Chapter 121 - The Goddess Consoles Aniruddha

1-5. Vaishampayana said:—While the heroic Aniruddha was imprisoned in the city of Shonita along with Usha by Bali’s son king Vana, he, seeking refuge with goddess Koumari for his own safety, sang a hymn in her praise. Having saluted the endless, undecaying, eternal prime deity the Lord Narayana, I chant the glories of Chandi, the worshipful goddess Katyayani, worshipped of all the gods and worlds and adored by the gods, Rishis and Rakshasas, reciting the names sung by Hari. Aniruddha said:—For my well being I bow unto the sister of Mahendra and Vishnu. Being cleansed and with my mind purified I chant her glories with folded hands I bow unto you who dost confer honors, do you release me from my bonds and give me life and health.

6-15. Thus adored the great goddess Durga went where Aniruddha was kept in chains. The goddess, fond of her votaries, released Aniruddha who was imprisoned in the City of Vana. She appeared before the irrepressible hero Aniruddha and consoled him. The powerful hero then saluted her. Thereupon the goddess with her fingers cut off the strong noose of serpents and then consoling Aniruddha said:—"O Aniruddha, wait here for a few days more. The holder of discus and the slayer of the Daityas will cut off the thousand arms of Vana, release you from your fetters and take you to his own city".