SRI MATA-GOD OF ALL GODS AND GODDESSES (Soundarya Lahari 25)

The very purpose of the avatar of Sri Mata is to destroy the terrible, invincible demon Bhandasura! She has equipped herself with all arms and ammunition in addition to those granted by all Devas! “ Bhandasura vadho dyukta Sakthi Sena samanvita" How many forms of Devi were created for effective fight with the Demon! Sampathkari, Aswaruda, Manthrini, Dandini, Bala, and Varahi, the second in command fought and engaged the Demon endlessly! She demolished the mines and yantras planted by Bhandasura through Ganesha whom she created by a mere look at the face of Kameswara! This was not enough to defeat the asura! She created from the tip of her nails the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu! “ Karanguli nakhotpanna Narayna dasakrutihi.” Finally She killed Bhandasura with Maha Pasupathastra and delghted all Devas! For any destruction, mere Satwa guna will not suffice! There should be a mixture of Rajo and Tamogunas! The Trimurtis, Creator Brahma, protector Vishnu and destroyer Rudra are in a position to do their job through these qualities alone! Sri Mata is the embodiment of Iccha, Jnana and Kriya Sakthis! She is capable of creation, protection and destruction at her will! In a few slokas earlier Sri Sankara has already described the efficacy of Her Padadhuli and how the Trimurtis carry on their respective activities through its power. Once again the poet and philosopher that he is, Sankara speaks of the worship that they offer her. He says that is the real worship. Says Sankara,“O Mother! Hari, Hara and Brahma the Creator are the products of Satwa, Rajas and Thamo gunas. The worship they offer at your lotus feet is the real worship and nothing else! For what reason do they stand with folded hands always by the diamond studded pedestal on which You rest your lotus feet?” Devi is “ Brahmopendra Mahendradi Deva sumsthutha vabhava”- She is prayed and worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, lndra, king of Devas and others! All of them are obedient to Sri Mata and await her orders! They stand with folded hands and vie with one another to execute Her orders! Where is the need for worshiping Brahma, Vishnu and Siva who themselves are the worshippers of Sri Mata? By worshipping Her, we worship all the Devas in the other world! There is an interesting story in the Upanishad illustrating the greatness of Adiparasakthi and the futility of the powers of Devas. After their success in war against the Asuras, Devas became arrogant and egocentric! They gloated over their victory and celebrated it! Devi wanted to teach them a lesson! She called Vayu, placed a straw, and asked him to move it! Strangely enough,Vayu, despite his wild strength, could not move it even by a fraction of an inch! Crestfallen, he retired! It was the chance of Agni, God of fire. Adiparasakthi bade him burn the straw. Fire, despite his ever hungry tongues, couldn't burn it! He went back in shame! The others too failed miserably! They wondered at their loss of face. Adiparasakthi appeared as Uma before them and declared that it was her Shakti that had brought success for them and not their prowess! The Devas realized their folly and praised Devi! Sri Mata is “ Sarva saktimayi sarva mangala sadgati Prada” “ Maha Maya Maha Satwa, maha sakthir maha rathihi”--She is the owner of all energy, extremely holy, and the bestower of mukti or salvation! She is Maha Maya, the embodiment of illusion, Almighty, the great Enjoyer! Thus by praying and worshipping Sri Mata, we worship the entire range of celestial deities and derive the maximum benefit, peace of mind, and Devi’s GraceGrace