Devishataka 102_73

102_73

(This is a riddle)
O Devī, who else in the world is like you? Who could be equal to you in the three worlds? The meaning is: even in the threefold world, there is no other similar to you. "Whose radiant body restrains the inner darkness of the heart"—she whose luminous form, her body, subdues and destroys the darkness of the heart, the delusion of one's own mind; she is of such a kind. Likewise, "who brings about on every side the total destruction of the irresistible enemies of the sky-dwellers"—accomplishing the pacification of the invincible foes of the gods everywhere. Likewise, "who, merely meditated upon, yields liberation"—thought upon just once, she yields, grants, liberation, release. Furthermore, "placed upon half his body by Bhava"—by the shining god, by Śiva, joined to half his body, placed upon the left side of his own body. By Hara, the Lord—of what sort? "Whose sole intent is the protection of the world"—one whose soul, nature, or inherent character is continually disposed toward, tasting solely, the preservation and protection of the worlds, the three realms. And what are you like? "Whose abode is upon the noble king of lions"—she whose dwelling and heroic station is upon the splendid king of lions. Moreover, when the question is posed, "Who else in the world is like you?", the answer is: "The station of the noble lion-lord [Narasiṃha]!" Because the answer to the inquiry "Who is equal to you?" is the blessed form of Narasiṃha, this is called a riddle. The commentary, however, is identical in all respects; only here, in "nihitā bhavena", an elided "a" (abhava) is explained. Thus: by the unborn Lord Viṣṇu, who is free from the transmigratory cycle (abhava), placed upon the upper half of his body—such is the distinction of praise. This is a riddle. || 102