Bhandā was granted a boon of immense prosperity for sixty thousand years. However, contrary to the Devas’ expectations, Bhandā exhibited all the traits of an evil and aggressive asurā, making him unacceptable among the Devas. When desire (Kamadeva) was destroyed, it gave rise to intense anger, from which Bhandāsurā was born.
The Devas, having forgotten their trials under Tārakāsurā, could not endure the persecution of Bhandāsurā. One of the Devas had blessed him with the power to gain half the strength of each opponent he fought. With this blessing and others granted by the Devas, Bhandāsurā grew even stronger. He had the Devas’ architect construct a vast city for him, called śonithapurā or śunyakanagaram.
In this story, we encounter many unfamiliar names. Bhandāsurā slapped his shoulders, and from them emerged his two chief henchmen, Viśukran and Viśaṅgan, who were considered his brothers and stayed by his side until the end. He also had a younger sister named Dhūminī. Bhandāsurā had four wives—Sanmohini, Kumudinī, Chitrangini, and Sundari—and thirty sons, all given peculiar names. One significant difference set Bhandāsurā apart from other Asurās.
The entire city of Bhandāsurā regularly chanted the Rudra Mantra. It is the nature of the Devas to bless those who pray to them, and in this case, it was as if they had cursed themselves. Bhandāsurā and his citizens became devout upāsakās (worshippers) of the Rudra Mantra, growing stronger as their fervent prayers were rewarded with boons. Meanwhile, the Devas’ strength steadily declined. They were driven from their homes, forced to seek refuge in forests and mountain caves.
The Devas fell into deep distress as Bhandāsurā became invincible, strengthened by his spiritual austerities and the boon of a prosperous sixty thousand years. For this long period, the Devas endured immense suffering. As the end of those years approached, Narada Maharshi, seeking to end Bhandāsurā’s tyranny, held discussions with the Devas. Even Lord Maha Vishnu could not kill him, but Vishnu offered a suggestion.
Ordinary people often lose their focus due to lust, and only if Bhandāsurā succumbed to desire would his spiritual strength diminish and his power weaken. It is said that the Lord created many Mohinis (enchantresses). While Bhandāsurā was enjoying the lake with his wives, he noticed several beautiful Mohinis by the lakeside. Overcome with lust, he grew eager to approach them. His fellow asurās—Viśukran, Viśaṅgan and Dhūmralocānā—also fell victim to desire. Thousands of Mohinis reportedly entered Bhandāsurā’s city, luring all the asurās with their charm.
The citizens forgot their dharma, responsibilities, and stopped performing Yajnas and chanting the Rudra Mantra. Many years passed this way. Sage Narada visited Devendra again, warning, “If you delay any longer, it will become impossible to kill Bhandāsurā.” He urged the Devas to collectively pray to Devi Jagadambika, the Universal Mother, as she alone could save them from this peril. The constant remembrance of her divine feet is the only remedy for those drowning in sorrow and misery. We are currently hearing the events leading up to the slaying of Bhandāsurā, as recounted in the Sri Lalitha Sahasranama, with more to follow in the coming days.
To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranamam
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