Saundaryalahari, सौन्दर्यलहरी Shlokas 81-90

Saundaryalahari, सौन्दर्यलहरी

by Jagadguru Shri Adi Shankaracharya

Shlokas 81-90 

Shloka 81 (Stopping fire)

गुरुत्वं विस्तारं क्षितिधरपतिः पार्वति निजा-

न्नितम्बादाच्छिद्य त्वयि हरणरूपेण निदधे ।

अतस्ते विस्तीर्णो गुरुरयमशेषां वसुमतीं

नितम्बप्राग्भारः स्थगयति लघुत्वं नयति च ॥ ८१॥

Oh, daughter of the mountain,

Perhaps Himavan , the king of mountains,

Gave readily as dowry to you,

The density and breadth from his bottom,

So that your behinds are broad and dense.

And therefore they both hide all the world,

And make the world light.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• गुरुत्वं: weightiness,
• विस्तारं: expansiveness,
• क्षितिधरपतिः: the lord of mountains (Himavat),
• पार्वति: O Pārvatī,
• निजात् नितम्बात्: from his own essence (referring to his strength),
• आच्छिद्य: having taken a portion,
• त्वयि हरणरूपेण निदधे: placed it within You in a subtle form.
• अतः ते: therefore, Your
• विस्तीर्णः: broad,
• गुरुः: and heavy,
• अयम्: this,
• अशेषां वसुमतीं: the entire earth,
• नितम्ब-प्राग्भारः: the weight of Your hips,
• स्थगयति: suppresses,
• लघुत्वं नयति च: and removes its lightness.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

The shloka extols the unparalleled beauty and grandeur of Devi’s hips, attributing their weight and expanse to the strength of Himavat, the lord of mountains, who imbued her with his own essence. The poet marvels at how the fullness and grace of her hips symbolically support and stabilize the earth, eliminating its lightness and giving it weight and balance.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

• Symbol of Cosmic Stability: Devi’s expansive hips are not merely a feature of physical beauty but represent the grounding and stabilizing power of the Divine Feminine. They symbolize the cosmic balance that underpins the entire creation.
• Connection to Himavat: As the daughter of Himavat, Devi carries the essence of the steadfastness and immovability of the mountains. This reflects her role as a foundation of strength and support for all existence.
• Weight of Compassion: The "weight" of her hips also signifies her boundless compassion and responsibility in nurturing and sustaining the universe, ensuring that everything remains in harmony.
• Symbol of Prithvi Tattva: Her hips are associated with the earth element (Prithvi Tattva), which embodies stability, nourishment, and endurance. Devi, as the embodiment of the Earth Mother, sustains all life through her inherent strength.

Additional Points

• Metaphor of Beauty and Strength: Adi Shankaracharya combines aesthetic appreciation with metaphysical insight, illustrating how divine beauty is inseparable from divine power.
• Balancing the Earth: The reference to removing the earth's lightness emphasizes Devi’s role in maintaining cosmic equilibrium, preventing chaos and instability.
• Spiritual Significance: Her expansive hips symbolize the capacity to embrace and sustain all creation, akin to the vastness of the earth itself.

Devi’s broad and weighty hips, infused with the strength of Himavat, represent the stabilizing force that grounds the cosmos. They symbolize her role as the foundation of creation, reflecting both divine beauty and the nurturing strength that sustains the universe in balance.

Shloka 82 (Stopping flood, Getting powers like Indhra)

करीन्द्राणां शुण्डान् कनककदलीकाण्डपटली-

मुभाभ्यामूरुभ्यामुभयमपि निर्जित्य भवती ।

सुवृत्ताभ्यां पत्युः प्रणतिकठिनाभ्यां गिरिसुते

विजिग्ये जानुभ्यां विबुधकरिकुम्भद्वयमसि ॥ ८२॥

Oh daughter of the mountain,

Who knows the rules of the Vedas,

Using your two thighs,

You have achieved victory over,

The trunks of the elephant,

And the Golden pseudo stem of group of Banana plants,

And achieved victory over frontal globes,

Of Iravatha* the divine elephant,

By your holy round knees,

Which have become hard,

By repeated prostrations to your lord.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• करीन्द्राणां शुण्डान्: the trunks of mighty elephants,
• कनककदलीकाण्डपटलीम्: and the stems of golden plantains,
• उभाभ्याम् ऊरुभ्याम्: by both your thighs,
• उभयम् अपि निर्जित्य: surpassing both,
• भवती: You,
• सुवृत्ताभ्यां: by the perfectly shaped,
• पत्युः: of Your consort (Shiva),
• प्रणति-कठिनाभ्यां: hardened by his obeisance,
• गिरिसुते: O Daughter of the Mountain,
• विजिग्ये जानुभ्यां: have conquered by your knees,
• विबुध-करि-कुम्भ-द्वयम्: the foreheads of divine elephants (Indra's Airavata and others).
• असि: You are (victorious).

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

This shloka praises Devi’s perfectly shaped thighs and knees. Her thighs surpass the elegance and strength of both the trunks of mighty elephants and the smooth stems of golden plantains. Similarly, her knees, hardened by the obeisance of Lord Shiva, outshine and defeat the grandeur of the foreheads of celestial elephants, such as Airavata. This highlights her divine grace, strength, and beauty that surpass all comparisons.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

• Thighs as Symbol of Strength and Support: Devi’s thighs symbolize the sturdy foundation of the universe. Their perfection represents her ability to uphold and sustain creation with unshakable stability.
• Surpassing Celestial Imagery: The comparison with elephant trunks and golden plantain stems highlights Devi’s incomparable beauty, strength, and grace, surpassing even the most majestic elements of creation.
• Knees and Devotion: The knees, described as hardened by Shiva’s obeisance, emphasize the humility and devotion even the supreme god has toward Devi. It reflects her supreme status in the cosmic hierarchy.
• Victory over Celestial Power: Devi’s knees, surpassing the divine elephants, signify her dominance over even the mightiest forces of nature and divinity. This conveys her sovereignty as the ultimate power and beauty in the universe.

Additional Points

• Divine Beauty Beyond Comparison: The poet uses majestic and celestial analogies, only to declare them inferior to Devi’s form, emphasizing her transcendent and unparalleled nature.
• Grace and Power in Harmony: Devi’s form embodies the perfect balance of beauty and strength, showcasing the harmonious nature of divine energy.
• Symbolic Representation: Her thighs and knees represent foundational strength and humility, qualities essential for both spiritual and worldly fulfillment.

Devi’s thighs and knees surpass the grandeur of elephant trunks, golden plantain stems, and even the foreheads of celestial elephants. This portrayal highlights her unmatched beauty, strength, and divine supremacy, symbolizing the foundational power and grace that sustains the universe

Shloka 83 (Stopping of the army)

पराजेतुं रुद्रं द्विगुणशरगर्भौ गिरिसुते

निषङ्गौ जङ्घे ते विषमविशिखो बाढमकृत ।

यदग्रे दृश्यन्ते दशशरफलाः पादयुगली-

नखाग्रच्छद्मानः सुरमकुटशाणैकनिशिताः ॥ ८३॥

Oh daughter of the mountain,

The five arrowed cupid,

To win , Rudhra your lord,

Has made your legs,

In to an arrow case,

With ten arrows.

In the end of the case,

Are your two feet,

Studded with ten of your so called nails,

Which are the ten steel tipped arrows,

Sharpened on the crowns of Devas.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• पराजेतुम्: to defeat,
• रुद्रं: Rudra (Lord Shiva),
• द्विगुण-शर-गर्भौ: as if holding double the number of arrows,
• गिरिसुते: O Daughter of the Mountain,
• निषङ्गौ जङ्घे ते: Your thighs (here referring to lower legs or calves),
• विषम-विशिखः: the crooked-arrowed (Manmatha, the god of love),
• बाढम् अकृत: made use of well.
• यत् अग्रे दृश्यन्ते: because at their tips are seen,
• दशशरफलाः: the fruits of his ten arrows,
• पाद-युगली-नखाग्र-छद्मानः: disguised as the tips of Your toenails,
• सुर-मकुट-शाण-एक-निशिताः: sharpened on the crowns of the gods.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

The shloka marvels at the beauty and power of Devi’s calves and toenails. It describes how Kamadeva (Manmatha), the god of love, used Devi’s calves as his quiver, holding arrows to subdue Rudra (Shiva). The poet poetically describes the sharp brilliance of her toenails, which appear like the tips of Kamadeva’s arrows, polished to sharpness on the crowns of the gods who bow at her feet.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

• Kamadeva's Arrows and Devi's Grace: Kamadeva’s arrows, known to evoke love and desire, draw their potency from Devi’s divine beauty. Her calves, resembling a quiver, suggest her active role in the play of creation, where love and attraction are fundamental forces.
• Toenails and Cosmic Submission: The glowing brilliance of Devi’s toenails symbolizes her supreme divinity. They are likened to weapons polished on the crowns of gods, illustrating their reverential submission to her.
• Union of Power and Grace: The poetic depiction highlights how Devi’s beauty, though captivating, is also a source of immense power, capable of influencing even Rudra. This duality represents the dynamic balance between Shakti and Shiva.
• Spiritual Implication: The ten arrows signify the ten Indriyas (senses), suggesting that devotion to Devi can help transcend sensory limitations and achieve divine union.

Additional Points

• Symbolism of Calves and Arrows: The calves symbolize strength and support, while the arrows represent focused energy and transformation, reflecting Devi’s role in the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution.
• Toenails as Embodiments of Light: The toenails are described as radiating brilliance, indicating that even the smallest part of Devi’s form emanates divine light and power.
• Manmatha's Dependence: Kamadeva’s reliance on Devi’s beauty for his victory underscores her status as the ultimate source of creative and transformative power.

Devi’s calves serve as Kamadeva’s quiver, and her radiant toenails, sharpened by the reverent crowns of gods, become the tips of his arrows. This poetic imagery underscores her divine beauty and supreme power, capable of influencing even the greatest cosmic forces like Rudra, highlighting her role as the source of universal attraction and transformation.

Shloka 84 (Getting redemption, Entering into another's body)

श्रुतीनां मूर्धानो दधति तव यौ शेखरतया

ममाप्येतौ मातः शिरसि दयया धेहि चरणौ ।

ययोः पाद्यं पाथः पशुपतिजटाजूटतटिनी

ययोर्लाक्षालक्ष्मीररुणहरिचूडामणिरुचिः ॥ ८४॥

Oh mother mine,

Be pleased to place your two feet ,

Which are the ornaments of the head of Upanishads,

The water which washes them are the river Ganges,

Flowing from Shiva's head,

And the lac paint adorning which,

Have the red luster of the crown of Vishnu,

On my head with mercy..

Word-to-Word Meaning

• श्रुतीनां मूर्धानः: the heads of the Vedas (personified as the Upanishads),
• दधति: hold,
• तव यौ शेखरतया: Your two feet as their crown,
• मम अपि: for me also,
• एतौ मातः: these two, O Mother,
• शिरसि दयया धेहि: kindly place on my head out of compassion.
• ययोः पाद्यं पाथः: the water used for washing whose feet,
• पशुपति-जटाजूट-तटिनी: became the river flowing from the matted locks of Lord Shiva (Ganga),
• ययोः लाक्षा-लक्ष्मीः: the red glow of which,
• अरुण-हरि-चूडामणि-रुचिः: resembles the brilliance of the ruby adorning the crown of Vishnu.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

The shloka describes the supreme sanctity and glory of Devi’s feet. Her feet are considered the crown of the Vedas, symbolizing the ultimate knowledge. The poet humbly prays to Devi, asking her to place those feet on his head with compassion. The water used to wash her feet became the Ganga, flowing from the matted locks of Lord Shiva, while the redness of her feet shines with the brilliance akin to the ruby on the crown of Lord Vishnu.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

• Devi’s Feet as the Pinnacle of Knowledge: The Vedas personified bow to Devi’s feet, recognizing her as the ultimate source of wisdom and truth. This shows that Devi’s grace transcends all scriptural knowledge and is the key to liberation.
• Feet as the Source of Divine River Ganga: The sacred Ganga, flowing from Shiva’s locks, originates as the water used to wash Devi’s feet. This signifies the purifying power of Devi, as her touch transforms water into a source of spiritual liberation.
• Symbolism of Redness (Lākṣālakṣmī): The redness of her feet symbolizes Shakti, energy, and auspiciousness, radiating divine brilliance akin to the jewel on Vishnu’s crown. It represents the cosmic harmony among the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva through Devi’s grace.
• Prayer for Liberation: The devotee seeks Devi’s feet on his head, symbolizing surrender and the yearning for her divine blessings to attain freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

Additional Points

• Union of Shaiva and Vaishnava Paths: The imagery connects Shiva (Ganga flowing from his locks) and Vishnu (ruby crown), illustrating how Devi harmonizes and unites different spiritual paths.
• Feet as Divine Abode: The reference to the feet as the "crown" of the Vedas highlights the profound significance of surrendering at Devi’s feet for attaining ultimate knowledge and bliss.
• Purification through Grace: The water flowing from her feet represents her grace, which purifies and elevates the soul.

Devi’s feet, adored as the crown of the Vedas and the origin of the sacred Ganga, embody ultimate purity and grace. Their red radiance rivals the brilliance of divine jewels. The devotee humbly prays for her compassionate touch, seeking liberation and the supreme sanctity of her feet.

Shloka 85 (Removing fear of ghosts)

नमोवाकं ब्रूमो नयनरमणीयाय पदयो-

स्तवास्मै द्वन्द्वाय स्फुटरुचिरसालक्तकवते ।

असूयत्यत्यन्तं यदभिहननाय स्पृहयते

पशूनामीशानः प्रमदवनकङ्केलितरवे ॥ ८५॥

We tell our salutations,

To thine two sparkling feet.

Which are most beautiful to the eyes,

And Painted by the juice of red cotton.

We also know well ,

That God of all animals, your consort,

Is very jealous of the asoka trees in the garden ,

Which yearn for kick by your feet.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• नमोवाकं ब्रूमः: we utter our salutations,
• नयनरमणीयाय: to the captivating beauty of,
• पदयोः: the two feet,
• तव अस्मै द्वन्द्वाय: to this pair of yours,
• स्फुट-रुचि-सालक्तक-वते: which are resplendent with the clear radiance of red lac dye (sālaktaka).
• असूयति अत्यन्तं: becomes extremely envious,
• यत् अभिहननाय स्पृहयते: and desires to strike,
• पशूनाम् ईशानः: Lord Shiva, the lord of animals,
• प्रमदवन-कङ्केलित-रवे: as the jingling anklets resound like playful notes in the garden of love.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

The shloka praises the divine beauty of Devi’s feet, which are adorned with the brilliance of red lac dye. The poet offers salutations to this mesmerizing pair of feet, whose charm is so captivating that even Shiva, the Lord of all beings, feels a pang of jealousy. He longs to strike the feet, pretending anger, but it is out of an irresistible attraction as they produce playful, musical jingles in the forest of love.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

• Devi’s Feet as Symbols of Divine Grace: The red dye on her feet symbolizes auspiciousness, prosperity, and divine energy. The feet are not only beautiful but also the ultimate refuge for devotees.
• Shiva’s Envy and Playful Love: The shloka portrays Shiva’s divine play (līlā) with Devi, expressing his love in a seemingly playful, envious manner. This reflects the cosmic interplay of Shakti (energy) and Shiva (consciousness).
• Musical Anklets and Spiritual Harmony: The sound of Devi’s anklets in the forest of love represents the rhythm of cosmic creation. These jingling notes signify the divine resonance that pervades the universe, bringing harmony and bliss.
• Symbolism of Surrender: The poet’s salutation to her feet indicates the ultimate surrender to Devi, recognizing her supreme beauty and grace as the path to liberation.

Additional Points

• Aesthetic and Spiritual Interplay: The imagery of Devi’s feet combines external beauty with profound spiritual significance, signifying how her form and essence captivate not just the physical but the divine realms.
• Playful Imagery of Love: The shloka emphasizes the playful relationship between Shiva and Devi, where even the supreme lord is drawn to her charm, showcasing their inseparable unity.
• Devotee's Perspective: For devotees, the feet of Devi are the ultimate object of worship, embodying her compassion and accessibility.

The poet offers reverence to Devi’s radiant, red-dyed feet, whose beauty captivates the eyes and soul. Even Lord Shiva, enchanted by their charm and playful anklet sounds, feigns envy and longs to strike them. This shloka celebrates the playful divine love between Shiva and Devi and underscores the profound grace embodied in her feet.

Shloka 86 (Removing fear of ghosts, Victory over enemies)

मृषा कृत्वा गोत्रस्खलनमथ वैलक्ष्यनमितं

ललाटे भर्तारं चरणकमले ताडयति ते ।

चिरादन्तःशल्यं दहनकृतमुन्मूलितवता

तुलाकोटिक्वाणैः किलिकिलितमीशानरिपुणा ॥ ८६॥

In a playful mood,after teasing you,

About you and your family,

And at a loss to control your love tiff,

When your consort does prostrations,

Your lotus like feet touches his forehead,

And the God of love , the enemy of your Lord, who was burnt,

By the fire from his third eye,

And was keeping the enmity with your lord,

Like the ever hurting arrow,

Makes sounds like Kili Kili,

From your belled anklets on the legs.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• मृषा कृत्वा: pretending falsely,
• गोत्रस्खलनम्: the mistake of addressing another’s name (during amorous play),
• अथ वैलक्ष्यनमितं: bowing in feigned embarrassment,
• ललाटे: on the forehead,
• भर्तारं: the husband (Lord Shiva),
• चरणकमले: with her lotus-like foot,
• ताडयति ते: strikes (playfully).
• चिरात् अन्तःशल्यं: the long-standing wound (in the heart),
• दहनकृतम्: caused by Shiva burning Kamadeva,
• उन्मूलितवता: uprooted by,
• तुलाकोटिक्वाणैः: the playful sounds of the scales’ beam (suggesting the jingling anklets),
• किलिकिलितम्: laughter,
• ईशानरिपुणा: by Kamadeva, the enemy of Shiva.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

The shloka humorously and poetically depicts the playful interaction between Devi and Lord Shiva. Devi, during an amorous moment, pretends to mistakenly call out another’s name (a playful reference to the tradition of teasing in love). When Shiva shows mock anger, she bows in false embarrassment and strikes his forehead lightly with her lotus foot. This playful act, accompanied by the jingling sounds of her anklets, heals the deep wound left in Shiva’s heart by his act of burning Kamadeva (the god of love).

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

• Playful Divine Interaction: This verse symbolizes the intimate and playful relationship between Shiva and Devi, reflecting their eternal union where love transcends ego and anger.
• Healing the Inner Wound: The wound in Shiva’s heart represents the loss of love and desire caused by Kamadeva’s destruction. Devi’s playful act revives joy, showing that love, symbolized by Shakti, has the power to heal even the deepest scars.
• Anklet Sounds as Cosmic Resonance: The jingling of Devi’s anklets signifies the rhythm of the universe, a cosmic melody that restores balance and harmony to the divine relationship.
• Symbolism of the Lotus Feet: Devi’s lotus-like foot striking Shiva’s forehead represents her supremacy in love and devotion, emphasizing her playful, nurturing aspect that complements Shiva’s austere persona.

Additional Points

• Union of Love and Detachment: The interplay between Shiva (asceticism) and Devi (love and playfulness) symbolizes the unity of opposites, a cornerstone of the Shaiva-Shakta tradition.
• Kamadeva's Role: Kamadeva, though burned by Shiva, reasserts his presence through Devi’s actions, demonstrating that love and attraction are eternal forces in creation.
• Sublimation of Playfulness: Even seemingly mundane acts of playfulness between Shiva and Devi carry profound cosmic and spiritual meanings.

In a playful moment, Devi strikes Shiva’s forehead with her lotus foot, pretending to apologize for a feigned mistake. Her anklet’s jingling laughter heals Shiva’s heart from the wound of Kamadeva’s destruction, symbolizing how love and playfulness restore balance and joy in the divine interplay of creation and asceticism.

Shloka 87 (Attracting of serpents)

हिमानीहन्तव्यं हिमगिरिनिवासैकचतुरौ

निशायां निद्राणं निशि चरमभागे च विशदौ ।

वरं लक्ष्मीपात्रं श्रियमतिसृजन्तौ समयिनां

सरोजं त्वत्पादौ जननि जयतश्चित्रमिह किम् ॥ ८७॥

Oh mother mine,

The lotus flower rots in snow,

But your feet are aces in being in snow,

The lotus flower sleeps at night,

But your feet are wakeful night and after night,

The lotus makes the goddess of wealth Lakshmi live in it,

But your feet gives Lakshmi to its devotees,

And so your two feet always wins over the lotus,

What is so surprising in this?

Word-to-Word Meaning

• हिमानी हन्तव्यं: capable of dispelling the cold,
• हिमगिरिनिवास एकचतुरौ: the two feet of Devi, adept in residing on the snowy Himalayas,
• निशायां निद्राणं: dormant during the night,
• निशि चरमभागे च विशदौ: and luminous in the last part of the night.
• वरं लक्ष्मीपात्रं: the bestower of the grace of Lakshmi,
• श्रियम् अतिसृजन्तौ: radiating wealth and prosperity,
• समयिनां: to those who are disciplined (devotees).
• सरोजं: like a lotus,
• त्वत्पादौ: your feet,
• जननि जयतः: O Mother, they triumph.
• चित्रम् इह किम्: what wonder is there in this?

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

Devi’s feet are praised for their multifaceted attributes. They possess the power to dispel cold, reflecting their ability to provide warmth and comfort. Though they reside on the icy Himalayas, they remain active, luminous, and gracious, bestowing wealth and prosperity to disciplined devotees. They are likened to lotuses that bloom brilliantly, even in adverse conditions, triumphing in their ability to nurture and bless. This is no surprise, given their divine nature.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

• Feet as a Source of Warmth and Light: Devi’s feet dispel the metaphorical “cold” of ignorance and bring the “warmth” of wisdom and grace. They also symbolize her compassion, protecting devotees from the harshness of worldly existence.
• Symbol of Lakshmi’s Grace: Her feet serve as vessels for divine prosperity, offering wealth and spiritual abundance to those who are disciplined and devoted.
• Connection to the Himalayas: Residing in the Himalayas represents her steadfastness and immovable nature, symbolizing her unshakable resolve in protecting and guiding devotees.
• Lotus Imagery: The lotus symbolizes purity, detachment, and divine beauty. Like a lotus, her feet remain untouched by worldly impurities while being accessible to devotees.
• Light in Darkness: Her feet illuminate the last part of the night, signifying the dispelling of ignorance and the arrival of spiritual awakening as the dawn of realization approaches.

Additional Points

• Dual Nature: Devi’s feet balance opposites — icy resilience (Himalayas) and radiant warmth (Lakshmi’s grace), reflecting her ability to harmonize contradictions.
• Focus on Devotion: The shloka emphasizes the benefits of sincere devotion and discipline, portraying Devi’s feet as the ultimate refuge for aspirants seeking spiritual and material fulfillment.
• Metaphor of Night and Awakening: The imagery of night reflects spiritual ignorance, while the luminous feet signify enlightenment and divine intervention at the right moment.

Devi’s feet, like radiant lotuses, dispel cold, provide warmth, and bestow the blessings of wealth and wisdom. Residing on the Himalayas yet luminous in the darkest night, they guide and nurture disciplined devotees. Their ability to harmonize resilience and compassion is a testament to their divine nature.

Shloka 88 (Making wild beasts obey)

पदं ते कीर्तीनां प्रपदमपदं देवि विपदां

कथं नीतं सद्भिः कठिनकमठीकर्परतुलाम् ।

कथं वा बाहुभ्यामुपयमनकाले पुरभिदा

यदादाय न्यस्तं दृषदि दयमानेन मनसा ॥ ८८॥

Oh, Goddess Devi,

How did the poets compare,

The foreside of your merciful feet,

Which are the source of fame to your devotees,

And which are not the source of danger to them ,

To the hard shell of tortoise,

I do not understand.

How did he who destroyed the three cities,

Take them in his hand,

And place them on hard rock,

During your marriage?

Word-to-Word Meaning

• पदं ते: your feet,
• कीर्तीनां प्रपदं: are the foundation of all glory,
• अपदं देवि विपदां: and the eradicator of all misfortunes, O Devi.
• कथं नीतं सद्भिः: how have they been compared by noble ones,
• कठिनकमठीकर्परतुलाम्: to the hardness of a tortoise shell?
• कथं वा: or how,
• बाहुभ्याम्: with his arms,
• उपयमनकाले: at the time of marriage,
• पुरभिदा: by Shiva (the destroyer of cities),
• यत् आदाय: were they lifted,
• न्यस्तं दृषदि: and placed on a rock,
• दयमानेन मनसा: with a compassionate heart?

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

The shloka marvels at Devi’s divine feet, praising them as the source of all glory and the destroyer of misfortunes. The poet questions how her feet, which bring blessings, could be compared to the hardness of a tortoise shell by noble ones. It recalls the tender moment when Lord Shiva, with great care and compassion, lifted Devi’s feet with his arms and placed them gently on a rock during their marriage ceremony.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

• Feet as the Source of Power: Devi’s feet are described as the foundation of fame and fortune, eradicating all calamities and miseries. They are a refuge for the devotees seeking solace and protection.
• Tortoise Shell Comparison: The comparison to a tortoise shell highlights the paradox of their perceived hardness. While symbolically tough, they are also tender, reflecting Devi’s dual nature of strength and compassion.
• Shiva’s Compassion: The act of Shiva lifting and placing Devi’s feet on a rock demonstrates his deep respect and love. This represents the ideal union of divine energies, where each complements the other with care and reverence.
• Marriage Symbolism: The reference to the marriage of Shiva and Devi emphasizes their union as the source of cosmic balance, symbolizing the merging of consciousness (Shiva) and energy (Shakti).
• Rock as Stability: Placing the feet on a rock signifies the establishment of stability and strength in their union, which is a foundation for the sustenance of the universe.

Additional Points

• Philosophical Inquiry: The poet uses rhetorical questions to draw attention to the mysticism surrounding Devi’s feet, inviting reflection on their divine attributes.
• Dual Imagery: The interplay between the “hardness” of the feet (indicating strength) and their tender placement by Shiva (indicating care) showcases the harmony of opposites.
• Devotional Focus: This shloka encourages devotees to meditate on Devi’s feet as the ultimate source of grace and protection.

Devi’s feet, the foundation of all glory and the eradicator of misfortune, are a marvel of divine paradox — both strong and tender. During their divine union, Shiva’s act of compassionately lifting and placing them on a rock symbolizes the reverence and harmony in their cosmic partnership.

Shloka 89 (Getting rid of all diseases)

नखैर्नाकस्त्रीणां करकमलसंकोचशशिभि-

स्तरूणां दिव्यानां हसत इव ते चण्डि चरणौ ।

फलानि स्वःस्थेभ्यः किसलयकराग्रेण ददतां

दरिद्रेभ्यो भद्रां श्रियमनिशमह्नाय ददतौ ॥ ८९॥

Your moon like nails,

Oh mother who killed Chanda,

Which makes the celestial maidens,

Fold their hands in shame,

Forever tease your two feet,

Which unlike the holy trees in heaven,

(Which by their leaf bud like hands,

Give all they wish to the Gods,)

Give the poor people wealth and happiness,

Always and fast.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• नखैः: with (your) nails,
• नाकस्त्रीणां करकमलसंकोचशशिभिः: resembling moons that cause the celestial women to close their lotus-like hands in comparison,
• तरूणां दिव्यानां हसत इव: appear as if mocking the divine trees (Kalpataru),
• ते चण्डि चरणौ: your feet, O Chandi (fierce goddess).
• फलानि स्वःस्थेभ्यः: fruits (of desire) to those residing in heaven,
• किसलयकराग्रेण ददतां: granted by the tender tips of their leaf-like hands,
• दरिद्रेभ्यः: to the poor,
• भद्रां श्रियम्: auspicious prosperity,
• अनिशम् अह्नाय: continuously, day and night,
• ददतौ: bestow.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Chandi, your divine feet, with nails glowing like crescent moons, make celestial women hesitate to compare their lotus-like hands with them. These feet, radiating kindness and compassion, mock even the celestial wish-fulfilling trees (Kalpataru) by fulfilling desires effortlessly. They grant fruits of heaven to the righteous and prosperity to the poor, continuously showering blessings day and night.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

• Radiance of the Feet: The glowing nails of Devi’s feet are compared to moons, symbolizing their brilliance and the soothing grace they offer to devotees.
• Mocking the Kalpataru: Devi’s feet surpass the celestial wish-fulfilling tree, as their blessings are not limited to material desires but extend to spiritual upliftment and ultimate liberation.
• Dual Benefaction: The feet cater to both the celestial beings and the downtrodden. For the divine, they provide eternal bliss, while for the needy, they bestow prosperity and remove suffering. This reflects Devi’s universal compassion and accessibility to all.
• Ceaseless Grace: The phrase "continuously, day and night" emphasizes that Devi’s grace is unending and ever-present, available to those who sincerely seek refuge in her.
• Symbol of Humility and Strength: By describing her feet, the poet directs attention to the humility inherent in seeking divine grace and the strength they symbolize in their ability to uplift and empower.

Additional Points

• Comparison to Celestial Beauty: The reluctance of divine women to compare their lotus-like hands with Devi’s feet signifies her unparalleled divinity and beauty.
• Universal Provider: The feet represent the highest form of selflessness, fulfilling desires without discrimination.
• Symbolic Imagery: The "leaf-like hands" granting fruits highlights gentleness in giving, showcasing the tender compassion Devi embodies.

Devi’s radiant feet, outshining celestial beauty, mock even the divine wish-fulfilling tree by their unending grace. They bestow bliss to the righteous and prosperity to the poor, continuously showering blessings with compassion and kindness, surpassing all limitations of time and space.

Shloka 90 (Cutting of bad spells cast)

ददाने दीनेभ्यः श्रियमनिशमाशानुसदृशी-

ममन्दं सौन्दर्यप्रकरमकरन्दम् विकिरति ।

तवास्मिन् मन्दारस्तबकसुभगे यातु चरणे

निमज्जन्मज्जीवः करणचरणः षट्चरणताम् ॥ ९०॥

My soul with six organs,

Is similar to the six legged honey bees,

Which dip at your holy feet,

Which are as pretty,

As the flower bunch,

Of the Celestial tree,

Which always grant wealth to the poor,

Whenever they wish,

And which without break showers floral honey.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• ददाने: bestowing,
• दीनेभ्यः: to the downtrodden,
• श्रियम्: wealth or prosperity,
• अनिशम्: ceaselessly,
• आशानुसदृशीम्: matching their desires.
• अमन्दं: abundant,
• सौन्दर्यप्रकरम्: flow of beauty,
• अकरन्दम्: nectar of excellence,
• विकिरति: spreads or radiates.
• तव अस्मिन्: on your,
• मन्दारस्तबकसुभगे: beautiful like a cluster of Mandara flowers,
• यातु चरणे: in the feet,
• निमज्जन्: immersing,
• मज्जीवः: my soul,
• करणचरणः: my sensory organs (karana) and limbs (charana),
• षट्चरणताम्: attain the state of a six-legged bee.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Devi, your feet, adorned like a cluster of Mandara flowers, ceaselessly radiate the nectar of your abundant beauty and bestow wealth and prosperity to the needy in accordance with their desires. May my soul, along with my sensory organs and limbs, immerse itself in your lotus feet, just as a six-legged bee dives into a flower.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

• The Feet as Eternal Grace: The feet of Devi are depicted as ever-giving, distributing wealth and prosperity without discrimination. This reflects the boundless nature of her compassion.
• Mandara Flower Symbolism: The Mandara flowers are considered divine and sacred. Comparing her feet to these flowers highlights their divine allure and capacity to nourish the soul.
• Bee Analogy: The devotee identifies himself as a six-legged bee (ṣaṭ-caraṇa) seeking the nectar of her divine beauty and grace. This imagery symbolizes the soul’s yearning to fully immerse itself in divine devotion.
• Alignment of Senses: The mention of "karana" (senses) and "charana" (limbs) reflects a desire for complete surrender. The devotee seeks to align all faculties towards serving and meditating upon the goddess.
• Divine Beauty as Nourishment: The nectar (makaranda) flowing from her beauty is a metaphor for spiritual sustenance, which not only fulfills worldly desires but also nurtures the soul’s ultimate quest for liberation.

Additional Points

• Inclusivity of Grace: Devi’s grace is described as matching the desires of each individual, emphasizing her role as a universal nurturer.
• Continuous Flow of Blessings: The unending nature of Devi’s blessings encourages devotees to remain steadfast in their devotion, assured of her constant support.
• Union of Body and Soul: The plea for the soul and senses to become like a bee signifies the unity of the devotee’s entire being in devotion.

Devi’s feet, radiant like divine Mandara flowers, ceaselessly bestow prosperity and spiritual nourishment. The devotee, yearning to immerse their soul and senses completely in her divine essence, seeks to emulate a bee, reveling in the nectar of her infinite beauty and grace.

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