Tripura Sundari Katha – Chapter 6: Defeat of Bhandasura

The Defeat of Bhandasura

In the previous chapter, we saw that a fierce battle had begun between Goddess Tripura Sundari and Bhandasura. The vast army of demons could not withstand the might of the Goddess, yet Bhandasura was troubling the gods and the retinue of the Goddess with his illusory powers. This final chapter describes the end of that great war and the victory of Dharma.

The Beginning of the Final Battle

The battlefield was covered in a cloud of dust. Goddess Tripura Sundari was seated on her divine chariot, her radiance as intense as the sun. Her eyes held a wondrous blend of compassion and wrath. The screams of the demons echoed in all directions. The weapons of the Goddess wreaked havoc in the army of demons. Rivers of blood flowed everywhere, as if a scene of destruction had unfolded. With every strike of the Goddess, demons fell to the ground, yet Bhandasura was making the war even more terrible with his illusions.

Bhandasura said angrily, "Goddess, you are displaying your power, but this power is fleeting. I will destroy you and your gods!" Goddess Tripura Sundari replied in a calm voice, "Asura, you have become blind with arrogance. For the protection of Dharma, for the establishment of truth, your end is certain!"

The Slaying of Bhandasura

Goddess Tripura Sundari raised her divine discus, which blazed like fire. She directed the discus towards Bhandasura. The discus moved rapidly towards Bhandasura, burning away every obstacle in its path. Bhandasura attempted to stop the discus by using his illusory powers, but the Goddess's discus pierced his illusion and struck directly at Bhandasura's heart. With a terrible roar, Bhandasura fell to the ground. With his death, a stampede broke out in the army of demons.

Victory shone on the face of Goddess Tripura Sundari. Her divine form became even more radiant. She blessed her devotees and granted boons of fearlessness to the gods. Peace spread throughout the universe. By the grace of the Goddess, the earth became lush and green, and nectar began to flow in the rivers. The gods, in unison, praised the Goddess, "Victory to Mother Tripura Sundari! Victory! Victory!"

The Liberation and Joy of the Gods

After the slaying of Bhandasura, all the gods were freed from his tyranny. Indra, Varuna, Kubera, and all other gods bowed at the feet of Goddess Tripura Sundari. They thanked the Goddess for saving them from the terror of the demons. Joy and celebration returned to heaven. Apsaras began to dance, and Gandharvas began to sing music. Happiness and prosperity prevailed everywhere. This act of Goddess Tripura Sundari will be remembered forever, and the glory of her might will be sung for ages to come. Now, the Goddess is ready to bestow eternal grace upon her devotees, which will be discussed in the next chapter.