Shloka 48
Śumbha–Niśumbha-pīḍā and Devastuti to Durgā/Śivā
Names and Forms of the Devī
भर्तुर्ममान्तिकं गच्छ नोचेत्त्वां घातयाम्यहम् । पुष्ट्याऽसुराणां सहितः सहस्राणां नितंबिनि
bharturmamāntikaṃ gaccha nocettvāṃ ghātayāmyaham | puṣṭyā'surāṇāṃ sahitaḥ sahasrāṇāṃ nitaṃbini
“Go at once to my husband’s presence; otherwise I shall have you slain. O fair-hipped one, I am accompanied by Puṣṭi and by thousands of asuras.”
An asura leader (demonic antagonist) addressing a woman in the narrative of Umāsaṃhitā
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Shakti Form: Caṇḍikā
Role: destructive
FAQs
The verse highlights the asuric temperament—control through fear and coercion—which Shaiva thought treats as a form of pāśa (bondage). In contrast, liberation arises through turning to Pati (Śiva) with devotion rather than being driven by intimidation.
Although the verse itself is a threat, its narrative function is to show the instability of adharma and the need to seek refuge in Saguna Śiva—approached through Linga-worship—as the protector who dissolves fear and restores righteous order.
A practical takeaway is to counter fear with Shiva-remembrance: japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and steadying the mind through simple dhyāna on Śiva as the inner refuge.