Shloka 15
Śumbha–Niśumbha’s Mobilization After Devī’s Victories
Battle Muster and Omens
भवादृशीनां रमणीयविग्रहे दुनोति कीर्णं खलु मालतीदलम् । कथं करालाहवमातनोष्यसे महेशि तेनैव मनोज्ञवर्ष्मणा
bhavādṛśīnāṃ ramaṇīyavigrahe dunoti kīrṇaṃ khalu mālatīdalam | kathaṃ karālāhavamātanoṣyase maheśi tenaiva manojñavarṣmaṇā
O Maheśī, upon a form as lovely as yours, even a scattered petal of malatī jasmine seems to bring pain. How, then, will you undertake a dreadful battle with that very enchanting body?
An attendant/associate addressing Goddess Pārvatī (Maheśī) in the narrative of the Umāsaṃhitā
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It contrasts outer delicacy with inner divine strength, implying that the Goddess’ beautiful (saguṇa) form does not limit her śakti; spiritual power is measured by resolve and grace, not physical softness.
By highlighting the ‘manojña varṣman’ (enchanting form), the verse supports saguṇa-bhakti—devotion to the manifest divine—while implying that the same manifest form can embody transcendent power, as in worship of Śiva through liṅga and mūrti with understanding of the inner Pati-tattva.
The takeaway is steadiness (dhairya) in sādhana: maintain disciplined japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and focused meditation on the divine couple, cultivating inner strength beyond bodily comfort.