Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1582

c8.1582

As soon as news about the defeat of his brother was reported to him, Śumbha, with the remaining Dānavas hurried to Devaloka. In the battle that ensued the Devas were routed. Śumbha assumed Indra-hood by force and the standard (flag) of the daityas was hoisted on the flag-staff of Sudharmā, the palace of Indra. Śumbha captured Kāmadhenu, Airāvata, Uccaīśravas etc. The Nandana garden and the shades of the Kalpaka tree were turned into resting places of the daityas. Fragrant flowers of the Kalpa tree adorned the hairs of daitya women. Śumbha drove away Kubera and took over Alakāpurī also from him. As Yama ran away from the kingdom, Kālapurī also came under Śumbha. All the Dikpālakas took refuge in forests and caves. Thousand years rolled by thus. By then the Devas worshipped Mahādevī, who appeared before them. Kausikī devi, born from the body of Mahādevī stood before the Devas. As Kausiki was dark in colour she came to be known as Kālikā also. Mahādevī, along with Kālikā started for the capital of Śumbha-Niśumbhas. At the capital they ascended a mountain and sat on two rocks. Mahādevī sang such a melodious song that birds and animals lost themselves in its sweetness and stood motionless.