Devi Mahatmyam

Sri Devi Mahatmyam
Prathama Charitham
(First Part)
Pradhmao adhyaya: Madhu Kaidaba Vadha Varnanam
Chapter 1: Description of Killing of Madhu and Kaidabha.

36.  Divandha pranina kechith rathravandha sthadapare,

       Kechi diva thadha rathrou pranina sthulya drushtaya. 

Some animals are blind during day, some blind during night but there are also animals that can see equally both in day and night.

(The sage says that just because some are blind at night or day or not blind either at night or day, their passion and desire does not change. )

37.  Gnanino manuja sathyam kinnathe nahi kevalam,

       Yatho hi gnanina sarve pasu pakshi mrugadhaya.

It is truth that men are wise but they are not the only wise ones.. Even cow, birds and wild animals are also wise.

(The sage tries to tell that wisdom is always mixed with wrong knowledge or ignorance. This is true in all cases including man)

38.  Gnanancha than manushyanam yathesham mruga pakshinaam,

       Manushyanancha yathesham thulyamanya thadho bhayo.

Whatever wisdom an animal or bird has, that wisdom man also has. Similarly whatever special knowledge man has for his needs, the bird and animal also have just sufficient to their needs. Except this special knowledge other knowledge (about food, sleep and making love) is same for man and animals and birds.

39.  Gnaneapi sathi pasyaithan pathangamchaava changushu,

       Kana moksha druthan mohad peedyamannanapi Kshudha

Though they know that their hunger will be quenched only if they eat and though they suffer due to hunger, observe that the birds due to their attachment keep pieces of food on the beaks for their little ones

40.  Manushya manuja vyagra, saabilaaksha suthaan prathi,

       Lobhaath pratyupakaraya nanvethaan kim na pasyasi.

Hey lion among men, Man shows affection to their sons with a hope that they would help them in their need. But are you not seeing these birds?

(The sage points out that birds do this action without any expectation. )

(To be contd…..)