Shloka 4

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

Sanskrit

यस्याः प्रभावमतुलं भगवाननन्तो ब्रह्मा हरश्च नहि वक्तुमलं बलं च ।

सा चण्डिकाखिलजगत्परिपालनाय नाशाय चाशुभभयस्य मतिं करोतु ॥

Transliteration

yasyāḥ prabhāvamatulaṃ bhagavānananto brahmā haraśca nahi vaktumalaṃ balaṃ ca | sā caṇḍikākhilajagatparipālanāya nāśāya cāśubhayasya matiṃ karotu ||

Translation

Möge jene Chandikā—deren unvergleichliche Herrlichkeit und Kraft selbst Herr Vishnu (Ananta), Brahmā und Shiva nicht vollständig zu schildern vermögen—ihren Sinn dem Schutz der ganzen Welt und der Vernichtung der Furcht vor dem Bösen zuwenden.

Speakers

• Indra and the Devas (Gods)

Primary Deities

• Chandika
• Vishnu
• Brahma
• Shiva

Shakti Aspects

• Chandika

Key Themes

• Shaktism
• Divine Protection
• Supremacy of the Goddess
• Bhakti

FAQs

What is the philosophical significance of the Trimurti's inability to describe Her?

This verse establishes the supreme authority of the Goddess (Shakti) over the traditional Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva). By stating that even the creators and sustainers of the universe cannot measure Her power, the text positions Chandika as the Para-Brahman or the Ultimate Reality beyond name and form.

How does this fit the Pancalakshana context?

While the Markandeya Purana covers the five characteristics, this section falls under the specific narrative of the Savarni Manvantara. It illustrates the 'Raksha' (protection) aspect of the Divine during cosmic cycles, where the Goddess intervenes to restore order.

What is the esoteric significance of 'matim karotu'?

Literally meaning 'may she make up her mind' or 'set her intention,' this phrase invokes the Iccha Shakti (Will Power) of the Goddess. The Devas are praying for the transition of the Goddess from a state of abstract, unmanifest power to active, conscious benevolence for the world's welfare.