Chapter 1: Description of Killing of Madhu and Kaidabha.

OM IM
1.    Markandeya Uvacha:-
Savarni Surya thanayo yo Manu Kadyatheshtama,
Nisamaya Thad uthpathim vistharath gadatho mama.

Makandeya told: –
Please hear from me about the origin of Savarni who is the son of Sun god and the eighth Manu in detail.
(There were fourteen Manus who ruled the world. The seven before Savarni were Swayambhuva, Swarochisha, Uthama, Thapasa, Raivatha, Chakshusha and Vaiwaswatha. Markandeya was the son of Sage Mrukandu and was telling this story to another sage called Bagoori. Some versions have two additional slokas regarding the announcement of Sage Sootha that Jaimini the disciple of Vyasa approached Sage Markandeya and requested him to tell the story of Devi Mahatmya)

2.    Maha mayanu bhavena Yadha manwantharadhipa,
Sa Bhabhuva maha bhaga, Savarnisthanayo rave.

Please hear in detail how that very famous and lucky Savarni who was the son of Sun God became the king  of four yugas with the blessing of the great goddess in whom the entire world rests.

3.    Swarochishanthare poorvam Chaithra vamsa samud bhava,
Suradho Nama Rajabuth samasthe Kshithi mandale.

During ancient times and in the time of Manu Swarochisha, Suradha who belonged to the clan of Chaithras became king of the entire earth. (Swarochisha was the second Manu)

4.    Tasya palayatha Samyak praja puthra nivaurasan,
Bhabhuvu sathruvo bhoopaa kola vidwamsina sthatha.

To him who looked after his people like his own sons, the Kola Vidhwamsi kings became enemies
The Kola Vidhwamsi kings might indicate any of the following
Kings belonging to Kola dynasty
Kings from another capital city called Kola

5.    Thasya thairabhavadhyuddham athi prabhala dandina,
Nyunairapi sa thairyudhe kolavidwamsibhirjjitha

Though extremely learned in war, he was defeated in a war with the kola vidhwamsi kings who were not experts in war.

6.    Thatha swapurmayatho nija desadhipobhavath
Aakrantha sa maha bhaga stai sthadha prabhalaribhi.

Attacked by those famous enemy kings, that great one reached his city and became a king to it. (Being defeated, he lost his kingdom and became the chief of his native city only. )
7.    Amathyair bhalibhir dushtai dhurbalasya dhurathmabhi,
Koso bhalam chapahrutham thathrapi swapure satha.

His powerful and bad ministers took away his treasury and army from him who was powerless in his city.

8.    Thatho mrugaya vyajena hruthaswamya sa bhoopathi,
Ekaaki, hayamaruhya jagama gahanam vanam.

Afterwards that king, who had lost his kingdom, reached the dark forests alone on a horse under the pretext of hunting.

9.    Sa thatrasrama madraksheed dwija varyasya medhasa,
Prasantha swapadhakeernam muni sishyopashobhitham.

There he saw the hermitage of the great Brahmin Sumedhas, which was populated by peaceful animals and was shining, with his disciples.

10.  Tasthow kamchit sakalam munina thena sathkrutha
Ithaschethascha vicharam sthasmin munivarasrame.

Under the hospitality of the sage in the hermitage that king lived there for some time traveling here and there.

11.  So chinthayathada thatra mamathwakrushta chethana,
Mathpurvai palitham poorvam mayaheenam puram hithath.

Mind attracted by egoism, he thought as follows. That city which was looked after by my ancestors is definitely not mine now.

12.  Mad bhrtyai sthaira sad vruthyair dharmatha palyathe na va,
Na jaane sapradhano me soorahasthi sadamadha.

13.  Mama vairi vasam yaatha kaan bhogaanupa lapsyathe.
“I do not know whether my citizens are being properly looked after by my servants who are with bad character. Nor do I know how my chief of elephant brigade who is a exuberant and heroic fares in the hand of my enemies.”

14.  Yea Mamanugatha nithyam prasada dhana bhojanai
Anuvrathim Druvam they kurvanthyanya mahi brutham.

“It is definite that those who lived out of recognition, wealth and food given by me, are living by serving other kings.”

15.  Asmyagwaya Seelasthai kurvathbhi sathatham vayam,
Sanchitha sothi dukhena kshayam koso gamishyathi
Ethachanyacha sathatham Chinthayamasa Parthiva.

“Because those spendthrifts because of their bad habits always spend, my treasury would become soon empty. ” thus worried the king.

16.  Thathra viprasramaabhyase Vaisyamekham dadarsa sa,
Sa prashtasthena kasthwam bho hethuschagamanethra ka.

That king saw near the sage’s hermitage a Vaisya(One who belongs to the community of business people) and asked him, “Who are you? And why have you come here?”

17.  Sasoka iva kasmathwam durmana iva lakshyase.,
Ityakarnya vachasthasya bhoopathe pranayo ditham.
18.  Prathyuvacha sa tham vaisya prasrayavanatho nrupam.

To the loving question by the king as to why he was sad and appeared with a disturbed mind, that Vysya with humility told the king.

19.  Vaisyo Uvacha:-
Samadhirnama Vysyo Aham uthpanno dhaninam kule,
Puthra dharairnirasthascha dhanalobhada sadhubhi,
Viheenaswajanairdharai puthrairadhaya me dhanam
20.  Vanambhyagadho dukhee nirasthaschapthabandhbhi.
Vaisya told:-
“I am Vysya called Samadhi, born in a rich family. Because of intense desire for money, I was robbed of all my wealth and driven out by my wives and sons who were of bad character. Thus I, without my wives sons and forsaken by my intimate friends, have arrived in this forest with intense sorrow. ”

21.  Pravruthim swajanacha dharanam chaathra samsthitha,
Kim nu thesham gruhe, ksemakshemam kim nu sampratham,
22.  Kadam they kim nu sad vrutha durvrutha kim ne mey sutha.

“I do not know sitting here, about the well being of my sons, wives and other relatives. I do not know whether they are happy or suffering in their homes. I do not know whether my sons are well behaved or of bad character. ”

23.  Rajo Uvacha
Yair nirastho Bhavan Lubhdhair puthra dharadhibhir dhanai,
Theshu kim bhavatha snehamanubhadnadhi manasam.
The king told:-
“You have been driven out by your sons and wives due to their intense longing for money. Why is it your mind still loves them?”

24.  . Vysya Uvacha
Evaethadyadha praha bhavanasmadgatham vacha,
Kim karomi na bhadnathi mama nishtooratham mana.
Vaisya told:-
“Whatever has been told by you are the truth but somehow my mind does not take recourse to cruel hatred.”

25.  Yai ssandhyajya pithru sneham dhanalubdhair nirakruthai,
Pathi swajana hardamcha hardhi theshweva me mana.

My mind still has love for those, who have driven me out forsaking love towards father, love towards husband and love towards ones own people.

26.  Kimethannabhi janami jananabhi maha mathe,
Yath prema pravanam chitham viguneshwabhi bandhushu.

Hey great soul, though I am intelligent, my mind has love towards those relations who are not good. I am not able to understand why.

27.  Tesham kruthe mey niswaso daurmanasyam na jayathe,
Karomi kim yanna manastheshwa preethishu nishtooram.

Because of them I have hard breath and deep sorrow but my mind is not cruel on them who do not have love for me.

28.  Markandeya Uvacha:-
Tathasthou sahiothou vipra, tham muneem samupasthithou,
Samdhir nama vysyo asou sa cha parthiva sathama.

Markandeya told:-
Hey Brahmin, after that the Vysya called Samadhi and that great king joined together and went near that sage.

29.  Kruthwa thu thou yadha nyayam yadarham thena samvidham,
Upavishtou kadha kaschit chakrathu r vysya parthivou.

The Vysya and the king after holding conversation with the sage according to etiquette told him some news and stories.

30.  Rajo Uvacha
Bhagavatswamaham prashtu michakyam vadasya that,
Dukhaya yanme manasa swa chitthaaya thathaam vinaa.

Hey great soul, I want to ask you a question. Why is it that my mind is not under my control? Why does it create sorrow for me? Please tell me this secret.

31.  Mamathwam gatha rajhyasya rajayangeshwakhilesh bhi,
Janathophi yadagnasya kimethan muni sathama.

Hey great sage, though I am wise, I who have lost my kingdom feel attached to my kingdom. Why is this happening?

32.  Ayamcha nikrutha puthrai dharair bruthyai sthadhoth jaditha,
Swajanena cha samthyakthastheshu hardhee thadhaapyathi.

This Vysya who has been forsaken by his children, wives servants and his own people is also feeling very much attached to them.

33.  Eva mesha thadahamcha dwapyathyantha dukhithou,
Dushta doshepi vishaye mamathwakrushta manasa

Though he and myself, in spite of our finding bad qualities in a matter, our mind is being attracted by that matter and both of us are becoming sad.

34.  Thal kimethan maha bhaga, yan moha gnaninorapi,
mamaasya cha bhavtheysha vivekandhasya moodatha.

Hey great wise soul, why is it that this foolish quality of an unwise individual has come to him and me who both are wise people.

35.  Rishir Uvacha:-
Gnanamasthi samasthasya janthor vishaya gochare,
Vishayascha Maha bhaga, yathi chaivam prudhak prudhak.

The sage told:-
All animals born in the world have knowledge of present activity. But great soul, this knowledge is of different types.

36.  Divandha pranina kechith rathravandha sthadapare,
Kechi diva thadha rathrou pranina sthulya drushtaya.

Some animals are blind during day, some blind during night but there are also animals that can see equally both in day and night.
(The sage says that just because some are blind at night or day or not blind either at night or day, their passion and desire does not change. )

37.  Gnanino manuja sathyam kinnathe nahi kevalam,
Yatho hi gnanina sarve pasu pakshi mrugadhaya.

It is truth that men are wise but they are not the only wise ones.. Even cow, birds and wild animals are also wise.
(The sage tries to tell that wisdom is always mixed with wrong knowledge or ignorance. This is true in all cases including man)

38.  Gnanancha than manushyanam yathesham mruga pakshinaam,
Manushyanancha yathesham thulyamanya thadho bhayo.

Whatever wisdom an animal or bird has, that wisdom man also has. Similarly whatever special knowledge man has for his needs, the bird and animal also have just sufficient to their needs. Except this special knowledge other knowledge (about food, sleep and making love) is same for man and animals and birds.

39.  Gnaneapi sathi pasyaithan pathangamchaava changushu,
Kana moksha druthan mohad peedyamannanapi Kshudha

Though they know that their hunger will be quenched only if they eat and though they suffer due to hunger, observe that the birds due to their attachment keep pieces of food on the beaks for their little ones

40.  Manushya manuja vyagra, saabilaaksha suthaan prathi,
Lobhaath pratyupakaraya nanvethaan kim na pasyasi.

Hey lion among men, Man shows affection to their sons with a hope that they would help them in their need. But are you not seeing these birds?
(The sage points out that birds do this action without any expectation. )

41.  Thadapi mamathaavarthe mohagarthe nipaathitha,
Mahamaya prabhavena samsara sthidhikarrina.

In spite of that due to the power of the great enchantress, man is pushed in to the whirlpool of attachment and the pit of affection and observes the rules of human life.

42.  Thannathra vismaya karyo yoga nidhra Jagatpathe,
mahamaya harescaithathaya sammohyathe jagat.

The great enchantress is but the yogic sleep of Vishnu, the lord of the universe. That enchantress enchants the entire world and so you need not wonder about your reaction.
(Devas do not sleep but take away their senses from happenings and forget about the world. This is the yogic sleep. )

43.  Jnaneenam aapi chethamsi devi bhagawathi hi sa,
Baladakrushya mohaya mahamaya prayachadhi.

That famous lady Maha Maya (great enchantress) who is personification of all riches, draws the minds of even those who have special knowledge and make them behave with baser instinct of affection.
(When she can draw the instincts of those blessed with special knowledge, she can do it easily in case of people like you. )

44.  Thaya visrujyathe viswam trilokyam sa characharam,
Saisha prasanna varada nrunaam bhavathi mukthaye.

She creates the three worlds with its movable and immovable things and though she is the cause of this attachment if she becomes pleased she grants salvation to human beings.

45.  Saa vidhya parama mukther hethu bhootha sanathani,
Samsara bandha hethuscha saiva sarveshwareshwari.

She is the greatest knowledge, which is the cause of salvation, and she also is the ignorance that leads to attachment with the mundane world. Also she is the goddess of all gods.

46.  Rajovacha:-
Bhagawan kaa hi saa devi, mahamayethi yaam bhavan,
Braveethi kadamuthpanna saa karmasyasscha kim dwija.

The king told:-
Hey Godly person, who is this holy lady who was mentioned by you as the Great enchantress? Where from was she born? Hey twice born, what are her duties?

47.  Yath prabhava cha saa devi yath swaroopa yaduthbhava,
Thath sarvam srothumichami twatho Braavidhamvara.

Hey one of the chiefs among those who know Brhama(Ultimate truth), what are the powers of that holy lady, how does she look like and wherefrom was she born? Be pleased to tell me all these.

48.  Rishir Uvacha:-
Nithyaiva saa Jagat moorthisthaya sarvamidham thatham,
Thadapi that Samudpathir bahudha sruyatham mama.

The sage told:-
That holy lady who is of the form of the universe is permanent and she has created this entire world. But be pleased to hear from me how she took form in several cases.

49.  Devaanam karya sidhyartham Aavirbhavathi saa yadha,
Uthpannethi thada loke saa nithyaapyabhidheeyathe.
Though that holy lady exists permanently, whenever she appears in the world for helping the Devas, it is told that she was born at that time.

50.  Yoganidhraam Yada Vishnur jagathyakaarnavikruthe,
Aastheerya seshamabhajath kalpanthe bhagwan Prabhu

51.  Thadha dwavasuraou ghorou vikhyatho Madhu Kaidabhou,
Vishnu karna maloth bhoothou hanthum brahmanamudhyathou.

When the great Lord Vishnu entered in to his yogic slumber[1] on the bed of Sesha, the great snake which was lying over the single ocean (the earth and sea transformed thus at the end of the world (deluge)), out of the ear wax of Vishnu two famous and terrible Asuras called Madhu and Kaidabha rose with an intention of troubling Brahma.
(Sesha also indicates that it was the only thing remaining after the deluge. )

52.  Drushtwa Thavasurou Chogrou prasuptham cha Janardhanam,
Thushtava yoganidhram thamekagra Hrudya Sthitha

53.  Vibhodhanarthaya Harer hari nethra kruthalayam
Visweswareem Jagad dathreem Sthithi Samhara karineem

54.  Nidhram Bhagawathim Vishnor athulam Thejasa Prabhu

That Lord Brahma who was the lord of all men sitting on the lotus flower originating from the belly of Vishnu seeing those two Rakshasas and also seeing that lord Vishnu was in deep yogic slumber prayed that “Yoga Nidhra,” who is omnipresent, who creates, looks after and destroys people, who is incomparable and who lives within the eyes of Vishnu, with an intention of waking up Vishnu.

55.  Brahma Uvacha:-
Twam Swaha, twam Swadha, Twam hi Vashatkara swarathmika,
Sudha Twam Akshare Nithya, tridhamathrathmika sthidha.

Brahma old,
You are one who satisfies Gods (Swaha is also the name of the wife of fire God), You are one who satisfies our manes, (swadha is the food of manes) You are the sound Vashat (the sound of fire sacrifice), you are the personification of heaven, you are Amrutha (Nectar) and you are half syllable of the three letters AA, UU and MA.

56.  Ardha Mathra Sthitha, Nithya, Yanucharya, viseshatha,
Twameva Saa, thwam Savithree, Twam Devi, janani para,

You live in the half syllable “OM”, you are ever living, specially you are the one whose name cannot be told, You are Gayathri, and holy lady, you are the great mother of us all.

57.  Twayaithat Dharyathe Viswam, twaithat srujyathe Jagat,
Twaiythat palyathe Devi, twamatsyanthe cha sarvadha.

Hey holy Goddess, this universe is created by you, this universe is looked after by you, and at the end you destroy this universe and thus this world is carried by you again and again.

58.  Visrushtou Srushti roopa thwam, Sthithiroopa cha palane,
Thadha samhruthiroopanthe Jagathosya Jagan maye.

You are the all pervasive in this universe, you are the creator in creating the universe, you are the administrator in looking after the universe and you are the personification of the destruction at the end.

59.  Maha Vidhya, Maha Maya, Maha Medha, Maha Smruthi,
Maha moha cha Bhavathi Mahadevi Mahasuri.

You are the great knowledge, you are the great enchantress, and you are the great power of knowing, you are the great knowledge of Vedas, you are the great passion, you are the great goddess and you are the great power behind Gods.

60.  Prakruthi sthwam, hi sarvasya gunathraya vibhavani,
Kala rathrir Maha Rathrir Moha Rathrischa Dharuna.

You are mother nature which differentiates between the three qualities of Sathwa(spiritual),, Rajasa(materialistic) and Thamo(baser) instincts, you are the final night of deluge, you are the last night of Brahma, and You are the base darkness which makes one do that action which should not be done,

61.  Thwam Srees thwam easwari, thwam hree sthwam budhir bhoda lakshana,
Lajja pushtisthadha thushtisthwam santhi kshanthireva cha.

You are Goddess Lakshmi, you are the wife of Lord Shiva, you are shyness, you are the intellect helping to take definite decision, you are the intellect which makes us hesitate to take decisions, and similarly you are happiness, solace and patience.

62.  Gadgini, Soolni, Ghora, Gadhini, Chakrini, Thadha,
Sankhini, Chapini, bhanabhoosundi, parigayudha.

You are one with sword, you are one with spear, you are one who carries a head in one hand, you are one with mace, you are one with a wheel, you are one with a conch, you are one with a bow and similarly you are one with arrow, with shield and with Bhoosundi.
(This indicates that she has ten hands. )

63.  Sowmya sowmyathara sesha Sowmyestha Athisundari,
Paraparaanaam parama thwameva parameshwari.

You are one with face full of grace and happiness, you are one with more patience, you are the most pretty among all pretty things, and you are greater than all gods are and you are the wife of Lord Shiva.

64.  Yacha kinchith kwachidvasthu sadasadwaakhilaathmikhe,
Tasya sarvasya yaa shakthi sa twam kim sthuyase thada.

Soul of all that is in this world, I am praying to you because you are the power behind even the smallest living and thing without life.

65.  Yayaa twayaa Jagat srushta jagat pathathi yo jagat,
Sopi nidhravasam neetha kasthwam sthothumiheswara.

You have made that Lord Vishnu who creates, looks after and destroy, asleep. Because of that who among this world capable of praying you?

66.  Vishnu sareeragrahana maha meesana eva cha,
Kaarithastheyatho athasthwam ka sthothum sakthiman bhaveth.

You have taken over the body of Lord Vishnu Lord Rudra and me. Because of this who in this world would become capable of praying you?

67.  Saa twamitham prabhavai swairudharai devi, samsthutha
Mohayaithou duradarshavasurou madhu kaidabhou.

Being thus prayed with all your great qualities, please make the bad Asuras viz. Madhu and Kaidhabha in to senseless beings.

68.  Prabhodamcha Jagat Swami niyatham achyutho laghu
Bhodascha kriyathamasya hanthumethou mahasurou.

Lei Achyutha the lord of all the world wake up quickly. He also should be given the enthusiasm and strength of wisdom to kill these great Asuras.

69.  Rishir Uvacha:-
Evam sthutha thada devi thamasi thathra Vedasa,
Nethrasya Nasika Bahu hrudayebhya sthudhorasa.
70.  Nirgamya darsane thasthou Brahamno avyaktha janmana.

The sage told:-
Thus being praised and prayed By Brahma sitting on the lotus originating from Vishnu’s belly, that holy lady who is the soul of sleep and who has baser qualities came before Brahma from the eyes, face, nose, hands, heart and the soul of Vishnu for the sake of waking up Vishnu and for killing Madhu and Kaidaba.

71.  Ekarnave ahisayanathatha thatha sa daruse cha thou,
Madhu kaidabhou durathmanava athi veerya parakramaou.

72.  Krodha Raktha Kshanou hanthum brahmanam janithodhyamou.

Woken (Freed) by her that Lord of the Universe Vishnu got up from the bed of serpent floating on the unified sea. Afterwards he saw the very valorous and cruel brained Madhu and Kaidaba who were having very red eyes due to extreme anger and who were intent on killing Brahma.
(Though Devi as the great enchantress has externally baser qualities, in the inside she is filled with good qualities, She came out of Lord Vishnu with this external appearance of baser qualities. The Thanthric literature ascribes the killing of Madhu and Kaidabha to her instead of Vishnu. Since she had to do wrestling with these two Rakshasas,she took the form of Vishnu, according to them. )

73.  Samuthaya thathasthabhyam yuyudhe bhagawan hari,
Pancha varsha sahasrani bahu praharano vibhu.

Afterwards that God Vishnu who was spread everywhere got up and fought using bare hands with Madhu and Kaidabha for five thousand years.
(They were not getting tired even after fighting 500 years because they had taken a boon that they will die only according to their own will. At the end Lord Vishnu offered them any boon that they want. -Some texts have two slokas carrying the above meaning)

74.  Thavapyathi balonmathou maha maya vimohithou,
Ukthavanthou varosmatho vryathamithi kesavam.

Those very strong Madhu and Kaidabha loosing their senses (by not loosing the war) and being enchanted by the Goddess who was the great enchantress, told Vishnu that they both are offering him a boon.

75.  Sri Baghwan Uvacha
Bhavethamadhya me thushtou mama vadhyavubhavapi,
Kimanyena varenathra ethavadhi vrutham maya

The great God told:-
If both of you are happy you should consent to be killed by me. What is the use of any other boon? I want only that boon.

76.  Rishir Uvacha:-
Vanchithabhyamithi thada sarvamapomayam Jagath,
Vilokya thabhyam gadhitho Bhagwan Kamalekshana.
Avaam jahi na ya throrvi salilena pariplutha.

The sage told:-
Thus deceived by Lord Vishnu who had lotus eyes and seeing that the whole world was full of water, they requested him to kill them in a place on earth, which was free of water.

77.  Thadethyukthyo bhagawatha sanka chakra gadhabrudha,
Kruthva chakrena vay chinne jagane sirasi thayo.
He told, “let it be like that” and their heads were kept on his lap and were cut by the holy wheel by the Lord who carries a conch, holy wheel and mace.
(There is a story that Lord Vishnu created the earth out of the fat (Medhas) of Madhu and Kaidabha and that is why one of the synonyms of earth in Sanskrit is Medhas. There is also a story that Lord Vishnu did penance for the sin of killing Madhu and Kaidabha and consecrated two Shiva Lingas called Mahukeswara and Kaidabheswara in the shore of the river varadha. Please also note that sea water in deluge cannot raise above the feet of Lord Vishnu. )

78.  Evam esha samuthpanna brahmana samsthutha swayam,
Prabhavamasya devyasthu bhooya srunu vadhami they.

Thus this great enchantress rose up as a result of great prayer of Brahma. I would further tell you about the greatness of this Goddess.

Ithi Sree Markandeya purane Savarnike manwathare,
Devi Mahatmye Madhu Kaidabha Vadho Nama
Prathamodhyaya.

This is the first chapter in Devi Mahatmya dealing with the killing of Madhu and Kaidabha Occurring the Savarnika period of Markandeya Purana.

Ramachanderam Nadisan and Dyarne Ward

DEVI KAVACHAM
(Armour of the Goddess)

1.    Markandeya Uvacha: –
Yath guhyam paramam loke sarva rakshakaram nrunam,
Yanna kasya Chidagyatham, thanme bruhi pithamaha.

Oh! Lord Brahma (Grandfather of all) Please teach me that which is secret to all the world, which is great, which gives complete protection, and which has not been told to anyone.

2.    Brahmo Uvacha:
Asthi guhya thamam vipra, Sarva bhoothopakaarakam,
Devyasthu kavacham punyam tachrunushwa maha mune.

Hey great sage, there is a very secret Devi Kavacha (Armour of Goddess, which is useful to all animals and which has not been told to anyone.

3.    Pradhamam Sailaputhreethi, dwitheeyam Brahma Charini,
Treetheeyam Chadra Gandethi Koosmandethi Chathurthakam.

4.    Panchamam Skanda Matheti shashtam Kathyayaneethi cha.
Sapthamam Kala Rathreethi Maha Goureethi Chasthamam.

5.    Navamam Sidhitha proktha Nava Durga prakeerthitha,
Ukthanyethani naamani Brahmanaiva Maahaathmana.

I have with extreme happiness sung the fame of the nine mothers, Sailaputhri(The daughter of Himalayas), Brahmacharini(She who leads you to salvation), Chandra Ganda(she who hangs the crescent in her bell), Kooshmanda(She who eats away the earth with its pain and sorrow), Skandamatha(Mother of Lord Subrahmanya), Kathyayani(She who was born in the hermitage of Sage Kathyayana), Kala Rathri(She who is the end of God of death), Mahagouri(The pure white Goddess) and Sidhitha(She who gives Salvation. The great God has told these in the Vedas.

6.    Agnina dahyamanasthu Sathru madhye Gatho rane,
Vishame durgame Chaiva bhayartha saranam Gatha,

7.    Na Thesham jayathe kinchid asubham rana sankate,
Naapadam thasya pasyami soka dukha bhayam nahi.

He who remember these nine mothers will not suffer even if he is burnt in fire, even if he has gone to war, even if he is very sad, even if he is terribly afraid of war.

8.    Yaisthu bhakthya smrutha noonam teshamrudhi prajayathe.

Anyone who remembers those names with devotion becoems free of these fears and sorrows.

Pretha Samstha thu Chamunda varahi Mahishasna,

9.    Indri Gaja Samaruda Vaishnavi Garudasana,
Maheswari vrushabarooda Kaumari Shikhi vahana,

10.  Brahmi hamsa samarooda sarvabharana Bhooshitha,
Nanabharana Shobhadya Nano rathnopa Shobitha,

11.  Drusyanthe Radhamarooda Devya Kopa Samanvitha.

Kali rides on corpses, Varahi rides on Garuda, Maheswari on bull, Kaumari on Peacock, Brahmi on a swan and all of them wear different types of ornaments and have different types of luster, wear different type of gems and are seen on the chariots with very angry faces.
(This is the description of the seven holy mothers)

Samkham Chakram, Gadham, Shakthim, Halancha, musalayudham,

12.  Gedagam, thomaram chaiva parasum pasameva cha,
Kunthayudham, trishoolan cha Sarngayudhamuthamam,

13.  Daithyanam deha nasaya bakthanam abhayaya cha,
Darayanthyudhanetham devanamcha hithaya vai.

They hold in their hands conch, mace, spear, plough, shield, tall spear, axe, trident, strong bow made of horns so that they can kill demons (negative gunas), bless devotees and for the good of devas.

14.  Mahabale, mahothsahe, Maha bhaya vinasini,
Trahi maam dushprekshya, Sathrunam Bhaya vardhini.

Oh! strong Goddess, oh! enthusiastic Goddess, oh! goddess who removes fear of death, oh! Goddess who is extremely impossible to see and oh! Goddess, who increases the fear of your enemies, please protect us.

15.  Prachyam Rakshathi mamaindri, agneyam agni devatha,
Dakshine raksha Vaarahi, Nairythyam thwam Gadga Dharinim.

Let Indrani (Power of Indra) protect me in the east, Agni (Female power of fire God, in the southeast, varahi (the power of varaha) in the south, and Gadgadharini (She holds a sword), in the southwest.

16.  Pradeechyam varuni Rakshed vayavyam Mruga Vahini,
Raksed udecchyam Kaumari and easanyam Soola Dharini.

Let the power of Varuna (God of rain) protect me in the west, the power of wind, in the northwest, Kaumari (the power of Lord Subrahmanya) in the north and Maheswari (The power of Lord Shiva) in the Northeast.

17.  Urdhwam Brahmani mey rakshed adhsthad vaishnavi Thadha,
Evam dasa disa Rakshe Chamunda Sava Vahana.

Let Brahmani (Power of Lord Brahma) protect me at the top, let Vaishnavi (Power of Vishnu) protect me below and let Chamunda who sits on a seat of Corpse thus protect me on all the ten sides.

18.  Jayame Chagradha sthadhu, vijaya sthadu Prushtatha,
Ajitha vama parswe sthu Dakshine chaparajitha.

Let Jaya (She who is Victory) stand before me, let Vijaya (She who is always victorious) stand behind me, let Ajitha (She who cannot be won) stand to my left and Aparjitha (She who has never been defeated) stand on my right.

19.  Shikhamudhyothini rakshedhuma moordhni vyavasthidha,
Maladhari lalate cha brovow rakshed yasawini.

Let Udhyothini (She who is ever prepared) protect my hair, Uma (goddess Parvathy) my head, Maladhari (She who wears a garland) my forehead and Yasawini (She who is famous) my eye brows.

20.  Trinethra cha bruvor madhye yamaganda cha Nasike,
Sankhini chakshshor madhye, srothrayor vindhya vasini.

21.  Kapalow kalika rakshed, kana moole thu sankari,
Nasikayam sugandha cha utharoshta cha charchika.

Let Trinethra (She who has three eyes) protect the space between eye brows, Yamaganda (death to God of death) protect my nose, Sankhini (She who has a conch) the space between two eyes, Dwara Vasini (She who lives deep inside) my ears, Kalika (the black goddess) my cheeks, Sankari (Wife of Lord Parameshwara) the ear lobes, Sugandha (She who smells nice) the nose bridge and Charchiga (she who is above description) outside my mouth.

22.  Adhare Cha amrutha kala, jihwayam thu saraswathi,
Dandhan rakshathu Kaumari, kanda madhye thu Chandika.

Let my lips be protected by Chandra Kala, (she who wears the crescent moon) Sarawathi (Goddess of learning) my tongue, Kaumari (She who is a young girl) my teeth and chandika (she who cannot be measured) the middle of my neck.

23.  Gandikam chithraganda, cha mahamaya cha thaluke,
Kamakshim Chibukam raksseth, vacham me sarva mangala.

Let my throat be protected by Chitra Ganda (She who is picturesque), Mahamaya (great enchantress) protect the small tongue, Kamakshi (She who has attractive eyes) protect my beard and voice be protected by Sarva mangala. (She who gives all that is good)

24.  Greevayam Badhrakali cha prushtavamse danurdhari,
Neelagreeva bahikante nalikam nalakoobhari.

25.  Gadga dharinyobhou skandow bahu me vajra dharini,
Hasthayor dhandini rakshed ambika cha anguleeshu cha.

Let Badrakali (the black goddess who protects) protect my neck, Neelagreeva (the goddess who is blue) protect the back portion of my neck, Nalakoobari protect the neck joint, Gadgadharini (She who holds the sword) protect my shoulders, Vajradharini (She who holds Vajrayudha) protect my arms, dhandini (She who punishes) protect my hands and Ambika (she who is the mother of the world) protect my fingers.

26.  Nakham sooleswari raksheth kukshow rakshet naleswari,
Sthanou rakshet mahadevi mana soka nasini.

Let Sooleswari (she who holds the spear) protect my nails, Naleswari protect my abdomen, Mahadevi (The great goddess) protect my breasts and let Soka nasini (She who destroys sorrows) protect my mind.

27.  Hrudayam lalitha devi hydhare shoola dharini,
Nabhim cha kamini raksheth, guhyam guhyeswari thadha,

Let Lalitha (The goddess who is easy to attain) protect my heart, let Sooladharini (She who holds the trident) protect my stomach, Kamini (She who is lovable) protect my belly and let Guhyeswari (She who is secret) protect my reproductive organs.

28.  Bhoothanatha cha medram cha gudham mahisha vahini,
Katyam bhagagavathi rakshed januni vindhya vasini.

Let my reproductive organs be protected by Bhoothanada (She who is the ruler of all beings), my behind protected by Mahisha vahini, (She who rides on buffalo) my thighs by Bhagawathi (She who is the goddess) and knees be protected by Vindhyavasini. (She who lives on Vindhya Mountains)

29.  Jange mahabala proktha janumadhye vinayaki,
Gulphayor narasimhi cha padha prushte amithoujasi.

30.  Padamanguli sreedhari cha padadasthalavasini,
Nakhan damshtra karali cha kesamscaivordhwa kesini.

Let my knee cap be protected by Mahabala (she who is very strong) who has been mentioned in the Vedas, the centre of the knee be protected by Vinayaki, (She who helps us carry out things without obstruction, the forelegs be protected by Narasimhi)(The female power of Lord Narasimha), the top of the feet be protected by Amithoujasi, the fingers of the feet be protected by Sreedhari (She who holds Maha lakshmi), the bottom of the feet by Thalavasini, Nails of the feet by Karali (She who is black with anger)and hair all over the body by Oordhwakesi. (Goddess having long hair)

31.  Roma koopani Kaubheri twacham Vageeswari Thadha,
Raktha majjavasa mamsanya asthi medhamsi parvathi.

Let the hair pores all over the body be protected by Kaubheri (The female power of the of Kubhera), skin be protected by Vagheeswari, (The goddess of words) and let Parvathy (The daughter of the Mountain) protect my blood, flesh, juices bones and fat.

32.  Andhrani kala Rathrischa, piuthancha makuteswari,
Padmavathi padma kose kaphe choodamani sthadha.

Let my intestines be protected by Kala Rathri, (Goddess of Dark night) the bile be protected by Magudeswari, (Goddess who wears a crown, heart be protected by Padmavathi (Goddess who sits on lotus) and let Choodamani (Goddess who is a great gem) protect my phlegm

33.  Jwalamukhi nakha jwalam abhedya sarva sandhishu,
Shukram brahmani me rakshed chayam chathreswari Thadha.

Let the shine of my nails be protected by Jwalamukhi (She who has a face of a flame), all the joints be protected by Abhedya (She who cannot be injured), shadow be protected by Chatreswari (She who is like an umbrella) and Oh Brahmani (The female power of Lord Brahma) protect my semen.

34.  Ahankaram Mano budhim rakjsha me dharma charini,
Pranapanou thadha vyana samana dhanameva cha,

35.  Yasa keerthim cha Lakshmin cha Sadha rakshathu Chakrini,
Gothram Indrani me raksheth pasunme raksha Chandika.

Oh! Dharmacharini (she walks on the path of Dharma), please protect my mind, intellect and my ego. Let the winds of the body viz. Prana, Apana, Vyana, Samana, Udhana. as well as fame, good name and wealth be protected by Chakreswari (She who wields the holy wheel). Oh! Indrani (The female power of Lord Indra) protect my progeny and Hey Chandika(She who cannot be measured) protect my cows.

36.  Puthran Rakshed Mahalakshmi, Bharyam Rakshadu Bhairavi,
Margam Kshemakari rakshed dwijaya sarvatha sthitha.

Let Maha Lakshmi protect my sons and daughetrs, Let Bhairavi (Another name for Parvathy) protect my husband or wife and let my way be protected by Kshemakari (She who looks after) who is victorious and lives everywhere.

37.  Raksha heenanthu yath sthanam varjitham kavachena thu,
Thad sarvam raksha me devi jayanthi papa nasini.

Whichever part does not have protection, let all those be protected by you goddess who is the greatest and who destroys sins.

38.  Padamekam na Gachethu yadi chedh cha Shubatmana,
Kavachenavyatho nithyam yathra yathra hi gachathi.

39.  Thathra thathratha labascha vijaya saarva kamika,
Yam yam chinthayathe kamam tham tham prapnothi nischitham.

The one, who wishes all good to happen to him, should not walk a step without this Armor. One who travels to any direction protected by this armor will earn all material wealth, get all sort of victory and definitely get all his wishes fulfilled.

40.  Paramaiswaryamathulam prapsyathe bhoothale pumaan,
Nirbhayo jayathe marthya samgrameswaparajitha.

The man will get unmatched wealth and all human beings that chant this will walk without fear, being victorious in all wars.

41.  Trilokye thu bhaveth poojya kavachenavutha puman,
Idanthu devya kavacham devanam abhi durlabham.

42.  Ya padeth prayatho nithyam trisandhyam sradhayan witha,
Daivikale bavethasya trilokye cha aparajitha.

43.  Jived varsha satham sagramapamruthyu vivarjitha,
Nasyanthi vyadhaya sarve lutha visphotakadhaya.

44.  Sthavaram jangamam chapi kruthrimam chapi yadvisham,
Abhicharani sarvani manthra yanthrani bhoothale,

45.  Bhoochara khecharas chaiva jalajaschoupadashika,
Sahaja kulaja mala dakini sakini sthadha,

46.  Antharikshachara ghora dakinyancha maha bala,
Gruha bhootha pisachascha yaksha gandarwa rakshasa.

47.  Brahma rakshasa vethala Koosmanda bhairavadhaya,
Nasyanthi darsanathasya kavache hrudhi samsthithe.

He who daily reads this Armor of the Goddess, which is even difficult for Devas to obtain, in dawn, noon and dusk with devotion would be able to realize the goddess in person. He would live for one hundred years without getting defeated in all the three worlds with no untimely death in his family. This would destroy all the hexes. All the effects of artificial poisons with temporary and permanent effects would be destroyed. All the black magic done in this world, and the bad spirits which travel on the earth and in the sky, which are made in water, which can be created and which hear the suggestions like Kulaja, Mala, Shakini and dakini, the terrible spirits which travel in the ether, the ghosts which reside in the home, yakshas, gandarwahas, Rakshasas, Brahmarakshasas, Vetalas Koosmandas and Bhairavis will be destroyed by the sight of such a man.

48.  Manonathir bhavedragna thejovrudhi karam param,
Yasahasa vardhathe sopi keerthi manditha bhoothale.

The king would honor him and for he will have the glitter of divine power and his fame will increase in this materialistic world.

49.  Japeth sapthasathim chandim kruthwa thu kavacham pura,
Yavad bhoomandalam dathe sasaila vana kananam.

50.  Thavathistathi medhinyam santhathi puthra pouthriki,
Dehanthe paramam sthanam yath surair abhi durlabham.
Prapnothi purusho nithyam mahamaya prasadatha.

After reciting this Armor of the Goddess if one recites The “Devi Mahatmya (also called Chandi or Durga Sapthasathi) he would live in this world (Surrounded by forests and mountains) with sons and grandsons and in the end attain that salvation which even gods cannot get.

Devi Kavacham Samaptham

Thus, ends the Armor of the Goddess.

Ramachanderam Nadisan and Dyarne Ward

DEVI KEELAGAM
(The nail of the goddess)

(Since the chanting of Devi Mahatmya leads to all the luck and good things in the world and at the end salvation Lord Prameshwara, decided to impose certain conditions to get that full benefit. This is the nail that he has put.)
Rishir Uvacha:-

1.    Vishudha gnana dehaya trivedi divya chakshushe,
Sreya prapthi nimithaya nama somardha dharine.

The sage told:-
My salutations to that Parameshwara(The greatest lord) who is in the form of doing extreme penance, who has three holy eyes, who is the prime cause leading to salvation and who wears the crescent.

2.    Sarvamethad vijaniyath manthranam abhi keelagam,
Sopi kshemavapnodhi sathatham japa thathpara.

3.    Sidhyunthyuchadanadheeni vasthuni sakalanyapi,
Ethena sthuvadham devi sthothramathrena sidhyathi.

For getting victory in reading the Devi Mahatmyam, reading this would remove all the spokes in the way of getting result.. He who reads this also gets good times and gets all those which are not attainable. Even to one who praises Goddess with only Devi Mahatmya, she becomes pleased.

4.    Na manthroushadham thathra na kinchid api vidhyathe,
Vina japyena sidhyatha sarvamuchadanadhikam.

5.    Samagranyapi sidhyathi, loka sanka mimam hara,
Kruthwa nimanthrayamasa sarvamedhamidham shubham.

That man needs no other chant(Devi mahatmyam) or medicine,Without any other he would realise all his needs. He gets realised fully all his wishes, for The great god(Shiva), taking in to account the normal doubts among people, after composing this Keelaga also made it not necessary for him to read others.

6.    Sthothram vai Chandikayasthu thacha guhyam chakara sa,
Samapthirna cha punyasya tham yadavaniyanthranam.

The Lord Parameshwara made the “Devi Mahatmya” as secret and since there is no end to the blessings that can be received by it, made the method of reading it very secret.
7.    Sopi kshemamapnothi sarvameva na samsaya,
Krushnayam vaa chaturdasyam ashtamyam va samahitha,

8.    Dadthi prathi gruhnathi nanyaidaisha praseedathi.
Itham ropena keelena Mahadevena keelitham,

9.    Yo nishkeelam vidayainam nithyam japathi samsphutam,
Sa sidha sagana sopi gandharvo jayathe avana.

There is no doubt that he gets all comforts. He has to observe with complete concentration all the necessary charities and rules laid down for the chanting on the fourth or fourteenth day after the NEW moon. Unless he does that the goddess will not be pleased with him.. This has been fixed like a driving nail by Lord Parameshwara. He who reads it without this would become one of the assistants of the Goddess.
(Because God thought just by chanting this every body would become equal to gods, whether they are good or bad, he has put this condition. (nail). He has told that this japa has to be done on Krishna ashtami or Krishna Chathurdasi. Before the Japa he should give away all his wealth to the goddess and receive back from her as prasada that which is just sufficient for him. He should then do the chanting with full concentration and according to the method prescribed. If he does like that, then only he will get the full effect of chanting the manthra. )

10.  Na chaivapyata thasthasya bhayam kwapeeha jayathe,
na apamruthyu vasam yathi mrutho mokshamapnuyath.

He will have no fear any where in the world, he will never be subject to untimely death and after death he will attain salvation.

11.  Jnathwa prabhya kurveetha hyakurvano vinasyathi,
Thatho jnathtwaiva sambannamidham prabhyadhe budha.

This method should be understood well and then only the chanting should be started. If it is not done this way it will not be effective. So learned people do this way.

12.  Soubhagyadhi cha yath kinchid drusyathe lalanajane,
That sarvam that prasadena thena japyamidham shubham.

Even ladies who do not know the method by chanting it will get some small benefits like beauty. So this has necessarily be chanted.

13.  Sanaisthu japyamane asmin sthothre samathi ruchagai,
Bhavathyeva samagrapi thatha prabhyameva thath.

If this is chanted without sound you will get riches and if chanted loudly complete wealth could be got and so this should be chanted loudly.

14.  Iswaryam yath prasadena soubhagya maraogya sampada,
Sathruhani paro moksha sthuyathe saa na kim janai.
How is it that with this knowledge that this chanting would lead to wealth, luck, heath and destruction of ones enemies, some people are still not chanting it?

Devi Keelagam Samaptham
The nail of the Goddess ends.

Ramachanderam Nadisan and Dyarne Ward

ARGALA STOTRAM

1.    Jayanthi mangala kali bhadrakali kapalini,
Durga kshama shiva dhathri swaha swadha namosthuthe.

Salutations to the Goddess who is Jayanthi, Mangala, Kali, Bhadrakali, Kapalini, Shiva, Dhathri, Swaha and Swadha.

2.    Madhukaidabha vidhravi, vidhathru varadhe nama,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Beloved Goddess, slayer of Madhu and Kaidabha who were granted boons by Brahama, give me looks, give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

3.    Mahishasura nirnasa vidhathri varade nama,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi

Beloved Goddess who killed Mahishasura and who was granted boons by Brahma, give me looks, give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

4.    Vandidhamgriyuge, devi, devi sowbhagya dhayini,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Beloved Goddess whose lotus petaled feet are worshipped by the Gods and Goddesses give me bountiful luck, give me looks, give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

5.    Raktha Bheeja Vadhe, devi, Chanda Munda Vinasini,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess who killed Raktha Bheeja, Hey Goddess who killed Chanda and Munda, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

6.    Achinthya roopa Charithe, Sarva Shathru vinasini,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess who has unbelievable looks and history, Hey Goddess who kills all enemies totally, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

7.    Nathebhya Sarvadha bhakthya chandike pranathayame,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess for all those who salute you and to me who salutes you now, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

8.    Sthuvadbhyo bakthi poorvam thwam chandike Vyadhi nasini,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess who cures all diseases to those who sing your praise with devotion, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

9.    Chandike sathatham ye twamarchanyantheeha bhakthitha,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess Chandika, to all those who worship you with devotion, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

10.  Dehi sowbhagyam arogyam, dehi devi param sukham,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess give me health and good luck and also that happiness which is eternal, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

11.  Videhi dwishatham nasam, videhi bala muchagai,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess, destroys all my enemies, give me great strength, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

12.  Videhi devi kalyanam videhi vipulam sriyam,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess give me all well meaning things, give me great wealth, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

13.  Vidhyavantham yasasvantham lakshmivantham janam kuru,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess make your devotees with education, fame and wealthy, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

14.  Prachanda daithya darpagne, Chandike pranathaya me,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Chandike, who destroyed the pride of the very heroic Rakshasas, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

15.  Chathurbhuje, chathur vakthra samsthuthe, parameswari,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.
Hey Goddess who has four hands, who is praised by Lord Brahma himself, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

16.  Krishnena samsthuthe devi, saswad bakthya thwam ambike,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess who was praised by Lord Krishna similarly, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

17.  Himachala sutha nadha poojithe parameswari,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess who is being worshipped by Lord Shiva, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

18.  Sura sura sirorathna nigrushta charanembike,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess who has a feet before which asuras and devas fall, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

19.  Indrani pathi sad bhava poojithe parameswari,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess who is being worshipped by the husband of Indrani with devotion, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

20.  Devi, prachanda dhor dhanda daithya darpa vinasini,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey goddess who destoryed the ego of the great Asuras having huge arms and weapons, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

21.  Devi bakthajanodhama dathanandodhaye ambike,
Roopam dehi, jayam dehi yaso dehi, dwisho jahi.

Hey Goddess who gives salvation to your devotees, give me looks. Give me victory, give me fame and destroy my enemies.

22.  Patneem manoramam dehi, mano vruthanu sareenim,
Tharinim durga samsara sagarasya kuloth bhavam.

Hey Goddess give me a very pretty wife, who would obey my mind, who would help me cross this unfathomable sea of material life and who will make my mind happy.

23.  Idham sthothram padithwa thu Maha sthothram paden nara,
Sa thu saptha sathi samkhya vara mapnodhi sampadham.
A man who reads this prayer and then reads “Devi Mahatmya” would get great material and spiritual wealth.

Ramachanderam Nadisan and Dyarne Ward

Indian Drum Beats (Mridangam)

Ramachanderam Nadisan and Dyarne Ward