Durga Saptashati Katha – Chapter 8: Slaying of Shumbha-Nishumbha

Slaying of Shumbha and Nishumbha

After the destruction of Raktabija, chaos ensued in the army of the demons. Yet, Shumbha and Nishumbha, intoxicated with pride in their power, remained on the battlefield. They still had an unwavering belief in their victory, as if the slaying of Raktabija was a minor obstacle for them. Now, the final decisive battle was to be fought with the great Goddess Durga, on whose outcome the destiny of both heaven and the netherworld depended.

Shumbha's Wrath

Upon hearing the news of Raktabija's demise, Shumbha's anger reached its peak. His eyes turned red like burning embers. He clenched his powerful lips and took a deep breath, as if gathering all his strength. At that moment, his form appeared even more terrifying, like the very embodiment of death. Silence descended all around, as if nature itself was terrified by his rage.

“What is this I hear? Raktabija is killed? That Goddess has defied my command! Today, I myself will humble that indestructible arrogant one! I will show her what Shumbha's wrath means! Today, either I will live, or she will!" Shumbha roared.

Nishumbha's Attack

At Shumbha's command, Nishumbha advanced towards Goddess Durga with his vast army. The earth trembled with the rumble of his chariot wheels, the screams of soldiers, and the clang of weapons. Nishumbha himself was a formidable warrior, his arms immense and his muscles like steel. He lifted a massive mace, and swinging it, he lunged towards the Goddess, like a messenger of doom. Goddess Durga stood calm and steady, as if this army was a trivial obstacle before her.

Riding her lion, Goddess Durga thwarted Nishumbha's attack. She rained sharp arrows from her bow, causing panic in the demon army. Her discus severed many of Nishumbha's soldiers, and her sword flashed with the speed of lightning. The Goddess's radiance was so intense that even Nishumbha was forced to retreat. "O Asura! No matter how powerful you are, you cannot defeat me. This world belongs to Dharma, not Adharma!", the Goddess declared with a lion's roar.

Slaying of Shumbha

With Nishumbha defeated, Shumbha himself entered the fray. He stood before the Goddess, his eyes a mixture of arrogance and rage. A fierce battle ensued between them, with a shower of weapons and the earth shaking. The Goddess struck Shumbha with her trident, but he blocked it with his mace. Then, the Goddess struck Shumbha's heart with her discus, causing him to fall to the ground. With Shumbha's demise, peace descended upon the three worlds. The gods showered flowers, and the Gandharvas sang melodious music. Goddess Durga established righteousness and destroyed the Asuras.

With the slaying of Shumbha, the terror of the Asuras came to an end. Peace and prosperity spread everywhere. Goddess Durga blessed her devotees and said that whoever worships her with a true heart will always be protected. Now, the Goddess was ready to bless her devotees and bring peace to the world. The next chapter will tell about the Goddess's blessings and the conclusion of this story.