It is my good fortune that I am retelling Sri Lalita's story as given in Brahmanda Puran . I am grateful to you for reading it and understanding the vision of Veda Vyasa. Thank you.Originally posted by: DeepVeerPhoenix
Thanks for all the information, Lakshmi di!
I always wanted to read the entire story of Devi Lalita TripuraSundari.
Vishanga along with his army moved north wards and then turned to reach eastern side. He was able to see Srichakraraja chariot very near to him. Lalita devi was looking forward observing the movement of the army. She was not having much army close to her. Taking this opportunity Vishanga attacked devi's chariot from the rear, all of a sudden.
Anima and other gods who were present there were taken back at this sudden attack but quickly recovered themselves and prepared for a counter fight
. Exactly at the same time Kutilaksha along with ten akshohini army attacked from the front side. Seeing attack from both ends Lalita devi was a little angry.
In the mean while, struck by an arrow from Vishanga, the fan present in Lalita devi's hand fell down and broke. Seeing this Tithidevatas got very angry. They went and requested Lalita devi that Vahnivasini and Jwalamalini nitya devas have property and capacity of self illumination. If they glow then the demons who are in the dark will all become visible.
With the permission of Lalita devi, Vahnivasini and Jwalamalini devis started glowing like fireballs. All the demons who were hiding in darkness now became visible. Now the 16 nitya devi's became outrageous and attacked Vishanga's army. All the commanders in the demons army died.
Even Kutilaksha who attacked from the front also fled. (In Lalita sahasranama
nityaparakrama topa nirikshana samatsuka
seeing the valour of nityadevatas, Lalita devi was very pleased Mantrini devi and Dandanatha devi felt unhappy about this unprecedented attack in the night They felt very sorry that their arrangements of protection were not up to the mark.
Agni prakara
Both of them went to Lalita devi, expressed sorry for what had happened and made arrangements for protection. At the instance of Lalita devi, Jwalamalini devi made a compound wall of fire around the devi's army The fire wall is 100 yojana wide and 30 yojana tall. (1 yojana is approximately 8 miles). At the southern end of fire wall is a 1 yojana long entry, to enable devi's army to go out and fight because Shunyapuram is facing this end.
Knowing all this news Bhandasura was in despair and started thinking what to do. This time he sent all his 30 sons for the war. After listening to this news Lalita devi's daughter Baladevi wanted to fight these demons herself. Baladevi is the only daughter of Lalita devi .She resembles Lalita devi very much but is always only eight years old .She stays permanently with her mother..
Baladevi approached her mother and requested for permission to fight in the battlefield.. At the outset Lalita devi denied but looking at the courage and will power exhibited by Bala devi she ultimately gave permission. Seeing Bala devi coming for the war Mantrini and Dandanayaka were astonished and they stood as her body guards.
Now Baladevi started ferocious fighting with Bhanda's sons. Every one was surprised at her valor. Whole of the second day Baladevi fought. That evening she shot 30 arrows at a time and killed the 30 sons of Bhanda.
Lalita devi was very happy and she embraced her daughter
Bhanda putra vadhodyukta bala vikrama nandita
Bhanda was grief stricken. Desperately he himself started off for the war. Vishukra and Vishanga pacified Bandasura.
Vighnayantra nashnam (Destruction of the mystic symbol of obstacles).
Now Bhanda sent Vishukra to the warfront. In the darkness Vishukra approached the Vahniprakara (firewall) on a flat stone he drew a mystic symbol and performed some black magic. He then threw that mystic symbol forcefully. It fell in the firewall at some point. With the affect of that yantra (mystic symbol) laziness crept into the minds ofthe devi's army.
Some started arguing that war itself was wrong. Some said, "Why should we fight on behalf of the gods.
Some said, "Who is this Lalita devi? Who has given her superior ship over us? Some said, "If all of us together decline not to fight what can Lalita devi do?
All of them fell into sleep of ignorance. After midnight Vishukra along with 30 akshohini sena surrounded the fire barrier.
Vishukra sent Gajasura to attack him but soon Gajasura was slayed. Seeing this Vishukra ran away.
Annihilation of Vishukra and Vishanga.
After discussing with Bhandasura, Vishukra came back to war, along with his brother Vishanga and son-in-law. With this the third day war had started. Mantrini and Dandanatha both started to fight simultaneously. In the front was Dandanatha devi mounted on her kirichakra ratha with her plough weapon (halayudha) swirling it rapidly.
Behind her was Mantrini devi mounted on Geyachakra ratha as an archer with bow and arrows. Dandanatha devi attacked Vishunga. Mantrini devi confronted Vishukra..
Ashwarudha, Sampatkari and others attacked the son- in-law of the demon who had come..The army of the demons started slackening. Noticing this Vishukra discharged Trushastram (weapon which produces thirst). Shaktisena's army started to experience intense thirst.
Only Kutilaksha the commander in chief was left over to console Bhandasura. Bhanda along with Kutilaksha started towards the battlefield. 2185 akshohini army along with 40 commanders followed him.
He boarded a chariot named Aabhilam(dreadful). It is dragged by 1000 lions instead of horses.
His sword is named Yatana torture in hell
Noticing this Lalita devi herself started moving in her Srichakra raja ratha towards the warfront. Behind her was Mantrini in the Geyachakra ratha followed by Potrini in kirichakraratha.
Other shakti deities followed her in crores. In the usage of sastra's (mystic weapons) and pratyastra (corresponding neutralising weapons), none of them were insufficient.
Bhandasurendra nirmukta shastra pratyastra varshini
Now Bandasura by his mystical powers regenerated Madhukaitabha, Raktabija and other old demons.
To be continued
Gods proclaimed victory of Lalita devi on the drums and they showered flowers, lighted camphor blazes and shouted victory slogans.
Kama sanjeevanam (rebirth of kama).
Brahma, Vishnu, Indra and other gods praised Lalita devi's grandeur
Brahmopendra mahendradi deva samstuta vaibhava
In that praise they proclaimed thus:
Mother! Bhanda is dead but his friend Taraka is still alive to trouble us.
To annihilate him Shiva must have a son
We were trying for the same but in the mean while Manmadha (god of love) died and all these events happened
Therefore kindly give rebirth to Manmadha and perform the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi.
Lalita devi smiled compassionately and looked at Kameshwara. From her looks Manmadha took rebirth
.Haranetragni sandagdha amasanjeevanaushadhih
Lalita devi is the sacred herb sajeevini which gave rebirth to Manmadha who was destroyed by the fire from Shiva's eye
The mother goddess blessed them and instructed:
Manmadha! Now you need not fear
Go once again and cast your magical arrow on Shiva
Shiva will loose to you and will marry Parvathi
With my blessings Shiva will do you no harm.
From now on you can enter every ones body and cause aesthetic/ sensuous pleasures to them.
Protect my devotees.
At the instructions of mother goddess Lalita Devi Manmadha with his family went and cast his magic charm on Shiva.
This time Shiva left renunciation and started searching vehemently for parvathi. Then Manmadha cast magical arrows on Parvati also.
Shiva was very much pleased with parvathi's penance. He appeared before her, granted a boon and married her. Kumaraswamy, Kartikeya was born to Shiva and Parvathi. He became the commander of Gods army and annihilated Tarakasura. He then married Devasena devi, the daughter of Indra.
After helping all the gods Manmadha left to Sripura to serve goddess Lalita devi.
Sripura varnanam (description of Sripura )
What does Sripura mean? After the annihilation of Bhandasura, Trimurtis called upon the cosmic architect Viswakarma and the architect of demons Maya , and instructed them to construct 16 palaces in 16 kshetras (sacred places) for the residence of Lalita & Shiva Kameswara.
Mount Meru has 4 peaks One on the eastern side, one on north west, one on the south west. Each is 100 yojanas tall and 100 yojanas wide these are trimurtis worlds. In the center of these is the fourth, which is 400 yojanas tall and 400 yojanas wide.
Sripura is on the Middle peak. Sripura has got metallic compound walls 7 in number they are square shaped. Each wall is separated from the next one by one a distance of 7 yojanas.
Kalayasa (iron) wall The perimeter of this wall is 16 thousand yojanas Kansya (bronze) wallBetween these two is the first chamber. Several trees and gardens are located here. Mahakali and Mahakala are the protectors here. Kalachakra is their throne.
Tamra (copper) wall Here is a forest of Kalpavruksha (wish granting tree). This is also called as Kalpavatica. This is the second chamber. Vasanta (spring) is its protector .Madhusri and Madhavasri are his consorts.
5. Aarkuta (brass) wall This is the fourth chamber. Here is a forest of Hari chandanavruksha (yellow fragrant sandal wood). The ruler is varsharutu (rainy season. Nabhasri and Nabhasyasri are his consorts.
Panchaloha (five metal) wallIn this fifth chamber is a garden of mandara trees Sharadrutu is the protector. Ishasri and Urjasri are his consorts.
Raupya (silver) wall Sixth chamber.Parijata tree forest .Hemantarutu is the protector. Sahasri and Sahasyasri are his consorts.
Hema (gold) wall Seventh chamber. Kadamba forest. Sisira (winter) s the protector. Tavasri and Tavasyasri are his consorts.
This is where Mantrini devi resides in a temple. She has one more quarter very close to that of Lalita devi in Mahapadmatavi( forest of lotuses). When she is on duty she stays in that quarter. In this seventh chamber near Mantrini's residence Matanga kanyas are constantly singing and dancing.
To be continued
The story of Matanga Kanyas
In the olden days a sage named Matanga used to expand the creation byvirtue of the power of his penance. He was a great saint and practitioner of penance. He was the friend of Himavan Once Himavan started boasting saying that he was the father of Gauri devi. With that Matanga felt humiliated and started great penance for Mudrini devi(Mudrinidevi is none other than Mantrini devi who had received a ring from Lalita devi. She is also called Shyamala devi.She was very happy with his penance and gave boon that she herself would be born as a daughter to him. A few days later Shyamala devi appeared in the dream of Siddhamati devi (wife of Matanga). Shyamala devi gave her a flower from the bunch decorating her ear. Very soon she had a female child who was named Laghushyama as she was born in a very short duration She was also called Matangi, Matanga Kanyaka. With her power she generated crores of virgins, who stay near Mantrini devi's house and keep singing her praises all the time.
The Compounds of precious stones:
Inside the golden compound, there are eleven prakaras (compounds) one inside the other and inside them there are six more compounds described hereunder. All these compounds are perfect squares. Here also, the distance between one compound and the other is Seven yojanas.
Pushyaraga Prakara (The compound of Topaz)
The area between the golden compound and this one is called Pushyaraga area. Here male and female Siddhas reside. Those who were born earlier in the race of Siddha and who obtained attainment (Siddhi) in their spiritual practices worshipping the Divine Mother, stay here as Siddhas and gladly continue to worship Her.
Padmaraga Prakara (The compound of Ruby)
Here celestials of the species called Charanas reside. Those who were born in Charana world and worshipped the Mother are reborn here, after attaining Her grace.
Gomedhika Prakara (The compound of Agate)
In this arena, Kala Sankarshani devi resides. She is worshipped by the Yoginis and Bhairavas.
Vajra Prakara (The compound of diamonds)
Apsaras and Gandharvas (divine dancers and singers) stay in this arena. They are ever engaged in the Japa (repetition) of the Divine Mother's names and stay here happily. The river Vajranadi flows in this place. The Goddess Vajreswari stays here. When the demon Bhanda swallowed the diamond weapon (Vajra Ayudha) of Indra, he could get back his weapon by worshipping the Mother here.
. Vaidurya Prakara (The compound of Vaidhurya gems)
Those of the netherworld, who attained spiritual achievements by worshipping the Mother, stay in this arena. The emperor Bali also resides here.
Indraneela Prakara (The compound of Sapphire)
Those people who were born on the earth stay in this area enjoying pleasures, after their worship of Lalita during their lifetime there. Soon after the effect of their punya (merit) is exhausted, they will be born again as human beings on the earth. By the effect of their previous pious deeds, they again worship the Mother and return once more to this pious place. Due to the blue colour of these precious stones, the dark effect of likes and dislikes persists in them. Hence they are born again and again. Those who can control their senses to merge in the ultimate state of salvation, i.e., in the Divine Mother do not have rebirth.
Mukta Prakara (The compound of pearls)
Several rivers named Tamraparni, Mahaparni, Sadamukta, Sadodaka etc. flow in this area. The celestials who worshipped the Mother and chanted her Mantras stay here. The cities of the rulers of the eight sides exist here. (The eight sides are East, West, North, South, North-East, South-East, North-West and South-West).
. Marakata Prakara (The compound of Emerald)
The abode of the Goddess Dandanatha also called Varahi exists in this area. There is a garden of golden palm-trees here. The Goddess Unmattabhairavi, Svapnesvari, Tiraskarinidevi, Kirapadadevi reside in this area. When Goddess Dandanatha is on duty, she stays in a separate palace in the forest of Mahapadma (Big lotuses).
Vidruma Prakara (The compound of Coral)
In this area, Brahma along with sages like Maricha stays and worship the DivineMother.
Manikya Prakara (The compound of Gem)
This area is also called the hall of gems i.e. Manikya Mantapa. Here Vishnu worships the Mother.
Navaratna Prakara (The compound of nine precious stones)
In this area exists a huge hall with thousands of pillars. Here Siva along with his attendants constantly supervises the activities being done as per the orders of Lalita Devi.
. Manomaya Prakara (The compound of mind)
The entire area is a big well of Amruta (nectar). The Goddess Tara resides here. Along with her attendants, she rows a big boat and takes her devotees inside along with Her.
. Buddhi Prakara (The compound of the intellect)
The entire area is a big well of Bliss. The captain of the ship in this arena is the Goddess Varuni. She is also called as Sudha malini and Amruteswari.
Ahankara Prakara (The compound of Egoism)
The entire area is a big well of criticism and nectar; The water of this well is nothing else than the nectar in the nerve Sushumna (The central nerve between Ida and Pingala nerves of one's backbone). The captain of the ship in this area is the Goddess Kurukulla.
. Suryabimba Prakara (The compound of the Sun)
Here brilliance comparable to the light of the rising Sun exists always. Plenty of flowers called Kuruvinda are abundant here. The Sun performed penance here and obtained brilliance. Martanda Bhairava stays here.
. Chandrabimba Prakara (The compound of the Moon)
Moonshine ever exists here. The Moon performed penance here and attained illumination. Somanatha, the Lord of the stars is the chief deity of this area.
. Srungara Prakara (The compound of eroticism)
This area is full of waters of eroticism. Here Manmatha, (Cupid-the god of love) does Japa of the Mother's sacred names, rowing in a boat. Only those who are of pure mind by nature can cross this area.
. Cintamani Gruha (The abode of Gems)
This is the great palace of Sri-chakra. It is called Mahapadmatavi also. Around the mansion, hundreds of thousands of lotus like palaces exist. To the east of this place, there is a large vessel with a diameter of one Yojana. This is called Arghya Patra (the vessel used to wash hands) At the south-east corner exists Chidagnikunda (The fire pit of knowledge). At the south-west exists Srichakra Ratha, the vehicle of Srichakra. At the north-west exists the Geya Chakra Ratha of the Goddess Mantrini.
To be continued
The description of the Palace of Chintamani
This palace is centrally located in Sripura The City of Sri (Wealth).
The walls of the palace are built with Chintamani gems.. The roof also is made of the same stones of Chintamani.
The palace has three towers by names Iccha Sikhara, Kriya Sikhara and Jnana Sikhara i.e. the towers of desire, action and knowledge.
The palace has four doors. They are called Amnaya devas. They are Purva, Dakshina, Paschima and Uttara Amnaya devas (on the East, South, West and North sides). Amnaya means Veda.
. Bindu Peetha (central seat of power) is centrally located in the palace.
This seat of power (peetha) has steps on four sides.
The entire structure described above is of the design of Srichakra.. All the male and female deities of Srichakra reside here.
The Bindu Peetha is called Sri Peetha, Maha Peetha, Vidya Peetha andAnanda Peetha also (The seat of prosperity, greatness, knowledge andbliss).
On the pedastal exists the cot of the five brahmas.
The cot has four legs namely Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesana and Iswara. These four deities have attained female form by worshipping Mother.
The plank resting on these legs is Sadasiva.
To the east of this cot, there are 36 steps, representing the 36 aspects of spiritualism.
There is a foot-rest in front of the cot.There is swan like bed on the cot.
On the cot, there are two pillows for the head and one pillow for the legs.
A light red blanket is spread on the bed.
The Lord Kameswara sits on the cot facing the East. He is ever in the form of a sixteen year old boy. He has four hands and three eyes. He wears erotic costumes.
On His lap sits Lalita Devi. She is ever in the form of a sixteen year old girl. Her complexion is rosy. She wears erotic costumes. She has four hands. Her decoration is the moon.
As she pleases Sadasiva, she is called Lalita .
Siva Kameswarankastha Siva Svadheena Vallabha
Sumeru madhya srungastha Srimannagara nayika.
Cintamani gruhantastha Panca Brahmasana sthita.
Maha Padmatavi samstha Kadamba vana vasini
Sudha sagara madhyastha Kamakshi Kamadayini
The above names in the Lalita Sahasra nama indicate the Srinagara, the Chintamani gruha (the palace of the Mother) and her other divine aspects described above. The Mother incarnated to kill the demon Bhanda.
She is the Supreme Mother as per these divine names, will achieve everything auspicious
Note:How did Kartikeya kill Tarakasura? There are different versions of this famous feat achieved by Kartikeya. Padma Puran describes Kartikeya's birth and Tarakasur's death in the following manner. The marriage of Shiv Parvati Indra prayed to Sage Narada to advise further plan in the context of the birth of Kartikerya. The Sage designed a plan of action, first to approach Himavanta and his wife Mena as also Parvati to prepare them to wed Mahadeva; to secure access to Mahadeva for his consent to let Parvati assist the former in his daily Pujas. Then Kama Deva and Rati Devi have to stealthly despatch Pushpa Baanas' or Amorous Arrows of Love in favour of Parvati while she was in service to Mahadeva. But the Plan did not quite succeed as Mahadeva got angry on Kama Deva and burnt him off with his third eye. Devi Rati prayed to Maha Deva, the latter assured that Kama Deva would soon be created again as Ananga' or devoid of Physique. Devi Parvati was shaken by the news of Kama Deva's turning into ashes, she decided to take to Tapasya; her father Himavan addressed the daughter to say: U' Ma' meaning Don't do so'! Then onwards she got the name Uma. But still she left to such a Place to perform rigorous penance where even Devas did not desire to visit and was so inaccessible at the heights of Himalayas. Indra prayed to Sapta Rishis' to intervene. The Rishis tested her decision to perform the severe Penance by arguing with her that she was bent on marrying Maha Deva and none else which is not advisable. she became angry with the Rishis that she reacted sharply against them and even condemned them to suggest any other name as her spouse except Shiva Deva. Sapta Rishis approached Maha Deva, and informed Parvati's strong Decision to wed only Maha Deva and emphasised the angle of Loka Kalyan' or the Universal Cause of destroying Tarakasura which could be accomplished only through the wedding with Parvati .Taking the consent of Maha Deva, Saptarishis negotiated the holy wedding of Shiva and Parvati successfully and smoothly. At the appointed Muhurtha, the Greatest, the Most Auspicious and Most Unique Wedding of Shiva Parvati was celebrated in which Vishnu and Brahma along with Lakshmi and Vani took active part and so did Indra, Devas, Dikpalakas, the Planets along with their spouses; Yakshas, Danavas, Kimpurushas, Pramathaganas and Piscachas were all thrilled; Gandharvas sang tuneful songs, Apsaras danced away to their glories and Maharshis and Muniganas chanted Vedas and Hymns. Such an event was neither commemorated in the Yugas that preceded nor followed. Kartikeya's birth As Devi Parvati and Shiva were enjoying their post-wedding life in beautiful gardens and Sarovars, one fine morning Parvati desired to take her bath and sought to clean up her body dirt after applying scented oils and made an idol of a handsome boy whose head resembled that of an elephant. Shiva played with that idol of a boy for a while and threw it in Ganga who was Parvati's companion. Ganga brought the idol back from the flow and interestingly the boy became real with life and Devas called him as Gajanana and worshipped him, hence he is also called Ganga Suta. Brahma gave Gajanana the authority to head Ganas and was called as Ganapati or Ganadhyaksha eversince. For a number of years, Shiva and Parvati were in a joyful mood after their marriage and there was little news for Indra and Devas about the possible arrival of Kartikeya who alone could terminate Tatakasura . Agni Deva took the form of a parrot and entered the Palace of Shiva and Parvati who found that Parvati was enjoying a bath in a Sarovar playing with lotus flowers and Lord Shiva was resting in his bed. She found six Krittikas in the Sarovar and told them that she was desirous of seeing the water drops inside the lotus bulbs. the Kritthikas replied in fun that they would show the water drops provided they allow them also to share the joy of a child in her garbha'! The Krittikas further said that she should allow them too to own the child as their own. she agreed to the mutual deal. Krittikas showed the water drops inside the lotus bulb and she drank them. As soon as she drank the water drops, there emerged a handsome and healthy boy from Devi Parvati's right abdomen with Sun-like lustre and a powerful Physique wearing a Shula' and Ankush' in both of his hands. He was called Kumar' as many entities claimed parentage Not only Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati but also the Krittikas and even Agni and Ganga are his parents The boy had six brilliant faces and was popularly called by several names viz.Vishakha, Shanmukha, Skanda, Shadaanana and Kartikeya. Brahma, Vishnu, Indra and various Devas gifted the Child several valuable things like Chandan, Malas, Dhup, Toys, Umbrellas, and Bhushans and instantly appointed him as the Senapati or the Commander-in-Chief of Devas. Lord Vishnu presented several weapons Kubera provided ten lakhs of Yaksha Sena; Agni gave his Tej (Radiance) and Vayu provided speed as his Vahan' (Chariot). Kumar then asked what he could do for them and in one voice they wanted the demon Tarakasura to be killed and Kumar assured saying: So be it! The Fight Inspired by what Skanda Deva guaranteed, Indra sent an emissary to Tarakasura saying that soon Indra and Devas would arrive to destroy the demon and his followers. Demons wondered that an additional Shakti must have joined the Deva Sena as otherwise they would not dare send a messenger alerting them to come prapared for a battle Tarakasura remembered Brahma's boon to him with the reminder of the risk of his death in the hands of a boy! Even Kalanemi and other Daityas had creepy feelings about the might of the stranger who joined the Deva Sena. As Tarakasura finally saw the so-called additional Shakti, he laughed away and made fun of the baby boy; he said that Devas did great injustice in projecting him ahead of them so that they could conveniently run away if need be! Kumar replied that there was no need to make fun of them since in a battle there was the brain power that was important but not the brutal force. one did not require a huge serpent to kill an opponent but even a tiny snake could finish off the enemy by a small bite of poison! Bala Surya was always difficult to look at and so never under-estimate a boy...these are the words of Kartikeya. Even as Kumar's reply was over, the Asura threw a musala but the reply by way of a mighty Chakra from Kumar was instantaneous. The Daitya threw a metallic Bhindipal which Kumar stopped merely by one of his hands. Kartikeya targetted a ferocious mace which made ear-blowing sound and the demon was hardly able to escape its impact. The demon then realised that this boy was not an ordinary kid and one had to be tough with him. Tarakasur used a very powerful Shastra which was undone by Kartikeya instantly. Then Kartikeya came into his form and massacred thousands of demons and the so-called mighty demons like Kalanemi could hardly defend themselves and ran away to save their skins. As a last resort, Tarakasura hit Kumar's vahana of Peacock and going wild with this act, Kumara finally used the Nirmal Shakti' in his hands and threw it with force and speed and the Shakti dazzled the demon's vision. he tried his best but could not evade it since it flew behind wherever he went and ultimately pierced into his heart . The mountain-like Tarakasura fell making a thud, like a cloud-burst and the handful of soldiers of the huge army of Davanas left behind alive ran for their lives. Devas went into a state of ecstacy with loud shouts and battle-cries of relief showering fragrant flowers all around, Gandharvas sang earsplitting songs of victory, Apsaras danced with gay abandon and the whole Universe wore a memorable look of unprecedented carnival. Vishnu and Brahma were highly satisfied that finally Dharma was established by Kumara. Maha Deva and Devi Parvati seated on Nandi with Ganesha and Kartikeya flew across to Kailasa Mountain witnessing festivities all along the route! Devas stated that whosoever read, or heard or analysed the Story of Kartikeya would be blessed; his life-span would increase, would become healthy, popular, and contented in life without unfufilled desires and at the end of Life would qualify for salvationSource: Padma Puran. |
The Final.Battle
Lord Shiva assured the deities, who were also present there that Tarakasur's days were numbered. The deities's army then proceeded towards the battlefield.On their way, the deities heard a heavenly voice--'You can defeat the demons only if you fight under the leadership of Kartikeya.'
Now all the deities requested Kartikeya to become their leader. Menawhile, Devasena--the daughter of Mrityu arrived there and requested Kartikeya to become her husband. Kartikeya accepted Devasena as his wife.
This is the reason why he is also known as Deva senapati.Karitkeya was leading the deities' army, mounted on an elephant. The army had all the deities in its rank- Indra, Varun, Vayu, Kuber, Dharma Raj, etc.Both the rival armies met at an island situated between Ganga and Yamuna. Tarakasur had come with a large army, which boasted of many brave and mighty warriors.
The battle commenced and the first phase was dominated by the demons. The deities could not stand up to the might of demons. Even Indra was severely wounded when Tarakasur attacked him with his deadly weapon- 'Shakti'
. On seeing the level of destruction caused in the deities' army, King Muchkunda, who was on the side of the deities' attacked Tarakasur. In the ensuing battle Muchkunda got injured and fell down on the ground. He got up furiously and tried to kill Tarakasur with his Brahmashtra. Sage Narad told him that Brahmashtra would be of no use as Tarakasur had been blessed with invincibility against mortals. Narad said--'Only Kartikeya is capable of killing Tarakasur. So, you all need to have patience till Kartikeya accomplishes his mission.'
Meanwhile Veerabhadra was fighting a dual fought against Tarakasur. He had already caused indescribable losses to the demons. While the fight was going on, Tarakasur realized that it was not easy to defeat him. So, he decided to use his illusionary powers, which helped him in acquiring ten thousand hands.
The deities ran away from the battle field, when they saw ferocious Tarakasur approaching them.Lord Vishnu instructed Kartikeya to kill Tarakasur before it was too late. Kartikeya chased Tarakasur with his deadly weapon- Shakti in his hand. A fierce fight took place between both of them. Kartikeya attacked Tarakasur with his Shakti. Tarakasur retaliated by hitting him with his own Shakti. The assault was so severe that Karikeya lost his consciousness for few moments.
When Kartikeya regained his consciousness, he got up quickly to fight against Tarakasur. Once again a fierce battle commenced. Kartikeya remembered his parents in reverence and released his Shakti in the direction of Tarakasur.Tarakasur died instantly. The deities were delighted at the death of their tormentor.
Source: Skandh Puran
Source: Shiva Maha Puran
Parvati serves Shiva
One day Shiva along with his followers like Bhringi, Nandi, etc, arrived at Himalaya, with the purpose of doing penance. When Parvati's father Himavan came to know about his arrival, he went to receive him. After he had made his salutations to Shiva, he was instructed by Shiva to see that he is not disturbed while doing his penance.
Himavan made all the necessary arrangements so that Lord Shiva could perform his penance without being disturbed. One day Himavan arrived at the place where lord Shiva was doing his penance. Parvati too came along with him.
Himavan requested him to allow Parvati there so that she could be at his service. Lord Shiva declined to keep her with him, fearing her presence might cause hindrance in the path of his penance. Now, Himalaya became very concerned about his daughter's future and wondered whether Parvati would remain unmarried.
Conversation between Parvati & Shiva
When Parvati saw her father becoming worried by Shiva's response she decided to intervene. She said to lord Shiva-
"I am 'Prakriti' (Nature) and you are the 'Purusha' (almighty). You are in Saguna form because of me.
In my absence, you will find it impossible even to exist in form.
Lord Shiva was impressed by her knowledge. He allowed her to be present near her. Himalaya and Parvati became very pleased.
Parvati used to come daily at the place where lord Shiva was doing his penance. Her companions too used to come along. She used to engaged herself in the worship of lord Shiva with great devotion.
Though lord Shiva was very much impressed by her devotion, but he decided that he won't marry her until she has proved her mettle by her tremendous penance.
Then Devas went to lord Brahma to seek his help. Lord Brahma advises Indra to send Kamadeva' to disturb the Samadhi of Shiva, so that being influenced by him Shiva married Parvati and ultimately kills Tarakasur
Devas decided to send Kamadeva to influence lord Shiva so that the marriage between him and Parvati is felicitated.
Indra called Kamadeva and told him that the demon king Tarakasur could be killed only by such a person who was the son of Shiva and Parvati.
Indra instructed Kamadeva to arouse passion in lord Shiva, so that he agrees to marry Parvati.
Kamadeva, accompanied by his wife Rati went to lord Shiva to accomplish his mission.
To be continued.
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