Lalitopakhyana [ The story of the Goddess Lalita ] 3

[Guest guest]

Lalitopakhyana – I [ See Message 11530 ]

Lalitopakhyana – II [ See Message 11579 ]

 

 

Lalitopakhyana – III

 

Agastya heard the story and said, "Hayagreeva! Kindly let me know

in detail which form of Para Shakti (The Divine Mother, the Supreme

Power) will bestow both food and salvation to the devotees in the

Kali Yuga". Hayagreeva replied, "Lalita Devi is the only

Goddess who has the power to do so. Listen to her story". In the

distant past, Sati Devi, a daughter of Daksha was married to Shiva.

However gradually, Daksha developed hatred towards Shiva. Due to

this ill will, Daksha intended to perform a Yaga (fire sacrifice)

without making any offering to Shiva. He didn't invite even his

daughter Sati Devi to the Yaga. She came to know of the forth-coming

great Yaga to be done by her father. She didn't know other details.

However, overjoyed by the news of the ritual her father was going to

perform, he went to the Yaga, in spite of Shiva's disapproval of

her visit.

 

Sati Deha Tyaga (Self-immolation of Sati)

 

Ignoring the natural affection to his daughter, Daksha insulted her

and repeatedly abused Shiva. Unable to bear the insult to Shiva,

Sati Devi burnt her body in the fire created by her power of yoga.

Knowing about this calamity, Shiva became furious. Creating the

terrific Veerabhadra out of the locks of hair of His head, Shiva

sent him to attack Daksha. Veerabhadra destroyed the hall of Yaga,

swallowed even the Chakra (the circular weapon of Vishnu) and

beheaded Daksha. The wives of Daksha prayed to Veerabhadra who was

pacified and revived Daksha back to life by joining the head of a

goat to the trunk. Daksha repented and prayed to Shiva for pardon.

Sati Devi was born as the daughter of Himavanta (Himalaya Mountain)

and Menaka, as the couple did penance for 150 million years with the

intention to beget her as their child. The newborn was named Parvati

(daughter of Parvata-mountain) and brought Her up with love and

affection.

 

One day, the sage Narada visited Himavanta and said, "You are

very fortunate. The Divine Mother is born as your daughter; Shiva is

doing penance in your mountain range in his "Sthanu Ashrama"

(abode of stones). After the departure of Sati Devi, He has become

an ascetic. It will benefit you considerably if you send your

daughter to serve Him".

 

Himavanta's joy knew no bounds on hearing Narada's words. He

went to the abode of Shiva along with his daughter. After taking

Nandi's (the Ox which is the vehicle of Shiva) permission, he

approached Shiva, worshipped Him and prayed to Him to allow Parvati

to serve him. Shiva said, "OK. She may do so". Then onwards, Parvati

used to render services to Shiva for hours together. However, Shiva

used to be in a state of ecstasy of yoga continuously.

 

Kama Dahana (Burning of Cupid)

This being so, a demon by name Taraka invaded and occupied the

Heaven along with his army and started to hurt and pester the

celestials. All of them approached

 

Brahma for relief, who said, "The son born to Shiva and Parvati

only can kill the demon. Hence you make such efforts that the

marriage will be performed". Indra, the Lord of the celestials

called for Manmatha (Cupid-the god of love). He praised Cupid and

asked him to see that Shiva's ascetic attitude was lessened and that

He would start to love Parvati. Manmatha was exuberated by praises

and agreed to do as directed.

 

Ratidevi, the spouse of Manmatha came to know of this new assignment

and tried her best to dissuade cupid from embarking on the hazardous

venture. In spite of it, Cupid proceeded to Shiva's abode "Sthanu

Ashrama".

 

There he suddenly created the alluring atmosphere of the spring

season. The Pramathaganas (the armies of Shiva) were very much

disturbed in their minds with the erotic feelings. Observing this,

Nandi (Ox-the vehicle of Shiva) disciplined them.

 

In the meantime, Cupid entered the abode of Shiva stealthily and saw

Shiva seated in the state of ecstasy of meditation. The very sight

of Shiva in the posture suddenly unnerved Cupid. At the same moment,

Parvati came there. Looking at Her, Cupid recovered his courage.

 

While Parvati was getting up after bending low to prostrate to

Shiva, Her upper garment slipped a bit. Exactly at that moment,

Manmatha aimed an arrow (of lust) on Shiva, whose mind was affected

a bit. Observing this, Parvati feet a gush of joy inwardly.

 

However Shiva analysed His feeling immediately and looked around to

know why it happened so. Shiva saw Cupid hiding behind the bushes.

At once, Shiva's third eye (in between the eyebrows) opened and

the

fire rushing therefrom reduced Cupid to ashes. Parvati closed her

eyes out of fear. By the time She opened Her eyes in a moment, Shiva

disappeared with all His attendants. Himavanta came there, consoled

Her and took Her home. Ratidevi wept bitterly due to the death of

her husband Manmatha. Vasanta, the god of spring approached

Ratidevi, consoled her and reminded her of the curse of Brahma to

Manmatha.

 

Curse of Brahma to Manmatha:

Once upon a time, there were two demons by name Sunda and Upasunda,

who were brothers. They did penance meditating on Brahma and

obtained a strange boon that their death could not be caused by

anyone else except by themselves only. They were very much fond of

one another. Hence they expected that no mutual harm would be

possible.

 

Thereafter they created havoc by their terrific acts in the three

worlds. All the celestials prayed to Brahma who thought of a

strategy to destroy the demons. He accumulated the essence of beauty

of all the fine things in the world and created a woman of exquisite

beauty. As she was created with a gingelly aspect of beauty in

everything, she was called Tilottama (Tila-gingelly; Uttama-Best)

Her beauty enchanted even the celestials. Brahma checked up keenly

whether her beauty was superb in all aspects. Manmatha, who happened

to be there at that time, wanted to play a practical joke. Hence he

aimed an arrow (of lust) at Brahma. Due to this, Brahma forgetting

that she was His daughter chased her lustily.

 

As a last resort, Tilottama started running taking the form of a

deer. Brahma also followed her in the form of a deer. The

celestials were highly agitated by this untoward event. Observing

this impending danger, Shiva manifested as a hunter and holding a

bow and arrows came near Brahma who was in the form of a deer.

Looking at the fierce form of Shiva, Brahma came to senses. He

prostrated to His feet and prayed for pardon. By then, the

celestials and Tilottama arrived there.

 

Everyone was pacified. After taking Shiva's permission, the

celestials sent Tilottama to meet Sunda and Upasunda looking at

Tilottama going about in a garden, both Sunda and Upasunda competed

to enjoy with her and at last the demons killed and another.

 

Tilottama returned to Brahma, who felt happy and sent her to the

Heaven with a permanent status as one of the Apsaras(celestial

dancers). After the entire affair was over, Brahma recollected what

all had happened and sent for Manmatha and said "You fellow!

Blinded by the power bestowed to you, how dare you aim your arrows

(of lust) at one and all, disregarding their age? Do you intend to

destroy the code of righteousness? I am saved of grievous sin due to

the timely arrival and protection of Shiva. Hence, one day you will

be burnt to ashes by the fire of Shiva's third eye. Beware!"

 

Hearing the curse, Rati and Manmatha were frightened and prayed to

Brahma for relief of the curse. Brahma regained His composure and

said, "The Divine Mother will manifest as Lalitadevi. She will

marry Shiva. After the marriage, She will revive Manmatha to life"

 

After narrating the story, Vasanta (the god of spring season)

consoled Ratidevi, saying, "Sister-in-law! It is a must for

everyone, however great he is, to undergo the suffering of a curse.

However as predicted by Brahma, my brother Manmatha will be revived

to life soon. Until then, be bold and continue to pray to

Lalitadevi. Ratidevi left the place and followed the advice.

[Guest guest]

Can you put sanskrit verses along with the explanation? just a suggestion.

 

thanks,

 

manoj.

 

--- "N. Madasamy" <ashwini_puralasamy

wrote:

> Lalitopakhyana – I [ See Message 11530 ]

> Lalitopakhyana – II [ See Message 11579 ]

>

>

> Lalitopakhyana – III

>

> Agastya heard the story and said, "Hayagreeva!

> Kindly let me know

> in detail which form of Para Shakti (The Divine

> Mother, the Supreme

> Power) will bestow both food and salvation to the

> devotees in the

> Kali Yuga". Hayagreeva replied, "Lalita Devi is the

> only

> Goddess who has the power to do so. Listen to her

> story". In the

> distant past, Sati Devi, a daughter of Daksha was

> married to Shiva.

> However gradually, Daksha developed hatred towards

> Shiva. Due to

> this ill will, Daksha intended to perform a Yaga

> (fire sacrifice)

> without making any offering to Shiva. He didn't

> invite even his

> daughter Sati Devi to the Yaga. She came to know of

> the forth-coming

> great Yaga to be done by her father. She didn't know

> other details.

> However, overjoyed by the news of the ritual her

> father was going to

> perform, he went to the Yaga, in spite of Shiva's

> disapproval of

> her visit.

>

> Sati Deha Tyaga (Self-immolation of Sati)

>

> Ignoring the natural affection to his daughter,

> Daksha insulted her

> and repeatedly abused Shiva. Unable to bear the

> insult to Shiva,

> Sati Devi burnt her body in the fire created by her

> power of yoga.

> Knowing about this calamity, Shiva became furious.

> Creating the

> terrific Veerabhadra out of the locks of hair of His

> head, Shiva

> sent him to attack Daksha. Veerabhadra destroyed the

> hall of Yaga,

> swallowed even the Chakra (the circular weapon of

> Vishnu) and

> beheaded Daksha. The wives of Daksha prayed to

> Veerabhadra who was

> pacified and revived Daksha back to life by joining

> the head of a

> goat to the trunk. Daksha repented and prayed to

> Shiva for pardon.

> Sati Devi was born as the daughter of Himavanta

> (Himalaya Mountain)

> and Menaka, as the couple did penance for 150

> million years with the

> intention to beget her as their child. The newborn

> was named Parvati

> (daughter of Parvata-mountain) and brought Her up

> with love and

> affection.

>

> One day, the sage Narada visited Himavanta and said,

> "You are

> very fortunate. The Divine Mother is born as your

> daughter; Shiva is

> doing penance in your mountain range in his "Sthanu

> Ashrama"

> (abode of stones). After the departure of Sati Devi,

> He has become

> an ascetic. It will benefit you considerably if you

> send your

> daughter to serve Him".

>

> Himavanta's joy knew no bounds on hearing Narada's

> words. He

> went to the abode of Shiva along with his daughter.

> After taking

> Nandi's (the Ox which is the vehicle of Shiva)

> permission, he

> approached Shiva, worshipped Him and prayed to Him

> to allow Parvati

> to serve him. Shiva said, "OK. She may do so". Then

> onwards, Parvati

> used to render services to Shiva for hours together.

> However, Shiva

> used to be in a state of ecstasy of yoga

> continuously.

>

> Kama Dahana (Burning of Cupid)

> This being so, a demon by name Taraka invaded and

> occupied the

> Heaven along with his army and started to hurt and

> pester the

> celestials. All of them approached

>

> Brahma for relief, who said, "The son born to Shiva

> and Parvati

> only can kill the demon. Hence you make such efforts

> that the

> marriage will be performed". Indra, the Lord of the

> celestials

> called for Manmatha (Cupid-the god of love). He

> praised Cupid and

> asked him to see that Shiva's ascetic attitude was

> lessened and that

> He would start to love Parvati. Manmatha was

> exuberated by praises

> and agreed to do as directed.

>

> Ratidevi, the spouse of Manmatha came to know of

> this new assignment

> and tried her best to dissuade cupid from embarking

> on the hazardous

> venture. In spite of it, Cupid proceeded to Shiva's

> abode "Sthanu

> Ashrama".

>

> There he suddenly created the alluring atmosphere of

> the spring

> season. The Pramathaganas (the armies of Shiva) were

> very much

> disturbed in their minds with the erotic feelings.

> Observing this,

> Nandi (Ox-the vehicle of Shiva) disciplined them.

>

> In the meantime, Cupid entered the abode of Shiva

> stealthily and saw

> Shiva seated in the state of ecstasy of meditation.

> The very sight

> of Shiva in the posture suddenly unnerved Cupid. At

> the same moment,

> Parvati came there. Looking at Her, Cupid recovered

> his courage.

>

> While Parvati was getting up after bending low to

> prostrate to

> Shiva, Her upper garment slipped a bit. Exactly at

> that moment,

> Manmatha aimed an arrow (of lust) on Shiva, whose

> mind was affected

> a bit. Observing this, Parvati feet a gush of joy

> inwardly.

>

> However Shiva analysed His feeling immediately and

> looked around to

> know why it happened so. Shiva saw Cupid hiding

> behind the bushes.

> At once, Shiva's third eye (in between the eyebrows)

> opened and

> the

> fire rushing therefrom reduced Cupid to ashes.

> Parvati closed her

> eyes out of fear. By the time She opened Her eyes in

> a moment, Shiva

> disappeared with all His attendants. Himavanta came

> there, consoled

> Her and took Her home. Ratidevi wept bitterly due to

> the death of

> her husband Manmatha. Vasanta, the god of spring

> approached

> Ratidevi, consoled her and reminded her of the curse

> of Brahma to

> Manmatha.

>

> Curse of Brahma to Manmatha:

> Once upon a time, there were two demons by name

> Sunda and Upasunda,

> who were brothers. They did penance meditating on

> Brahma and

> obtained a strange boon that their death could not

> be caused by

> anyone else except by themselves only. They were

> very much fond of

> one another. Hence they expected that no mutual harm

> would be

> possible.

>

> Thereafter they created havoc by their terrific acts

> in the three

> worlds. All the celestials prayed to Brahma who

> thought of a

> strategy to destroy the demons. He accumulated the

> essence of beauty

> of all the fine things in the world and created a

> woman of exquisite

> beauty. As she was created with a gingelly aspect of

> beauty in

> everything, she was called Tilottama (Tila-gingelly;

> Uttama-Best)

> Her beauty enchanted even the celestials. Brahma

> checked up keenly

> whether her beauty was superb in all aspects.

> Manmatha, who happened

> to be there at that time, wanted to play a practical

> joke. Hence he

> aimed an arrow (of lust) at Brahma. Due to this,

> Brahma

=== message truncated ===

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

kalahandimanoj wrote: Can you put sanskrit verses along with the

explanation? just a suggestion.

 

That should be an ideal way but I dont think so it is possible. This

is the English version of Lalitopakhyana by Ganapati

Sachchidananda.

 

Nevertheless We do have that in mind : to put the sanskrit , the

english transliteration and the english translated version in our

homepage. Thank you again for your suggestion.