Monday, November 24, 2014

Devi Bhagvatam 5:4:1:51



An exceedingly fiery mass like a flaming mountain
Did the Gods see, filling the firmament with flames.
That peerless splendor, born from the bodies of all the Gods,
Unifying and pervading the triple world with its lustre, became a Woman.

(Devi Mahatmyam, 2.11-12.)

  1. ayi giri nandini, nandita medini, visva vinodini, nandinute ||
    giri vara vindhya shirodhini vasini vishnuvilaasini jisnunute ||
    bhagavati he shitikaNthakutumbini bhoorikutumbini bhoorikrute ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 
    Oh, Daughter of the Mountain, Who makes the whole World happy,
    Who makes all the Universe rejoice, Who is praised by Nandin,
    Who dwells on the peaks of the great Vindhya Mountains, with radiance reaching far and wide, Who is praised by those desirous of victory,
    Oh Goddess, Wife to blue-necked Shiva, Mother to many families, Doer of many deeds,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
     


  2. suravaravarshiNi durdharadharshiNi durmukhamarshiNi harsharate ||
    tribhuvanaposhiNi shankaratoshiNi kilbishamoshiNi ghosharate ||
    danujaniroshiNi ditisutaroshiNi durmadashoshiNi sindhusute ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 
    Who bestows boons upon the Gods, Who defeats the undisciplined,
    Who tolerates the ignorant, Who is ever rejoicing,
    Who nourishes the three worlds, Who pleases Shankara,
    Who removes sins, Who inhabits the sound of AUM,
    Whose wrath befalls the progeny of the demons Danu and Diti, Who destroys those drunk on the evil intoxicant of pride, Who is Daughter of the Ocean!

    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  3. ayi jagadamba madamba kadambavanapriyavaasini haasarate ||
    shikharishiromaNi tungahimaalaya shringanijaalaya madhyagate ||
    madhumadhure madhukaitabhaganjini kaitabhabhanjini raasarate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
     Oh, Mother of the World, my Mother, Who loves Her Kadamba tree forest, Who is always smiling,
    Whose dwelling is in the tallest peaks of the Himalayas, the greatest of all mountain chains,
    Who is so very sweet, Who keeps the treasures of Madhu and Kaitabha, Who slayed Kaitabha, Who is ever dancing,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  4. ayi shatakhaNda vikhaNditaruNda vituNditashuNda gajaadhipate ||
    ripugajagaNda vidaaraNachaNda paraakramashuNda mrigaadhipate ||
    nijabhujadaNda nipaatitakhaNda vipatitamuNda bhataadhipate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 
    Who splinters demons' heads into hundreds of shards, Who severs the trunks of their great battle elephants,
    Whose great Lion mount exhibits terrifying valor, as he tears apart the temples of the enemy's elephants
    Who shatters the skulls of enemy chieftains with the strength of her own arms, 

    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  5. ayi raNadurmadashatruvadhodita durdharanirjara shaktibhrute ||
    chaturavicharadhuriiNamahasiva dutakrita pramathaadhipate ||
    duritaduriihaduraashayadurmati daanavaduta krutaantamate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
     Oh, it is You Who possesses the invinceable force that vanquishes hard-to-subdue enemies in battle
    Who promoted Pramatha, the great attendant of Shiva, a master of subtle thinking, to be Her general in battle,
    Who destroyed the messengers of the demons, who were sinful, with evil intention in their thoughts and minds,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  6. ayi sharaNaagata vairivadhoovara viiravaraabhayadaayakare ||
    tribhuvanamastaka shoolavirodhishiirodhikritaamala shoolakare ||
    dumidumitaamara dundubhinaada mahomukhariikrita tigmakare ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 
    Oh, it is You Who gives protection to the wives of heroic enemy warriors when they seek refuge;
    Who aims a flawless spear at the head of the demon who causes great pain in all the three worlds,
    Who burns like a blazing hot sun, inflamed by the resounding din of the war-drums of the Gods, 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  7. ayi nijahunkriti maatraniraakrita dhoomravilochana dhoomrashate ||
    samravishoshita shoNitabeeja samudbhavashoNita biijalate ||
    shivashivashumbhani shumbhamahaahavatarpita bhutapishaacharate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
     Oh, it is You Who, with a single roar, disperses the streams of smoke flowing from the eyes of advancing demons,
    Who thrives like a vine on the blood that falls on the battleground,
    Who delights alike in the company of the auspicious Shiva, inauspicious Shumbha and Nishumbha, and the ghoulish spirits who feed on the battle carnage, 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  8. dhanuranusangaraNakshaNasanga parishphuradanga naTatkaTake ||
    kanakapishanga prishatkanishanga rasadbhatasringa hataabaTuke ||
    krutachaturanga balakshitiranga ghatadbahuranga raTadbaTuke ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
     
    Who decks Her tender limbs with fine dancing ornaments at the moment of battle, as She readies Her bow,
    Who slays huge enemy soldiers with Her shining sword and arrows from Her golden-brown quiver,
    Who plays with the vast enemy forces arrayed on the battlefield as if they were screaming toy soldiers, 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Vict
    ory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!

  9. jaya jaya japyajaye jayashabda parastutitatatpara vishvanute ||
    jhaNa jhaNa jhinjhimijhinkritanoopura sinjitamohita bhootapate ||
    natita nataardhanatiinatanaayaka naatitanaatyasugaanarate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 
    Victory to You! Victory to You! Whose victory need be sung and praised by all the Universe,
    Who attracts Shiva's attention with the tinkling of Her bells and ornaments as She dances
    Who delights in Her own beautiful singing, and Her dance in the form of Ardhanari, 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  10. ayi sumanah sumanah sumanah sumanoharakaantiyute ||
    shrita rajanii rajanii rajanii rajanii rajaniikaravakravrute ||
    sunayanavibhra marabhra marabhra marabhra marabhra maraadhipate||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
     Oh, it is You Whose flowerlike complexion attracts all good-hearted souls,
    [The meaning of the middle two lines is unclear],
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  11. sahitamahaahava mallamatallika mallitarallaka mallarate ||
    virachitavallika pallikamallika shrillikabhillika vargavrute ||
    sita kruta phullisamullasitaakruNtallaja pallavasallalite ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
     [The meaning of this verse is unclear.]Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  12. aviralagaNda galanmadamedura mattamatangajaraajapate ||
    tribhuvana bhooshaNa bhootakalaanidhi roopapayonidhiraajasute ||
    ayi sudatiijanalaalasamaanasa mohanamanmatharaajasute ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
     Who effortlessly steers huge royal elephants in their fury, musk streaming in rivers down their temples,
    Oh Great Princess, Daughter of the Ocean, Who has the beauty of the Moon,
    Who is Ornament of the triple world,
    Princess of Love, whose beautiful smile enchants the minds of those entrapped by desire,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  13. kamaladalaamalakomala kaantikalaakalitaamala bhaalatale ||
    sakalavilaasakalaanilayakrama kelichalatkala hamsakule ||
    alikulasankula kuvalayamaNdala maulimiladbakulaalikule ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
     Whose flawless forehead displays Her beautiful complexion, pure and delicate like lotus petals,
    Whose flocks of swans follow Her with the fluid grace that is the mark of all beautiful arts,
    Whose swarms of bees sail down from the bakula trees to light with other bees atop the lotus flowers, 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  14. karamuraliirava viijita koojita lajjita kokila manjumate ||
    militapulinda manoharagunjita ranjitashailanikunjagate ||
    nijaguNabhoota mahaashabariigaNa sadguNasambhruta kelitale ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
     Who so sweetly plays Her flute that its music puts the Kokila bird to shame, Who always has sweet thoughts,
    Who dwells in colorful mountain groves that echo pleasantly with the bustle of mountain folk,
    Whose playground is filled with breathtaking tribal women, who are manifestations of Her own great qualities, 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  15. katitatapiitadukoolavichitra mayookhatiraskrita chandraruche||
    praNatasuraasura maulimaNisphuradamshulasannakha chandraruche||
    jitakanakaachala maulipadorjita nirbharakunjara kumbhakuche ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 
    Who outshines the brilliance of the moon with the colorful rays flashing from the yellow silks around Her waist,
    Whose toenails shine like the moon as well, reflecting the crest jewels of the gods and demons who bow at Her feet,
    Whose breasts outshine the temples of wild elephants and the high peaks of golden mountains, 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  16. vijitasahasra karaikasahasra karaikasahasra karaikanute ||
    krutasurataaraka sangarataaraka sangarataaraka soonusute ||
    surathasamaadhi samaanasamaadhi samaadhi samaadhi sujaatarate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 
    Who surpasses the thousand-rayed sun with the brilliance of Her own thousand hands, and Who is in turn praised by a thousand suns,
    Who does battle to save the Gods, and Whose sons fought the demon Taraka and are Saviors,
    [Meaning unclear], 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  17. padakamalam karuNaanilaye varivasyati yonudinam sashive ||
    ayi kamale kamalaanilaye kamalaanilayah sakatham na bhavet ||
    tava padameva param padamityanushiilayato mama kim na shive ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
     Oh Benevolent Goddess, accompanied by Shiva, when one daily cherishes Your lotuslike feet,
    Then, Oh lotus-dwelling Lakshmi, how will one not become wealthy?
    Oh Auspicious Goddess, what riches will not be mine, if I earnestly believe that Your feet are the highest goal to be achieved? 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  18. kanakalasatkala sindhujalairanusinchinute guNarangabhuvam ||
    bhajati sa kim na sachikuchakumbha tatiiparirambha sukhaanubhavam ||
    tava charaNam sharaNam karavaaNi nataamaravaaNi nivaasisivam ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 
    If one bathes You, the playground of virtues, in the shining golden waters of the ocean,
    Will one not experience in Heaven the joy, equal to that of Indra, of embracing the full bosom of Sachi?
    Oh Goddess worshipped by the Gods Themselves, I take refuge at Your feet, which are also the abode of Shiva.
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  19. tava vimalendukulam vadanendum alam sakalam nanu koolayate ||
    kimu puruhoota puriindumukhiisumukhiibhirasau vimukhiikriyate ||
    mama tu matam sivanaamadhane bhavatii kripayaa kimuta kriyate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 
    When one sufficiently dedicates oneself to Your entire moonlike visage, brighter than a host of perfect moons,
    How will one be turned away in heaven by the moon-visaged beauties of the city of Indra?
    [Meaning unclear], 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
  20. ayi mayi diinadayaalutayaa krupayaiva tvayaa bhavitavyamume ||
    ayi jagato jananii krupayaasi yathaasi tathanumitaasitare ||
    yaduchitamatra bhavatyurariikrutaadurutaapa mapaakrurute ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 
    Oh Uma, please look kindly upon me, because of your virtue of compassion toward the meek,
    [Meaning unclear],
    But you may do as You wish with me, Oh You who removes the pain of Her devotees. 
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!
     

Translated by Devi Bhakta


MAHĀKĀLI DHYANAM
Meditation on Mahākāli
From the Devī Mahātmyam [Mārkendeya Purana]

Om Namaś Chaṇḍikāyai.
Om khaḍgaṁ chakra-gadeṣu-chāpa-parighāñ
chūlaṃ bhuśuṇḍīṁ śiraḥ
śaṅkhaṁ saṃda-dhatīṁ karai-stri-nayanāṁ
sarvāṅga-bhūṣāvṛitām
Nīlāśma-dyutimāsya pāda-daśakāṁ
seve Mahākālikāṁ
yāmastaut-svapite harau kamalajo
hantuṁ madhuṁ kaiṭabham.
Om Namaś Chaṇḍikāyai.

Om, I bow to the Goddess Chaṇḍikā.

Om, holding a scimitar, disk, mace, arrows and bow, lance, club, a skull and a conch shell in Her ten hands. The three-eyed goddess, Her body covered with ornaments, Her countenance with the brilliance of blue diamonds, with ten limbs. We offer our service to Mahākāli, She who Brahma praised for protection from the demons Madhu and Kaitava, when Vishnu was in sleep.

Book 5/Chapter 4/1:51
On the War counsels given by Indra


1-17.  Vyâsa said :-- O King!  The messenger of the Dânavas having departed, Indra, the lord of the Devas, Yama, Vâyu, Varuna, and Kuvera and other Devas, called an assembly and addressed thus :-- O Devas!  the most powerful Mahisa, the son of Rambha, is now the king of the Dânavas; he is particularly expert in hundreds of Mâyâs (magic) and has become haughty on the strength of his boon.  O Devas!  Mahisa has sent his messenger; he wants to take possession of the heaven; he came down to me and spoke thus :-- 

“O Indra!  Quit your this heaven and go any where you like, or be ready to pay your homage to the high souled Mahisâsura, the Lord of the Dânavas.  The Dânava Chief never becomes angry with his opponent who becomes submissive like a servant; if you surrender and serve him, he will, out of mercy, grant an allowance to you.  O Lord of the Devas!  If this does not like you, then collect your forces and be ready for fight; no sooner I return, the Lord of the Dânavas will come here at once ready to give battle to you.”

Thus saying, the messenger of that wicked Dânava departed.  Now what are we to do?  O Devas!  Think on that.  O Devas!  Even a weak enemy is not to be overlooked by a powerful opponent, especially when the enemy is powerful by his own powers and is ever energetic, never is he to be overlooked.  It is always incumbent on us to make our efforts, as best as we can, both by our body and mind as far as lies in our power; the result, victory or defeat depends entirely on Fate.  It is useless to make treaty with a deceitful and dishonest person; we therefore never should make treaty with this person; you are all honest; that Dânava is dishonest; therefore ponder and ponder deeply and ponder again; do you that which is proper. 

It is not advisable to go out at once for fight when we are unaware of our enemy's strength; let us therefore send spies truthful, honest, motiveless, quick, to ascertain their strength, those who can easily enter amongst our enemies and yet who have no relation, nor any interest with them.  The arrangements of their forces, their movements, their numbers, they will ascertain correctly who are their generals, what is their number and what is their strength, they will thoroughly examine and return here quickly.  First, we will ascertain the strength of the forces of our opposite party and then we will decide at once whether we will start for battle or seek protection within forts.  Wise persons always consider before they act; any act done rashly leads in all respects to many troubles, and anything done after mature prejudgments leads to happiness; so the wise do.  The Dânavas are all one in their heart and mind; therefore it is not advisable, in any way to apply the principle of Bheda (sowing principles of discord).  Let our spies go there, ascertain their strength, return and inform us; we will then judge what principle is proper and apply to the expert Dânavas.  Any act done contrary to policy and expediency will undoubtedly produce effects contrary in every way just like a medicine which we have not tried already.

18-22.  Vyâsa said :-- O King!  Thus counselling with the Devas; Indra sent expert spies to ascertain the true state of affairs.  The spies, too, went into the abode of the Daityas, with no delay and made their searches thoroughly into every nook and corner and returned and told Indra all the strength of the Dânava forces.  Indra was very much startled to know, then, of their arrangements.  He immediately bade all the Devas be ready for battle and called for his High priest Brihaspati, expert in giving advices and began to consult with him how to carry on the warfare with that indomitable enemy, the Lord of the Asuras.  On Bhihaspati, the best and famous of the Angirâ family, taking his excellent seat.

23-25.  Indra thus said :-- “O Guru of the Devas!  O Learned!  Please say what are we to do now in this critical juncture?  You are omniscient; to-day you are our guide.  The Demon Mahîsa has become very powerful, very haughty; surrounded by Dânavas he is now coming to fight with us.  You are expert in mantras; find out the remedy for us.  S'ukrâchârya is the remover of all obstacles on their side; and that you are our safe guard is well known to us.”

26.  Vyâsa said :-- Hearing these words of Indra, Brihaspati, who is always ready to effect the Deva's purposes, thought intently on the subject, said very shortly thus :--

27-51.  Brihaspati spoke :-- O Lord of the Devas!  O Venerable One!  Be peaceful; have patience; when a difficulty comes, one should not, all on a sudden, lose one's patience.  O Chief of the Immortals!  Victory or defeat is completely under the control of destiny:  therefore intelligent ones should always be patient.  O S'atakratu!  What will unavoidably be done must come to pass; knowing this as certain, one would always be an enthusiast and exert one's powers.  Everything is guided by Fate.

Knowing this, the Munis devote themselves at all times solely filled with energy in their meditation and Yoga practices for their final liberation.  Therefore, to show one's energy, according to the rules of the daily practices, ought to be indispensably done; and one should not repel or feel pleasure on failure or success; for that is under Fate.

Success sometimes comes without the exercise of one's own powers, as seen in cases of the lame and the blind; and that is not the reason why one should be very glad.

The embodied beings are all under Daiva (Fate); therefore even if success be not attained, though one's own powers are exercised thoroughly, no one is to blame for that.  O Lord of the Suras!  What to say of forces, Mantras, or advices, what of chariots or weapons, nothing to lead to success; It is Daiva, and only Daiva that makes one successful.  This whole universe is under Daiva; it is, therefore, that we see powerful persons suffering pains, and weak ones getting happiness; the intelligent ones sleeping without any food and fools enjoying merrily; distressed persons getting victory and powerful ones suffering defeats; what cares, then ought one to entertain in this.  

O Lord of the Suras!  Whatever is inevitable to come to pass, be it success or failure, one will lead one's energies to that end; therefore one needs to consider beforehand whether one's energies will be successful or not.  

In times of distress, one sees distress too much and in times of pleasure, one seeks pleasure too much; one's self, therefore one should not surrender to one's enemies, pleasure and pain.  Pain and suffering is not felt so much in patience as is felt when impatient; therefore one must practise patience when pain or pleasure comes.  Indeed it is very difficult to bear oneself up in distress or happiness; therefore wise persons try not to let these feelings crop up at all from the very beginning.  “I am always full, undiminishable, I am beyond these Prâkritic qualities.  Who is there to suffer?  What is suffering?” Thus one ought to think at that moment.  I am beyond the twenty-four Tattvas; what pleasure or pain can, then, arise to me?  Hunger and thirst are the Dharma of Prâna; pain and insensibility is the Dharma of mind, age and death belong to this physical body.  I am free from these six diseases; I am S’iva.  Grief and delusion are the qualities of this body what then do I care for them?  “I” am not the qualities of the body nor “I” am the soul pertaining to that.  I am beyond the seven transfigurations, changes, e.  g., Mahat, etc., I am beyond this Prakriti, Nature, and beyond the sixteen changes wrought out by Prakriti; I am therefore eternally happy, I am beyond Prakriti and its transformation, then why am I to suffer pain always? 

O Lord of the Suras!  Think on these and be without any passion.  O S'atakratu!  This attachment is the root of all miseries and non-attachment is the source of all happiness; non-attachment therefore, is the chief means of the extirpation of all your troubles.  Lord of S'achi!  Nothing can be happier than contentment.

In case you find it difficult to practise dispassion, apply, then, discrimination and think of Fate, that what comes inevitably to pass.  O Lord of the Suras!  Actions already done cannot die out without their effects being enjoyed.  O Best of the Suras!  Let all your intelligence be brought to action, let all the Devas lend their helping hands to you; what is inevitable must come to pass; what then can you care for your happiness or pain? 

O King!  Happiness is felt for the expiation of good deeds and pain is felt for the expiation of bad deeds; therefore wise persons get thoroughly delighted when their punya ends. 

O King!  Judge and hold a council to-day; then try your best.  But what is unavoidable will come to pass, even if you try your best.

Here ends the Fourth Chapter of the Fifth Book on the counsels given by Indra in the Mâhâ Purânam S’rî Mad Devî Bhâgavatam of 18,000 verses by Maharsi Veda Vyâsa.

Source:  Translation of The Srimad Devi Bhagvatam by Swami Vijnanananda  

Friday, November 7, 2014

Devi Bhagvatam 5:3:1:53



An exceedingly fiery mass like a flaming mountain
Did the Gods see, filling the firmament with flames.
That peerless splendor, born from the bodies of all the Gods,
Unifying and pervading the triple world with its lustre, became a Woman.

(Devi Mahatmyam, 2.11-12.)


  1. ayi giri nandini, nandita medini, visva vinodini, nandinute ||
    giri vara vindhya shirodhini vasini vishnuvilaasini jisnunute ||
    bhagavati he shitikaNthakutumbini bhoorikutumbini bhoorikrute ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Oh, Daughter of the Mountain, Who makes the whole World happy,
    Who makes all the Universe rejoice, Who is praised by Nandin,
    Who dwells on the peaks of the great Vindhya Mountains, with radiance reaching far and wide, Who is praised by those desirous of victory,
    Oh Goddess, Wife to blue-necked Shiva, Mother to many families, Doer of many deeds,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  2. suravaravarshiNi durdharadharshiNi durmukhamarshiNi harsharate ||
    tribhuvanaposhiNi shankaratoshiNi kilbishamoshiNi ghosharate ||
    danujaniroshiNi ditisutaroshiNi durmadashoshiNi sindhusute ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Who bestows boons upon the Gods, Who defeats the undisciplined,
    Who tolerates the ignorant, Who is ever rejoicing,
    Who nourishes the three worlds, Who pleases Shankara,
    Who removes sins, Who inhabits the sound of AUM,
    Whose wrath befalls the progeny of the demons Danu and Diti, Who destroys those drunk on the evil intoxicant of pride, Who is Daughter of the Ocean!

    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  3. ayi jagadamba madamba kadambavanapriyavaasini haasarate ||
    shikharishiromaNi tungahimaalaya shringanijaalaya madhyagate ||
    madhumadhure madhukaitabhaganjini kaitabhabhanjini raasarate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Oh, Mother of the World, my Mother, Who loves Her Kadamba tree forest, Who is always smiling,
    Whose dwelling is in the tallest peaks of the Himalayas, the greatest of all mountain chains,
    Who is so very sweet, Who keeps the treasures of Madhu and Kaitabha, Who slayed Kaitabha, Who is ever dancing,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  4. ayi shatakhaNda vikhaNditaruNda vituNditashuNda gajaadhipate ||
    ripugajagaNda vidaaraNachaNda paraakramashuNda mrigaadhipate ||
    nijabhujadaNda nipaatitakhaNda vipatitamuNda bhataadhipate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Who splinters demons' heads into hundreds of shards, Who severs the trunks of their great battle elephants,
    Whose great Lion mount exhibits terrifying valor, as he tears apart the temples of the enemy's elephants
    Who shatters the skulls of enemy chieftains with the strength of her own arms,

    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  5. ayi raNadurmadashatruvadhodita durdharanirjara shaktibhrute ||
    chaturavicharadhuriiNamahasiva dutakrita pramathaadhipate ||
    duritaduriihaduraashayadurmati daanavaduta krutaantamate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Oh, it is You Who possesses the invinceable force that vanquishes hard-to-subdue enemies in battle
    Who promoted Pramatha, the great attendant of Shiva, a master of subtle thinking, to be Her general in battle,
    Who destroyed the messengers of the demons, who were sinful, with evil intention in their thoughts and minds,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  6. ayi sharaNaagata vairivadhoovara viiravaraabhayadaayakare ||
    tribhuvanamastaka shoolavirodhishiirodhikritaamala shoolakare ||
    dumidumitaamara dundubhinaada mahomukhariikrita tigmakare ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Oh, it is You Who gives protection to the wives of heroic enemy warriors when they seek refuge;
    Who aims a flawless spear at the head of the demon who causes great pain in all the three worlds,
    Who burns like a blazing hot sun, inflamed by the resounding din of the war-drums of the Gods,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  7. ayi nijahunkriti maatraniraakrita dhoomravilochana dhoomrashate ||
    samravishoshita shoNitabeeja samudbhavashoNita biijalate ||
    shivashivashumbhani shumbhamahaahavatarpita bhutapishaacharate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Oh, it is You Who, with a single roar, disperses the streams of smoke flowing from the eyes of advancing demons,
    Who thrives like a vine on the blood that falls on the battleground,
    Who delights alike in the company of the auspicious Shiva, inauspicious Shumbha and Nishumbha, and the ghoulish spirits who feed on the battle carnage,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  8. dhanuranusangaraNakshaNasanga parishphuradanga naTatkaTake ||
    kanakapishanga prishatkanishanga rasadbhatasringa hataabaTuke ||
    krutachaturanga balakshitiranga ghatadbahuranga raTadbaTuke ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Who decks Her tender limbs with fine dancing ornaments at the moment of battle, as She readies Her bow,
    Who slays huge enemy soldiers with Her shining sword and arrows from Her golden-brown quiver,
    Who plays with the vast enemy forces arrayed on the battlefield as if they were screaming toy soldiers,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Vict
    ory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!

  9. jaya jaya japyajaye jayashabda parastutitatatpara vishvanute ||
    jhaNa jhaNa jhinjhimijhinkritanoopura sinjitamohita bhootapate ||
    natita nataardhanatiinatanaayaka naatitanaatyasugaanarate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Victory to You! Victory to You! Whose victory need be sung and praised by all the Universe,
    Who attracts Shiva's attention with the tinkling of Her bells and ornaments as She dances
    Who delights in Her own beautiful singing, and Her dance in the form of Ardhanari,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  10. ayi sumanah sumanah sumanah sumanoharakaantiyute ||
    shrita rajanii rajanii rajanii rajanii rajaniikaravakravrute ||
    sunayanavibhra marabhra marabhra marabhra marabhra maraadhipate||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Oh, it is You Whose flowerlike complexion attracts all good-hearted souls,
    [The meaning of the middle two lines is unclear],
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  11. sahitamahaahava mallamatallika mallitarallaka mallarate ||
    virachitavallika pallikamallika shrillikabhillika vargavrute ||
    sita kruta phullisamullasitaakruNtallaja pallavasallalite ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    [The meaning of this verse is unclear.] Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  12. aviralagaNda galanmadamedura mattamatangajaraajapate ||
    tribhuvana bhooshaNa bhootakalaanidhi roopapayonidhiraajasute ||
    ayi sudatiijanalaalasamaanasa mohanamanmatharaajasute ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Who effortlessly steers huge royal elephants in their fury, musk streaming in rivers down their temples,
    Oh Great Princess, Daughter of the Ocean, Who has the beauty of the Moon,
    Who is Ornament of the triple world,
    Princess of Love, whose beautiful smile enchants the minds of those entrapped by desire,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  13. kamaladalaamalakomala kaantikalaakalitaamala bhaalatale ||
    sakalavilaasakalaanilayakrama kelichalatkala hamsakule ||
    alikulasankula kuvalayamaNdala maulimiladbakulaalikule ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Whose flawless forehead displays Her beautiful complexion, pure and delicate like lotus petals,
    Whose flocks of swans follow Her with the fluid grace that is the mark of all beautiful arts,
    Whose swarms of bees sail down from the bakula trees to light with other bees atop the lotus flowers,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  14. karamuraliirava viijita koojita lajjita kokila manjumate ||
    militapulinda manoharagunjita ranjitashailanikunjagate ||
    nijaguNabhoota mahaashabariigaNa sadguNasambhruta kelitale ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Who so sweetly plays Her flute that its music puts the Kokila bird to shame, Who always has sweet thoughts,
    Who dwells in colorful mountain groves that echo pleasantly with the bustle of mountain folk,
    Whose playground is filled with breathtaking tribal women, who are manifestations of Her own great qualities,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  15. katitatapiitadukoolavichitra mayookhatiraskrita chandraruche||
    praNatasuraasura maulimaNisphuradamshulasannakha chandraruche||
    jitakanakaachala maulipadorjita nirbharakunjara kumbhakuche ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Who outshines the brilliance of the moon with the colorful rays flashing from the yellow silks around Her waist,
    Whose toenails shine like the moon as well, reflecting the crest jewels of the gods and demons who bow at Her feet,
    Whose breasts outshine the temples of wild elephants and the high peaks of golden mountains,
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  16. vijitasahasra karaikasahasra karaikasahasra karaikanute ||
    krutasurataaraka sangarataaraka sangarataaraka soonusute ||
    surathasamaadhi samaanasamaadhi samaadhi samaadhi sujaatarate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Who surpasses the thousand-rayed sun with the brilliance of Her own thousand hands, and Who is in turn praised by a thousand suns,
    Who does battle to save the Gods, and Whose sons fought the demon Taraka and are Saviors,
    [Meaning unclear],
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  17. padakamalam karuNaanilaye varivasyati yonudinam sashive ||
    ayi kamale kamalaanilaye kamalaanilayah sakatham na bhavet ||
    tava padameva param padamityanushiilayato mama kim na shive ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Oh Benevolent Goddess, accompanied by Shiva, when one daily cherishes Your lotuslike feet,
    Then, Oh lotus-dwelling Lakshmi, how will one not become wealthy?
    Oh Auspicious Goddess, what riches will not be mine, if I earnestly believe that Your feet are the highest goal to be achieved?
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  18. kanakalasatkala sindhujalairanusinchinute guNarangabhuvam ||
    bhajati sa kim na sachikuchakumbha tatiiparirambha sukhaanubhavam ||
    tava charaNam sharaNam karavaaNi nataamaravaaNi nivaasisivam ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    If one bathes You, the playground of virtues, in the shining golden waters of the ocean,
    Will one not experience in Heaven the joy, equal to that of Indra, of embracing the full bosom of Sachi?
    Oh Goddess worshipped by the Gods Themselves, I take refuge at Your feet, which are also the abode of Shiva.
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  19. tava vimalendukulam vadanendum alam sakalam nanu koolayate ||
    kimu puruhoota puriindumukhiisumukhiibhirasau vimukhiikriyate ||
    mama tu matam sivanaamadhane bhavatii kripayaa kimuta kriyate ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    When one sufficiently dedicates oneself to Your entire moonlike visage, brighter than a host of perfect moons,
    How will one be turned away in heaven by the moon-visaged beauties of the city of Indra?
    [Meaning unclear],
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


  20. ayi mayi diinadayaalutayaa krupayaiva tvayaa bhavitavyamume ||
    ayi jagato jananii krupayaasi yathaasi tathanumitaasitare ||
    yaduchitamatra bhavatyurariikrutaadurutaapa mapaakrurute ||
    jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute ||
    Oh Uma, please look kindly upon me, because of your virtue of compassion toward the meek,
    [Meaning unclear],
    But you may do as You wish with me, Oh You who removes the pain of Her devotees.
    Victory, victory to You, Oh Slayer of the Buffalo Demon!
    Victory, Daughter of the Himalayas, with beautifully plaited hair!


Translated by Devi Bhakta



MAHĀKĀLI DHYANAM
Meditation on Mahākāli
From the Devī Mahātmyam [Mārkendeya Purana]

Om Namaś Chaṇḍikāyai.
Om khaḍgaṁ chakra-gadeṣu-chāpa-parighāñ
chūlaṃ bhuśuṇḍīṁ śiraḥ
śaṅkhaṁ saṃda-dhatīṁ karai-stri-nayanāṁ
sarvāṅga-bhūṣāvṛitām
Nīlāśma-dyutimāsya pāda-daśakāṁ
seve Mahākālikāṁ
yāmastaut-svapite harau kamalajo
hantuṁ madhuṁ kaiṭabham.
Om Namaś Chaṇḍikāyai.

Om, I bow to the Goddess Chaṇḍikā.

Om, holding a scimitar, disk, mace, arrows and bow, lance, club, a skull and a conch shell in Her ten hands. The three-eyed goddess, Her body covered with ornaments, Her countenance with the brilliance of blue diamonds, with ten limbs. We offer our service to Mahākāli, She who Brahma praised for protection from the demons Madhu and Kaitava, when Vishnu was in sleep.

Book 5/Chapter 3/1:53
On the Daitya armies getting ready


1-14.  Vyâsa said :-- The very powerful Asura Mahisa, puffed up with vanity on his getting the boon, obtained sovereignty and brought the whole world under his control!  He, being the paramount power, began to protect the sea-girt earth acquired by the power of his own arms, over which he had the sole sovereignty, there being no other rival king nor any cause of the slightest fear.  

His Commander-in-Chief was then the very powerful Chiksura, maddened with pride; and Tâmra was in charge of the Royal Treasury, guarded by many soldiers.  There were, then, many generals Asilomâ, Vidâla, Udarka, Vâskala, Trinetra, Kâla, Bandhaka and others, very proud, and each in charge of his own corps respectively and occupying this sea-girt earth.

O king!  The powerful kings that reigned before were made subservient and tributary; and those, that fought valiantly befitting the Ksattriya line, were slain by Mahisa.  The Brâhmanas over the earth became subservient to Mahisa and gave their Yajña offerings to him.  When that Mahisâsura got the sole sovereign sway of this world, he, proud of his boons, desired to conquer the Heavens.  

Then Mahisa, the Lord of the Daityas, desirous to send an envoy to Indra, the Lord of S'achî, instantly called for the messenger and spoke to him thus :--

Go, O hero!  O valiant one!  to Heaven.  Act as my messenger and tell Indra fearlessly thus :-- “O thousand-eyed one!  Quit the Heavens; go anywhere you like, or offer your service to the high-souled Mahisa!  He is the lord; and if you take refuge unto him, he will certainly protect you.  Therefore, O Lord of S'achî, better seek the protection of Mahisa.  If, O Balasûdana!  Not willing, wield your Vajra at once; we know your powers; you were, in days of yore, conquered by our ancestors.  O chief of the Sûras!  You are the paramour of Ahalyâ; your strength is well known, give battle or go anywhere you like.”

15-21.  Vyâsa said :-- Hearing the messenger's words, Indra became very indignant and laughed and said :--

I did not know, O you stupid, that you were maddened with vanity; I will shortly give medicines for your master's disease.  Now I will extirpate him by the roots; wise persons do not slay messengers; I therefore let you go.  Better go and tell him what I say :-- “Son of a buffalo!  If you are willing to fight, better come and do not delay.  O Enemy of horse!  (Buffaloes and horses are always at war with each other) Your strength is well known to me; you are a grass eater and your appearance is stupid, idiotic; out of your horns I will make a good bow.  You depend on your horns for your strength; that I well know.  You are clever in striking with your horns; you don't know anything about warfare; therefore I will out off your both the weapons and render you powerless.  You are very much puffed up with vanity due to that.”

22.  Vyâsa said :-- Indra having spoken thus, the messenger quickly returned to his haughty master Mahisa and saluting, spoke :--

23-28.  The messenger said :-- Indra counts you not even a fig, as he is surrounded by his Deva forces and considers himself quite sufficient.  It ought one's servant to speak true and pleasant before one's master; how can I utter the words before my master, that are spoken by that brute Indra.

Whereas the well known maxim reigns in my mind withal that I am your well-wishing servant and I ought to speak truth before you, my master, and that truth is to be pleasant to hear also.  If pleasant words I speak only, then I fail in my duty; at the same time, harsh words ought not to be spoken by me, your sincere well-wisher.

My Lord!  The cruel poison-like words that come from the mouth of an enemy, how can I, a servant of yours, utter those harsh sayings!  O Lord of the Earth!  I will never be able to utter those rude sayings that Indra has spoken.

29-53.  Vyâsa said :-- Hearing the messenger's words full of meaning the grass-eater Mahisa Dânava got very angry and, waggling his tail behind his back, passed urine; then his eyes reddened with anger, he called the Dânavas before him and said :--

O Dânavas!  The Lord of the Devas is firmly resolved on battle; therefore collect your forces; we will have to conquer that devil, the chief of the Sûras.  Who can stand for him a my rival here!  If hundreds and thousands of warriors like Indra come I do not fear any of them at all.

O Dânavas, we will thoroughly put a end to him.  His heroism is before those only that are peaceful and quiet before the ascetics that have become lean and thin by the penances; he is licentious and can only seduce other's wives by craftiness and arts.  He is a thorough rogue and hypocrite, vicious and faultfinding; otherwise why does he put obstacles before others, depending for his strength only on the beauties of the Apsarâs or heavenly prostitutes.  He is treacherous to his very core; therefore he, being afraid at the very outset, took oaths, and entered into agreement with the high-souled Namuchi; afterwards, when his time turned favourable, that villain broke his treaty and treacherously killed him.

Again the powerful Visnu is a thorough master of treachery and hypocrisy, the mine in taking oaths and can only show his vanity and is expert in that.  He can assume many forms at will by his Magic power.  For these very reasons Visnu had to take the form of a boar and kill Hiranyâksa; and again he had to take up a man-lion form to kill Hiranya Kas'îpu.  O Dânavas!  Never shall I surrender myself to Visnu, for I never place my trust in the words or deeds of Visnu and his Devas. 

What can Indra or Visnu do against me, when the most powerful Rudra is not able to fight against me in the battle-field!  I will instantly defeat Indra, Varuna, Yama, Kuvera, Fire, Sun and Moon and get possession of their Heavens.

On our conquering the Devas, we all shall get our share of Yajñas and we along with other Dânavas drink the Soma juice and enjoy ourselves in Heaven.   O Dânavas!  I have got the boon; what do I now care for the Devas.  My death is not from men too.  What can a woman do to me?  O my emissaries!  Call without any delay the chief Dânavas from the nether regions and the mountains and make them my generals?  O Dânavas!  I can alone conquer all the Devas; only to make the war arrangements look nice, that I am taking you to defeat them.  There is no fear of mine from the Devas, consequent on the boon conferred on me.  I will kill them by my hoofs and horns.  I am not to be killed by Suras, Asuras, as men; therefore get yourselves ready to conquer the Devas.

O Dânavas!  After conquering the Heavens we will be garlanded with Pârijâta wreaths and we will enjoy the Deva women in the Nandana Garden.  We will drink the milk of the heavenly milching cow (the cow that yields all desires) and, intoxicated with the heavenly drinks, we will hear and see the music and singing the dancing of the Gandarbhas there.  You will all be served there with various bottles of wine by Urvasî, Menakâ, Rambhâ, Ghritâchî, Tillottamâ, Pramadvarâ Mahâsenâ, Mira Kesî, Madotkatâ, Viprachitti and others.  Then be all ready at once for this auspicious occasion to march to Heavens and fight there with the Suras.  And be pleased to call that pure-souled Muni S'ukrâchârya, the son of Bhrigu and the Guru of the Daityas and worship him and tell him to perform sacrificial ceremonies for the safety and victory of the Dânavas.  O king!  Thus, ordering the chief Dânavas, the wicked Mahisa went to his abode, with gladness.

Here ends the Third Chapter of the Fifth Book on the Daitya armies getting ready in S'rî Mad Devî Bhâgavatam, the Mahâpurânam by Maharsi Vedavyâsa of 18,000 verses. 

Source:  Translation of The Srimad Devi Bhagvatam by Swami Vijnanananda