari struck Raktabija with her spear, Varahi with her sword and Maheshvari with her trident.

Verse 50

स चापि गदया दैत्यः सर्वा एवाहनत् पृथक्। मातॄः कोपसमाविष्टो रक्तबीजो महासुरः॥50॥

Sa Chapi Gadaya Daityah Sarva Evahanat Prithak | Matrih Kopa-Samavishto Raktabijo Mahasurah || 50 ||

Meaning: The furious Raktabija struck each of the Matrika Shaktis in turn with his mace.

Verse 51

तस्याहतस्य बहुधा शक्तिशूलादिभिर्भुवि। पपात यो वै रक्तौघस्तेनासञ्छतशोऽसुराः॥51॥

Tasyahatasya Bahudha Shakti-Shuladibhir Bhuvi | Papata Yo Vai Raktaughas Tenasan Chhatasho'surah || 51 ||

Meaning: When the Matrika Shaktis wounded him again and again with spears, tridents and other weapons, much of his blood fell to the ground, and hundreds of new asuras were born from it.

Verse 52

तैश्चासुरासृक्सम्भूतैरसुरैः सकलं जगत्। व्याप्तमासीत्ततो देवा भयमाजग्मुरुत्तमम्॥52॥

Taish Chasura-Srik-Sambhutair Asuraih Sakalam Jagat | Vyaptam Asit Tato Deva Bhayam Ajagmur Uttamam || 52 ||

Meaning: Those asuras born of the blood filled the whole world. Seeing this, the gods were terrified.

Verse 53

तान् विषण्णान् सुरान् दृष्ट्वा चण्डिका प्राह सत्वरा। उवाच कालीं चामुण्डे विस्तीर्णं वदनं कुरु॥53॥*

Tan Vishannan Suran Drishtva Chandika Praha Satvara | Uvacha Kalim Chamunde Vistirnam Vadanam Kuru || 53 ||

Meaning: Seeing the gods distressed and afraid, Goddess Chandika at once said to Kali: “O Chamunda! Open your mouth wide.

Verse 54

मच्छस्त्रपातसम्भूतान् रक्तबिन्दून्महासुरान्। रक्तबिन्दोः प्रतीच्छ त्वं वक्त्रेणानेन वेगिना॥54॥*

Machchhastrapata-Sambhutan Raktabindun Mahasuran | Raktabindoh Pratichchha Tvam Vaktrenanena Vegina || 54 ||

Meaning: “The drops of blood that come from Raktabija’s body when my weapons strike him — drink them up at once with your wide mouth.

Verse 55

भक्षयन्ती चर रणे तदुत्पन्नान्महासुरान्। एवमेष क्षयं दैत्यः क्षीणरक्तो गमिष्यति॥55॥

Bhakshayanti Chara Rane Tad Utpannan Mahasuran | Evamesha Kshayam Daityah Kshinarakto Gamishyati || 55 ||

Meaning: “And devour the new asuras that are born from his blood in the battle. In this way his blood will be used up and this demon too will be destroyed.

Verse 56

भक्ष्यमाणास्त्वया चोग्रा न चोत्पत्स्यन्ति चापरे।* इत्युक्त्वा तां ततो देवी शूलेनाभिजघान तम्॥56॥

Bhakshyamanas Tvaya Chogra Na Chotpatsyanti Chapare | Ityuktva Tam Tato Devi Shulenabhijaghana Tam || 56 ||

Meaning: “When you devour those terrible asuras, no new asuras will be born from his blood.” Saying this, the Goddess struck Raktabija with her trident.

Verse 57

मुखेन काली जगृहे रक्तबीजस्य शोणितम्। ततोऽसावाजघानाथ गदया तत्र चण्डिकाम्॥57॥

Mukhena Kali Jagrihe Raktabijasya Shonitam | Tato'sav Ajaghanatha Gadaya Tatra Chandikam || 57 ||

Meaning: Goddess Kali drank up Raktabija’s flowing blood with her mouth. Then Raktabija, in his fury, struck Goddess Chandika with his mace.

Verse 58

न चास्या वेदनां चक्रे गदापातोऽल्पिकामपि। तस्याहतस्य देहात्तु बहु सुस्राव शोणितम्॥58॥

Na Chasya Vedanam Chakre Gadapato'lpikam Api | Tasyahatasya Dehattu Bahu Susrava Shonitam || 58 ||

Meaning: The blow of Raktabija’s mace did not harm Goddess Chandika in the least. But a great deal of blood began to flow from his body.

Verse 59

यतस्ततस्तद्वक्त्रेण चामुण्डा सम्प्रतीच्छति। मुखे समुद्गता येऽस्या रक्तपातान्महासुराः॥59॥

Yatas Tatas Tad Vaktrena Chamunda Sampratichchhati | Mukhe Samudgata Ye'sya Raktapatan Mahasurah || 59 ||

Meaning: Wherever Raktabija’s blood began to fall, Goddess Chamunda at once caught in her mouth the new asuras that were born there.

Verse 60

तांश्चखादाथ चामुण्डा पपौ तस्य च शोणितम्। देवी शूलेन वज्रेण बाणैरसिभिर्ऋष्टिभिः॥60॥*

Tamsh Chakhadatha Chamunda Papau Tasya Cha Shonitam | Devi Shulena Vajrena Banair Asibhir Rishtibhih || 60 ||

Meaning: Chamunda devoured those new asuras and also drank Raktabija’s blood. Meanwhile, the Goddess struck Raktabija without pause with weapons such as the trident, thunderbolt, arrows, sword and spear.

Verse 61

जघान रक्तबीजं तं चामुण्डापीतशोणितम्। स पपात महीपृष्ठे शस्त्रसङ्घसमाहतः॥61॥*

Jaghana Raktabijam Tam Chamunda-Pita-Shonitam | Sa Papata Mahiprishthe Shastra-Sangha-Samahatah || 61 ||

Meaning: After Chamunda had drunk all his blood, the Goddess slew Raktabija. Wounded by the blows of many weapons, he fell to the ground.

Verse 62

नीरक्तश्च महीपाल रक्तबीजो महासुरः। ततस्ते हर्षमतुलमवापुस्त्रिदशा नृप॥62॥

Niraktashcha Mahipala Raktabijo Mahasurah | Tataste Harsham Atulam Avapus Tridasha Nripa || 62 ||

Meaning: O King! Drained of his blood, the great demon Raktabija fell to the ground. When he was slain, all the gods were overjoyed.

Verse 63

तेषां मातृगणो जातो ननर्तासृङ्मदोद्धतः॥ॐ॥63॥

Tesham Matrigano Jato Nanartasrin-Madoddhatah || Om || 63 ||

Meaning: Then all the Matrika Shaktis, rejoicing that Raktabija’s blood had come to an end, began to dance in delight.

Conclusion

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये रक्तबीजवधो नामाष्टमोऽध्यायः॥8॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Raktabija-Vadho Namashtamo'dhyayah || 8 ||

Meaning: Thus ends the eighth chapter, named ‘The Slaying of Raktabija’, in the Devi Mahatmya, within the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana. ॥8॥