Sri Devi Mahatmyam

Sri Devi Mahatmyam

Prathama Charitham

(First Part)

Pradhmao adhyaya: Madhu Kaidaba Vadha Varnanam

Chapter 1: Description of Killing of Madhu and Kaidabha.

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1. Markandeya Uvacha:-

Savarni Surya thanayo yo Manu Kadyatheshtama,

Nisamaya Thad uthpathim vistharath gadatho mama.

Makandeya told: -

Please hear from me about the origin of Savarni who is the son of Sun god and the eighth Manu in detail.

(There were fourteen Manus who ruled the world. The seven before Savarni were Swayambhuva, Swarochisha, Uthama, Thapasa, Raivatha, Chakshusha and Vaiwaswatha. Markandeya was the son of Sage Mrukandu and was telling this story to another sage called Bagoori. Some versions have two additional slokas regarding the announcement of Sage Sootha that Jaimini the disciple of Vyasa approached Sage Markandeya and requested him to tell the story of Devi Mahatmya)

2. Maha mayanu bhavena Yadha manwantharadhipa,

Sa Bhabhuva maha bhaga, Savarnisthanayo rave.

Please hear in detail how that very famous and lucky Savarni who was the son of Sun God became the king for 71 sets of four yugas with the blessing of the great goddess in whom the entire world rests.

3. Swarochishanthare poorvam Chaithra vamsa samud bhava,

Suradho Nama Rajabuth samasthe Kshithi mandale.

During ancient times and in the time of Manu Swarochisha, Suradha who belonged to the clan of Chaithras became king of the entire earth. (Swarochisha was the second Manu)

4. Tasya palayatha Samyak praja puthra nivaurasan,

Bhabhuvu sathruvo bhoopaa kola vidwamsina sthatha.

To him who looked after his people like his own sons, the Kola Vidhwamsi kings became enemies

The Kola Vidhwamsi kings might indicate any of the following

Kings belonging to Kola dynasty

Kings from another capital city called Kola

The Greeks who killed pigs(kolas)

5. Thasya thairabhavadhyuddham athi prabhala dandina,

Nyunairapi sa thairyudhe kolavidwamsibhirjjitha

Though extremely learned in war, he was defeated in a war with the kola vidhwamsi kings who were not experts in war.

(to be contd.....)