Devi slaying demon Ghorasura as Vindhyavasini

Vindhya: Devi slaying demon Ghorasura as Vindhyavasini:

(Devi Purana - 2 to 20)

• Meditation: I meditate on Devi Vindhyavasini slaying demon Ghorasura.

(A) Conquests of Ghorasura:

• Demon Ghora getting boon from Lord Vishnu: Demon Ghora worshipped Lord Vishnu for a long time. Lord Vishnu became pleased and gave a boon that he will become the king of the Earth. However, Ghora did not accept the boon and continued his worship. He wanted the boon that he becomes un-defeatable for the devas. Finally, Lord Vishnu out of compassion, gave that boon to Ghora. Getting the boon, Ghora eulogized Lord Vishnu with a Stotra. Lord Vishnu said that, may be enjoy heaven as he wished. He will be un-defeatable for the devas and he will only be weak before Bhagavati.
(Devi Purana - 2)

• Demon Ghora staying in Kushadwipa: Getting the boon, demon Ghora went to Kushadwipa where his wife Chandravati was there. Chandravati arranged for a huge celebration. Ghora established a temple of Lord Vishnu and started worshipping the Lord with gems. Ghora divided the entire day into eight parts and night into several divisions and started performing his royal duties according to Dharma. He got a son named Vajradanda.
(Devi Purana - 2)

• Son Vajradanda suggesting Ghora to expand his kingdom: One day son Vajradanda suggesting Ghora to harbour the wish of expanding his kingdom. Ghora said that he is satisfied with his kingdom of Kushadwipa and worship of Lord Vishnu.
(Devi Purana - 2)

• Minister Sushena suggesting Ghora to expand his kingdom: Minister Sushena then came to Ghora and said that the wish of his son is great. A king who is only satisfied with his own kingdom has a chance of losing his kingdom to his enemies (by becoming weak). Therefore, let the king worship Lord Vishnu and get his grace and order.
(Devi Purana - 2)

• Ghora performing Pausha Shukla Dwadashi Vrata: Ghora then performed the Pausha Shukla Dwadashi Vrata of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu appeared before him. Ghora asked the boon of strength to defeat his enemies of heaven. Knowing the wish of Ghora, Lord Vishnu again bestowed boons on Ghora of: punishment of enemies, worshipping the followers of dharma, enhancing wealth through dharma, protecting friends and defeating the enemies.
(Devi Purana - 2)

• Ghora conquering the seven Dwipas of the Earth: Getting the boon Ghora with great pride consulted his ministers and wife and started his conquest. Ghora defeated king Atibala and conquered the eastern direction. Ghora defeated king Saubala and conquered the south-eastern direction (Agni Kona). Ghora defeated king Ugra and conquered the southern direction. Ghora defeated king Kalavarana and conquered the south-western direction (Nairitya Kona) and western direction. The son of Ghora defeated the kings of north-western direction (Vayavya Kona) and also defeating Anuhlad-Mahahlad conquered the northern direction and north-eastern direction (Ishana Kona). In this way Ghora defeated the kings of all the Dwipas.
(Devi Purana - 2 to 3)

• Vajradanda and Kala conquering parts of Patala Loka: After conquering the Earth, Vajradanda and Kala went to Patala Loka and started the war. The Nagas, Rakshasas and Asuras defeated the armies of Vajradanda and Kala. Seeing their armies defeated, Kala started establishing Garudi Maya and Vajradanda started establishing the Bhairavi Maya. Seeing this, the enemies got frightened and surrendered.
(Devi Purana - 3)

• Vajradanda and Kala conquering parts of Rasatala Loka: After defeating the kings of the Patala Loka, Vajradanda and Kala went to Rasatala Loka. There were danavas like Hilihila, Bhadra and Ghoradarpa. There were Mahasarpas like Shankhapala, Dhartarashtra and Vidyunmali. There were Rakshasas like Vidyujjihva, Hiranyaksha and Andhakara. Seeing the asuras coming from Earth, they surrendered out of fear.
(Devi Purana - 3)

• Vajradanda and Kala conquering other parts of Patala Loka: After conquering the Rasatala Loka, Vajradanda and Kala returned to another part of the Patala Loka. There were Asuras like Taraksha, Shishupala and Abhaya. There were Nagas like Takshaka and Padma. There were Rakshashas like Yamadanda, Ugradanda and Vishalaksha. Kala defeated them with various weapons and they all surrendered before Vajradanda. Thereafter, the armies of Ghora reached a section of Patala known as Sharkaratala. There were king of daitya Mahisha, Yama and Kalaksha. Then king of Sarpa Padma, Karkotaka and Shankukarna. Then king of Rakshasa Mahodara, Mahakaya and Mahateja. Initially they were un-defeatable, however the asuras of the Earth finally defeated them also. Then the armies of Ghora went to the Patala known as Patanti. There were asuras like Shumbha and Taraksha. There were Sarpas like Kulika, Sauvarna and Dhananjaya. There were Rakshasas like Ugrarupa, Akshibhadra and Virupa. The armies of Ghora conquered them.
(Devi Purana - 3)

• Vajradanda and Kala conquering other parts of Rasatala Loka: Then the armies of Ghora reached that part of Rasatala Loka where there were danavas like Kalanemi, Hiranyaksha and Nishumbha. There were Sarpas like Paundarika, Swetabhadra and Dushpreksha. There were Rakshasas like Meghanadi, Mahanadi and Pingalaksha. They suddenly became enchanted seeing Vajradanda and Kala and surrendered to them and took care of them. Then the armies of Ghora proceeded towards other parts of Rasatala. There were asuras like Jarasindhu, Mahasindhu and Virochananandan. There were Sarpas like Airava, Ashwatara and Pinga. There were Rakshashas like Malya, Mareecha and Kumbha. Vajradanda and Kala conquered them and then went to the place where Varghava (Shukracharya) was there.
(Devi Purana - 3)

• Vajradanda and Kala meeting Shukracharya: Vajradanda and Kala met Shukracharya and asked him the way to conquer Swarga Loka. Shukracharya dissuaded them saying that it is easy to conquer the Dwipas on Earth and Patala Loka. But it is not possible to conquer Swarga Loka because it is protected by Hari, Hara, Indra and other devas. However, Kala exuded confidence and said that even if Lord Shiva comes to fight, they will defeat him.
(Devi Purana - 4)

• The armies of Ghora reaching Sumeru Parvata: Then the armies of Ghora reached Nandankanana and encircled Sumeru Parvata: Yamantaka from east, Ghora from north, Vajradanda from west and Kala from south.
(Devi Purana - 4)

• Ghora defeating Yama: Then Yama came to fight riding on a buffalo and started destroying the armies of Ghora. Seeing the armies getting destroyed, Yamantaka created a buffalo through the power of Maya and manifested Maya in such a manner that Yama found himself being cut to pieces through the ganas. Yama left his weapons and went to Agni Loka.
(Devi Purana - 4)

• Ghora defeating Agni deva: Agni devas created huge flames which started burning the armies of Ghora. At the same time millions of brahmans started burning the army of Ghora through their meditative power. Then Kala, along with demons Dandi and Sarvaga started creating rainfall through the power of Maya. That rain extinguished the fire. Getting defeated Agni along with Yama went to Amaravati, the Loka of Indra.
(Devi Purana - 4)

• Lord Vishnu instructing Indra deva: Seeing Yama and Indra defeated, Indra invoked Airavata and started preparing for the war. At the same time other devas like Vishwedeva, Varuna, Chandra, Kubera, Vayu etc. reached there to join the war. Lord Vishnu then reached there. Indra eulogized Lord Vishnu and asked for his guidance. Lord Vishnu said that even though there is no fear under him, but even if Lord Shiva joins the war, it is better to abandon this war. Then Lord Vishnu started narrating the reason.
(Devi Purana - 4)

• Lord Vishnu narrating the origin of Ghorasura: Lord Vishnu narrated the origin of Ghorasura.
There was a king of asura named Dundubhi. By getting a boon from Lord Brahma, he conquered the devas and drove them out of Swarga. When Lord Shiva was roaming in the mountains, the asura got attracted by the beauty of Devi Parvati. When he came towards the Devi, Lord Shiva looked at him with anger which burnt him along with his weapons, chariot and army. Lord Shiva then extracted a white bhashma (ash) from the burnt body of the demon and smeared it on Devi. Also, by churning of the bhashma and making it into a form, a demon originated (which was Ghorasura). The demon wishing to get Devi Uma started advancing. Devi Uma became angry and cursed the demon that he fall to Mrityu Loka. The demon appeared on Earth as Ghorasura. Seeing Ghorasura, the celestials became afraid. Lord Shiva rebuked Devi Uma and said that the enemy should have been destroyed instead of leaving the roots from which enemies of devas and brahmanas will emerge. She has displayed lack of intellect. Hearing this, Devi Uma became angry and looking at Ghorasura said that by the strength of Vishnu Bhakti this asura will conquer all devas and station himself in Chandrashobhapura of Kushadwipa. He will conquer the Sapta Dwipas, Sapta Patalas and his command would pervade in Sapta Lokas. Hearing this boon of Devi Uma, Lord Shiva cursed her that she also will be born in Marta Loka and then that asura will try to become her husband. Devi Uma in anger then cursed the asura that if this happens then she riding on a lion will destroy her. Lord Shiva then said that the demon created by bhashma by Shiva is a devotee and image of Shiva. His command is to be followed by brahmanas also. Now he has come with army. Now he can conquer even the Rudras.
(Devi Purana - 4 to 5)

• Brihaspati coming and Ghorasura getting Swarga Loka: During that time Brihaspati came and said that this Ghorasura has been given boon by Lord Vishnu as well as Devi Durga. He is also the follower of dharma and his wife is a pativrata. He has all the weapons like Narayana Astra, Brahma Astra, Shaiva Astra, Varuna Astra etc. The devas cannot conquer him now. Lord Vishnu agreed with Brihaspati and praised him for his learning and intelligence. He said that let Brihaspati suggest what is good for Indra deva now. Brihaspati said that all his intelligence is due to Lord Vishnu, but being commanded he will suggest according to his capacity. Let the devas remain silent till they please Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and the Devi residing in Vindhyachala. They send Narada to Vajradanda and declared that the devas are under his command but Bhagavati will destroy them. Let them enjoy Swarga till Bhagavati and Lord Shiva comes to Earth.
(Devi Purana - 4 to 5)

(B) Appearance of Devi as Vindhyavasini:

• Lord Vishnu and Brihaspati going to Lord Brahma: Then Lord Vishnu and Brihaspati went to Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma eulogized Lord Vishnu. Then he said that Asuras should not be given boons like this because after getting boons they torment the devas and destroy the brahmanas and yagnas. Lord Vishnu said: It should be thought out how to destroy the asura. Lord Brahma then told about the Bhautya Manvantara of previous Kalpa:
During that time, by the wish of Lord Shiva both of them (Brahma and Vishnu) took care of the subjects. Kalagni Rudra was then present on the peak of the Vajramaya Parvat. There, a son was born of Kalagni Rudra named Halahala. He was powerful like a second Agni. Lord Vishnu hit him with his Mudgar. This made Halahala fire spread in the ten directions. Lord Vishnu fell in Moha. Lord Brahma then eulogized and pleased Rudra. Lord Rudra send Devi Chamunda to protect from the fire. Devi Chamunda very soon brought relief and absorbed the fire within herself. Halahal then asked Lord Vishnu why he hit him with his Mudgar. Lord Vishnu gave a reason, listening to which Halahal went back to Kalagni Rudra and told everything. Kalagni Rudra came to Lord Vishnu and asked him why he manifested anger towards him. Saying this Kalagni Rudra took a huge fearful form and proceeded to burn everything. Devi subdued Kalagni Rudra also. Then Lord Vishnu came to know that Shakti was all-powerful and also the creator, sustainer and destroyer. Then Lord Brahma and Vishnu together eulogized the Devi. Devi became pleased and told them to ask for a boon. They asked the boon that in whichever Kalpa, Manvantara and Yuga she will be required, may she come in any manifestation so that the order of creation, sustenance and destruction continues. Devi said "So be it" and vanished.
Then Lord Brahma said that Govinda had previously invoked Devi and she became a helper. Otherwise, they can take recourse to Lord Shiva now.
(Devi Purana - 5 to 7)

• Lord Brahma and Vishnu going to Lord Shiva: Then Lord Brahma and Vishnu went to the abode of Lord Shiva. There they eulogized Lord Shiva and pleased him. Lord Shiva told them to ask for a boon. They told everything and asked the way to get relief from Ghorasura and his son Vajradanda. Lord Shiva said:
Who is the visible Supreme Shakti and the form of Yoganidra of Mahatmas, she will sport in Vindhya Parvat riding on a lion. When that Supreme Shakti abides there, a part of him called Bala will also be present. Lord Vishnu and Brahma will also be there to serve him. There, the powerful Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda will be present as guards. There will be many Devis with beautiful form with Vina, Pasha and Ankusha in hand. Among all the Devis, Mahadevi will be the greatest. She pervades everything and is the Lord of Brahma and Vishnu. She is without any division but divides herself in millions (during creation). That Mahadevi is the Lord of the whole Samsara.
(Devi Purana - 7)

• Creation of the Vahana of Devi: Then Lord Vishnu prepared his own Vahana for Devi. Lord Brahma said that along with Lord Vishnu, all Devas and Gandharvas will manifest in that Vahana. Due to the presence of all the Devas, the Vahana will be capable of destroying the pride of the enemies. In its neck will be present Lord Vishnu. All the Lokas will be present in its body. Lord Mahadeva will be present on its head. On its forehead will be present Devi Uma. On its nose will be present Devi Saraswati. On its wrist will be present Kartikeya and on its sides, the Nagas. On its two ears will be present the two Ashwini Kumaras. On its two eyes will be present the Chandra and Surya. On its teeth will be present the Vasus. On its tongue will be present Varuna. On its roar will be present Devi Charchika. On its two cheeks will be present Yama and Kubera. On its two lips will be present the two Sandhyas. On the two ends of the neck will be present Indra and the Nakshatras. On its chest will be present the Sadhyas. Its heart will be merciless. Its cruelty will surpass Putana. The Matriganas will take care of it and the Pitriganas will protect it. Sri will be present in its appearance and the rays of the Sun in its hairs of the body. On its reproductive organ will be present Sumeru and on its tasting organ (tongue) the ocean. On its dharma will be present the rivers. On its tail will be present all the yagnas. Let the devas pour the strength of all their respective vahanas into it. Then Lord Vishnu narrated and assigned Raksha Mantras into that Vahana.
(Devi Purana - 7)

• Devi appearing in the Vindhya Parvata: Consigning all the powers to the Vahana, the Lion (Simha) was given to Devi (Mahadevi). From the powers of Lord Vishnu, Shiva and others, Jaya and other Devis were created. They were sent by Lord Shiva to the Vindhya Parvata for the service of the Mahadevi. The Vindhya Paravata was washed by the sacred waters of river Narmada. It was filled with pure and sinless sages.
(Devi Purana - 7)

(C) Battle between Devi and Ghorasura:

• Lord Vishnu sending Narada to delude Ghorasura: When the asuras were preparing to capture Swarga Loka for their own residence, Lord Brahma told Lord Vishnu to send Narada to delude Ghorasura in the path of adharma. With the instruction of Lord Vishnu, Narada quickly went to Kushdwipa. He instructed Ghorasura to indulge in pleasures with woman and wealth because pleasure is the result of tapasya. Narada also mentioned about Devi Vindhyavasini and told that she is fit to be his wife.
(Devi Purana - 8)

• Ghorasura fell in the path of pleasure: Instructed by Narada, Ghorasura fell in the path of adharma and pleasure.
(Devi Purana - 9)

• Wife Chandramati bringing back her husband to senses: Wife Chandramati tried to bring back her husband to senses (and was succeeding).
(Devi Purana - 9)

• Narada deluding Ghorasura with Padamala vidya of Bhairava: Narada then deluded Ghorasura and his wife through Padamala vidya of Bhairava. He converted them to the path of Digambara. They started censuring Hari-Hara and stopped their worship.
(Devi Purana - 13)

• Ghorasura going to Vindhyachala region: Ghorasura asked Narada that whom should he send as messenger to Devi. Narada said that by seeing Devi even the minds of munis get agitated, what to speak of asuras. So, no one is to be believed. Ghorasura should himself go there with his army or alone without any weapons. Ghorasura collected a huge army and started for Vindhyachala. On the way there appeared many evil omens. Ghorasura asked Narada the reason for these evil omens. Narada said that Vindhya Parvata is on earth and many celestials are residing there. That is why the earth is getting tubulent. Therefore, Ghorasura should not waste his time and immediately go there. Ghorasura reached the Vindhyachala region fast with his companions. River Narmada was flowing there and it was inhabited with many birds and animals.
(Devi Purana - 13)

• Devi Vijaya slaying demon Durmukha: Ghorasura sent demon Durmukha to the Vindhya mountain. It was the first day of Ashwina. Devi Vijaya was sporting on the Vindhya mountain during that time. Seeing her, Durmukha out of lust approached her. Devi saw him with rage and immediately Durmukha fell down dead on the ground. Devi Vijaya went to Devi Sandhya (Mahadevi) and told about this incident. She came to know that Ghorasura had come who is to be slayed by her.
(Devi Purana - 13)

• Ghorasura seeing a very bad dream: Ghorasura saw a very bad dream seeing himself in a pitiable condition. But when he tried to tell it to his ministers the next day, he forgot about it.
(Devi Purana - 13 to 14)

• Devi slaying demon Kala: In the meantime the very powerful demon Kala came there after five days. During that time, the news of the death of Durmukha reached Ghorasura. Kala out of anger of revenge proceeded to ascend the Vindhya mountain along with other demons. Devi Jaya saw some asuras coming there. Knowing Kalasura as expert in Maya, Devi left her vahana and took up the sword. Kala with his power of Maya created a lion and a buffalo. Devi Ajita riding on a deer started fighting. Suddenly the demons surrounded her from all sides and started showering arrows invisibly. Devi targetted the lion carrier of the daitya with a pras weapon and made it fall. Kala out of anger ran towards Devi Jaya with a khadga and charma in hand. Devi Jaya sent shakti weapon towards him but Kala made it futile with his khadga. Then, Devi Jaya started showering weapons on Kala and his army like a rain. Kala became unconscious for sometime. Then getting up and steadying himself, Kala sent kshurastra towards Devi. Devi made it futile with a chedana arrow and again started showering weapons on Kala and his army. Then Devi with a single arrow destroyed the chariot and chariot-horse of Kala. Kala rushed towards Devi with a gada (mace). Devi sent a chakra (discus) towards Kala. That chakra killed Kala and made him fall on the ground.
(Devi Purana - 14)

• Devi slaying demon Bhairava and others: Seeing Kala die, demon Bhairava became sad and angry. He rushed towards Devi with a gada. Devi sent a kshurastra towards him which made him fall down dead. Many other demons like Chamunda, Pingaksha and Mattagaja became angry and started fighting with Devi. Devi first destroyed their chariots and subsequently they were also sent to Yama Loka. The devas celebrated this victory by showering flowers and by singing and dancing. Indra eulogized Devi with a stotra known as Vijaya Stava.
(Devi Purana - 14)

• Devi slaying demon Vajradanda and others: Coming to know of the death of Kala, Vajradanda with great rage showered arrows on Devi. Vajradanda sent 50 arrows targetting the bow of Devi, which perforated that bow. Devi with great anger sent varuna astra. The varuna astra with lightening and thunder sent such heavy rains that it started drowning the army of the daityas. Vajradanda countered it with a vayavya astra which blew away the clouds. Devi then sent parvata astra which arrested the winds and also started showering rocks. Devi then with a suvarna-puccha arrow destroyed the charioteer, flag, canopy and finally Vajradanda himself. Yamantaka out of anger started fighting but very soon he too died in the battle.
(Devi Purana - 15)

• Narada eulogizing Devi: Then Narada came to Devi and eulogized her narrating all her names. Devi became pleased and showed him her form riding on a lion and having various weapons in her hands. She told Narada to ask for a boon. Narada requesteed Devi to slay Ghorasura. Devi granted the boon. In the meantime Ghorasura came there.
(Devi Purana - 16)

• Devi slaying Ghorasura:
- Ghorasura with his power of Maya started creating immumerable fighters who pervaded the Sapta Loka and other Lokas and started tormenting the devas and Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva as well. Lord Shiva became enchanted by observing the Maya of Ghorasura. Lord Shiva eulogized the Devi with a stava. Similarly Lord Vishnu and other devas also eulogized the Devi. This stava illumined the quarters from the gloom (due to Maya of Ghora) like the Sun lights up the sky in the morning. Devi appeared and like rain started showering arrows on Ghorasura and his army. The army as well as Ghora started becoming weak by those arrows.
- Then demon Sushena became angry and with his Maya started creating elephants. He sent those elephants towards Devi. Devi Jaya riding on an elephant started slaying those elephants. Seeing the elephants gettings destroyed, the army of danavas killed the lion vahana of Devi Jaya with a khadga. Seeing her lion dead, Devi Jaya with great anger killed Sushena with a chakra.
- Ghorasura seeing Sushena dead, immediately created a large number of army like Sushena. They advanced towards Devi to fight. Devi rode on a crocodile for fight. The demon army created by Maya subdued Devi and destroyed her bow and chakra. Devi then assumed a very terrible form and started showering arrows on that army. Those arrows started destroying the army of demons.
- Demon Ghorasura assumed the form of a terrible buffalo (mahisha) and advanced towards Devi for a fight. The buffalo attacked the lion (simha) of Devi. The lion started piercing it with its claws. The buffalo started striking it with its horns. At the same time, Ghorasura started striking the head of Devi with mace (mudgar), pasha and arrows (bana). The lion was unable to resist him. Finally by the strike of the horn of the buffalo, the lion of Devi fell down on the ground.
- The demon army then attacked Devi with arrows. Seeing Devi wounded by those arrows, Devi Jaya and Vijaya started protecting her. Ghorasura then rushed towards Devi. Devi threw him on the ground and cut of his head with a sword. Devas started showering flowers on the feet of Devi. However many other demons of the form of Ghorasura started appearing. Devi, seeing them coming out of the body of Ghorasura, tied them with a pasha and severed their heads with trident. Ghorasura died. The devas started eulogizing Devi.
(Devi Purana - 16 to 20)

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