Devishataka 76_51

76_51

(A pun in Sanskrit and Mahārāṣṭrī Prakrit.)
Because it is the primary context, first the meaning of the Sanskrit words: O Devī, grantor of joy, protect my attachment—my thorough devotion and faith—in acquiring traditional learning, whose limit is set by the gods! The sense is that devotion to sacred scripture is not abandoned even by the gods. As it is said: “Therefore scripture is your authority in determining what ought to be done and what ought not to be done.” And O Umā, daughter of the mountain, smiling, cheerful, when the occasion arises, dispel that delusion of mind, that mental torpor, which causes endless roaming! Now the meaning of the words in the Mahārāṣṭrī tongue, composed with poetic virtuosity: O bride of Śiva, give, grant, bestow passion for dharma, for religious merit! And for us, in this coming and going within the transmigratory cycle, cut off and destroy the hope enslaved by darkness—subject to the cosmic illusion of ignorance; the meaning is: grant liberation! You are my refuge and ultimate resort. Quickly, instantly, let the delusion of the mind—the mental ignorance, or the variegated, diverse delusion—disappear as futile and barren, that is, let the transmigratory cycle depart! Thus by these three verbal forms is the meaning in the second language given. || 76