Shloka 2
Adhyaya 90 — The Slaying of Shumbha and the Reabsorption of the Goddesses into Ambika
बलावलेपाद्दुष्टे त्वं मा दुर्गे गर्वमावह । अन्यासां बलमाश्रित्य युध्यसे यातिमानिनी ॥
balāvalepād duṣṭe tvaṃ mā durge garvamāvaha / anyāsāṃ balamāśritya yudhyase yātimāninī
¡Oh malvada! No te envanezcas por tu fuerza, oh Durgā. Peleas apoyándote en la fuerza de otros, ¡oh mujer de soberbia desmedida!
FAQs
This verse sets the stage for a critical philosophical revelation in Shaktism. Shumbha, representing the ego (Ahamkara), perceives duality and accuses the Goddess of depending on 'many' helpers (the Matrikas). This taunt prompts the Goddess to reveal that all forms are merely projections of Her singular consciousness (Ekāivāham), illustrating the principle of non-dualism.
This narrative belongs to the Manvantara characteristic of the Purana, specifically detailing the events leading to the sovereignty of the eighth Manu, Savarni, facilitated by the grace of Mahamaya.
Shumbha's accusation ironically highlights his spiritual blindness. Esoterically, the battle represents the reintegration of psychic forces. The demon sees separation, whereas the Goddess demonstrates that the diverse powers (Brahmani, Vaishnavi, etc.) are intrinsic parts of the One Supreme Shakti, not external aids.