Chapter 19 - Deities stationed on the chariots (cakrarāja)

[also see notes on The chariot of Lalitā]

Agastya said:

1-2. “Mention the names of those deities of manifest glory who were stationed in the steps of the leading chariot Cakrarāja. O Hayagrīva, mention all their numbers, their different splendid colours and the divine weapons too.”

Hayagñva narrated:

3. “It is mentioned that ten Siddhiḍcvīs were stationed on the ninth step of the brilliant chariot. Listen to their names from me.

4-6. They were Aṇimā, Mahimā, Laghimā, Gariraā, īśitā, Vaśitāj Prāptisiddhi the seventh one, Prākāmyasiddhi, Muktisiddhi and the next one named Sarvakāmā (Siddhi). These deities had four arms. They resembled Japā flowers (China rose). They held in their hands the Cintāmaṇi (Philosopher’s stone), skull, trident and collyrium leading to achievement. They were full of kindness and were resorted to by Yogins.

7-8. There in the former half were the eight śaktis beginning with Brāhmī viz.: Brāhmī, Māheśvarī, Kaumārī, Vaiṣṇaví, Vārāhī, Māhendrī, Cāmuṇḍā the seventh one and Mahālakṣmī the eighth one. All of them possessed only two arms. Their person is red in complexion and they wear red garments. They held skull and lotus (in their hands).

9-12. (Or) some mention the procedure for meditation in another manner. Those deities are glorified thus. They have the forms and sizes like those of Brahmā and others. They have weapons similar to those of Brahmā and others. They hold insignia and distinguishing marks of Brahmā and others.

Mudrādevīs who were stationed in the region above theirs were still greater. With their hands having the lustre of lotuses, they were engaged in expressing Mudrās (Mystical Gestures). They resembled the flowers of pomegranate. They were charming in their yellow robes. They had four arms in two of which they held shields and swords. They had roving red eyes due to intoxication. Listen to their names from me.

13-15. They were Sarvasaṃkṣobhiṇī, Sarvavidrāviṇī, Sarvākarṣaṇakṛnmudrā, Sarvavaśaṅkarī, Sarvonmādanamudrā, Sarvamahāṅkuśāyaṣṭi, Sarvakhecarikā Mudrā, Sarvabījā, Sarvayoni the ninth one and Sarvatrikhaṇḍikā. These three namely the Siddhis, Brāhmī, and others as well as Mudrās—all these were manifest Śaktis.

16. They were posted in the Raktaratha (Red chariot) in order to slay the Asura Bhaṇḍa. Listen from roe to the names of those who were mentioned before as (deities) of secret names (Guptas).

17-21. These were Śaktis in the form of sixteen, digits of the moon viz.: Kāmākarṣaṇikā, Buddhyākarṣaṇikā Kalā (Digit), Ahaṃkārākarṣiṇī, Śabdākarṣaṇikā Kalā, Sparśākarṣaṇikā Nityā (Eternal), Rūpakarṣaṇikā Kalā, Rasakarṣaṇikā Nityā, Gandhakarṣaṇikā Kalā, the eternal, Cittakarṣaṇikā, Dhairyakarṣaṇikā Kalā, Smṛtyākarṣaṇikā Nityā, Nāmākarṣaṇikā Kalā, Bījakarṣaṇikā Nityā, Ātmakarṣaṇikā Kalā, Amṛtākarṣaṇī Nityā and Śarīrakarṣiṇī Kalā. They were in the eighth step and are glorified by the epithet Guptās (secret ones).

22-23. They resembled the coral tree. They were charming with their smiles. They had four arms and three eyes. Their crowns shone brightly like the moon and the sun.

Holding bows and arrows, shields and swords, O Pot- born sage, they got themselves ready for slaying the Asura Bhaṇḍa. They had divine refulgence.

24. The deities named Guptatarās stationed themselves on the seventh step of the chariot Cakraratha that had the brightness of the lamp blazing in the evening.

25-27. They were Anaṅgamadanā, Anaṅgamadanāturā, Anaṅgalekhā, Anaṅgavegā, Anaṅgāṅkuśā and the next one Anaṅgamālāṅgī. These deities had the lustre of the China Rose. They held sugarcane bow, flowery arrows, boquets of flowers and lotuses. They were excessively valorous and used to abide by the commands of Lalitā. Furiously angry at Bhaṇḍāsura they stood by shining brightly.

28-31. The deities named Sampradāyas (Traditional ones) the chief among whom was Sarvasaṃkṣobhiṇī resorted to the sixth step of the leading chariot Cakraratha. The clusters of their tresses had been tied into an ornamental braid. The saffron mark on their foreheads shone brightly. They were excessively impetuous by nature. They had the lustre on a par with that of fire of death. They had bows and arrows of fire. They held swords in the form of Fire and shields named Vahnicakra. Their physical bodies were brightly illuminated. They were furious towards the leader of the Asuras. They rose up from the ashes of Kama. These exceedingly powerful deities were the Ājñāśaktis (Śaktis of behest) of Lalitā.

32-34. Their names are—Sarvasaṃkṣobhiṇī, Śarvavidrāviṇī, Sarvākarṣaṇikā Śakti, Sarvāhlāḍanikā, Sarvasammohinī Śakti, Sarvastambhanā, Śaktikā, Sarvajṛmbhaṇaśakti, Sarvonmādanaśaktikā, Sarvārthasādhikāśakti, Sarvasampattipūraṇī, Sarvamantramayī Śakti and Sarvadvandvakṣayaṅkarī. Thus the names of Sampradāyā deities have been mentioned.

35-37. Then next, the deities stationed on the fifth step are remembered as Kulottīrṇas. They were like the crystals with illuminated brilliant bodies. They held axe, noose, mace, bell and jewels. With knitted brows they were excessively furious towards the enemy of the gods.

O Pot-born sage, listen to the names of these too.

38-40. They are goddess Sarvasiddhipradādevī, Sarvasampatpradā, goddess Sarvapriyaṅkarī, Sarvamaṅgalakāriṇī, Sarvakāmapradādevī, Sarvaduḥkhavimocinī, Sarvamṛtyupraśaminī, Sarvavighnanivāriṇī, Sarvāṅgasundarīdevī and Sarvasaubhāgyadāyinī. Thus the ten Devīs have been mentioned. Their minds were filled with kindness.

41-44. These were ten famous deities stationed on the fourth step, named Nigarbhayoginīs. They have been glorified as having a lustre equal to that of a pearl necklace.

They are Sarvajñā, Ṣarvaśakti, Sarvaiśvaryapradā, Sarvajñānamayīdevī, Sarvavyādhivināśinī, Sarvādhārasvarūpā, Sarvapāpaharā, Sarvānandamayī Devī, Sarvarakṣāsarūpiṇī and the tenth deity should be known as Sarvepsitaphalapradā.

45. All these should be known as having four arms. They held the thunderbolt, javelin, iron club and discus. They were ready to slay the Asura Bhaṇḍa.

46-49a. The deities named Rahasyayoginīs were stationed on the third step of the leading chariot Cakraratha. They were well-known presiding deities of speech. Their lustre was like that of the red Aśoka (Jonesia Asoka Roxb). They held bows, and arrows in their hands. Armours covered their whole bodies. They shone with lutes and books too. They were Vaśinī, Kāmeśī, Bhoginī, Vimalā, Aruṇā, Javinī, Sarveśī and Kaulinī. These eight deities are remembered as the cause of the slaughter of Daityas.

49b-52. Then, three deities were stationed on the second step of the leading chariot Cakraratha. They were seated on on three (different) seats. They were endowed with eight arms in which they held bows, arrows, a drinking bowl, a citron (fruit) and dagger as well as shields, serpentine noose and a bell of loud sound. They were intoxicated due to liquor. They used to keep secrets guardedly. They were Kāmeśī, Vajreśī and the other one Bhagamālini. These three deities are remembered as ones filled with wrath towards Bhaṇḍa.

53. They had the same greatness and grandeur as that of Lalitā and they had the same refulgence. They are glorified as one’s most beloved Śrīdevī.

54. Then next, fifteen imperishable deities are mentioned as having fixed up their residences all round on the Ānandamahāpīṭha (the great seat of Bliss), on the step in the middle of the chariot.

55. They are also eternal in the form of Kāla (Time). They had stationed themselves after pervading the universe. Their bows indicated their agitation and fury against Bhaṇḍāsura and other Daityas.

56-59. They had their forms and persons on a par with those of the Goddess; their weapons too were like those of the Goddess. It is for rendering help to all the worlds that they exist in every Yuga.

O Pot-born sage, comprehend fully from me their names: They are:—Kāmeśī, Bhagamālā, Nityaklinnā, Bheruṇḍā, Vahnivāsinī, Mahāvajreśvari, Druti, Tvaritādevī, the ninth one Kulasundarī, Nityā, Nīlapatākā, Vijayā, Sarvamaṅgalā, Jvālāmālinikā and Citrā. Thus the fifteen deities have been recounted.

60. Accompanied by these deities whose attention was solely on rendering service, goddess Parameśvarī set off in order to conquer the wicked Bhaṇḍāsura.

61. Seven steps are mentioned in the excellent chariot (named) Gīticakra (Geyacakra also. See verse 63) [see notes on The chariot of Mantriṇīnāthā] that belonged to Mantrināthā and that had great wheels. There listen to those deities of the Devī.

62. Saṅgītayoginī is mentioned as the most beloved deity of Śrīdevī. Her abode was a seat in the middle of the step in the chariot Geyacakra.

63-64. The same first step was the place of residence of Mantriṇī.

Then the deities stationed on the second step in. the excellent chariot Geyacakra were Rati, Prīti and Manojā with lutes and bows in their hands. They were dark-complexioned like the Tamāla (a tree with very dark leaves). They were competent to exterminate Dānavas.

65-69a. The deities of the arrows of the god of Love were stationed on the third step. They were five viz.: Drāviṇī, Śoṣiṇī, Bandhinī, Mohinī and Unmādinī. All these five had resplendent bows in their hands. There on the same step were stationed five gods too beneath the deities. They were Kāmarāja, Kandarpa, Manmatha, Makaradhvaja and the fifth one Manobhava. All these were capable of enchanting the three worlds. Marks on their foreheads with Kāstūrī (Musk) shone brilliantly. They glittered with pearls. Their entire body was covered with armour. They had the lustre of flowers of Palāśa (Butea frondosa). They are called Pañcakāmas (Five Kāmas or gods of Love). They eagerly sought the killing of Bhaṇḍāsura.

69b-72a. The deities mentioned before, the chief of whom was Brāhmī and the eighth one was Caṇḍikā (instead of Mahālakṣmī as in vv. 7 and 8 above) stationed on the fourth step of the leading chariot Geyacakra. There in the same step but beneath them were Lakṣmī, Sarasvatī, Rati, Prīti, Kīrti, Śānti, Puṣṭi and Tuṣṭi. These Śaktis are mentioned as Kumārīs (Virgins), O Pot-born sage. Their eyes were red due to anger. They held Kuntas (Lances, spears) and discus in order to kill Daitya of great strength.

72b-76. There were sixteen other deities beginning with Vāmā. They were stationed on the fifth step of that prominent chariot Gīticakra. Listen to their names from me—Vāmā, Jyeṣṭhā, Raudrī, Śānti, Śraddhā, Sarasvatī, Śrībhūśakti, Lakṣmī Sṛṣṭi, Mohinī, Pramāthinī, Āśvasinī, Vīci, Vidyunmālinī, Surānandā and Nāgabuddhikā.

They had the lustre of ruby. They were eagerly desirous of agitating the entire universe. At every step, they made elaborate preparations for the great battle{GL_NOTE::}. They were covered with adamantine armours. Others were engaged in loud boisterous laughs. They held various weapons and missiles such as the thunderbolt, batons, Śataghnīs and Bhuśuṇḍikās.

77-79a. Then those stationed on the sixth step of the leading chariot Gīti (i.e. Gīticakra) were the Bhairavas beginning with Asitāṅga. They were dreadful due to their weapons. They held the trident and the drinking bowl. They were blue-complexioned. They were—Asitāṅga, Ruru, Caṇḍa, Krodha, Unmattabhairava, Kapālī, Bhīṣaṇa and Saṃhāra—these were the eight Bhaiṛavas.

79b-80. Then, stationed on the seventh step of the leading chariot Gīti were Mātaṅgī, Siddhalakṣmī, Mahāmātaṅgikā and Mahatī, Siddhalakṣmī repeated again. They were red-complexioned. They held bows and arrows.

81-86a. Beneath the same step were stationed Gaṇapa (the heads of Gaṇas, Kṣetrapālas), Kṣetrapa, Durgāmbā and Baṭuka with weapons in their hands. There itself, beneath the step were stationed Lakṣmī, Sarasvatī, and the treasures Śaṅkha and Padma—all of them held weapons in their hands. They were furious with Bhaṇḍa of fierce valour and exploits, the enemy of the entire world.

The ten leaders of the quarters beginning with Śakra and ending with Viṣṇu were stationed in the same step but beneath, in the forms of Śaktis. They held thunderbolt, spear, Kāladaṇḍa (staff of Kāla), a sword, a noose, a flag, a mace, a trident, the missile of Darbha grass and the discus. They devoutly served Mantrināthā always in order to destroy the Asura followers, the wicked unbelievers, of Bhaṇḍa, thorns for the whole of the universe.

86b-90a. The protectors of the cardinal points resorted to the Gīticakra because they were eager to remind and inform Lalitā (about the task of slaying Bhaṇḍa) through the support of Mantrināthā. All the submissions (and petitions of request) of all Devas to Mahādevī yielded results if they were submitted through Mantriṇī.{GL_NOTE::}

Petitions to a queen submitted through the important ones result in the acquisition of fruit by the servants.

Otherwise, how could they even approach Śrīdevī whose refulgence was blazing forth and whose prowess was invincible.

90b-92. Because she was the deity of the lore of Music, she was the most beloved one of Śrīdevī. In the case of fulfilment of tasks she never transgresses what is mentioned by her. In the Śakti empire of Śrīdevī, the deity Mantriṇī was powerful enough to do, undo and alter all activities or to refrain from doing anything. Hence, all protectors of the quarters, desirous of victory of Śrīdevī continued to serve Mantriṇī who was her chief Aide.

93.95. Thus, the names of all deities stationed in the steps of excellent chariot named Cakrarāja of Lalitādevī have been completely recounted.

Her divine weapons for the purpose of slaying Bhaṇḍāsura have also been, mentioned.

The deities on the steps of Geyacakra have also been mentioned.

Those men who listen to these names of all deities, shall be liberated from all sins. They shall be victorious.