Chapter 120 - The Origination of Kātyāyanī

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Sūta said:

1-3. Thus Śakra and the Devas were defeated in the battle by Mahiṣa. Then he ruled all over the three worlds. Whatever he saw in all the three worlds as important and substantially good, such as elephants, horses, chariots etc., that Asura appropriated for himself.

Even as he went on doing so, the Devas including Vāsava became all the more miserable. Meeting together they began to discuss ways and means for bringing about his death.

4. In the meantime the excellent sage Nārada who had seen all the outrageous activities of Mahiṣa came there.

5. He described in all details to them all the acts of harassment of the three worlds on his part.

6. On hearing the words of Nārada regarding such atrocities of Mahiṣa inflicted on a universal scale, their anger which was already intense increased all the more.

7. The heat generated by their cumulative anger issued forth through their mouths and the quarters became defiled (darkened) instantly.

8. In the meantime Kārttikeya came there and asked: “O sage, what is the cause of the anger of the Devas? The entire range of the quarters has become dark and foul.”

Nārada said:

9. O Skanda, I have just now conveyed to these the news how everything was carried off by the arrogant Dānavas in all the three worlds.

10. The demons are haughty and unthwartable. A jewel of a woman, a splendid house or anything fine in anyone’s house falling within their vision is never left alone.¹¹

11.On hearng this, a spasm of rage issued forth from the mouth of Kārttikeya just as the fury of the Devas did.

12. In the meantime, from within that mass of rage a splendid virgin endowed with divine splendour and marked with all auspicious characteristic features arose.

13. Since this virgin was evolved out of the rage of Kārttikeya getting mingled with that of the heaven-dwellers, she was remembered as Kātyāyanī.

14. Then the Lord of the Devas gave her his weapon Vajra (thunderbolt), Skanda gave her the sharp pointed Śakti, and Lord Janārdana, the bow.

15. Mahādeva gave her the Triśūla (trident). Varuṇa gave his Pāśa (noose), Āditya sharp arrows and the Moon an excellent shield.

16. The delighted Nirṛti gave the Nistriṃśa (sword) and Hutāśana (Fire-god) gave the firebrand. Vāyu gave the sharp Churikā (dagger) and Dhanada gave the Parigha (iron club).

17. The Lord of Pretas (departed souls i.e. Yama) gave the Daṇḍa (baton) of terrific nature for the destruction of the enemies of the Suras. O excellent Brāhmaṇas, the virgin saw these twelve weapons.

18. Kātyāyanī saw these twelve excellent weapons of the heaven-dwellers and assumed twelve hands and grasped them immediately.

19-20. Then with evident delight as indicated by the rising hair, she spoke to them all: “O excellent Devas, tell me quickly why I have been created? I shall carry out all your tasks. There is no doubt about this.”

The Devas said:

The terrifying Dānava named Mahiṣa has come up (born) now.

21. He cannot be killed by any living being and never indeed by human beings. Excepting a woman, none can kill him. Therefore, you have been created by us.

22. Hence do go to the excellent mountain named Vindhya and perform a severe penance there whereby your refulgence can increase.

23. After coming to know that you have become fully equipped with brilliance, we shall ourselves keep you in front and fight with that wicked-souled one.

24. Then, consumed by the fire of your weapons, he will meet his death. With the enemies killed we will regain the lost prosperity and glory of Devas.