Glimpses of The Devi Bhagavatam: 15. GODS SEEK DIVINE MOTHER’S HELP

 

INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

Glimpses of The Devi Bhagavatam:

15. GODS SEEK DIVINE MOTHER’S HELP

One day Bhudevi, the spirit of the Earth, met Indra and told him how harassed she felt because of a number of evil elements dominating the earth. Those elements were Jarasandha, Sishupala, Kamsa, Rukmi, Naraka, Salva, Keshi, Dhenuka, and Vatasaka among others.

Bhudevi recollected how she had been troubled by Hiranyaksha when Vishnu, descending as the Varaha, had come to her rescue.

“Bhudevi, I’ve hardly any power to help you,” said Indra. “Let’s go to Brahma. He might be able to do something.”

They met Brahma. “O Lord, it is time for the Era of Darkness, Kaliyuga, to begin. That is why the rulers have forgotten their compassion and duty. They are possessed by the demons,” said Bhudevi.

“Bhudevi, if anyone can help in eradicating this evil, it is only Vishnu. Let’s go to him,” said Brahma.

Bhudevi and Indra followed Brahma.

Brahma narrated the plight of Bhudevi to Lord Vishnu. He reminded Vishnu that it would be proper for him to take birth on the earth once again.

“It’s necessary to have the sanction of Yogamaya if I am to incarnate on the earth. To incarnate in a human form is not a happy experience for me. You know well how much I had to suffer as Rama. Pray to the Divine Mother. If she were to consent, I shall take birth on the earth and destroy those evil elements,” agreed Vishnu.

The gods, as advised by Vishnu, prayed to the Divine Mother: “The earth is tormented by many a wicked being, including Kamsa. The spirit of the earth, Bhudevi, is feeling much harassed. In the past you have vanquished such evil powers before whom even Vishnu and Siva had felt shy. O Mother, be kind to the earth and lighten its burden.”

Indra, the king of gods, pleaded: “O Mother, hardly anything can be achieved without your support. You’ve protected us through the ages. Be compassionate and respond to our prayers once again.”

“O Supreme Goddess, you are the source of strength even for Brahma, Siva, and myself. We have never dared to undertake any great task without your blessings,” added Vishnu.

“What do you wish me to do?” asked the Divine Mother, her voice vibrant with compassion. “Mother! The institution of kingship has been degraded. Once upon a time the kings were examples of nobility, courage, and sacrifice. Now they do not hesitate to indulge in all sorts of sin. Please save the earth from their tyranny,” said the gods.

The Goddess kept quiet for a moment.

The gods said again: “Mother, we can never forget how once you subdued the terrible Mahishasura. Moreover, you killed Shumbha and Nishumbha, the scourge of the earth. The list of formidable evil elements liquidated by you does not end with them. It includes Chanda, Munda, Dhumralochana, Durmukha, Duhsaha, Karala and many others. Who but you can come to Bhudevi’s rescue?”

A splendid smile now flashed on the lips of the Divine Mother. She said: “I had already decided to incarnate on the earth in order to rid it of the tyrants. I advise you gods to go and take birth as human beings. Let Kasyapa be born in the Yadava clan as Vasudeva. Vishnu, in fulfilment of a curse thrown on him by Bhrigu, will take birth as a son of Vasudeva. I shall be there as the daughter of Nanda and Yasoda and take hold of the situation from behind the scene. A prison shall be the birthplace of Vishnu. He shall be carried to Gokul. My power shall find expression through Krishna and Balarama who will punish the wicked.”

The Goddess became invisible and the gods dispersed.

King Surasen of Madhura had a son who was none other than Kasyapa. He was named Vasudeva. Aditi was born as Devaki and she married Vasudeva. As Vasudeva was not interested in ruling the kingdom, Ugrasen, a remote descendant of Madhu, functioned as the ruler. Kamsa was his son and Devaki was his niece. Kamsa usurped the throne from his father. Just when Devaki’s marriage with Vasudeva was being performed, a celestial voice said: “O Kamsa, your doom will be brought about by the eighth child of Devaki!”

Kamsa felt much disturbed. He thought of killing Devaki in order to forestall the prophecy. But how to kill one’s own sister? What would all the people say? Won’t they take him for a coward?

Even then the barbaric prince caught hold of Devaki by the hair and unsheathed his sword. Vasudeva held Kamsa and checked him from beheading Devaki.

The Yadavas, greatly agitated, stood up and said in one voice: “Don’t dare you hurt Devaki! If you do, we shall not sit quiet!”