Ch 23 Verse 1 Verse

Sanskrit Text

५.२३ त्रयोविंशोऽध्यायः । देव्या सुग्रीवदूताय स्वव्रतकथनम् । व्यास उवाच । एवं स्तुता तदा देवी दैवतैः शत्रुतापितैः । स्वशरीरात्परं रूपं प्रादुर्भूतं चकार ह ॥ १ ॥

English Translation

Vyāsa said :-- O King! When the tormented Devas praised thus, the Devī created from Her body another supremely beautiful form.

Ch 23 Verse 2 Verse

Sanskrit Text

पार्वत्यास्तु शरीराद्वै निःसृता चाम्बिका यदा । कौशिकीति समस्तेषु ततो लोकेषु पठ्यते ॥ २ ॥

English Translation

This created form, the Ambikā Devī, became known in all the worlds as Kauśikī, as She came out of the physical sheath of the Devī Parvatī.

Ch 23 Verse 3-4 Verse

Sanskrit Text

निःसृतायां तु तस्यां सा पार्वती तनुव्यत्ययात् । कृष्णरूपाथ सञ्जाता कालिका सा प्रकीर्तिता ॥ ३ ॥ मषीवर्णा महाघोरा दैत्यानां भयवर्धिनी । कालरात्रीति सा प्रोक्ता सर्वकामफलप्रदा ॥ ४ ॥

English Translation

When Kauśikī was created out of the body of Parvatī, the Parvatī’s body became transformed and turned out into a black colour and became known as KāIikā. Her terrible black appearance, when beheld, increases the terror even of the Daityas.

Ch 23 Verse 5 Verse

Sanskrit Text

अम्बिकायाः परं रूपं विरराज मनोहरम् । सर्वभूषणसंयुक्तं लावण्यगुणसंयुतम् ॥ ५ ॥

English Translation

O King! This Devī is now become known in this world as Kālarātri, the night of destruction, at the end of the world, identified with Durgā, the Fulfiller of all the desires.

Ch 23 Verse 6 Verse

Sanskrit Text

ततोऽम्बिका तदा देवानित्युवाच ह सस्मिता । तिष्ठन्तु निर्भया यूयं हनिष्यामि रिपूनिह ॥ ६ ॥

English Translation

The Ambikā Devī, then, began to look splendid, decked with various ornaments; Her beautiful form began to look very lovely. The Devī Ambikā then smiled a little and said, “Better be fearless; I will slay just now your enemies.

Ch 23 Verse 7 Verse

Sanskrit Text

कार्यं वः सर्वथा कार्यं विहरिष्याम्यहं रणे । निशुम्भादीन्वधिष्यामि युष्माकं सुखहेतवे ॥ ७ ॥

English Translation

It is My iñcumbent duty to carry out your purposes; I will therefore slay in battle Niśumbha and others for the sake of your happiness.”

Ch 23 Verse 8 Verse

Sanskrit Text

इत्युक्त्वा सा तदा देवी सिंहारूढा मदोत्कटा । कालिकां पार्श्वतः कृत्वा जगाम नगरे रिपोः ॥ ८ ॥

English Translation

Thus saying, the Devī Bhagavatī, elated with pride, mounted on lion and, taking Kālikā with Her, entered into the city of Śumbha, the enemy of the gods.

Ch 23 Verse 9 Verse

Sanskrit Text

सा गत्वोपवने तस्थावम्बिका कालिकान्विता । जगावथ कलं तत्र जगन्मोहनमोहनम् ॥ ९ ॥

English Translation

Ambikā went to a garden adjoining the city accompanied by Kālikā, and began to sing in such a sweet melodious tune that enchants even the God of Love, who fascinates the whole world.

Ch 23 Verse 10 Verse

Sanskrit Text

श्रुत्वा तन्मधुरं गानं मोहमीयुः खगा मृगाः । मुदञ्च परमां प्रापुरमरा गगने स्थिताः ॥ १० ॥

English Translation

What more can be said than the fact that, hearing that sweet melodious song, the birds and beasts became enchanted; the Devas then began to feel much pleasure from the Sky.

Ch 23 Verse 11-12 Verse

Sanskrit Text

तस्मिन्नवसरे तत्र दानवौ शुम्भसेवकौ । चण्डमुण्डाभिधौ घोरौ रममाणौ यदृच्छया ॥ ११ ॥ आगतौ ददृशाते तु तां तदा दिव्यरूपिणीम् । अम्बिकां गानसंयुक्तां कालिकां पुरतः स्थिताम् ॥ १२ ॥

English Translation

In the meanwhile Caṇḍa, Muṇḍa the two dreadful Asuras, and attendants of Śumbha, came out accidentally there on their sportive excursions and saw the beautiful Ambikā Devī singing and Kālikā Devī sitting before Her.

Ch 23 Verse 13 Verse

Sanskrit Text

दृष्ट्वा तां दिव्यरूपाञ्च दानवौ विस्मयान्वितौ । जग्मतुस्तरसा पार्श्वं शुम्भस्य नृपसत्तम ॥ १३ ॥

English Translation

O best of Kings! No sooner Caṇḍa, Muṇḍa saw the extraordinary beauty of the Goddess Bhagavatī, than they went at once to Śumbha.

Ch 23 Verse 14-15 Verse

Sanskrit Text

तौ गत्वा तं समासीनं दैत्यानामधिपं गृहे । ऊचतुर्मधुरां वाणीं प्रणम्य शिरसा नृपम् ॥ १४ ॥ राजन् हिमालयात्कामं कामिनी काममोहिनी । सम्प्राप्ता सिंहमारूढा सर्वलक्षणसंयुता ॥ १५ ॥

English Translation

On approaching towards the lord of the Daityas sitting in his room, they bowed down and told thus in a sweet voice :-- "O King! Here has come from the Himālayās a woman accidentally, mounted on a lion; Her limbs are shining with all good signs so much so that even the God of love would be enchanted by Her sight.

Ch 23 Verse 16 Verse

Sanskrit Text

नेदृशी देवलोकेऽस्ति न गन्धर्वपुरे तथा । न दृष्टा न श्रुता क्वापि पृथिव्यां प्रमदोत्तमा ॥ १६ ॥

English Translation

Nowhere, in the Devalokas, the Gandarbha Lokas or in this earth can be found such a beautiful lady; we never saw nor heard about such a lady before.

Ch 23 Verse 17 Verse

Sanskrit Text

गानञ्च तादृशं राजन् करोति जनरञ्जनम् । मृगास्तिष्ठन्ति तत्पार्श्वे मथुरस्वरमोहिताः ॥ १७ ॥

English Translation

O King! That lady is singing so beautifully and pleasingly to all that even the deer are standing motionless by Her side enchanted, as it were, by Her melodious voice.

Ch 23 Verse 18 Verse

Sanskrit Text

ज्ञायतां कस्य पुत्रीयं किमर्थमिह चागता । गृह्यतां राजशार्दूल तव योग्यास्ति कामिनी ॥ १८ ॥

English Translation

O King! That Lady is fit for you; therefore determine first whose daughter is this lady, what for she has come there and then marry Her.

Ch 23 Verse 19 Verse

Sanskrit Text

ज्ञात्वाऽऽनय गृहे भार्यां कुरु कल्याणलोचनाम् । निश्चितं नास्ति संसारे नारी त्वेवंविधा किल ॥ १९ ॥

English Translation

Know this as certain that such a beautiful lady is not to be found anywhere in this world. Therefore do you bring Her to your house and marry Her.

Ch 23 Verse 20 Verse

Sanskrit Text

देवानां सर्वरत्नानि गृहीतानि त्वया नृप । कस्मान्नेमां वरारोहां प्रगह्णासि नृपोत्तम ॥ २० ॥

English Translation

O Lord of men! You have acquired all the gems and jewels of the Devas; why not, then, accept this Gem in the form of a lady?

Ch 23 Verse 21 Verse

Sanskrit Text

इन्द्रस्यैरावतः श्रीमान्पारिजाततरुस्तथा । गृहीतोऽश्वः सप्तमुखस्त्वया नृप बलात्किल ॥ २१ ॥

English Translation

O King! You have taken by force the exquisitely beautiful Airāvata elephant of Indra, the Pārijāta Tree, the seven faced horse Uccaiśravā, and many other jewels.

Ch 23 Verse 22 Verse

Sanskrit Text

विमानं वैधसं दिव्यं मरालध्वजसंयुतम् । त्वयात्तं रत्नभूतं तद्बलेन नृप चाद्भुतम् ॥ २२ ॥

English Translation

You have acquired by your might the Prince of Jewels, the celestial car of the Creator Brahmā, ensigned by the emblematic Swan.

Ch 23 Verse 23 Verse

Sanskrit Text

कुबेरस्य निधिः पद्मस्त्वया राजन् समाहृतः । छत्रं जलपतेः शुभ्रं गृहीतं तत्त्वया बलात् ॥ २३ ॥

English Translation

You have dispossessed Kuvera of his treasure of the value of a Padma (one thousand billion) and Varuṇa, the God of oceans, of his white umbrella.

Ch 23 Verse 24 Verse

Sanskrit Text

पाशश्चापि निशुम्भेन भ्रात्रा तव नृपोत्तम । गृहीतोऽस्ति हठात्कामं वरुणस्य जितस्य च ॥ २४ ॥

English Translation

O King! When Varuṇa was defeated, your brother Niśumbha took perforce his Pāśa weapon.

Ch 23 Verse 25 Verse

Sanskrit Text

अम्लानपङ्कजां तुभ्यं मालां जलनिधिर्ददौ । भयात्तव महाराज रत्नानि विविधानि च ॥ २५ ॥

English Translation

O King! The Great Ocean gave you, out of terror, various jewels and honoured you by presenting a garland of lotuses which never fade away.

Ch 23 Verse 26 Verse

Sanskrit Text

मृत्योः शक्तिर्यमस्यापि दण्डः परमदारुणः । त्वया जित्वा हृतः कामं किमन्यद्वर्ण्यते नृप ॥ २६ ॥

English Translation

What more can be said than the fact that you have conquered the Death and took away His force and that you have easily conquered Yama, the God of Death and have taken from Him His horrible staff.

Ch 23 Verse 27-28 Verse

Sanskrit Text

कामधेनुर्गहीताद्य वर्तते सागरोद्भवा । मेनकाद्या वशे राजंस्तव तिष्ठन्ति चाप्सराः ॥ २७ ॥ एवं सर्वाणि रत्नानि त्वयात्तानि बलादपि । कस्मान्न गृह्यते कान्तारत्नमेषा वराङ्गना ॥ २८ ॥

English Translation

Thus you have got by your strength all the jewels. Why, then, are you not taking this exquisitely beautiful lady, the Prince of Jewels, amongst women.

Ch 23 Verse 29 Verse

Sanskrit Text

सर्वाणि ते गृहस्थानि रत्नानि विशदान्यथ । अनया सम्भविष्यन्ति रत्नभूतानि भूपते ॥ २९ ॥

English Translation

O King! All the jewels in your house, will serve their real purpose, no doubt, then and then only when they will shine with this queen of jewels, this Lady.

Ch 23 Verse 30 Verse

Sanskrit Text

त्रिषु लोकेषु दैत्येन्द्र नेदृशी वर्तते प्रिया । तस्मात्तामानयाशु त्वं कुरु भार्यां मनोहराम् ॥ ३० ॥

English Translation

O Lord of the Daityas! There cannot be seen in all the Trilokas such a Beautiful Lady as this that I have now described before you. Therefore bring this Beautiful Lady quickly and accept Her as your wife.

Ch 23 Verse 31-32 Verse

Sanskrit Text

व्यास उवाच । इति श्रुत्वा तयोर्वाक्यं मधुरं मधुराक्षरम् । प्रसन्नवदनः प्राह सुग्रीवं सनिधौ स्थितम् ॥ ३१ ॥ गच्छ सुग्रीव दूतत्वं कुरु कार्यं विचक्षण । वक्तव्यञ्च तथा तत्र यथाभ्येति कृशोदरी ॥ ३२ ॥

English Translation

Vyāsa said :-- O King! Hearing thus the sweet words of Caṇḍa and Muṇḍa, Śumbha spoke gladly to Sugrīva who was close by :-- “Go, Sugrīva, do my messenger’s work; you are well skilled in these things. Speak so that the Beautiful Lady of thin waist may come over to me.

Ch 23 Verse 33 Verse

Sanskrit Text

उपायौ द्वौ प्रयोक्तव्यौ कान्तासु सुविचक्षणैः । सामदाने इति प्राहुः शृङ्गाररसकोविदाः ॥ ३३ ॥

English Translation

Those who are well versed in the science of amorous love declare that only two methods are to be adopted by the clever persons towards the female sex :-- (1) conciliation and gentle words and (2) gifts and presents.

Ch 23 Verse 34 Verse

Sanskrit Text

भेदे प्रयुज्यमानेऽपि रसाभासस्तु जायते । निग्रहे रसभङ्गः स्यात्तस्मात्तौ दूषितौ बुधैः ॥ ३४ ॥

English Translation

For if the policy of division or sowing dissensions be applied, then hypocrisy is shewn and that means the improper manifestation of love sentiment; whereas if chastisement be applied then the love sentiment becomes interrupted.

Ch 23 Verse 35 Verse

Sanskrit Text

सामदानमुखैर्वाक्यैः श्लक्ष्णैर्नर्मयुतैस्तथा । का न याति वशे दूत कामिनी कामपीडिता ॥ ३५ ॥

English Translation

Therefore, the wise have condemned these as corrupt means. O Messenger! Where is that woman who does not come round excited with passion when good and sweet words are spoken to her in accordance with the Śama and Dāna methods?”

Ch 23 Verse 36-37 Verse

Sanskrit Text

व्यास उवाच । सुग्रीवस्तु वचः श्रुत्वा शुम्भोक्तं सुप्रियं पटु । जगाम तरसा तत्र यत्रास्ते जगदम्बिका ॥ ३६ ॥ सोऽपश्यत्सुमुखीं कान्तां सिंहस्योपरिसंस्थिताम् । प्रणम्य मधुरं वाक्यमुवाच जगदम्बिकाम् ॥ ३७ ॥

English Translation

Vyāsa said :-- Sugrīva, hearing the nice skilled words of Śumbha went hurriedly to the spot where existed the Mother of the Universe. He saw the Fair Lady mounted on a lion, saluted Her and spoke gently and sweetly as follows :--

Ch 23 Verse 38 Verse

Sanskrit Text

दूत उवाच । वरोरु त्रिदशारातिः शुम्भः सर्वाङ्गसुन्दरः । त्रैलोक्याधिपतिः शूरः सर्वजिद्राजते नृपः ॥ ३८ ॥

English Translation

The messenger said :-- “O Beautiful One! Śumbha, the enemy of the Gods and the King of all, is beautiful in all respects, the ruler of the three Lokas, a great hero and conqueror of all.

Ch 23 Verse 39 Verse

Sanskrit Text

तेनाहं प्रेषितः कामं त्वत्सकाशं महात्मना । त्वद्रूपश्रवणासक्तचित्तेनातिविदूयता ॥ ३९ ॥

English Translation

Hearing your beauty and loveliness, that high-souled monarch is so much attached to you and has become so very passionate that he has sent me to you to express his views.

Ch 23 Verse 40-41 Verse

Sanskrit Text

वचनं तस्य तन्वङ्गि शृणु प्रेमपुरःसरम् । प्रणिपत्य यथा प्राह दैत्यानामधिपस्त्वयि ॥ ४० ॥ देवा मया जिताः सर्वे त्रैलोक्याधिपतिस्त्वहम् । यज्ञभागानहं कान्ते गह्णामीह स्थितः सदा ॥ ४१ ॥

English Translation

O One of delicate limbs! Please hear what that Lord of the Daityas has spoken to Thee, after duly saluting Thee, words full of love and affection towards Thee :-- O Beloved! I have defeated all the Devas and have thus become the Lord of the three worlds; specially I partake of all the offerings made in sacrificial acts and ceremonies, without moving away from my house.

Ch 23 Verse 42 Verse

Sanskrit Text

हृतसारा कृता नूनं द्यौर्मया रत्नवर्जिता । यानि रत्नानि देवानां तानि चाहृतवानहम् ॥ ४२ ॥

English Translation

I have taken away all the gems, jewels and wealth that belonged to the Devas; consequently the abode of the Gods has become now worthless, on account of all its jewels being carried sway.

Ch 23 Verse 43 Verse

Sanskrit Text

भोक्ताहं सर्वरत्नानां त्रिषु लोकेषु भामिनि । वशानुगाः सुराः सर्वे मम दैत्याश्च मानवाः ॥ ४३ ॥

English Translation

O Fair One! I am now enjoying all the jewels that exist in the Trilokas; so much so that all the Devas, Asuras, and human beings are passing away their times, subservient to Me.

Ch 23 Verse 44-45 Verse

Sanskrit Text

त्वद्गुणैः कर्णमागत्य प्रविश्य हृदयान्तरम् । त्वदधीनः कृतः कामं किङ्करोऽस्मि करोमि किम् ॥ ४४ ॥ त्वमाज्ञापय रम्भोरु तत्करोमि वशानुगः । दासोऽहं तव चार्वङ्गि रक्ष मां कामबाणतः ॥ ४५ ॥

English Translation

But no sooner Thy qualifications reached my ears Thou hast penetrated into my heart and has made me completely subservient to Thee; O Fair One! What am I to do now? Whatever Thou commandest, I am ready to do that; verily I am now Thy servant; so Thou oughtest to save me from the darts of passion. O One having swan-like eyes! I am verily made your captive.

Ch 23 Verse 46 Verse

Sanskrit Text

भज मां त्वं मरालाक्षि तवाधीनं स्मराकुलम् । त्रैलोक्यस्वामिनी भूत्वा भुङ्क्ष्व भोगाननुत्तमान् ॥ ४६ ॥

English Translation

Specially I am extremely agitated by the arrows of Cupid; therefore dost Thou serve me when Thou wilt be made the Lord of the three worlds and thus enjoy the incomparably excellent things.

Ch 23 Verse 47 Verse

Sanskrit Text

तव चाज्ञाकरः कान्ते भवामि मरणावधि । अवध्योऽस्मि वरारोहे सदेवासुरमानुषैः ॥ ४७ ॥

English Translation

O Beloved! I will remain ever Thy obedient servant up to the last moment of death. O Excellent One! I cannot ever be killed by the Devas, Asuras and human beings. O Fair faced One! Thou wilt be always prosperous and fortunate.

Ch 23 Verse 48-49 Verse

Sanskrit Text

सदा सौभाग्यसंयुक्ता भविष्यसि वरानने । यत्र ते रमते चित्तं तत्र क्रीडस्व सुन्दरि ॥ ४८ ॥ इति तस्य वचश्चित्ते विमृश्य मदमन्थरे । वक्तव्यं यद्भवेत्प्रेम्णा तद् ब्रूहि मधुरं वचः ॥ ४९ ॥

English Translation

Thou wilt be able to sport anywhere Thou likest. O Devī! Please ponder over the above words of the Lord of the Daityas in Thy heart and speak out Thy views gladly and with the same sweetness in reply; O Brisk One! I will go immediately to Śumbha and inform him about Thy mind.”

Ch 23 Verse 50 Verse

Sanskrit Text

शुम्भाय चञ्चलापाङ्गि तद्ब्रवीम्यहमाशु वै । व्यास उवाच । तद्दूतवचनं श्रुत्वा स्मितं कृत्वा सुपेशलम् ॥ ५० ॥

English Translation

Vyāsa said :-- O King! The Devī, ready to serve the cause of the Gods, heard the messenger’s gentle words and replied smiling and sweetly.

Ch 23 Verse 51 Verse

Sanskrit Text

तं प्राह मधुरां वाचं देवी देवार्थसाधिका । देव्युवाच । जानाम्यहं निशुम्भं च शुम्भं चातिबलं नृपम् ॥ ५१ ॥

English Translation

Śrī Devī spoke :-- I know fully well Śumbha and Niśumbha; the King Śumbha is very powerful, the conqueror of all the Devas, and the destroyer of enemies.

Ch 23 Verse 52 Verse

Sanskrit Text

जेतारं सर्वदेवानां हन्तारञ्चैव विद्विषाम् । राशिं सर्वगुणानाञ्च भोक्तारं सर्वसम्पदाम् ॥ ५२ ॥

English Translation

He is the repository of all good qualities, the enjoyer of all pleasures, very valorous, charitable and is beautiful, in fact a second Cupid.

Ch 23 Verse 53 Verse

Sanskrit Text

दातारं चातिशूरं च सुन्दरं मन्मथाकृतिम् । द्वात्रिंशल्लक्षणैर्युक्तमवध्यं सुरमानुषैः ॥ ५३ ॥

English Translation

He is adorned with thirty-two auspicious signs; particularly he is a hero and cannot be killed by the Devas or human beings.

Ch 23 Verse 54 Verse

Sanskrit Text

ज्ञात्वा समागतास्स्म्यत्र द्रष्टुकामा महासुरम् । रत्नं कनकमायाति स्वशोभाधिकवृद्धये ॥ ५४ ॥

English Translation

O Messenger! Knowing this I have come here to have a look of that great warrior Śumbha. The jewel comes in contact with gold to increase its lustre; so I have come here from afar to see my husband.

Ch 23 Verse 55-56 Verse

Sanskrit Text

तत्राहं स्वपतिं द्रष्टुं दूरादेवागतास्मि वै । दृष्टा मया सुराः सर्वे मानवा भुवि मानदाः ॥ ५५ ॥ गन्धर्वा राक्षसाश्चान्ये ये चातिप्रियदर्शनाः । सर्वे शुम्भभयाद्भीता वेपमाना विचेतसः ॥ ५६ ॥

English Translation

On seeing all the Devas, Gandharbhas, Rākṣasas and the eminent beautiful persons on the earth I have come to know that they are all terror stricken and almost unconscious and shudder at the name of Śumbha. So, on hearing about his abilities, I have now come here to see him.

Ch 23 Verse 57-60 Verse

Sanskrit Text

श्रुत्वा शुम्भगुणानत्र प्राप्तास्म्यद्य दिदृक्षया । गच्छ दूत महाभाग ब्रूहि शुम्भं महाबलम् ॥ ५७ ॥ निर्जने श्लक्ष्णया वाचा वचनं वचनान्मम । त्वां ज्ञात्वा बलिनां श्रेष्ठं सुन्दराणां च सुन्दरम् ॥ ५८ ॥ दातारं गुणिनं शूरं सर्वविद्याविशारदम् । जेतारं सर्वदेवानां दक्षं चोग्रं कुलोत्तरम् ॥ ५९ ॥ भोक्तारं सर्वरत्नानां स्वाधीनं स्वबलोन्नतम् । पतिकामास्म्यहं सत्यं तव योग्या नराधिप ॥ ६० ॥

English Translation

O Messenger! O Fortunate One! Better now go back to the great hero Śumbha and speak to him in private the following sweet words of Mine :-- “That you are foremost amongst the powerful; beautiful of the beautifuls, skilled in all the branches of learning, well qualified, charitable, clever, born of a high noble family, energetic, and conqueror of the Devas; especially, by the sheer force of your arms, you are so much exalted and you now enjoy all the gems and jewels.

Ch 23 Verse 61 Verse

Sanskrit Text

स्वेच्छया नगरे तेऽत्र समायाता महामते । ममास्ति कारणं किञ्चिद्विवाहे राक्षसोत्तम ॥ ६१ ॥

English Translation

Therefore, O King! Knowing your qualifications, I have come truly of my own accord to your city with the desire of getting for Me a husband.

Ch 23 Verse 62-63 Verse

Sanskrit Text

बालभावाद्व्रतं किञ्चित्कृतं राजन्मया पुरा । क्रीडन्त्या च वयस्याभिः सहैकान्ते यदृच्छया ॥ ६२ ॥ स्वदेहबलदर्पेण सखीनां पुरतो रहः । मत्समानबलः शूरो रणे मां जेष्यति स्फुटम् ॥ ६३ ॥

English Translation

O High-souled One! I am fit for your consort. O Lord of the Daityas! There is a slight hitch in My marriage. It is this: In my early days while I was playing with My comrades, I promised before them privately partly out of childishness and partly out of vanity for bodily strength that I will certainly marry that hero who is powerful like Me and who will defeat Me in battle, thus testing his powers and weaknesses.

Ch 23 Verse 64 Verse

Sanskrit Text

तं वरिष्याम्यहं कामं ज्ञात्वा तस्य बलाबलम् । जहसुर्वचनं श्रुत्वा सख्यो विस्मितमानसाः ॥ ६४ ॥

English Translation

My comrades laughed at my words and spoke with wonder, ‘Why has this girl made such an extraordinarily difficult promise?

Ch 23 Verse 65-67 Verse

Sanskrit Text

किमेतया कृतं क्रूरं व्रतमद्भुतमाशु वै । तस्मात्त्वमपि राजेन्द्र ज्ञात्वा मे हीदृशं बलं । ६५॥ जित्वा मां स्वबलेनात्र वाञ्छितं कुरु चात्मनः । त्वं वा तवानुजो भ्राता समेत्य समराङ्गणे । जित्वा मां समरेणात्र विवाहं कुरु सुन्दर ॥ ६६ ॥

Sanskrit Colophon

इति श्रीमद्देवीभागवते महापुराणेऽष्टादशसाहस्र्यां संहितायां पञ्चमस्कन्धे देव्या सुग्रीवदूताय स्वव्रतकथनं नाम त्रयोविंशोऽध्यायः ॥ ५.२३॥

English Translation

Therefore, O Monarch! Better marry Me and fulfil My desires after knowing My strength and defeating Me in a battle. O Beautiful One in all respects! Better come yourself or your younger Niśumbha and perform the marriage ceremony after defeating Me in the battlefield.” Here ends the Twenty-third Chapter in the Fifth Book on the prowess of Kauśikī in Śrī Mad Devī Bhāgavatam, the Mahāpurāṇam of 18,000 verses by Maharṣi Veda Vyāsa.