Chapter 22 - Installation of the Deities

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Yudhiṣṭhira said:

1. Yoginīs, residents of the (holy) spots, have been created by Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva. Tell me of what sort are they? Which deity has been installed in which spot?

Vyāsa said:

2. It has been well asked by you, O sinless one. You who are of a noble family, know everything, O Yudhiṣṭhira. I shall tell everything completely.

3-4. (These deities) richly beautified with different kinds of ornaments, resplendent with different kinds of gems, wearing different kinds of garments, equipped with different kinds of weapons, riding different kinds of vehicles and producing different kinds of notes, have been created by Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Īśa for the removal of the fear of Brāhmaṇas.

5. They have been established in the East, South, North and West, as well as in the South-East, South-West, North-West and North-East.

6-8. They are Āśāpurī, Gātrāī, Chatrāī, Jñānajā, Pippalāṃbā, Śāntā, Siddhā, Bhaṭṭārikā, Kadaṃbā, Vikaṭā, Mīṭhā, Suparṇā, Vasujā, Mātaṅgī, Mahādevī, Vārāhī, Mukuṭeśvarī, Bhadrā, Mahāśakti, Śiṃhārā and Mahābalā. These and many others too (are installed). It is difficult to mention all.

9-12. The goddesses are of different forms. They take different guises. In the northern side of the holy spot near Āśāpūrṇā goddess, Ānandā who gives delight is present in the East. Staying in the North with joy are the deities of different forms. Propitiated by the offer of water, these deities grant everything wished for.

In the spot, in the South-West, Śāntā, the bestower of peace, is seated on a lion. She has four hands and she grants boons. Bhaṭṭārī of great power stands there itself

13-15. Eulogized and adored with devotion, she destroys the fright of the devotees.

The deity Kṣemalābhā is stationed about twenty-one kilometres from the holy spot. She is to be worshipped by smearing her with unguents. (As soon as she is thought of she bestows all supernatural powers.)

In the Eastern quarter is the deity that bestows worldly enjoyment and salvation when propitiated with the offerings of oblations. She is accompanied by her attendants. Her form and conduct is beyond the power of thought. She destroys all enemies. In the three junctions of time, she is directly perceptible.

16. About twenty-one kilometres in the southern direction from the holy spot is stationed Vindhyavāsinī. She is equipped with weapons. She removes the fright of the devotees. She is endowed with beauty of form.

17. In the west is Goddess Niṃbajā occupying the ground to that much extent. Of great power, she gives pleasure to the eyes when seen.

18. In the north of the holy spot occupying the ground extending to that much is the Śakti Bahusuvarṇākṣā. On being worshipped she bestows gold.

19. In the north-west corner of the holy spot about three kilometres away is stationed the great goddess Kṣetradharā holding a goat at times.

20. In the north side of the city, about three kilometres away, is the deity Karṇikā engaged in helping all and destroying the troubles of the (people in) the holy spot.

21. In the south-western side of the holy spot are the goddesses named Jalamātaraḥ [Jalamātṛ] (‘Mothers of Water’), the chief among whom is Brahmāṇī. They have assumed different kinds of form.