Chapter 60 - Greatness of Maṅgalā

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Īśvara said:

1-3. O my beloved, one of excellent complexion, I shall describe the three Dūtīs (lady-messengers) of the holy spot of Prabhāsa. Listen with an attentive mind.

The first one is goddess Maṅgalā. The second one is Viśālākṣī and goddess Catvaradevī is glorified as the third one.

O lady of excellent countenance, those Śaktis are to be worshipped in this order, if a man is desirous of attaining the benefit of the pilgrimage to Prabhāsa.

The Devī said:

4. O Lord, at what spot did those Dūtīs, the guardians of the holy spot, halt and stationed themselves. Of whom are they the Śaktis? How are they to be propitiated? O Lord of the universe, how are they to be adored?

Īśvara said:

5. Maṅgalā is said to be of Brahmā; Viśālākṣī is of Viṣṇu. The deity Catvarapriyā is the Śakti of Rudra.

6. O lady of excellent countenance, Maṅgalā who is stationed to the north of Ajādevī and to the south of Rāhvīśa, not very far, should be worshipped first.

7. When Someśvara was installed and the rite of Yajña was started, she had come there along with Soma (the Moon) with a desire to see the Devas.

8. O Umā, since she gave auspiciousness unto Brahmā and others, she is called Maṅgalā. She is the bestower of all auspiciousness.

9. Inauspiciousness and miseries due to it, shall entirely perish in regard to that person, be it a man or a woman, who adores her on the third lunar day.

10. Feeding a couple and offering them fruits along with a bodice at that site is laudable. Feeding of Pṛṣadājya (ghee mixed with curds) is destructive of sins.

11. Thus the greatness of Maṅgalā has been succinctly spoken. It is conducive to great fortune and great benefit as a result and it is destructive of all sins.