Markandeya Purana — Adhyaya 84, Shloka 17
Adhyaya 84 — The Gods’ Hymn after the Slaying of Mahishasura and the Goddess’ Boon
दुर्गे स्मृता हरसि भीतिमशेषजन्तोः स्वस्थैः स्मृता मतिमतीव शुभां ददासि । दारिद्र्यदुःखभयहारिणि का त्वदन्या सर्वोपकारकरणाय सदार्द्रचित्ता ॥
durge smṛtā harasi bhītimaśeṣajantoḥ svasthaiḥ smṛtā matimatīva śubhāṃ dadāsi / dāridryaduḥkhabhayahāriṇi kā tvadanyā sarvopakārakaraṇāya sadārdracittā //
O Durga, kapag Ikaw ay inaalala, inaalis Mo ang takot ng bawat nilalang. Kapag inaalala Ka ng mga malusog at panatag ang loob, ipinagkakaloob Mo ang lubhang mapalad na talino. O Tagapag-alis ng kahirapan, pagdurusa, at pangamba, sino pa ba maliban sa Iyo ang laging may mahabaging puso upang kumilos para sa kapakanan ng lahat?
FAQs
This verse establishes the dual nature of the Divine Mother's grace: She acts as a savior (removing fear) for those in distress, and as a guide (bestowing wisdom/mati) for those who are stable. It emphasizes that true wisdom (shubham matim) is a gift of grace, not just intellectual effort.
This verse is embedded within the Manvantara characteristic of the Purana, specifically detailing the narrative of the Savarni Manu, where the worship of the Goddess is the central pivot for attaining sovereignty.
The term 'Ardracitta' (wet or melting heart) signifies the concept of 'Karuna' (compassion) that flows spontaneously without cause (ahaituki). The verse suggests that 'Smriti' (remembrance) is the only qualification required for the devotee to access this universal compassion.