Shiva Shakti - ISRO Vikram touch down point on the moon has been named Shiva Shakti!
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
Srimad Bhagavatam - snippet 7- Friday, 1 September 2023 - Shiva - Shakti in Srimad Bhagavatam.
***
Shiva-Shakti
Our Sanatana Dharma upholds the opportunity for prayer as the supreme gift given to living beings by Bhagavan. The seekers among living beings pray to Bhagavan in his various forms. After all, it is he who has created the universe with his own energy and infused it with his own consciousness. Therefore, the two-fold principle of divinity is worshipped as Shiva-Shakti. It is also called Yin and Yang, Male-Female etc. Shiva and Shakti also are the divine couple, and called the parents of the world!
Our Sanatana Dharma upholds the opportunity for prayer as the supreme gift given to living beings by Bhagavan. The seekers among living beings pray to Bhagavan in his various forms. After all, it is he who has created the universe with his own energy and infused it with his own consciousness. Therefore, the two-fold principle of divinity is worshipped as Shiva-Shakti. It is also called Yin and Yang, Male-Female etc. Shiva and Shakti also are the divine couple, and called the parents of the world!
Now, there are many confused Hindus who think that if they worship Vishnu or Narayana, they should not pray to Shiva or Shakti. This is sheer nonsense. The best place to clarify this is the Srimad Bhagavatam, purportedly the greatest scripture for those who worship Vishnu.
There are two extraordinary occasions when Bhagavan Shiva’s identity with Ishwara, i.e. Maha Vishnu, is revealed by Bhagavan Vishnu himself. This Leela unfolds in Daksha Yajna and later when the Kalakuta poison appears during the churning of the ocean.
Daksha Yajna
A highly frustrated and confused Daksha insults his son-in-law Lord Shiva which act forces Daksha's daughter Sati to give up her body in utter unhappiness. Shiva unleashes Veera Bhadra who destroys Daksha’s Yajna and all the people including gods who showed disrespect. Finally, Daksha is killed.
Bhagavan Shiva now appears to restore order. Lord Brahma appeases Shiva.
***
Lord Shiva smiled and answered Brahma: "My dear Brahma, I take no offence at all at these gods who are childish and less intelligent, I punished them only to teach them a lesson.”
Saying this, Lord Shiva restored everyone appropriately and brought Daksha back to life. A sacrificial goat’s head was fixed on him and he was fully functional.
This filled all the gods and Brahmins with extreme gratitude and relief.
Daksha, thus restored, was at once purged of his ignorance and ego. He was still extremely sad that his dear daughter had given up her life at his offence. He found it difficult to speak. At last, he prayed to Lord Shiva:
दक्ष उवाच
भूयाननुग्रह अहो भवता कृतो मे दण्डस्त्वया मयि भृतो यदपि प्रलब्ध: ।
न ब्रह्मबन्धुषु च वां भगवन्नवज्ञा तुभ्यं हरेश्च कुत एव धृतव्रतेषु ॥
Daksha said, “ Oh, Lord, your punishing my unpardonable insult and behaviour has been your grace! Indeed, you and Lord Vishnu are kind even to mediocre namesake Brahmins. I thus know your grace to me has been extended because I have been performing these Yajnas!”
“Oh Lord, you first manifested from your face the Brahmins to uphold learning, austerity and self-restraint. You protect us like a cowherd takes care of cattle with a stick in his hand. Why, then, should you neglect me, who am engaged in performing sacrifices?"
"It was out of my ignorance that I spoke so insultingly to you. I am unable to express my gratitude sufficiently for your kindness, so please take my obeisance instead.”
---
After Lord Shiva’s permission, the Yajna was resumed after purifying the premises. They offered an appropriate oblation to Shiva which he graciously received.
As soon as Daksha offered the clarified butter into the sacred fire with Yajur Veda mantras in sanctified meditation, Lord Vishnu appeared there in his original form as Narayana arriving on Garuda with his huge wings that were like Samaveda hymns. The Lord’s effulgence overpowered everyone.
There is a wonderful description of Bhagavan Maha Vishnu’s exquisite beauty and divine presence that causes everyone to offer their prayers.
रुद्र उवाच
तव वरद वराङ्घ्रावाशिषेहाखिलार्थे ह्यपि मुनिभिरसक्तैरादरेणार्हणीये ।
यदि रचितधियं माविद्यलोकोऽपविद्धं जपति न गणये तत्त्वत्परानुग्रहेण ॥
T: Lord Shiva said: "My dear Lord, my mind and consciousness are always fixed on your lotus feet, the source of all benediction and the fulfilment, worshipped by all the liberated, great sages. With my mind fixed on your lotus feet, I am no longer disturbed by persons who blaspheme me, faulting me for defects in ritual performances per established customs. I simply forgive them, just as you shower compassion on all.”
Others said: “Oh, Lord, no one understands that you are far beyond the grasp of the intellect or empirical deduction! Your eight hands protect the entire universe against miscreants! Oh, Lord, the Yajna venue was devastated by the anger of Lord Shiva, but now, by your grace, all is restored.”
Accepting their prayers and Yajna offerings, Lord Vishnu now addressed Daksha.
श्रीभगवानुवाच
अहं ब्रह्मा च शर्वश्च जगत: कारणं परम् । आत्मेश्वर उपद्रष्टा स्वयंदृगविशेषण: ॥
आत्ममायां समाविश्य सोऽहं गुणमयीं द्विज । सृजन् रक्षन् हरन् विश्वं दध्रे संज्ञां क्रियोचिताम् ॥
त्रयाणामेकभावानां यो न पश्यति वै भिदाम् । सर्वभूतात्मनां ब्रह्मन् स शान्तिमधिगच्छति ॥
“ Daksha, I, Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva are together the supreme cause of creation, the Paramatma, self-sufficient witness of all. Thus there is no difference between Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and me. I am the original Supreme Being who, in order to create, sustain and dissolve this universe, took these separate forms. One who differentiates between us or thinks living entities are all different from me knows not.”
“One who does not consider Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva or the living entities in general to be separate from the Supreme Being, and who knows Brahman, actually realises beatitude. Not others.”
The time had come for Daksha to realise the Truth. He completed the Yajna well, offering oblations duly to all. Lord Vishnu, and all other gods, blessed him to develop true Bhakti, and left.
---
Maitreya narrates how Dakshayani Sati was again incarnated as Uma, the daughter of Mena Devi and Himavan, and was singularly devoted to attaining Lord Shiva. Ambika after many austerities was finally reunited with her Lord, Bhagavan Shiva.
Saying this, Lord Shiva restored everyone appropriately and brought Daksha back to life. A sacrificial goat’s head was fixed on him and he was fully functional.
This filled all the gods and Brahmins with extreme gratitude and relief.
Daksha, thus restored, was at once purged of his ignorance and ego. He was still extremely sad that his dear daughter had given up her life at his offence. He found it difficult to speak. At last, he prayed to Lord Shiva:
दक्ष उवाच
भूयाननुग्रह अहो भवता कृतो मे दण्डस्त्वया मयि भृतो यदपि प्रलब्ध: ।
न ब्रह्मबन्धुषु च वां भगवन्नवज्ञा तुभ्यं हरेश्च कुत एव धृतव्रतेषु ॥
Daksha said, “ Oh, Lord, your punishing my unpardonable insult and behaviour has been your grace! Indeed, you and Lord Vishnu are kind even to mediocre namesake Brahmins. I thus know your grace to me has been extended because I have been performing these Yajnas!”
“Oh Lord, you first manifested from your face the Brahmins to uphold learning, austerity and self-restraint. You protect us like a cowherd takes care of cattle with a stick in his hand. Why, then, should you neglect me, who am engaged in performing sacrifices?"
"It was out of my ignorance that I spoke so insultingly to you. I am unable to express my gratitude sufficiently for your kindness, so please take my obeisance instead.”
---
After Lord Shiva’s permission, the Yajna was resumed after purifying the premises. They offered an appropriate oblation to Shiva which he graciously received.
As soon as Daksha offered the clarified butter into the sacred fire with Yajur Veda mantras in sanctified meditation, Lord Vishnu appeared there in his original form as Narayana arriving on Garuda with his huge wings that were like Samaveda hymns. The Lord’s effulgence overpowered everyone.
There is a wonderful description of Bhagavan Maha Vishnu’s exquisite beauty and divine presence that causes everyone to offer their prayers.
रुद्र उवाच
तव वरद वराङ्घ्रावाशिषेहाखिलार्थे ह्यपि मुनिभिरसक्तैरादरेणार्हणीये ।
यदि रचितधियं माविद्यलोकोऽपविद्धं जपति न गणये तत्त्वत्परानुग्रहेण ॥
T: Lord Shiva said: "My dear Lord, my mind and consciousness are always fixed on your lotus feet, the source of all benediction and the fulfilment, worshipped by all the liberated, great sages. With my mind fixed on your lotus feet, I am no longer disturbed by persons who blaspheme me, faulting me for defects in ritual performances per established customs. I simply forgive them, just as you shower compassion on all.”
Others said: “Oh, Lord, no one understands that you are far beyond the grasp of the intellect or empirical deduction! Your eight hands protect the entire universe against miscreants! Oh, Lord, the Yajna venue was devastated by the anger of Lord Shiva, but now, by your grace, all is restored.”
Accepting their prayers and Yajna offerings, Lord Vishnu now addressed Daksha.
श्रीभगवानुवाच
अहं ब्रह्मा च शर्वश्च जगत: कारणं परम् । आत्मेश्वर उपद्रष्टा स्वयंदृगविशेषण: ॥
आत्ममायां समाविश्य सोऽहं गुणमयीं द्विज । सृजन् रक्षन् हरन् विश्वं दध्रे संज्ञां क्रियोचिताम् ॥
त्रयाणामेकभावानां यो न पश्यति वै भिदाम् । सर्वभूतात्मनां ब्रह्मन् स शान्तिमधिगच्छति ॥
“ Daksha, I, Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva are together the supreme cause of creation, the Paramatma, self-sufficient witness of all. Thus there is no difference between Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and me. I am the original Supreme Being who, in order to create, sustain and dissolve this universe, took these separate forms. One who differentiates between us or thinks living entities are all different from me knows not.”
“One who does not consider Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva or the living entities in general to be separate from the Supreme Being, and who knows Brahman, actually realises beatitude. Not others.”
The time had come for Daksha to realise the Truth. He completed the Yajna well, offering oblations duly to all. Lord Vishnu, and all other gods, blessed him to develop true Bhakti, and left.
---
Maitreya narrates how Dakshayani Sati was again incarnated as Uma, the daughter of Mena Devi and Himavan, and was singularly devoted to attaining Lord Shiva. Ambika after many austerities was finally reunited with her Lord, Bhagavan Shiva.
***
Kalakuta Poison and Nilakantha Shiva
https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/02/srimad-bhagavatam-viii07-contd-6.html
Suddenly, Vasuki, that giant, terrifying serpent, with his thousand hoods and two thousand red eyes, started spewing fire, smoke and a poisonous swirl of gas that enervated Bali and other Asuras as well as all the Devas. Bhagavan coolly caused a cool breeze to blow and a refreshing shower of rain to cleanse them and cool them. Thus the churning renewed.
Now Vyasa turns really poetic.
मेघश्याम: कनकपरिधि: कर्णविद्योतविद्युन्मूर्ध्नि भ्राजद्विलुलितकच: स्रग्धरो रक्तनेत्र: ।
जैत्रैर्दोर्भिर्जगदभयदैर्दन्दशूकं गृहीत्वा मथ्नन् मथ्ना प्रतिगिरिरिवाशोभताथो धृताद्रि: ॥
The Lord appeared like a blackish cloud. He was dressed in golden yellow garments, His earrings shone on his ears like lightning, and his hair spread over his shoulders. He wore a garland of flowers, and his eyes were pinkish. With his strong, glorious arms that confer fearlessness throughout the universe, he took hold of Vasuki and began churning the ocean, using Mandara Mountain as a churning rod. When engaged in this way, the Lord appeared like a beautifully situated mountain named Indranila.
https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/02/srimad-bhagavatam-viii07-contd-6.html
Suddenly, Vasuki, that giant, terrifying serpent, with his thousand hoods and two thousand red eyes, started spewing fire, smoke and a poisonous swirl of gas that enervated Bali and other Asuras as well as all the Devas. Bhagavan coolly caused a cool breeze to blow and a refreshing shower of rain to cleanse them and cool them. Thus the churning renewed.
Now Vyasa turns really poetic.
मेघश्याम: कनकपरिधि: कर्णविद्योतविद्युन्मूर्ध्नि भ्राजद्विलुलितकच: स्रग्धरो रक्तनेत्र: ।
जैत्रैर्दोर्भिर्जगदभयदैर्दन्दशूकं गृहीत्वा मथ्नन् मथ्ना प्रतिगिरिरिवाशोभताथो धृताद्रि: ॥
The Lord appeared like a blackish cloud. He was dressed in golden yellow garments, His earrings shone on his ears like lightning, and his hair spread over his shoulders. He wore a garland of flowers, and his eyes were pinkish. With his strong, glorious arms that confer fearlessness throughout the universe, he took hold of Vasuki and began churning the ocean, using Mandara Mountain as a churning rod. When engaged in this way, the Lord appeared like a beautifully situated mountain named Indranila.
This heavy churning produced an adverse reaction from the creatures in the ocean. There suddenly appeared the dreaded Kalakuta poison that would destroy all creatures!
तदुग्रवेगं दिशि दिश्युपर्यधो विसर्पदुत्सर्पदसह्यमप्रति ।
भीता: प्रजा दुद्रुवुरङ्ग सेश्वरा अरक्ष्यमाणा: शरणं सदाशिवम् ॥
विलोक्य तं देववरं त्रिलोक्या भवाय देव्याभिमतं मुनीनाम् ।
आसीनमद्रावपवर्गहेतोस्तपो जुषाणं स्तुतिभि: प्रणेमु: ॥
T: When that uncontrollable poison was forcefully spreading up and down in all directions, all the gods, along with the Lord Maha Vishnu himself, approached Bhagavan Shiva. Feeling utterly vulnerable and very much afraid, they sought his protection. The gods observed Lord Shiva sitting on the summit of Kailasa with his wife, Bhavani, for the auspicious development of the three worlds. He was being worshipped by great saints praying for liberation. The gods offered him their obeisances and prayers with great respect.
प्रजापतय ऊचु:
देवदेव महादेव भूतात्मन् भूतभावन । त्राहि न: शरणापन्नांस्त्रैलोक्यदहनाद् विषात् ॥
त्वमेक: सर्वजगत ईश्वरो बन्धमोक्षयो: । तं त्वामर्चन्ति कुशला: प्रपन्नार्तिहरं गुरुम् ॥
गुणमय्या स्वशक्त्यास्य सर्गस्थित्यप्ययान्विभो । धत्से यदा स्वदृग् भूमन्ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवाभिधाम् ॥
एतत् परं प्रपश्यामो न परं ते महेश्वर । मृडनाय हि लोकस्य व्यक्तिस्तेऽव्यक्तकर्मण: ॥
The Prajapatis, chiefs of the gods, said:
तदुग्रवेगं दिशि दिश्युपर्यधो विसर्पदुत्सर्पदसह्यमप्रति ।
भीता: प्रजा दुद्रुवुरङ्ग सेश्वरा अरक्ष्यमाणा: शरणं सदाशिवम् ॥
विलोक्य तं देववरं त्रिलोक्या भवाय देव्याभिमतं मुनीनाम् ।
आसीनमद्रावपवर्गहेतोस्तपो जुषाणं स्तुतिभि: प्रणेमु: ॥
T: When that uncontrollable poison was forcefully spreading up and down in all directions, all the gods, along with the Lord Maha Vishnu himself, approached Bhagavan Shiva. Feeling utterly vulnerable and very much afraid, they sought his protection. The gods observed Lord Shiva sitting on the summit of Kailasa with his wife, Bhavani, for the auspicious development of the three worlds. He was being worshipped by great saints praying for liberation. The gods offered him their obeisances and prayers with great respect.
प्रजापतय ऊचु:
देवदेव महादेव भूतात्मन् भूतभावन । त्राहि न: शरणापन्नांस्त्रैलोक्यदहनाद् विषात् ॥
त्वमेक: सर्वजगत ईश्वरो बन्धमोक्षयो: । तं त्वामर्चन्ति कुशला: प्रपन्नार्तिहरं गुरुम् ॥
गुणमय्या स्वशक्त्यास्य सर्गस्थित्यप्ययान्विभो । धत्से यदा स्वदृग् भूमन्ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवाभिधाम् ॥
एतत् परं प्रपश्यामो न परं ते महेश्वर । मृडनाय हि लोकस्य व्यक्तिस्तेऽव्यक्तकर्मण: ॥
The Prajapatis, chiefs of the gods, said:
Oh greatest of all gods, Mahadeva, Paramatma of all living entities and cause of their happiness and prosperity, we have come to the shelter of your lotus feet. Now please save us from this fiery poison, which is spreading all over the three worlds.Oh lord, you are the cause of bondage and liberation of the entire universe because you are its ruler. Those who are advanced in spiritual consciousness surrender unto you, and therefore you are the cause of mitigating their distresses, and you are also the cause of their liberation. We therefore worship your Lordship.Oh lord, you are self-effulgent and supreme. You create this material world by your personal energy, and you assume the names Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara when you act in creation, maintenance and annihilation. You are the cause of all causes, the self-effulgent, inconceivable, impersonal Brahman, which is originally Parabrahman. You manifest various potencies in this cosmic manifestation.
Then Bhagavan Shiva, ever merciful and commiserating with the suffering of all, who is the dear friend of all beings, spoke to his consort, Sati, as follows.
श्रीशिव उवाच
अहो बत भवान्येतत् प्रजानां पश्य वैशसम् । क्षीरोदमथनोद्भूतात् कालकूटादुपस्थितम् ॥
आसां प्राणपरीप्सूनां विधेयमभयं हि मे । एतावान्हि प्रभोरर्थो यद् दीनपरिपालनम् ॥
प्राणै: स्वै: प्राणिन: पान्ति साधव: क्षणभङ्गुरै: । बद्धवैरेषु भूतेषु मोहितेष्वात्ममायया ॥
पुंस: कृपयतो भद्रे सर्वात्मा प्रीयते हरि: । प्रीते हरौ भगवति प्रीयेऽहं सचराचर: ।
तस्मादिदं गरं भुञ्जे प्रजानां स्वस्तिरस्तु मे ॥
"My dear Bhavani, just see how all these living entities have been placed in danger because of the poison produced from the churning of the Ocean of Milk. It is my duty to give protection and safety to all living entities struggling for existence. Certainly, it is the duty of the master to protect his suffering dependents. People in general, being bewildered by the illusory energy of Bhagavan, are always engaged in animosity toward one another. But devotees, even at the risk of their own temporary lives, try to save them. My dear, when one performs benevolent activities for others, Bhagavan Sri Hari is very pleased! And when the Lord is pleased, I am also pleased, along with all other living creatures. Therefore, let me drink this poison, for all the living entities may thus be relieved of their woe and be happy because of my deed."
After informing His consort Devi in this way, Lord Shiva began to drink the poison, and Devi, who knew perfectly well the capabilities of Lord Shiva, gave him her permission to do so. Thereafter, Lord Shiva, who is dedicated to auspicious, benevolent work for humanity, compassionately took the whole quantity of poison in his palm and drank it.
As if in a virulent counter, resisting efforts to tame it, the poison born from the Ocean of Milk manifested its potency by marking Lord Shiva’s neck with a bluish line. That line, however, is now accepted as an ornament of the Lord! That is why He is called Nilakantha!
It is said that great personalities almost always readily accept suffering to ameliorate the suffering of people in general. This is considered the highest method of worshipping Bhagavan who is present in everyone’s heart.
Upon hearing of this act, everyone, including Devi Dakshayani, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and the people in general, praised most effusively this deed performed by Lord Shiva, who is worshipped by the gods and who bestows benedictions upon tall.
श्रीशिव उवाच
अहो बत भवान्येतत् प्रजानां पश्य वैशसम् । क्षीरोदमथनोद्भूतात् कालकूटादुपस्थितम् ॥
आसां प्राणपरीप्सूनां विधेयमभयं हि मे । एतावान्हि प्रभोरर्थो यद् दीनपरिपालनम् ॥
प्राणै: स्वै: प्राणिन: पान्ति साधव: क्षणभङ्गुरै: । बद्धवैरेषु भूतेषु मोहितेष्वात्ममायया ॥
पुंस: कृपयतो भद्रे सर्वात्मा प्रीयते हरि: । प्रीते हरौ भगवति प्रीयेऽहं सचराचर: ।
तस्मादिदं गरं भुञ्जे प्रजानां स्वस्तिरस्तु मे ॥
"My dear Bhavani, just see how all these living entities have been placed in danger because of the poison produced from the churning of the Ocean of Milk. It is my duty to give protection and safety to all living entities struggling for existence. Certainly, it is the duty of the master to protect his suffering dependents. People in general, being bewildered by the illusory energy of Bhagavan, are always engaged in animosity toward one another. But devotees, even at the risk of their own temporary lives, try to save them. My dear, when one performs benevolent activities for others, Bhagavan Sri Hari is very pleased! And when the Lord is pleased, I am also pleased, along with all other living creatures. Therefore, let me drink this poison, for all the living entities may thus be relieved of their woe and be happy because of my deed."
After informing His consort Devi in this way, Lord Shiva began to drink the poison, and Devi, who knew perfectly well the capabilities of Lord Shiva, gave him her permission to do so. Thereafter, Lord Shiva, who is dedicated to auspicious, benevolent work for humanity, compassionately took the whole quantity of poison in his palm and drank it.
As if in a virulent counter, resisting efforts to tame it, the poison born from the Ocean of Milk manifested its potency by marking Lord Shiva’s neck with a bluish line. That line, however, is now accepted as an ornament of the Lord! That is why He is called Nilakantha!
It is said that great personalities almost always readily accept suffering to ameliorate the suffering of people in general. This is considered the highest method of worshipping Bhagavan who is present in everyone’s heart.
Upon hearing of this act, everyone, including Devi Dakshayani, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and the people in general, praised most effusively this deed performed by Lord Shiva, who is worshipped by the gods and who bestows benedictions upon tall.
***
Shakti or Devi
Shakti or Devi
Devi is the term applied to Shiva’s consort. She is considered the sister of Maha Vishnu. Do you know why? When the eighth child is born to Devaki in the prison it is none other than Maha Vishnu incarnated as Sri Krishna. As a part of his Leela, Bhagavan arranges for Devi to be born to Yashoda simultaneously. The two babies are interchanged by Vasudeva.
The portion of Devi receiving instruction from Bhagavan to unfold this Leela is very beautiful.
भगवानपि विश्वात्मा विदित्वा कंसजं भयम् । यदूनां निजनाथानां योगमायां समादिशत् ॥
गच्छ देवि व्रजं भद्रे गोपगोभिरलङ्कृतम् । रोहिणी वसुदेवस्य भार्याऽऽस्ते नन्दगोकुले ।
अन्याश्च कंससंविग्ना विवरेषु वसन्ति हि ॥
देवक्या जठरे गर्भं शेषाख्यं धाम मामकम् । तत्सन्निकृष्य रोहिण्या उदरे सन्निवेशय ॥
अथाहमंशभागेन देवक्याः पुत्रतां शुभे । प्राप्स्यामि त्वं यशोदायां नन्दपत्न्यां भविष्यसि ॥
अर्चिष्यन्ति मनुष्यास्त्वां सर्वकामवरेश्वरीम् । धूपोपहारबलिभिः सर्वकामवरप्रदाम् ॥
नामधेयानि कुर्वन्ति स्थानानि च नरा भुवि । दुर्गेति भद्रकालीति विजया वैष्णवीति॥
कुमुदा चण्डिका कृष्णा माधवी कन्यकेति च । माया नारायणीशानी शारदेत्यम्बिकेति॥
गर्भसङ्कर्षणात्तं वै प्राहुः सङ्कर्षणं भुवि । रामेति लोकरमणाद्बलं बलवदुच्छ्रयात् ॥
सन्दिष्टैवं भगवता तथेत्योमिति तद्वचः । प्रतिगृह्य परिक्रम्य गां गता तत्तथाकरोत्॥
गर्भे प्रणीते देवक्या रोहिणीं योगनिद्रया । अहो विस्रंसितो गर्भ इति पौरा विचुक्रुशुः ॥
भगवानपि विश्वात्मा भक्तानामभयङ्करः । आविवेशांशभागेन मन आनकदुन्दुभेः ॥
स बिभ्रत्पौरुषं धाम भ्राजमानो यथा रविः । दुरासदोऽतिदुर्धर्षो भूतानां सम्बभूव ॥
To protect the Yadus, his personal devotees, from Kamsa’s attack, Bhagavan, Paramatma, the Supreme Soul of everyone, ordered Yoga Maya as follows.
The Lord ordered Yoga Maya:
"Oh my Shakti, who are worshippable for the entire world and whose nature is to bestow good fortune upon all living entities, go to Vraja, where there live many cowherd men and their wives. In that very beautiful land, where many cows reside, Rohini, the wife of Vasudeva, is living at the home of King Nanda. Other wives of Vasudeva are also living there incognito because of fear of Kamsa. Please go there.
Within the womb of Devaki is my partial plenary expansion known as Sankarshana or Adishesha. Without difficulty, transfer him into the womb of Rohini.
O all-auspicious Yoga Maya, I shall then appear with My full six opulences as the son of Devaki, and you will appear simultaneously as the daughter of mother Yashoda, the queen of King Nanda.
By sacrifices of animals, ordinary human beings will worship you gorgeously, with various paraphernalia, because you are supreme in fulfilling the material desires of everyone."
Bhagavan blessed Yoga Maya by saying:
"In different places on the surface of the earth, people will give you different names, such as Durga, Bhadrakali, Vijaya, Vaishnavi, Kumuda, Chandika, Krishna, Madhavi, Kanyaka, Maya, Narayani, Ishani, Sharada and Ambika.
(We see clearly that all the forms of Devi we worship as Lakshmi, Parvati and Saraswati are included in this list. All of them are manifestations of Yoga Maya of Bhagavan Maha Vishnu.)
The son of Rohini will also be celebrated as Sankarshana because of being sent from the womb of Devaki to the womb of Rohini. He will be called Rama because of his ability to please all the inhabitants of Gokula, and he will be known as Balabhadra because of his extensive physical strength."
So we see that Devi is none other than Bhagavan Maha Vishnu's Maya Shakti.
---
What happens next is interesting. That is the time of both Devaki and Yashoda delivering their babies. Vasudeva goes and interchanges Sri Krishna and Devi.
Kamsa comes to destroy the eighth-born child of Devaki in the prison and is perplexed to find a female child in the cradle.
Kamsa comes to destroy the eighth-born child of Devaki in the prison and is perplexed to find a female child in the cradle.
***
https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/03/srimad-bhagavatam-x-a04-31-march-2023.html
स तल्पात्तूर्णमुत्थाय कालोऽयमिति विह्वलः । सूतीगृहमगात्तूर्णं प्रस्खलन् मुक्तमूर्धजः ॥
तमाह भ्रातरं देवी कृपणा करुणं सती । स्नुषेयं तव कल्याण स्त्रियं मा हन्तुमर्हसि ॥
बहवो हिंसिता भ्रातः शिशवः पावकोपमाः । त्वया दैवनिसृष्टेन पुत्रिकैका प्रदीयताम् ॥
Kamsa rushed out of his bed in the dark, not wanting to lose a moment. This was Devaki's eighth born! He ran ill-clad and crownless to the prison, sword raised in hand. A weeping Devaki fell at his feet, begging for mercy. "Oh, brother, this girl is after all your niece. No danger can come from her! Please don't kill her! Driven by Destiny, you have already slaughtered my sons, glowing like fire at birth. Please spare this girl's life!"
Kamsa laughed cruelly, pushed his sister, and grabbed the baby lying in her lap. Lifting the child by her legs, he swung to dash her against a big stone. Even before that impact, the child miraculously slipped from his grasp and flew into the sky!
सा तद्धस्तात्समुत्पत्य सद्यो देव्यम्बरं गता । अदृश्यतानुजा विष्णोः सायुधाष्टमहाभुजा ॥
दिव्यस्रगम्बरालेपरत्नाभरणभूषिता । धनुःशूलेषुचर्मासिशङ्खचक्रगदाधरा ॥
सिद्धचारणगन्धर्वैरप्सरःकिन्नरोरगैः । उपाहृतोरुबलिभिः स्तूयमानेदमब्रवीत् ॥
किं मया हतया मन्द जातः खलु तवान्तकृत् । यत्र क्व वा पूर्वशत्रुर्मा हिंसीः कृपणान् वृथा ॥
इति प्रभाष्य तं देवी माया भगवती भुवि । बहुनामनिकेतेषु बहुनामा बभूव ह ॥
Flying out of his grasp into the sky, that girl child revealed herself as the sister of Bhagavan Maha Vishnu, endowed with eight arms, all holding divine weapons- bow, spear, arrow, shield, sword, chakra, shankha, and gada. She wore divine ornaments and garlands. She was surrounded by eulogising celestials. Her laugh rang aloud in the skies as she said, "Oh, You fool, Kamsa, to what avail is your attempt to kill me!? Your nemesis, the divine Lord, as foreordained, has already been born and is being raised as I speak! Do not slaughter other children without reason!" Speaking thus, the Devi flew into the heavens, later to be worshipped around the world in her many forms as mentioned already.
***
There is another mention of Devi during the episode of Syamantaka Mani. Bhagavan goes to retrieve it from Jambavan. This does not happen until they have a terrific fight that exhausts Jambavan and he realises who Sri Krishna indeed is. During that period, there is great anxiety in Dwaraka as nobody knows what has happened to Sri Krishna!
स तल्पात्तूर्णमुत्थाय कालोऽयमिति विह्वलः । सूतीगृहमगात्तूर्णं प्रस्खलन् मुक्तमूर्धजः ॥
तमाह भ्रातरं देवी कृपणा करुणं सती । स्नुषेयं तव कल्याण स्त्रियं मा हन्तुमर्हसि ॥
बहवो हिंसिता भ्रातः शिशवः पावकोपमाः । त्वया दैवनिसृष्टेन पुत्रिकैका प्रदीयताम् ॥
Kamsa rushed out of his bed in the dark, not wanting to lose a moment. This was Devaki's eighth born! He ran ill-clad and crownless to the prison, sword raised in hand. A weeping Devaki fell at his feet, begging for mercy. "Oh, brother, this girl is after all your niece. No danger can come from her! Please don't kill her! Driven by Destiny, you have already slaughtered my sons, glowing like fire at birth. Please spare this girl's life!"
Kamsa laughed cruelly, pushed his sister, and grabbed the baby lying in her lap. Lifting the child by her legs, he swung to dash her against a big stone. Even before that impact, the child miraculously slipped from his grasp and flew into the sky!
सा तद्धस्तात्समुत्पत्य सद्यो देव्यम्बरं गता । अदृश्यतानुजा विष्णोः सायुधाष्टमहाभुजा ॥
दिव्यस्रगम्बरालेपरत्नाभरणभूषिता । धनुःशूलेषुचर्मासिशङ्खचक्रगदाधरा ॥
सिद्धचारणगन्धर्वैरप्सरःकिन्नरोरगैः । उपाहृतोरुबलिभिः स्तूयमानेदमब्रवीत् ॥
किं मया हतया मन्द जातः खलु तवान्तकृत् । यत्र क्व वा पूर्वशत्रुर्मा हिंसीः कृपणान् वृथा ॥
इति प्रभाष्य तं देवी माया भगवती भुवि । बहुनामनिकेतेषु बहुनामा बभूव ह ॥
Flying out of his grasp into the sky, that girl child revealed herself as the sister of Bhagavan Maha Vishnu, endowed with eight arms, all holding divine weapons- bow, spear, arrow, shield, sword, chakra, shankha, and gada. She wore divine ornaments and garlands. She was surrounded by eulogising celestials. Her laugh rang aloud in the skies as she said, "Oh, You fool, Kamsa, to what avail is your attempt to kill me!? Your nemesis, the divine Lord, as foreordained, has already been born and is being raised as I speak! Do not slaughter other children without reason!" Speaking thus, the Devi flew into the heavens, later to be worshipped around the world in her many forms as mentioned already.
***
There is another mention of Devi during the episode of Syamantaka Mani. Bhagavan goes to retrieve it from Jambavan. This does not happen until they have a terrific fight that exhausts Jambavan and he realises who Sri Krishna indeed is. During that period, there is great anxiety in Dwaraka as nobody knows what has happened to Sri Krishna!
Read this:
https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/05/srimad-bhagavatam-x-b56-27-may-2023.html
The citizens waiting outside the cave left after twelve days giving up Sri Krishna for dead. There was much mourning in the city and even Vasudeva and Devaki grieved the fate of Sri Krishna.
सत्राजितं शपन्तस्ते दु:खिता द्वारकौकस: ।
उपतस्थुश्चन्द्रभागां दुर्गां कृष्णोपलब्धये ॥
The whole town spoke disparagingly of the arrogant, greedy, and unjust Satrajit for having falsely accused Sri Krishna and now having caused his disappearance. They were plunged in distress and prayed ardently to Devi Chandrabhaga Durga to bring back Sri Krishna to them.
***
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
