Shloka 2
Adhyaya 84 — The Gods’ Hymn after the Slaying of Mahishasura and the Goddess’ Boon
शक्रादयः सुरगणा निहतेऽतिवीर्ये तस्मिन् दुरात्मनि सुरारिबले च देव्या ।
तां तुष्टुवुः प्रणतिनम्रशिरोधरांसा वाग्भिः प्रहर्षपुलकोद्गमचारुदेहाः ॥
śakrādayaḥ suragaṇā nihate 'tivīrye tasmin durātmani surāribale ca devyā / tāṃ tuṣṭubuḥ praṇatinamraśirodharāṃsā vāgbhiḥ praharṣapulakodgamacārudehāḥ
When that most valiant yet evil-souled demon (Mahishasura) and the army of the gods’ enemies were slain by the Devi, Indra and the hosts of gods—made radiant as their bodies thrilled with gooseflesh from supreme joy, and with necks and shoulders bowed in reverence—praised Her with words.
FAQs
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.
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.
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).