THE STORY OF MAHA LAKSHMI

STORY OF MAHA LAKSHMI: In the second Charita of the Devi, Medhas narrates the story of Maha Lakshmi. Mahishasura, the buffalo faced demon, as a result of his mother Diti's austerities and penance, was born powerful, growing impetuous and endowed with a world-shaking passion for power over the Gods. Conquering the gods, he established his power in heaven. The vanquished gods, headed by Brahma, approached Siva and Vishnu for consultation.When the latter learnt the plight of gods, they got so much enraged that their wrath emitted fire; powerful lights of splendour emanated from the bodies of Siva, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra and other gods, forming a vast mass of light that took the shape of a woman, whose radiant effulgence filled the three worlds.The forceful light of each of the gods formed into a particular limb of the woman-her face was shaped by Siva, hair by Yama, her rounded breasts by Soma, waist by Indra, shoulders by Vishnu and other limbs similarly by other gods. She was also provided with the respective weapons of the gods, This is the Devi, the Goddess Maha Lakshmi, who appeared and challenged the asura with a thundering roar that shook the three worlds.A GUARANTEE TO GODS: The Gods rejoiced when she slew the asuras with her weapons and got close to Mahishasura and pressing him under her feet, thrust the trident, sula into his body. The gods regained their lost kingdom, adored the Devi and sang her glory. Highly pleased, the goddess promised to come to the rescue of the gods whenever there was a need and they were put to trouble by the asuric forces, the demons. Thus ends the second Charta, the story of Mahishasuramardhini with the title of Maha Lakshmi, the goddess who presides over RaJAS, the cosmic quality and power of all action.