Markandeya Purana — Adhyaya 84, Shloka 3

Adhyaya 84 — The Gods’ Hymn after the Slaying of Mahishasura and the Goddess’ Boon

Sanskrit

देव्या यया ततमिदं जगदात्मशक्त्या निःशेषदेवगणशक्तिसमूहमूर्त्या । तामम्बिकामखिलदेवमहर्षिपूज्यां भक्त्या नताः स्म विदधातु शुभानि सा नः ॥

Transliteration

devā ūcuḥ devyā yayā tatamidaṃ jagadātmaśaktyā niḥśeṣadevagaṇaśaktisamūhamūrtyā / tāmambikāmakhiladevamarṣipūjyāṃ bhaktyā natāḥ sma vidadhātu śubhāni sā naḥ

Translation

دیوتاؤں نے کہا—جس دیوی نے اپنی ہی شکتی سے اس تمام کائنات کو ویاپت کر رکھا ہے، جو تمام دیوگن کی شکتیوں کے مجموعے کی مجسم صورت ہے؛ اُس سب دیوتاؤں اور مہارشیوں کی پوجنیہ امبیکا کو ہم بھکتی سے نمسکار کرتے ہیں—وہ ہمیں شُبھ عطا کرے۔

Speakers

• The Devas (Gods) led by Indra and Agni

Primary Deities

• Ambika

Shakti Aspects

• Ambika
• Chandika
• Mahalakshmi (Contextual)

Key Themes

• Shaktism
• Bhakti
• Divine Intervention
• Cosmic Power
• Gratitude

FAQs

What is the philosophical significance of the phrase 'niḥśeṣadevagaṇaśaktisamūhamūrtyā'?

This phrase defines the Goddess not as a singular deity distinct from others, but as the 'Samuha-murti'—the unified embodiment of the collective energies of all divinities. It underscores the Shakta concept that all gods derive their potency from the Supreme Shakti, and She represents the integrated will required to defeat the ego (Mahishasura) when individual efforts fail.

How does this verse fit into the narrative arc of the Devi Mahatmyam?

This verse opens the 'Shakradi Stuti,' the hymn of praise sung by Indra and the hosts of heaven immediately after the Goddess slays Mahishasura. It marks the transition from the kinetic energy of battle (Chapter 3) to the potential energy of devotion and gratitude, establishing the Goddess as the supreme protectress.

What is the specific nature of the Goddess's power described here?

She is described as pervading the universe by 'Atma-shakti' (Her own inherent power), distinguishing Her from other deities who may derive power from external sources (like sacrifices or boons). This asserts Her status as the Brahman or Ultimate Reality in feminine form.