Adhyaya 228
Chapter 228 records Īśvara’s instruction to Mahādevī, identifying an eminent mātṛ-sthāna (sanctuary of the Mothers) called Bhairaveśa, praised as sarva-bhaya-vināśana, the remover of all fear. The shrine is presented as a potent sacred refuge for devotees. It then sets the ritual timing: on the caturdaśī tithi of the kṛṣṇa-pakṣa, a disciplined, self-controlled practitioner (yatātmavān) should worship with gandha (fragrance), puṣpa (flowers), and excellent bali offerings (tathā uttamaiḥ). The chapter closes with an assurance that the Yoginīs and the Mothers protect the devotee on earth “like a son.” In theme, it unites kṣetra-specific procedure, fear-removal as a religious aim, and self-restraint as the ethical prerequisite for efficacious worship.
Shlokas
Verse 1
ईश्वर उवाच । ततो गच्छेन्महादेवि मातृस्थानमनुत्तमम् । भैरवेशेति विख्यातं सर्वभयविनाशनम्
Īśvara said: Then, O Great Goddess, one should go to the unsurpassed Mātṛ-sthāna, renowned as Bhairaveśa, the destroyer of every fear.
Verse 2
चतुर्दश्यां विधानेन कृष्णपक्षे यतात्मवान् । पूजयेद्गन्धपुष्पैश्च बलिदानैस्तथोत्तमैः
On the fourteenth lunar day in the dark fortnight, self-controlled and following due procedure, one should worship with perfumes and flowers, and also with excellent offerings (bali).
Verse 3
तं पुत्रमिव योगिन्यो रक्षंति भुवि मातरः
On earth, the Yoginīs protect him like mothers protect their own son.