Devi Mahatmyam describes how Mahishasura gained
lordship over the devas after a great battle which lasted for 100 years. The
devas headed by Brahma, then went to the abode of Shiva and Vishnu to plead for
help. The Devas
narrated the story of their defeat wrought by Mahishasura in detail to the
lords.
Devas: “Mahishasura himself has assumed the jurisdictions of Surya,
Indra, Agni, Vayu, Chandra, Yama and Varuna and of other gods too. Thrown out
from heaven by that evil-natured Mahisha, the hosts of devas wander on the
earth like mortals. All that has been done by the enemy of the Devas, has been
related to you both, we seek shelter under you both. May both of you be pleased
to think out the means of his destruction”
Having heard the plea of the Devas & the
tyranny of Mahishasura, Shiva & Vishnu were greatly angered. Out of this
fierce wrath, a very great light sprang forth from the bodies of
Indra, Shiva & other Devatas due to anger. From this heavenly light emerged
the magnificent form the MahaLakshami. The loud laughter of the Devi’s enormous
form struck terror in the cosmos. This sight brought about great joy to the Devas & they presented the Devi with
their choicest weapons and ornaments.
Shiva presented a trident of his own to her
while Vishnu brought forth a discus (chakra) out of his own discus & gave it
to her. Varuna presented her a conch, Agni a spear; and Maruta gave a bow as
well as two quivers full of arrows. Indra, lord of devas, brought a thunderbolt
and a bell from that of his elephant Airavata, for the Devi. Yama gave a staff
from his own staff of Death and Brahma, the lord of beings, gave a string of
beads and a water-pot.
While the earth quaked and all the mountains
rocked, the Devas rejoiced and wished victory to the Devi! The Sages bowed to
her in devotion. When the Asuras saw the
Devi in the three worlds they were
wonder struck. Mahishasura got agitated & sent forth his massive army to
fight the Devi. Then began a battle between that Devi and the enemies of the Devas,
in which the quarters of the sky were illumined by the weapons and arms hurled
diversely. The mighty generals of Mahishasura’s army battled her ferociously, but in vain. As fire
consumes a huge heap of straw and wood, similarly the Devi destroyed that vast
army of Asuras in no time.
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