Devi Bhagwat Purana – Chapter 6: Defeat of Shumbha-Nishumbha

Defeat of Shumbha-Nishumbha

With the manifestation of Goddess Kaushiki, a divine light spread across the three worlds. The gods rejoiced at this form of the Goddess, but the demon soldiers of Shumbha and Nishumbha trembled with anger and fear. They knew that this Goddess was no ordinary power, but the cause of their destruction. Now, the fierce roar of war was about to echo, and by the grace of the Goddess, righteousness was to be established.

Slaying of Chanda-Munda

Goddess Kaushiki, mounted on a lion, advanced towards the demon army. Her radiance was such as if the sun was shining brightly all at once. The demon soldiers were fleeing in disarray, but the shower of the Goddess's arrows brought them to a standstill. Just then, two mighty demons named Chanda and Munda roared and came before the Goddess. They held huge maces in their hands, and their eyes were red with anger. The thirst for blood was clearly visible on their faces.

Chanda said, "O Goddess! Who are you? That you are causing such havoc in the kingdom of our masters Shumbha-Nishumbha? You will surely be punished for this!" Munda raised his mace and moved forward to attack the Goddess. The Goddess smiled, and in her smile lay the fear of death. In a moment, she drew her sword and with a single stroke, severed the heads of Chanda and Munda from their bodies.

Annihilation of Raktabija

Upon hearing the news of the slaying of Chanda and Munda, Shumbha and Nishumbha were filled with rage. They sent a demon named Raktabija, from whose blood, if even a single drop fell on the earth, a new Raktabija would be born. Raktabija attacked Goddess Kaushiki. The Goddess began to wound him with her arrows, but as soon as the blood fell on the earth, countless Raktabijas were generated. The Goddess became more worried, as the number of Raktabijas kept increasing.

Goddess Durga then assumed the form of Kali. Kali extended her huge tongue and drank every drop of blood flowing from Raktabija's body before it could fall on the earth. Kali tore Raktabija's body apart, and thus Raktabija met his end. Joy spread across the three worlds, as a terrible crisis was averted. The victory cry of Mother Durga began to resound.

End of Shumbha-Nishumbha

After the annihilation of Raktabija, Shumbha and Nishumbha themselves entered the battlefield. Shumbha said to Goddess Kaushiki, "O Goddess! You have committed a great offense by killing our warriors. Now fight with me and show your strength." The Goddess replied, "O demon! You are unrighteous, and your end is near. I have come to protect dharma, and I will surely defeat you." A fierce battle ensued. The Goddess struck Shumbha and Nishumbha with her divine weapons. Finally, the Goddess slew Nishumbha with her trident. Shumbha, maddened with rage, rushed to attack the Goddess, but the Goddess severed his head from his body with her discus. Thus, Shumbha and Nishumbha met their end, and peace was established in the three worlds.