āpadi kim karaṇīyaṃ smaraṇīyaṃ caraṇa yugalaṃ ambayāha
[The only remedy for those drowning in sorrow and misery is the constant remembrance of the divine feet of the Universal Mother.]
Sage Narada reminded Devendra of Devī Jagadambika’s glory. As Bhandāsurā was consumed by lust, the Devas began preparing for a grand Yajna, said to have been performed in the Kanchi temple, with an altar miles long and wide. They constructed a vast altar, offering diverse oblations, including meat, as prescribed in Vedic texts. Ghee and other offerings were made to Agni, the fire god. The Yajna continued for an extended period, with unwavering dedication.
Time passed without yielding any results. In desperation, the Devas began offering their own limbs—cutting off their hands, feet, and more—and placing them, along with ghee, into the sacrificial fire. Finally, matters reached a point where they resolved to sacrifice themselves in the great fire pit. In complete surrender, they achieved purification of both their gross and subtle bodies, as well as their thoughts, words, and actions. They were prepared to renounce not only their physical forms but also all residual latent tendencies. They were ready to burn their attachments, body-consciousness, thoughts, and emotions in the fire of the Yajna.
From the Chittagni, the sacrificial fire pit within the heart where the individual ego dissolves through knowledge, Devī emerged as divine consciousness—the Absolute and all-pervading. Rising from the fire, adorned with precious ornaments, she appeared with four arms, holding a rope, a goad, a sugarcane bow, and arrows symbolizing the five subtle elements.
Her brilliant form filled with radiance & glory is beautifully described in Sri Lalithasahasranama,
nijāruṇa-prabhāpūra-majjad-brahmāṇḍamaṇḍalā
[She who immerses the entire universe in the red efflugence of Her form]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 12)
Her radiant form, ablaze in red effulgence, filled the universe, reminding all who witnessed her that her presence extended beyond the physical. The Devas were blessed to behold such a glorious manifestation of Devī, whose radiance encompassed the entire cosmos.
An auspicious city arose where Devī reigned, offering refuge to the Devas, who soon forgot the suffering inflicted by Bhandāsurā. Compassionate to all, Devī made each one feel uniquely cherished, as though they were her most beloved. The former inhabitants of heaven, now under her nurturing care, varied in form and character. Among them were Gandharvās, the skilled heavenly singers, Kinarās, men, and women, each with distinct qualities. Devī showed kindness to all, whether short or tall, slender or stout, quick-tempered or gentle, fully aware of the sixty thousand years they had endured under Bhandāsurā. They all felt singularly dear to her and continued living in her care, contented for a time.
Devī delivers the results of actions performed in the past or in previous births. The calamity that befell the Devas was a consequence of their arrogance. Although they were kind-hearted, they often took pride in themselves. To rid them of their remaining faults and latent tendencies, they had to endure persecution from the Asurās. Devī determined that each Deva should experience the fruits of their actions. She bestowed upon them wonderful gifts and sent them on their way. The Devas pleaded with her to slay Bhandāsurā, and the compassionate Mother of the Universe decided to fulfill their prayers.
Devī completed all preparations for war against the Asurās. This marks the beginning of the mantras related to Bhandāsurā’s destruction in the Sri Lalitha Sahasranama: “She who is endowed with an army of Shaktis intent on slaying Bhandāsurā.” We are currently hearing the details leading up to Bhandāsurā’s demise and will learn more in the upcoming episodes.
To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranāma
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