Durga Saptashati Katha – Chapter 5: The Challenge of Shumbha-Nishumbha

The Challenge of Shumbha-Nishumbha

With the end of Mahishasura, peace returned to the three worlds. The gods were joyous, the sages were pleased. However, this pleasant situation could not last long. Beyond the high peaks of the Himalayas, in the netherworld, two powerful demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha, were filled with rage upon hearing the news of this victory. In their imperialistic view, this dominance of the Goddess was a challenge that had to be accepted.

The Angry Call of Shumbha-Nishumbha

As soon as the story of Mahishasura's slaying reached the netherworld, Shumbha's throne trembled with anger. His face turned red, his eyes spewed fire. Nishumbha, who was even more cruel than him, stood beside his brother, his fists clenched tightly. The two brothers had won countless battles together and dreamed of establishing their dominion over the three worlds. The slaying of Mahishasura by a woman was a deep blow to their ego.

“What audacity is this!” roared Shumbha, his voice echoing in the netherworld. “A woman, a weakling, dares to challenge our empire? Nishumbha, this insult is unbearable. We must act immediately. Bring that Goddess here, or destroy her! We will use her beauty and power for our benefit." Nishumbha replied with a cruel smile, "Brother, your command will be obeyed. I depart immediately with my army."

The Insulting Proposal of the Goddess

The armies of Shumbha-Nishumbha began to advance rapidly towards the Himalayas. When they reached the abode of Goddess Durga, Swargaloka, they sent her a message through an envoy. That envoy, a demon named Sugriva, was eloquent and merciless. Upon reaching Goddess Durga, Sugriva, filled with arrogance, presented an insulting proposal from Shumbha-Nishumbha.

“O Goddess!” said Sugriva, his voice filled with sarcasm. “How beautiful and powerful you are! Shumbha and Nishumbha, the lords of the three worlds, have been captivated by your beauty. They have sent me to convey this message to you that you should willingly marry them. They will make you their chief queen and the empress of their kingdom. If you refuse, they will take you captive in battle and you will have to become their slave. Now you decide!”

Goddess Durga remained calm and steady. There was no trace of anger or fear on her face. She replied with a smile, "O messenger, your masters are ignorant. I have vowed that I will marry whoever defeats me in battle. If Shumbha and Nishumbha can conquer me, then I am even ready to become their slave." Sugriva became angry upon hearing the Goddess's words. He did not expect such a reaction from the Goddess, but he knew he had to deliver this message to his masters. The Goddess smiled inwardly, as if she knew what was about to happen. The fall of Mahishasura was just the beginning.

Dispatch of the Envoy by the Demons

Sugriva, angered by the Goddess's reply, returned to Shumbha-Nishumbha and narrated the entire incident. Hearing the Goddess's challenge, Shumbha's anger increased further. He immediately ordered his army to attack. Shumbha-Nishumbha both set out with their vast armies to defeat Goddess Durga. They were proud of their immense strength and the countless army of demons. They believed that Goddess Durga's power was nothing in front of them.

However, Shumbha and Nishumbha were not yet aware of the true power of Goddess Durga. They did not know that Goddess Durga is the primordial energy, capable of creating and destroying the universe. The three worlds are safe only by the grace of Goddess Durga. And this time, Goddess Durga was about to descend onto the battlefield to protect her devotees and end the demons. Goddess Durga donned her divine weapons and prepared for battle.