Devi Bhagwat Purana – Chapter 4: The Reign of Shumbha-Nishumbha

The Reign of Shumbha-Nishumbha

With the end of Mahishasura, the gods breathed a sigh of relief, but this peace was short-lived. In the cycle of creation, happiness and sorrow, victory and defeat, come in turns. Before the gods' jubilation had even subsided, clouds of a new crisis began to gather, a crisis more terrifying than Mahishasura.

The Rise of the Asura Brothers

In the inaccessible caves of the Himalayas, two Asura brothers, engrossed in severe penance, were busy increasing their strength. Their names were Shumbha and Nishumbha. Both were cruel and powerful, with a hunger in their eyes to conquer the universe. Their bodies were as hard as diamond, and their roars made even the mountains tremble. Their worship was infusing the atmosphere with a terrible energy, as if nature itself was fearful of an impending destructive event.

"Nishumbha, my penance is succeeding. Soon we will defeat the gods and establish our dominion over heaven," Shumbha said to his brother. Nishumbha looked at Shumbha with his large eyes and replied, "Brother, I have full confidence that we will establish our supremacy over the three worlds. The gods will have to accept our servitude, otherwise their destruction is certain." The fire of hatred towards the gods was burning in their hearts, and they were ready to incinerate the entire universe in the flames of that hatred.

Oppression of the Gods

After receiving a unique boon from Lord Brahma, the terror of Shumbha and Nishumbha spread across the three worlds. They attacked heaven, drove Indra from his throne, and forced all the gods, including Varuna, Kubera, Yama, Agni, and Vayu, to bow at their feet. The gods' strength waned; they became helpless and wandered here and there. Sacrifices ceased, Vedic chants fell silent, and the entire heaven groaned under the oppression of the Asuras. The gods' ornaments were snatched away, their weapons were taken from them, and they were forced to live like slaves.

The gods, terrified, sought refuge here and there. They pleaded with Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh for help. Finally, the celestial sage Narada suggested they go to the abode of the Goddess located on the Himalayan mountains and pray. Narada said, "O gods, only the Goddess can liberate you from this crisis. She is the primordial power, she is the protector of this universe. Seek refuge at her feet; she will surely protect you." The gods saw a ray of hope in Narada's words and immediately set off towards the Himalayas.

Prayer to the Goddess

Amidst the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, the gods began to praise the Goddess. From the depths of their hearts, they invoked Mother Durga. Their hymns made the entire atmosphere resonate, and the Goddess appeared, a wondrous confluence of radiance and beauty. The gods told the Goddess about the atrocities of Shumbha and Nishumbha and prayed for protection. Hearing their piteous cries, the Goddess's heart melted. The Goddess assured them, "O gods, be patient. I will surely protect you. I will soon incarnate to end these Asuras."

There was an extraordinary power in the Goddess's voice. The fear in the gods' minds vanished, and new energy coursed through them. The Goddess said, "I will appear in the form of Kaushiki and destroy these wicked ones." These words, emanating from the Goddess's mouth, were the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter in which the end of the Asuras was certain. The Goddess's resolve was unwavering, and the gods had full faith that their salvation would now surely come.