Devi Bhagwat Purana – Chapter 5: Manifestation of Kaushiki

The Manifestation of Kaushiki

Tormented by the terror of Shumbha and Nishumbha, the gods were seeking refuge at the Himalayas, at the feet of Mother Bhagavati. The vessel of their sins had overflowed, and now Mother Bhagavati had decided to end their divine play. Hearing the call of the gods, compassion welled up in Mother Parvati's heart, and a wondrous event occurred, which became the cause of the demons' destruction.

The Birth of Kaushiki from Parvati

Peace prevailed on the snowy peaks of Himavan, but chaos reigned in the heavens. Mother Parvati, moved by the sorrows of the gods, was lost in deep contemplation. Her radiance intensified so much that a wondrous light spread throughout the Himalayas. A divine energy manifested from her body – a unique beauty, capable of astonishing the three worlds with her form and splendor. The complexion of that beauty was dark, a deep blue like the clouds.

Mother Parvati looked at that energy and asked in surprise, "O Goddess, who are you? And why have you manifested from my body?" That energy replied with humility, "Mother, I am your own energy, and I shall be known by the name Kaushiki. Your dark complexion is my form, hence I am dark-complexioned."

Shumbha and Nishumbha See Kaushiki

At that very moment, Shumbha and Nishumbha were roaming in that area with their attendants. They saw that wondrous light from afar. That light was not of ordinary luminescence, but of a unique beauty. Upon seeing Kaushiki's enchanting image, Shumbha and Nishumbha were captivated. They had never seen such a beautiful woman before. Their hearts were consumed by desire, and they decided to possess Kaushiki.

Shumbha said to Nishumbha, "Look, Nishumbha, what a wondrous beauty! It is rare to find such an unparalleled beauty in the world. She is worthy of becoming our queen. Bring her to us immediately. She will adorn our palace." Nishumbha agreed, "Brother, you speak the truth. This goddess will surely be the rightful owner of our throne."

The Arrival of the Messenger

Shumbha sent one of his messengers to Kaushiki. The messenger, extolling the might of the demons and the valor of Shumbha and Nishumbha, reached Kaushiki. He delivered Shumbha and Nishumbha's message to Kaushiki. The messenger spoke extremely audacious words, "O beautiful one, you are unique in all three worlds. King Shumbha and Nishumbha are captivated by your beauty. They wish for you to become their queen and rule happily with them. King Shumbha himself is the lord of the three worlds, and Nishumbha is his right hand. To disobey their command is to invite death. Therefore, wisdom lies in going with them willingly."

Kaushiki listened carefully to the messenger's words, and then replied in a calm voice, "Messenger, return to your masters and tell them that according to my vow, I will marry whosoever conquers me in battle. Hearing this, the demon kings will be filled with rage, and this is the purpose of the Goddess's incarnation – the destruction of the demons. Now war is inevitable, and the end of the demons in it is certain."