Durga Saptashati Chapter 9: The Slaying of Nishumbha

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 ninth chapter describes the slaying of Nishumbha.

Navamo'dhyaya (॥ नवमोऽध्यायः ॥)

Dhyanam (॥ ध्यानम् ॥)

ॐ बन्धूककाञ्चननिभं रुचिराक्षमालां पाशाङ्कुशौ च वरदां निजबाहुदण्डैः। बिभ्राणमिन्दुशकलाभरणं त्रिनेत्र- मर्धाम्बिकेशमनिशं वपुराश्रयामि॥

Om Bandhuka-Kanchana-Nibham Ruchirakshamalam Pashankushau Cha Varadam Nija-Bahu-Dandaih | Bibhranam Indushakalabharanam Trinetra- Mardhambikesham Anisham Vapur Ashrayami ||

Meaning: I meditate on Lord Ardhambikesha (Shiva, half of whose body is the Mother), whose body shines like the bandhuka flower and like gold. In his hands are a rosary, a noose and a goad. He grants boons to his devotees, has three eyes and wears the moon as an ornament on his head.

Verses

Raja Uvacha

Verse 1

"ॐ" राजोवाच॥1॥

"Om" Rajovacha || 1 ||

Meaning: The king said:

Verse 2

विचित्रमिदमाख्यातं भगवन् भवता मम। देव्याश्चरितमाहात्म्यं रक्तबीजवधाश्रितम्॥2॥

Vichitram Idam Akhyatam Bhagavan Bhavata Mama | Devyash Charita-Mahatmyam Raktabija-Vadhashritam || 2 ||

Meaning: O revered one! You have told me of the wondrous glory of the Goddess and her deeds connected with the slaying of Raktabija.

Verse 3

भूयश्चेच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं रक्तबीजे निपातिते। चकार शुम्भो यत्कर्म निशुम्भश्चातिकोपनः॥3॥

Bhuyash Chech Chhamy Aham Shrotum Raktabije Nipatite | Chakara Shumbho Yatkarma Nishumbhash Chatikopanah || 3 ||

Meaning: Now I wish to hear also what the furious Shumbha and Nishumbha did after Raktabija was slain.

Rishir Uvacha

Verse 4

ऋषिरुवाच॥4॥

Rishiruvacha || 4 ||

Meaning: The sage says:

Verse 5

चकार कोपमतुलं रक्तबीजे निपातिते। शुम्भासुरो निशुम्भश्च हतेष्वन्येषु चाहवे॥5॥

Chakara Kopamatulam Raktabije Nipatite | Shumbhasuro Nishumbhash Cha Hateshv Anyeshu Chahave || 5 ||

Meaning: When Raktabija and the other asuras had been slain in battle, both Shumbha and Nishumbha became very angry.

Verse 6

हन्यमानं महासैन्यं विलोक्यामर्षमुद्वहन्। अभ्यधावन्निशुम्भोऽथ मुख्ययासुरसेनया॥6॥

Hanyamanam Mahasainyam Vilokyamarsham Udvahan | Abhyadhavan Nishumbho'tha Mukhyayasura-Senaya || 6 ||

Meaning: Seeing his vast army destroyed, Nishumbha was filled with rage and rushed with the main army of the asuras to attack the Goddess.

Verse 7

तस्याग्रतस्तथा पृष्ठे पार्श्वयोश्च महासुराः। सन्दष्टौष्ठपुटाः क्रुद्धा हन्तुं देवीमुपाययुः॥7॥

Tasyagratas Tatha Prishthe Parshvayosh Cha Mahasurah | Sandashtaushtha-Putah Kruddha Hantum Devim Upayayuh || 7 ||

Meaning: In front of him, behind him and on both sides, many great asuras, biting their lips in fury, advanced to kill the Goddess.

Verse 8

आजगाम महावीर्यः शुम्भोऽपि स्वबलैर्वृतः। निहन्तुं चण्डिकां कोपात्कृत्वा युद्धं तु मातृभिः॥8॥

Ajagama Mahaviryah Shumbho'pi Svabalair Vritah | Nihantum Chandikam Kopatkritva Yuddham Tu Matribhih || 8 ||

Meaning: The mighty Shumbha too came there with his army. He had come in fury to fight Goddess Chandika and the Matrika Shaktis.

Verse 9

ततो युद्धमतीवासीद्देव्या शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः। शरवर्षमतीवोग्रं मेघयोरिव वर्षतोः॥9॥

Tato Yuddham Ativasid Devya Shumbha-Nishumbhayoh | Shara-Varsham Ativogram Meghayoriva Varshatoh || 9 ||

Meaning: Then a terrible battle began between the Goddess and both Shumbha and Nishumbha. From both sides arrows poured down as fiercely as if two clouds were raining.

Verse 10

चिच्छेदास्ताञ्छरांस्ताभ्यां चण्डिका स्वशरोत्करैः।* ताडयामास चाङ्गेषु शस्त्रौघैरसुरेश्वरौ॥10॥

Chichchhedastan Chharams Tabhyam Chandika Svasharotkaraih | Tadayamasa Changeshu Shastraughair Asureshvarau || 10 ||

Meaning: With her arrows Goddess Chandika cut down all the arrows shot by Shumbha and Nishumbha, and then struck the bodies of both demon kings with many weapons.

Verse 11

निशुम्भो निशितं खड्गं चर्म चादाय सुप्रभम्। अताडयन्मूर्ध्नि सिंहं देव्या वाहनमुत्तमम्॥11॥

Nishumbho Nishitam Khadgam Charma Chadaya Suprabham | Atadayan Murdhni Simham Devya Vahanam Uttamam || 11 ||

Meaning: Taking up a sharp-edged sword and a gleaming shield, Nishumbha struck the head of the lion, the Goddess’s excellent mount.

Verse 12

ताडिते वाहने देवी क्षुरप्रेणासिमुत्तमम्। निशुम्भस्याशु चिच्छेद चर्म चाप्यष्टचन्द्रकम्॥12॥

Tadite Vahane Devi Kshuraprenasim Uttamam | Nishumbhasyashu Chichchheda Charma Chapy Ashtachandrakam || 12 ||

Meaning: As soon as the lion was struck, the Goddess, with a sharp arrow, at once cut down Nishumbha’s sword and his shield, which was adorned with eight moon emblems.

Verse 13

छिन्ने चर्मणि खड्गे च शक्तिं चिक्षेप सोऽसुरः। तामप्यस्य द्विधा चक्रे चक्रेणाभिमुखागताम्॥13॥

Chhinne Charmani Khadge Cha Shaktim Chikshepa So'surah | Tamapyasya Dvidha Chakre Chakrenabhimukhagatam || 13 ||

Meaning: With his sword and shield cut down, Nishumbha hurled a spear (shakti) at the Goddess. As the spear came towards her, the Goddess cut it in two with her discus.

Verse 14

कोपाध्मातो निशुम्भोऽथ शूलं जग्राह दानवः। आयातं मुष्टिपातेन देवी तच्चाप्यचूर्णयत्॥14॥*

Kopadhmato Nishumbho'tha Shulam Jagraha Danavah | Ayatam Mushtipatena Devi Tach Chapy Achurnayat || 14 ||

Meaning: Filled with rage, Nishumbha then took up a trident. The Goddess struck that trident with a mere blow of her fist and smashed it to pieces.

Verse 15

आविध्याथ गदां सोऽपि चिक्षेप चण्डिकां प्रति।* सापि देव्या त्रिशूलेन भिन्ना भस्मत्वमागता॥15॥

Avidhyatha Gadam So'pi Chikshepa Chandikam Prati | Sapi Devya Trishulena Bhinna Bhasmatvam Agata || 15 ||

Meaning: Next, Nishumbha whirled his mace and hurled it at Goddess Chandika. She broke that too with her trident and destroyed it.

Verse 16

ततः परशुहस्तं तमायान्तं दैत्यपुङ्गवम्। आहत्य देवी बाणौघैरपातयत भूतले॥16॥

Tatah Parashu-Hastam Tamayantam Daitya-Pungavam | Ahatya Devi Banaughair Apatayata Bhutale || 16 ||

Meaning: Then, as that foremost of demons came towards her with an axe in his hand, the Goddess showered him with arrows and brought him down to the ground.

Verse 17

तस्मिन्निपतिते भूमौ निशुम्भे भीमविक्रमे। भ्रातर्यतीव संक्रुद्धः प्रययौ हन्तुमम्बिकाम्॥17॥

Tasmin Nipatite Bhumau Nishumbhe Bhimavikrame | Bhrataryativa Sankruddhah Prayayau Hantum Ambikam || 17 ||

Meaning: When the terribly valiant Nishumbha had fallen to the ground, his brother Shumbha became very angry and advanced to kill Goddess Ambika.

Verse 18

स रथस्थस्तथात्युच्चैर्गृहीतपरमायुधैः। भुजैरष्टाभिरतुलैर्व्याप्याशेषं बभौ नभः॥18॥

Sa Rathasthas Tathatyuchchair Grihita-Paramayudhaih | Bhujair Ashtabhir Atulair Vyapyashesham Babhau Nabhah || 18 ||

Meaning: Shumbha was riding in a chariot and had taken up great weapons. His eight huge arms seemed to fill the whole sky.

Verse 19

तमायान्तं समालोक्य देवी शङ्खमवादयत्। ज्याशब्दं चापि धनुषश्चकारातीव दुःसहम्॥19॥

Tamayantam Samalokya Devi Shankham Avadayat | Jyashabdam Chapi Dhanushash Chakarativa Duhsaham || 19 ||

Meaning: Seeing Shumbha coming towards her, the Goddess blew her conch and twanged her bow so loudly that it was hard to bear.

Verse 20

पूरयामास ककुभो निजघण्टास्वनेन च। समस्तदैत्यसैन्यानां तेजोवधविधायिना॥20॥

Purayamasa Kakubho Nija-Ghanta-Svanena Cha | Samasta-Daitya-Sainyanam Tejovadha-Vidhayina || 20 ||

Meaning: The Goddess filled all the directions with the sound of her bell. Its terrible sound drained the asuras of their courage and strength.

Verse 21

ततः सिंहो महानादैस्त्याजितेभमहामदैः। पूरयामास गगनं गां तथैव दिशो दश॥21॥*

Tatah Simho Mahanadais Tyajitebha-Mahamadaih | Purayamasa Gaganam Gam Tathaiva Disho Dasha || 21 ||

Meaning: Then the Goddess’s lion roared so terribly that even the pride of the elephants was broken. The sky, the earth and all ten directions echoed with its roar.

Verse 22

ततः काली समुत्पत्य गगनं क्ष्मामताडयत्। कराभ्यां तन्निनादेन प्राक्स्वनास्ते तिरोहिताः॥22॥

Tatah Kali Samutpatya Gaganam Kshmam Atadayat | Karabhyam Tanninadena Praksvanaste Tirohitah || 22 ||

Meaning: Then Goddess Kali leapt up into the sky and struck the earth with both her hands. The sound of that blow was so loud that it drowned out all the earlier sounds.

Verse 23

अट्टाट्टहासमशिवं शिवदूती चकार ह। तैः शब्दैरसुरास्त्रेसुः शुम्भः कोपं परं ययौ॥23॥

Attattahasam Ashivam Shivaduti Chakara Ha | Taih Shabdair Asuras Tresuh Shumbhah Kopam Param Yayau || 23 ||

Meaning: Shivaduti laughed a terrible laugh. All those terrible sounds frightened the asuras, and Shumbha’s rage grew even greater.

Verse 24

दुरात्मंस्तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति व्याजहाराम्बिका यदा। तदा जयेत्यभिहितं देवैराकाशसंस्थितैः॥24॥

Duratmams Tishtha Tishtheti Vyajaharambika Yada | Tada Jayety Abhihitam Devair Akasha-Samsthitaih || 24 ||

Meaning: When Goddess Ambika said to Shumbha, “Wicked one! Stop, stop!”, the gods standing in the sky joyfully cried out, “Victory!”

Verse 25

शुम्भेनागत्य या शक्तिर्मुक्ता ज्वालातिभीषणा। आयान्ती वह्निकूटाभा सा निरस्ता महोल्कया॥25॥

Shumbhenagatya Ya Shaktirmukta Jvalatibhishana | Ayanti Vahnikutabha Sa Nirasta Maholkaya || 25 ||

Meaning: Shumbha hurled at the Goddess a most terrible spear (shakti), blazing like fire. The Goddess stopped that spear with a blow of her own great spear and destroyed it.

Verse 26

सिंहनादेन शुम्भस्य व्याप्तं लोकत्रयान्तरम्। निर्घातनिःस्वनो घोरो जितवानवनीपते॥26॥

Simhanadena Shumbhasya Vyaptam Lokatrayantaram | Nirghata-Nihsvano Ghoro Jitavan Avanipate || 26 ||

Meaning: O King! The three worlds echoed with the terrible roar of the Goddess’s lion. Its roar was so mighty that it overpowered Shumbha’s voice.

Verse 27

शुम्भमुक्ताञ्छरान्देवी शुम्भस्तत्प्रहिताञ्छरान्। चिच्छेद स्वशरैरुग्रैः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः॥27॥

Shumbha-Muktan Chharan Devi Shumbhas Tat-Prahitan Chharan | Chichchheda Svasharair Ugraih Shatasho'tha Sahasrashah || 27 ||

Meaning: Shumbha and the Goddess shot arrows at each other. Each cut down the other’s arrows with their own, by the hundreds and thousands.

Verse 28

ततः सा चण्डिका क्रुद्धा शूलेनाभिजघान तम्। स तदाभिहतो भूमौ मूर्च्छितो निपपात ह॥28॥

Tatah Sa Chandika Kruddha Shulenabhijaghana Tam | Sa Tadabhihato Bhumau Murchchhito Nipapata Ha || 28 ||

Meaning: Then the enraged Goddess Chandika struck Shumbha with her trident. Wounded by that blow, Shumbha fell unconscious to the ground.

Verse 29

ततो निशुम्भः सम्प्राप्य चेतनामात्तकार्मुकः। आजघान शरैर्देवीं कालीं केसरिणं तथा॥29॥

Tato Nishumbhah Samprapya Chetanam Atta-Karmukah | Ajaghana Sharairdevim Kalim Kesarinam Tatha || 29 ||

Meaning: After this, Nishumbha regained consciousness. Taking up his bow, he struck the Goddess, Kali and the lion with arrows.

Verse 30

पुनश्च कृत्वा बाहूनामयुतं दनुजेश्वरः। चक्रायुधेन दितिजश्छादयामास चण्डिकाम्॥30॥

Punashcha Kritva Bahunam Ayutam Danujeshvarah | Chakrayudhena Ditijash Chhadayamasa Chandikam || 30 ||

Meaning: Then Nishumbha, the King of the demons, by his power produced a great many arms and, with a shower of discuses, covered Goddess Chandika on every side.

Verse 31

ततो भगवती क्रुद्धा दुर्गा दुर्गार्तिनाशिनी। चिच्छेद तानि चक्राणि स्वशरैः सायकांश्च तान्॥31॥

Tato Bhagavati Kruddha Durga Durgarti-Nashini | Chichchheda Tani Chakrani Svasharaih Sayakamshcha Tan || 31 ||

Meaning: Then Bhagavati Durga, who removes all dangers, became angry and cut down all of Nishumbha’s discuses and arrows with her own arrows.

Verse 32

ततो निशुम्भो वेगेन गदामादाय चण्डिकाम्। अभ्यधावत वै हन्तुं दैत्यसेनासमावृतः॥32॥

Tato Nishumbho Vegena Gadamadaya Chandikam | Abhyadhavata Vai Hantum Daitya-Sena-Samavritah || 32 ||

Meaning: After this, Nishumbha swiftly raised his mace and, surrounded by the army of the asuras, rushed towards Goddess Chandika to kill her.

Verse 33

तस्यापतत एवाशु गदां चिच्छेद चण्डिका। खड्गेन शितधारेण स च शूलं समाददे॥33॥

Tasyapatata Evashu Gadam Chichchheda Chandika | Khadgena Shitadharena Sa Cha Shulam Samadade || 33 ||

Meaning: As soon as Nishumbha’s mace came towards the Goddess, Chandika cut it down with her sharp-edged sword. Then Nishumbha took up a trident.

Verse 34

शूलहस्तं समायान्तं निशुम्भममरार्दनम्। हृदि विव्याध शूलेन वेगाविद्धेन चण्डिका॥34॥

Shulahastam Samayantam Nishumbham Amarardanam | Hridi Vivyadha Shulena Vegaviddhena Chandika || 34 ||

Meaning: As Nishumbha, the tormentor of the gods, advanced towards the Goddess with the trident in his hand, Goddess Chandika struck him in the heart with her swift trident.

Verse 35

भिन्नस्य तस्य शूलेन हृदयान्निःसृतोऽपरः। महाबलो महावीर्यस्तिष्ठेति पुरुषो वदन्॥35॥

Bhinnasya Tasya Shulena Hridayan Nihsrito'parah | Mahabalo Mahaviryas Tishtheti Purusho Vadan || 35 ||

Meaning: When his heart was pierced by the trident, another man, extremely powerful and valiant, came out of his body, calling to the Goddess, “Stop!”

Verse 36

तस्य निष्क्रामतो देवी प्रहस्य स्वनवत्ततः। शिरश्चिच्छेद खड्गेन ततोऽसावपतद्भुवि॥36॥

Tasya Nishkramato Devi Prahasya Svanavat Tatah | Shirash Chichchheda Khadgena Tato'sav Apatad Bhuvi || 36 ||

Meaning: As soon as that man came out, the Goddess laughed and cut off his head with her sword. With his head cut off, he fell to the ground.

Verse 37

ततः सिंहश्चखादोग्रं दंष्ट्राक्षुण्णशिरोधरान्।* असुरांस्तांस्तथा काली शिवदूती तथापरान्॥37॥

Tatah Simhash Chakhadogram Damshtra-Kshunna-Shirodharan | Asurams Tams Tatha Kali Shivaduti Tathaparan || 37 ||

Meaning: After this, the Goddess’s lion devoured the asuras it had crushed with its teeth. Kali and Shivaduti also destroyed other asuras and devoured them.

Verse 38

कौमारीशक्तिनिर्भिन्नाः केचिन्नेशुर्महासुराः। ब्रह्माणीमन्त्रपूतेन तोयेनान्ये निराकृताः॥38॥

Kaumari-Shakti-Nirbhinnah Kechin Neshur Mahasurah | Brahmani-Mantra-Putena Toyenanye Nirakritah || 38 ||

Meaning: Some great asuras were slain by the blows of Kaumari’s spear. Some were destroyed by the power of the water purified by Brahmani’s mantra.

Verse 39

माहेश्वरीत्रिशूलेन भिन्नाः पेतुस्तथापरे। वाराहीतुण्डघातेन केचिच्चूर्णीकृता भुवि॥39॥

Maheshvari-Trishulena Bhinnah Petus Tathapare | Varahi-Tunda-Ghatena Kechich Churnikrita Bhuvi || 39 ||

Meaning: Some asuras fell wounded by Maheshvari’s trident, and some were crushed to the ground by blows of Varahi’s snout.

Verse 40

खण्डं खण्डं च चक्रेण वैष्णव्या दानवाः कृताः।* वज्रेण चैन्द्रीहस्ताग्रविमुक्तेन तथापरे॥40॥

Khandam Khandam Cha Chakrena Vaishnavya Danavah Kritah | Vajrena Chaindri-Hastagra-Vimuktena Tathapare || 40 ||

Meaning: Vaishnavi’s discus cut many danavas to pieces. The thunderbolt released from Aindri’s hand also destroyed many other asuras.

Verse 41

केचिद्विनेशुरसुराः केचिन्नष्टा महाहवात्। भक्षिताश्चापरे कालीशिवदूतीमृगाधिपैः॥ॐ॥41॥

Kechid Vineshur Asurah Kechinnashta Mahahavat | Bhakshitash Chapare Kali-Shivaduti-Mrigadhipaih || Om || 41 ||

Meaning: Some asuras were slain and some were utterly destroyed in this terrible battle. Many other asuras were devoured by Kali, Shivaduti and the Goddess’s lion.

Conclusion

॥ इति श्रीमार्कण्डेयपुराणे सावर्णिके मन्वन्तरे देवीमाहात्म्ये निशुम्भवधो नाम नवमोऽध्यायः॥9॥

|| Iti Shri-Markandeya-Purane Savarnike Manvantare Devimahatmye Nishumbha-Vadho Nama Navamo'dhyayah || 9 ||

Meaning: Thus ends the ninth chapter, named ‘The Slaying of Nishumbha’, in the Devi Mahatmya, within the account of the Savarnika manvantara in the Shri Markandeya Purana. ॥9॥