Legends of the Goddess-5

The Emergence of Lalita Mahatripurasundari

All the Devas, including Brahma, unable to bear the torment of Bhandasura, approached Lord Narayana. He observed the weak condition of the Devas and said, “Your present condition is due to the invisible foul play of Bhandasura. Even I have lost the affinity for Goddess Lakshmi. What to say about other lesser beings? Myself, Brahma and Rudra are Karana Purushas (causal beings for the manifest creation). Even then, because we are also inhabiting this creation, even we cannot escape the torture of Bhandasura. There is however one Almighty God who is beyond this manifest Brahmanda. He is called Maha Shambhu and he is a manifestation of the supreme Parabrahman - Kameshwara.Parashakti is constantly in His Company. He is devoid of form. He is not dependent on anything. He has no modifications. He is greater than the greatest. He is the ultimate. He is not influenced by the foul play of Bhandasura, who is born from the ashes of Manmatha. He can rescue us from our difficulties. Therefore, let us all take refuge in Him and praise Him. Follow me”. So saying, Sri Hari led all the Devas to the brim of the Brahmanda (Universe).

There was a huge wall like fence there. The Devas summoned the celestial elephants to break the wall. After toiling continuously for one year, a breach was formed in the wall. After passing through the breach, they saw Chinmaya Akasha, which was Niralamba(independent), Nirajnana (untainted) and which was devoid of the five elements. They all stood in that Chinmaya Akasha and sang the glory of Maha Shambhu, who was of the form of Chidakasha. Then Maha Shambhu appeared before them. He was dark like clouds. He had two hands. He was holding a Shoola (spear) in one hand and a Kapala (skull) in the other. He had three eyes. Parashakti also appeared before them. She was holding Aksha Mala (rosary of beads) and Pustaka (book) in Her hands. She was bright and cool like the moon. The Devas prayed to Maha Shambhu to teach them the method of Mahayaga to appease Lalita Mahatripurasundari. As per their request, Maha Shambhu

explained, “ O Devas! In this Maha Yaga (great fire sacrifice), I am (assuming the form of Vayu) the Hota (the priest who makes the offerings in a Homa). My Chidagni (the fire of consciousness) itself is the fire in this Yagna. The last of the seven seas, i.e., Jala Samudra (Water Sea) has now dried up. The huge pit so formed itself is the Homa Kunda (fire pit where Homa is performed). The remaining six great oceans constitute the six drops of ghee, which is used as offering. Srishti (creation) is of five types (i) Manasa Srishti (creation by the power of the mind or will - this refers to the creation of the higher beings like the Devas and Rishis) (ii) Jarayavee Srishti (creation-taking place through the womb. E.g. Human beings), (iii) Anda Srishti (creation taking place through eggs) (iv) Swedaja Srishti (creation taking place through sweat) and (v)Udbhijja Srishti (creation taking place by sprouting). These five Srishtis (creations) are the sacrifice animals in this Maha Yaga. Bhoomi (land), Parvata (mountains), Jala (water), Vayu (air) and Akasha (space) - these five are the substances used in this fire sacrifice. At the end of this great fire sacrifice, all of you (the performers of the Yaga) should jump in to the Homa Kunda (fire pit). While doing so, you must possess absolute devotion. Then, Lalita Parameshwari will manifest. She will be seated in a chariot called Chakra Raja Ratha. She will create Parabrahma in the name of Kameshwara and will have Him as Her consort. This couple will re-create the entire universe, which will turn out to be more beautiful than the previous creation. Lalita Parameshwari will bring Manmatha back to life. N. She will create four weapons, namely (i) Ikshu Dhanus - a bow of sugarcane (ii) five Pushpa Banas - flower arrows (iii) Paasha - noose and (iv) Ankusha (a hook, especially an elephant driver's hook). With the help of these weapons, she will destroy Bhandasura and bring Manmatha back to life”.

 At the beginning of this great sacrifice,Maha Shambhunatha, accompanied by Parashakti, started chanting the Lalita Mahamantra and entered the Universe in the form of the seven-layered Vayu (air). Parashakti assumed the form of His Kriya Shakti (energy of action). With the help of Kriya Shakti, Vayu blew the Jala Samudra with all his energy. The Jala Samudra (water ocean) became totally dry. In the pit thus formed, He kindled the Chidagni with the help of fire emanating from his third eye. This Agni raged from the Patala (a region in the nether-world) to the Brahma Loka. He decorated the periphery of the Homa Kunda with

the stars just as one decorates a sacrificial fire pit with flowers. After this, he performed the Yaga as ordained by the Vedas. He used the Pralaya Meghas (clouds appearing during Pralaya), namely Pushkala and Aavartaka as Srik and Sruva (the two spoons which are used to offer ghee in fire worship). As the Homa progressed, the Chidagni emanating from it spread to a vast area. He then offered the first six oceans and then the five-fold creations to this Agni. In the end, the gods too decorated themselves and sat on the Srik and Sruva, ready to be offered to Agni. Maha Shambhunatha offered them to Agni. After this, Maha Shambhunatha discarded his Vayu form and assumed his real form. He then chanted 8 special mantras and performed 8 Homas.

At the end of the Homa, Lalita Devi came out of the Chidagni Homa Kunda, seated on a special chariot called “Chakra Raja Ratha”.

Chidagni kunda sambhootaa Deva Kaarya Samudyataa

Udyad-Bhaanu Sahasraabhaa, Chatur Baahu Samanvitaa

Raaga-swaroopa Paashaadhyaa, Krodhaakaaraankushojjwalaa

Manoroopekshu Kodandaa Panchatan-maatra saayakaa

 The Sri Chakra Raja Ratha had the following dimensions:

Width of four Yojanas, Height of ten Yojanas, nine Parvas (landings), the four Vedas for the wheels, the four-fold aims (Purusharthas) for the horses, absolute bliss as the flag. The seat at the topmost landing was the Bindu Peetha. The chariot was of the form of Meru Prastara. The material that was used to make the chariot was 'Tejas' (pure energy).

As soon as Lalita Devi emerged, Indra and the other celestials, prostrated before her and sung her praises, compiled into the Lalitaa-Stava-Raaja.

Legends of the Goddess-4

Lord Vishnu sends the Apsaras

Heeyamaanam balam cha Indram Samprekshya Kamalaapati:

Sasarja manasaa kaanchinMaayaam loka vimohineem

Taam uvaacha tato maayaam deva devo janaardana:

Tvam hi sarvaani bhootaani mohayantee nijoujasaa

Vicharasava yathaa kaamam tvaam na jeshyati kaschana

Tvam tu sheeghramito gatvaa Bhandam Daityanaayakam

Mohayitvaa Chirenaiva vishayaanupa Bhakshyasi

Observing all this, Lord Vishnu finds that Indra is getting weaker. He summons Maayaa (The Goddess of Ilusion) and asks her to enchant Bhandaasura. The Lord granted her the help of the Apsaras (the celestial damsels) , and blessed her with the boons of success and luxurious life.

Maya, along with Vishwachi and other apsaras, came to a beautiful place on the banks of the lake, Manasarovar. She built a beautiful palace beneath a champaka tree and started singing with sweet melodious voice. It was known that Bhandaasura used to come to this place for evening strolls with his wives. When he arrived there that day, he was drawn towards the melodious voice, and on finding its source, he found Maayaa, similar to a lightening. He grew lustful seeing the beauty of Maayaa and fell in to the pit of desire. Bhandaasura's ministers also fell for the apsaras. After repeated requests by Bhandaasura, Maya agreed to become his wife, and similarly the apsaraas agreed to marry the other demon-ministers.

Thus having obtained the beautiful Mohini and other divine damsels like Vishwachi, unobtainable even by Ashwamedha and other great sacrifices, Bhandaasura and his ministers were supremely satisfied.

Immersed in the gratification of their senses, they soon forgot the Vedas and the worship of Lord Mahaadeva.

They even humiliated their guru Shukraachaarya, who tried to correct them. As though a mere second, the demons spent eight hundred years in corporeal gratification. Since the demons were enchanted by

Maayaa, Indra and the other celestials were saved from their torture.

Bhandaasura's Meeting with his council of Ministers

Bhandaasura called for a meeting of his ministers and counsellors and said

“Devas are our enemies by birth. As long as Manmatha was alive, their lineage continued without any problems. They also enjoyed many pleasures. Now, because of our luck, we have taken birth from the ashes of Manmatha. The gods are trying to resurrect Manmatha.We should not allow that to happen. Before they try anything like that, we should kill the Devas. But, if we go in our present form, we cannot win. Let us therefore assume the form of air (Vayu) and enter their bodies. After having so entered their bodies, let us dry up their body fluids, especially the semen. If semen dries up, the strength of other tissues and organs will automatically diminish. Then they will automatically be annihilated. Let us torment the beings of all the three worlds by entering their bodies in the form of air and by drying up their body fluids”.

Without wasting much time, Bhandaasura and his army of a thousand Akshouhinis assumed the invisible form of air and entered the heaven. First of all, they entered the minds of the Devas and dried up their mental faculties. Subsequently they entered the face of the celestials and robbed them of their beauty and made them ugly. All the women and men in the heaven became impotent and sterile. Not only that, their love for one another was also lost. They lost enthusiasm to do anything. Even the plants and animals suffered the same fate.

Vishukra, along with his troupes entered Bhooloka (earth) and meted out the same treatment to the beings there. People on the planet earth lost all emotions. They lost all happiness. No one had any respect for another. No one thought of helping the other. They lost interest in their activities. The situation was stone-like, devoid of any life and feelings. Vishanga, along with his troupes entered Rasaatala (one of the seven nether worlds). He created similar havoc there also.

In the Naga Loka (land of serpents) everyone became afflicted with grief for no apparent reason. Everyone started hating everyone else. Everyone became drained of energy and potency. Rasa, the fluid principle is the basis for the accomplishment of the four-fold aims of life (Purushaarthas). Rasa itself is the form of Paramaatman, the Almighty. From Rasa are created Shukla (sperm) and Shonita (ovum). These two are

collectively called as Veerya (the procreative Tatva). From Veerya comes Kanti (radiance), Utsaaha (enthusiasm), Ullaasa (happiness), Dharma (righteousness), Dayaa (compassion), Preeti (love), Buddhi (intellectual capabilities), Vikaasa (development), Paraakrama (valor) Shaastra Vijnana (scientific knowledge), Kalaa Asakti (interest in arts), Soundarya Drishti (proper concept of beauty) etc. In plants, the Rasa enhances the fire energy, which is hidden in them. Only when the fire energy is harnessed, the plants can branch out and bear flowers and fruits. Because of this fire principle, the dried logs catch fire easily and burn.

The Vedas have declared that beings can experience happiness only if Rasa is present. Rasa is nothing but Prana (vital energy).

Having known all these secrets, Bhandaasura devised the plan of entering the bodies of all beings in the form of air and drying them up. Thus, the universe became Rasaheena (devoid of Rasa). Especially due to the absence of Shringara, creative cycle was almost brought to a standstill. This lead to an untimely Kama Pralaya.

Bhandaasura's failed effort

One day while Indra was seated on a magnificent throne, surrounded by all the celestials, Rishi Narada arrived there. Indra prostrated before that great Rishi, who shone like the sacrificial fire and said, “O revered saint! You are the knower of all Dharmas. You know the past and the present. Your arrival here today is indeed a blessing to me. Your arrival is an indication of the auspicious turn of events, about to occur in the near future. I would like to hear nectarine words from you and overcome all my grief”.

Then sage Narada said, “O Lord of the Devas! Now Bhandaasura is enchanted by Vishnu Maya. But if he

ever overcomes her effect, he shall burn the three worlds like a great sacrificial fire. By your valor, weapons and illusionary powers, it is not possible to win over him. This task cannot be accomplished even in crores of Kalpas, without worshipping Paraashakti. Therefore, before your enemy further progresses, take to the worship of Sridevi. Satisfied by your worship, she will ensure your welfare”.

Indra then paid suitable respects to the sage along with the other celestials. He then came to the base of mount Himalaya to perform penance. He reached a place on the banks of river Ganga, which was filled with trees that flowered in all seasons. Accompanied by all the Devas, he began the great worship of Paraashakti. From that day, that place came to be known as 'Indraprastha' and became famous as having the capacity to grant all desires. As per the instructions of sage Narada, the celestials continued to perform the great worship of Paraashakti, by means of Japa, meditation and severe penance. In this manner, ten thousand years passed as though it were just ten days.

Guru Shukracharya observed that the demons were all enchanted by Vishnu Maya. He went to Bhandaasura and said, “O great king! Having sought refuge in you, the demons are able to roam in all the three worlds as per their will, without any fear. However, Vishnu is always interested in killing you demons because of your race. It is he, who has created Maya to enchant you. Indra is trying to find a loophole to win over you. He is now busy performing a penance to please Paraashakti. If the divine Mother is pleased with his penance, he will surely be victorious. Hence, you get rid of this Maya immediately,go to the Himalayas along with your ministers and cause obstacles to the penance of the Devas”.

Thus alarmed by his guru, Bhandaasura immediately got up from his couch and narrated the entire matter to his ministers. Shrutavarma, a minister of Bhandaasura, analyzed the situation and said, “O brave king, Lord Parameshwara had granted you sixty thousand years of kingship. Now, much more than sixty thousand years have already passed. It is impossible to go against the period fixed by Parameshwara. It is best to enjoy both happiness and grief in their pre-designated periods”.

Later another minister named Bhimakarma said, “O Lord! Whether powerful or not, it is never wise to ignore the enemy. If you destroy the penance that is being performed by Indra and the other celestials, you will certainly emerge victorious. Any way, according to Sri Mahadeva's boon, half of the enemy's strength is yours. So you will always be victorious”.

Bhandaasura agreed with Bhimakarma and came to the foothill of Himalayas, along with his army. Sridevi observed the evil intention of Bhandaasura and created an illusionary fortress (wall) to prevent him from causing harm to the Devas. Bhandaasura, both surprised and angry at the sight of the powerful fortress, immediately used 'Daanavastra' (the weapon of the deomns) to destroy the fortress. Immediately, the fortress reappeared in the same place. Now Bhandaasura used 'Vayavyastra' (the weapon of Air) to destroy the barrier. However, every time he destroyed it, the great barrier reappeared and challenged him with its presence. Eventually, the helpless demon had to return to his capital.

Meanwhile the Devas, unable to find Sridevi and horrified at the sight of Bhandaasura's army, ran away in fright, forgetting their worship.

Bibliography: Advaita Brahmavidya Pratishthana, Bangalore: Copy of Lalitopakhyana

Legends of the Goddess-3

The Birth of Bhandaasura


Rejected by Parameshwara, Parvati Devi obtains permission from her father and proceeds to do penance in the forest.

Later, Chitrakarma, a commander of one of Lord Shiva's troupes, gathered the ash of the burnt Manmatha and constructed a male form out of it. Lord Shiva happened to see the male figure. At once it sprang to life. The male figure exactly resembled Manmatha and possessed great strength and vigor.

Anugyayaa Pitu: Svasya Tapa: Kartumagaat vanam

Atha Tad Bhasma samveekshya Chitrakarma Ganeshwara:
Tad Bhasmanaa tu Purusham chitraakaaram chakaara Sa:
Tam vichitra tanum Rudro dadarshaagre tu poorusham
Tat Kshanaat Jaata Jeeva: Asau Moortimaan iva Manmatha:
Mahaabala: ati tejasvi Madhyaanha Arka samadyuti:


Chitrakarma, was filled with joy and hugged the boy and said, " O child! Praise Mahadeva. He will grant you all your wishes". Chitrakarma initiated the boy into "Shatarudreeya" mantra and asked him to take to penance.


The boy chanted the mantra several hundred times and prostrated before Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva offered to grant him a boon. The boy requested," Anyone who fights with me should lose half his strength and that strength should be added to my own strength. None of my enemies' weapons should cause harm to me". Lord Shiva granted the boon immediately.

He thought for a while and added "I bestow on you the boon of ruling the kingdom for 60,000 years"

Lord Brahma who witnessed all this, grew extremely frustrated and swore "Bhand , Bhand" (meaning Shame, Shame".


Etat drushtvaa tu charitam Dhaataa Bhand iti Bhand iti
Yad Uvaacha tato naamnaa Bhando lokeshu kathyate
Iti datva varam tasmai sarvair muni ganair vruta:
Datva astraani shastraani tatrairvaantara dheeyata


And so the boy was called "Bhanda" in the world. Thus having given boons, Lord Shiva also gave the boy many weapons and disappeared along with his attendant Sages.


The Coronation of Bhandaasura

Bhanda turned out to be very powerful. However, since he was born out of the anger of Lord Shiva, he possessed the qualities of a demon. And thus he was Bhandaasura.


Shukraacharya, the priest of the demons, approached Bhandaasura with thousands of powerful demons. Bhandaasura called Maya, the royal sculptor of the demons and commanded him to construct a city named "Shonita Pura" (The city of blood) at the same place from where previously, demons ruled the three worlds.

Maya went to the indicated spot and constructed a beautiful city by mere thought. This city was incomparable in beauty, similar to Amaravati, the capital city of Indra. Then Shukraachaarya crowned Bhandaasura the king of the demons- the crown was once offered to Hiranyakashipu to Lord Brahma. Shukraachaarya also ffered him extremely valuable gifts- that could ward off grief and evil.

He appointed eight powerful demons as his ministers: Indrashatru, Amitraghna, Vidyunmali, Vibheeshana, Ugrakarma,Ugradhanva, Vijaya and Shrutiparaga

He took up four extremely beautiful wives: Sammohini, Kumudini, Chitraangi and Sundari.

All the celestials, headed by Indra themselves served Bhandasura

All the demons according to the orders of their Guru kept themselves busy with the worship of Lord Mahadeva, and so obtained prosperity and progeny. Sacred fire sacrifices were performed in every demon's household and at all times, Vedas and Vedaantam was taught and recited.

The celestials received the havir bhaaga of these sacrifices.
Bhandaasura became powerful day by day due to the penances and sacrifices.

In no time, the sixty thousand years passed by.