The Mahabhagavata Purana 002: Jaimini Asks Vyasa about Devi Durga

Sauti then said to the rishis, “I told you how the Purana was revealed to my guru. I shall tell you what happened after that. Rishi Jaimini kept the manuscript down on top of the others. He then bound them together and kept them in their designated place. He then sat down, drew his breath in and began meditating. When he felt relaxed and calm, he stood up. He had questions and he knew the person who would be able to clear his doubts, his guru Vyasa.

“Rishi Jaimini set forth and soon he was near the hut of Vyasa. Vyasa was sitting outside his hut, enjoying nature. This hut was in the mountains and the air there was cool and refreshing. Seeing Jaimini, Vyasa got up and the two rishis greeted each other. Vyasa then asked the reason for his visit. Jaimini said, ‘Vyasa, you are a great soul and you have authored so many texts. Not only are you a great writer, you also able to explain things very well. Just listening to you is enough to fulfil desires. I want you to tell me about Devi Durga. I am not sure if there is anyone better than you to tell me about Her. I have heard about the Devi who is supposed to have created the world. She destroys negativity, suffering and distress from this world. She is the mother of the world and at times She stands on top of Shiva, who lies below Her like a corpse holding on to Her feet. I want you to tell me about Her. Whatever you have written so far about Her does not satisfy my curiosity. I want to know more. I beg of you, answer my queries and tell me about Her. Only you are capable of doing that. It is only after many cycles of births and rebirths, one gets to take birth as a human. Having been born as one, I want to make the best use of it. Please tell me about Her.’

“Vyasa looked at Jaimini and said, ‘You do not know what you have said. Talking about Her is a highly auspicious subject and I would love to do so. The issue is that when even Panchanan cannot describe Her, how can I dare talk about Her? When anyone dies in the city of Varanasi, Shiva goes and whispers the Taraka Mantra, which starts with Her name, OM. All mantras start with Her. Not just humans; even when an insect or an animal dies in Varanasi, Shiva comes and gives Her mantra to them. Listen to me and I shall now tell you about a conversation between Shiva and Narada about the Devi.’

“When both Jaimini and Vyasa were settled, Vyasa started. ‘What I am telling you now starts on the great mountain, Mandara. This was a day when all the Devas were present on the mountain. While the lower slopes of the mountain were green, full of wonderful trees, the higher one rose, the sparser the vegetation became. The upper slopes of the mountain were jagged, and that gave rise to many ledges and caves. These ledges and caves were frequented by the Devas who came there for the peace and serenity. Long back, the great mountain had performed penance to please Shiva. Pleased, Shiva had promised the mountain that he would use the mountain for his meditation.

‘This was the perfect spot to meditate. To provide soothing music and to ensure all were mentally relaxed, the gandharvas usually were there, and their music made the atmosphere a perfect spot for one to contemplate the divine. Vishnu and Shiva, along with many other Devas, were there on the mountain. While Shiva had chosen a ledge, close to the summit, Vishnu had chosen a cave, not very far from where Shiva was sitting. Shiva sat there trying to control his breath. He would soon close his eyes and meditate. He was about to do so when he heard Narada. The rishi was a frequent visitor to the mountain. Where ever the Devas went, Narada followed. Knowing that both Vishnu and Shiva were on the great Mandara, Narada had come there. “O Mahadeva, I bow down to you.” Saying this, Narada came close to the ledge on which Shiva was sitting and politely stood there, head bent down, hands folded.

‘Narada then said, “I bow down to you, who are worshipped in all worlds. All look up to you. I know you as the ultimate truth, Brahman. You know what none knows. Ganga resides on your head and the moon sits on your locks and enhances your charm. I have a question for you. Everyone I know worships Brahma, Narayana and you. Pleased with them, you bless them. Then whom do you worship? I want to know about that One who is worshipped by you three.”

‘When Shiva heard this, he was not sure what to say. He kept quiet and looked at Narada. He then realized that his silence was making Narada uncomfortable. Shiva then said, “Narada, you are a great rishi and you are very dear to me. I am not sure if I should answer your question. The information that you have asked for is something that is confidential and should not be shared with all. I am now wondering how I should explain this to you.”

‘Narada sensed Shiva’s hesitation. He then decided to try a different route. He went to the cave where Vishnu was and bowed down before him. Sensing Narada’s presence, Vishnu opened his eyes. He saw the rishi standing there, hands folded. Vishnu asked Narada the reason for his visit. Narada said, “O great One, I had asked Maheshwara a question about whom he worships. He is hesitating in answering me. Please help me. I request you to please intervene on my behalf so Shiva can answer my question.”

‘Hearing this, Vishnu smiled and said, “My child, you sing my praises and you worship us – Brahma, Shiva and me. Why do you want an answer to that question? We are your deities and I hope you will be satisfied with this answer.” Vishnu stopped, the smile still on his face.

‘Narada realised that just asking a question was not enough. He would need to pray to them and please them. He picked up his veena and began singing. He sang songs praising both Shiva and Vishnu. He sang about their powers, their greatness and their nature. He sang about Vishnu, who possessed the gem, Kaustubha. He sang about Shiva, whose ornaments were snakes and who had destroyed the three cities – Tripura. He sang praises of Narayana, who, as Krishna, had killed Kamsa, and then he praised Shiva as the one who had killed the asura, Andhaka. He then sang about Garuda and Nandi.

‘Narada’s prayer pleased Vishnu. He stood up and came out of the cave he was in and stood where Shiva was. Narada also followed Vishnu. Seeing Vishnu, Shiva stood up. Then, pointing to Narada, Vishnu said, “Narada is a son of Brahma and is a very humble and respected soul. He respects you and you are said to be easily pleased with those who worship you. Do talk to him and resolve his query.”

‘Hearing this, Shiva smiled and gestured to Narada and asked him to come forward. He then said, “Narada, I want to repeat your question once more. I shall answer your query, but I want to ensure that I have perfectly understood what you want to know.”

‘Narada said, “By the Tridev, Indra and the others get liberated. I want to know who it is that the Tridev worship and meditate upon. If you are pleased with me, please reveal their name to me.”

‘Hearing the words of Narada, Shiva went into samadhi just thinking about the Devi. He then returned to the conscious plane. Then, taking the name of Durga and knowing that She was Brahman, Shiva began answering Narada’s query.’