Markandeya Purana — Adhyaya 84, Shloka 2

Adhyaya 84 — The Gods’ Hymn after the Slaying of Mahishasura and the Goddess’ Boon

Sanskrit

शक्रादयः सुरगणा निहतेऽतिवीर्ये तस्मिन् दुरात्मनि सुरारिबले च देव्या ।

तां तुष्टुवुः प्रणतिनम्रशिरोधरांसा वाग्भिः प्रहर्षपुलकोद्गमचारुदेहाः ॥

Transliteration

śakrādayaḥ suragaṇā nihate 'tivīrye tasmin durātmani surāribale ca devyā / tāṃ tuṣṭubuḥ praṇatinamraśirodharāṃsā vāgbhiḥ praharṣapulakodgamacārudehāḥ

Translation

ولمّا قتلتِ الدِّيفي ذلك العفريتَ الأشدَّ بأسًا ولكنَّه سيّئُ السَّريرة (ماهيشاسورا) وقتلتْ جيشَ أعداءِ الآلهة، قام إندرا وجموعُ الآلهة—وقد ازدادَت أبدانُهم بهاءً من قشعريرةِ الفرحِ العظيم، وأحنَوا الأعناقَ والكتفين إجلالًا—فأثنَوا عليها بالأقوال.

Speakers

• Indra and the Devas

Primary Deities

• Indra
• Devi

Shakti Aspects

• Chandika (Mahishasuramardini)

Key Themes

• Shaktism
• Bhakti (Devotion)
• Gratitude
• Divine Intervention

FAQs

What is the philosophical or ethical takeaway?

This verse demonstrates the ideal response to success and relief from suffering: humility and gratitude. Despite being powerful deities, Indra and the others bow physically (necks and shoulders) and emotionally, acknowledging that the victory over the ego-symbol (Mahishasura) belongs solely to the Supreme Shakti.

How does this fit the Pancalakshana (5 characteristics)?

This segment falls under the Manvantara characteristic, specifically detailing the events that lead to the establishment of the Savarni Manu, where the Goddess intervenes to restore cosmic balance.

What is the esoteric significance?

The mention of 'pulaka' (horripilation) signifies a sattvic emotional state (Sattvika Bhava). It indicates that the Devas have transcended fear and are now in a state of bliss and surrender, having witnessed the destruction of the 'Duratman' (the wicked self or ignorance).