Chapter 4 of the Durga Saptashati, known as Śakrādi Stuti, is among the most powerful and moving sections of the Devi Mahatmya. It not only describes the final destruction of Mahishasura by Chandika Devi, but also the heartfelt hymns of praise sung by the gods afterwards. This chapter, filled with 37 verses, captures both the fury and grace of the Divine Mother.
The Story
After Mahishasura and his mighty armies were crushed by the Devi in previous chapters, the devas, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, bowed before her. Their bodies trembled with joy, their hair stood on end, and with folded hands they offered hymns in praise. They recognized that she alone is the energy that pervades all gods and all creation, the Supreme Shakti manifesting in countless forms.
The devas proclaimed: “It is by your power, O Ambika, that this universe is sustained. Even Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma cannot fathom your true greatness. You are Lakshmi among the virtuous, poverty among the wicked, intelligence in the hearts of seekers, faith among the pious, and modesty in noble families. You alone are Svaha and Svadha, sustaining gods and ancestors alike. You are the very embodiment of liberation and the eternal Vedic wisdom.”
At the same time, the chapter poetically contrasts Devi’s beauty and her wrath. Her face, luminous like the full moon and glowing with golden brilliance, enchanted the devas. Yet when her brows knit in anger, the sight was unbearable even for Mahishasura. The text remarks: “Who can live after seeing the face of Death itself, enraged?” (4.13).
The devas reflected on her dual nature: when pleased, she grants prosperity, abundance, and peace; when angered, she instantly destroys entire lineages of adharma. They praised her compassion even in battle, for she allowed even slain demons to ascend to higher realms, purified by death at her hands.
As their hymn concluded, they prayed for her protection in all directions: with her trident, her sword, her bow, her bell, and her many forms—both gentle and terrifying. They recognized her as the one who rescues beings from the ocean of samsara, the one whom even great seers approach for moksha.
Pleased with their devotion, Chandika Devi smiled graciously and addressed the devas: “O gods, ask of me what you desire.” The devas replied with deep reverence: “Nothing remains undone, for our enemy Mahishasura has been slain. Yet grant us this boon: whenever we remember you or recite these hymns, may you always remove our great calamities and bless us with prosperity.”
The Devi consented, granting that whoever praises her with these verses will receive wealth, success, family happiness, and freedom from fear. Having blessed them, she disappeared from sight, leaving the devas filled with peace and joy.
Conclusion
Chapter 4 is not just the story of Mahishasura’s defeat—it is a grand revelation of the Devi’s cosmic nature. She is fierce and compassionate, terrifying to the wicked and yet tender to the faithful. The devas’ hymns here form some of the most profound theological expressions in the entire Devi Mahatmya, proclaiming her as the substratum of the universe and the ultimate refuge of all beings.
Reflections
On this day, we meditate not only on the slaying of Mahishasura, but also on the praises of the devas. Their words remind us that the Devi is both within and beyond: she is our intellect, our faith, our strength, and our compassion. She is the prosperity in our homes, the wisdom in our studies, and the courage in our struggles.
Her dual role—destroyer of evil and giver of blessings—teaches us that life requires both firmness and compassion. To conquer the “Mahishasura” within us—our arrogance, ignorance, and ego—we must call upon the Devi with humility and devotion. And just as she promised the devas, she promises us too: whenever remembered with faith, she removes fear, poverty, and sorrow, and grants peace and prosperity.
✨ With Chapter 4, the Madhyama Charita reaches its climactic moment. Tomorrow, we begin the Uttama Charita, where new challenges arise in the form of Shumbha and Nishumbha, reminding us that the struggle against adharma is eternal, and the grace of the Devi must be invoked again and again.
Day 5 – Chapter 5: The Messenger of Shumbha and the Divine Reply of the Devi.
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