Description of ManiDvipa according
to Srimad Devi Bhagavata
Chapter
X
On
the description of Mani Dvîpa
1-20. Vyâsa
said :-- O King Janamejaya! What is known in the S’rutis, in the Subâla
Upanisada, as the Sarvaloka over the Brahmaloka, that is Manidvîpa. Here the
Devî resides. This region is superior to all the other regions. Hence it is
named “Sarvaloka.” The Devî built this place of yore according to Her will. In
the very beginning, the Devî Mûla Prakriti Bhagavatî built this place for Her
residence, superior to Kailâs’a, Vaikuntha and Goloka. Verily no other place in
this universe can stand before it. Hence it is called Manidvîpa or Sarvaloka as
superior to all the Lokas. This Manidvîpa is situated at the top of all the
regions, and resembles an umbrella. Its shadow falls on the Brahmânda and
destroys the pains and sufferings of this world. Surrounding this Manidvîpa
exists an ocean called the Sudhâ Samudra, many yojanas wide and many yojanas
deep. Many waves arise in it due to winds. Various fishes and conches and other
aquatic animals play and here the beach is full of clear sand like gems. The
sea-shores are kept always cool by the splashes of the waves of water striking
the beach. Various ships decked with various nice flags are plying to and fro.
Various trees bearing gems are adorning the beach. Across this ocean, there is
an iron enclosure, very long and seven yojanas wide, very high so as to block
the Heavens. Within this enclosure wall the military guards skilled in war and
furnished with various weapons are running gladly to and fro. There are four
gateways or entrances; at every gate there are hundreds of guards and various
hosts of the devotees of the Devî. Whenever any Deva comes to pay a visit to
the Jagadîs’varî, their Vâhanas (carriers) and retinue are stopped here. O
King! This place is being resounded with the chimings of the bells of hundreds
of chariots of the Devas and the neighings of their horses and the sounds of
their hoofs. The Devas walk here and there with canes in their hands and they
are chiding at intervals the attendants of the Devas. This place is so noisy
that no one can hear clearly another’s word. Here are seen thousands of houses
adorned with trees of gems and jewels and tanks filled with plenty of tasteful
good sweet waters. O King! After this there is a second enclosure wall, very
big and built of white copper metal (an amalgam of zinc or tin and copper); it
is so very high that it almost touches the Heavens. It is hundred times more
brilliant than the preceding enclosure wall; there are many principal entrance
gates and various trees here. What to speak of the trees there more than this
that all the trees that are found in this universe are found there and they
bear always flowers, fruits and new leaves! All the quarters are scented with
their sweet fragrance!
21-40. O King!
Now hear, in brief, the names of some of the trees that are found in abundance
there :-- Panasa, Vakula, Lodhra, Karnikâra, S’ins’apa, Deodâra, Kânchanâra,
mango, Sumeru, Likucha, Hingula, Elâ, Labanga, Kat fruit tree, Pâtala,
Muchukunda, Tâla, Tamâla, Sâla, Kankola, Nâgabhdra, Punnâga, Pîlu, Sâlvaka, Karpûra,
As’vakarna, Hastikarna, Tâlaparna, Pomegranate, Ganikâ, Bandhujîva, Jamvîra,
Kurandaka, Châmpeya, Bandhujîva, Kanakavriksa, Kâlâguru (usually coiled all
over with cobras, very black poisonous snakes), Sandaltree, Datetree,Yûthikâ,
Tâlaparnî, Sugarcane, Ksîra-tree, Khadira, Bhallâtaka, Ruchaka, Kutaja, Bel
tree and others, the Talasî and Mallikâ and other forest plants. The place is
interspersed with various forests and gardens. At intervals there are wells,
tanks, etc., adding very much to the beauty of the place. The cuckoos are
perching on every tree and they are cooing sweetly, the bees are drinking the
honey and humming all around, the trees are emitting juices and sweet fragrance
all around. The trees are casting cool nice shadows. The trees of all seasons
are seen here; on the tops of these are sitting pigeons, parrots, female birds
of the Mayanâ species and other birds of various other species. There are seen
rivers flowing at intervals carrying many juicy liquids. The Flamingoes, swans,
and other aquatic animals are playing in them. The breeze is stealing away the
perfumes of flowers and carrying it all around. The deer are following this
breeze. The wild mad peacocks are dancing with madness and the whole place
looks very nice, lovely and charming. Next this Kâmsya enclosure comes the
third enclosure wall of copper. It is square shaped and seven yojanas high.
Within this are forests of Kalpavriksas, bearing golden leaves and flowers and
fruits like gems. Their perfumes spread ten yojanas and gladden things all
around. The king of the seasons preserves always this place. The king’s seat is
made of flowers; his umbrella is of flowers; ornaments made of flowers; he
drinks the honey of the flowers; and, with rolling eyes, he lives here always
with his two wives named Madhu S’rî and Mâdhava S’rî. The two wives of Spring
have their faces always smiling. They play with bunches of flowers. This forest
is very pleasant. Oh! The honey of the flowers is seen here in abundance. The
perfumes of the full blown flowers spread
to a distance of ten yojanas. The Gandharbhas, the musicians, live here with
their wives.
41-60. The
places round this are filled with the beauties of the spring and with the
cooing of cuckoos. No doubt this place intensifies the desires of the amorous
persons! O King! Next comes the enclosure wall, made of lead. Its height is
seven yojanas. Within this enclosure there is the garden of the Santânaka tree.
The fragrance of its flowers extends to ten yojanas. The flowers look like gold
and are always in full bloom. Its fruits are very sweet. They seem to be imbued
with nectar drops. In this garden resides always the Summer Season with his two
wives S’ukra S’rî and S’uchi S’rî. The inhabitants of this place always remain
under trees; otherwise they will be scorched by summer rays. Various Siddhas
and Devas inhabit this place. The female sensualists here get their bodies all
anointed with sandal paste and all decked with flower garlands and they stalk
to and fro with fans in their hands. There is water to be found here very cool
and refreshing. And owing to heat all the people here use this water. Next to
this lead enclosure comes the wall made of brass, the fifth enclosure wall. It
is seven yojanas long. In the centre is situated the garden of Hari Chandana
trees. Its ruler is the Rainy Season.
The
lightnings are his auburn eyes; the clouds are his armour, the thunder is his
voice and the rainbow is his arrow. Surrounded by his hosts he rains
incessantly. He has twelve wives :-- (1) Nabhah S’rî, (2) Nabhahsya S’rî, (3)
Svarasya, (4) Rasyasâlinî, (5) Ambâ, (6) Dulâ, (7) Niratni, (8) Abhramantî, (9)
Megha Yantikâ, (10) Varsayantî, (11) Chivunikâ, and (12) Vâridhârâ (some say
Madamattâ). All the trees here are always seen with new leaves and entwined
with new creepers. The whole site is covered all over with fresh green leaves
and twigs. The rivers here always flow full and the current is strong, indeed!
The tanks here are very dirty like the minds of worldly persons attached to
worldly things. The devotees of the Devî, the Siddhas and the Devas and those
that consecrated in their life times tanks, wells, and reservoirs for the
satisfaction of the Devas dwell here with their wives. O King! Next to this
brass enclosure comes, the sixth enclosure wall made of five fold irons. It is
seven yojanas long. In the centre is situated the Garden of Mandâra trees. This
garden is beautified by various creepers, flowers and leaves. The Autumn season
lives here with his two wives Isalaksmî and Ûrjalaksmî and he is the ruler.
Various Siddha persons dwell here with their wives, well clothed. O King! Next
to this comes the seventh enclosure wall, seven yojanas long and built of
silver.
61-80. In the
centre is situated the garden of Pârijâta trees. They are filled with bunches
of flowers. The fragrance of these Pârijâtas extend upto the ten Yojanas and
gladden all the things all around. Those who are the Devî Bhaktas and who do
the works of the Devî are delighted with this fragrance. The Hemanta (Dewy)
season is the Regent of this place. He lives here with his two wives Saha S’rî
and Sahasya S’rî and with his hosts. Those who are of a loving nature are
pleased hereby. Those who have become perfect by performing the Vratas of the
Devî live here also. O King! Next to this silver, there comes the eighth
enclosure wall built of molten gold. It is seven Yojanas long. In the centre
there is the garden of the Kadamba tree. The trees are always covered with fruits and flowers and the honey is coming out
always from the trees from all the sides. The devotees of the Devî drink this honey
always and feel intense delight; the Dewy Season is the Regent of this place.
He resides here with his two wives Tapah S’rî and Tapasyâ S’rî and his various
hosts, and enjoys gladly various objects of enjoyments. Those who had made
various gifts for the Devî’s satisfaction, those great Siddha Purusas live here
with their wives and relatives very gladly in various enjoyments. O King! Next
to this golden enclosure well comes the ninth enclosure made of red Kum Kum
like (saffron) Pusparâga gems. The ground inside this enclosure, the ditches or
the basins for water dug round their roots are all built of Pusparâga gems.
Next to this wall there are other enclosure walls built of various other gems
and jewels; the sites, forests, trees, flowers birds, rivers, tanks, lotuses,
mandapas (halls) and their pillars are all built respectively of those gems.
Only this is to be remembered that those coming nearer and nearer to the centre
are one lakh times more brilliant than the ones receding from them. This is the
general rule observed in the construction of these enclosures and the articles
contained therein. Here the Regents of the several quarters, the Dikpâlas,
representing the sum total of the several Dikpâlas of every Brahmânda and their
guardians reside. On the eastern quarter is situated the Amarâvatî city. Here
the high-peaked mountains exist and various trees are seen. Indra, the Lord of
the Devas, dwells here. Whatever beauty exists in the separate Heavens in the
several places, one thousand times, rather more than that, exists in the Heaven
of this cosmic Indra, the thousand-eyed, here. Here Indra mounting on the
elephant Airâvata, with thunderbolt in his hand, lives with S’achî Devî and
other immortal ladies and with the hosts of the Deva forces. On the Agni
(south¬eastern) corner is the city of Agni. This represents the sum total of
the several cities of Agni in different Brahmândas.
81-100. Here
resides the Agni Deva very gladly with his two wives Svâhâ and Svadhâ and with
his Vâhana and the other Devas. On the south is situated the city of Yama, theGod
of Death. Here lives Dharma Râja with rod in his hand and with Chitragupta and several
other hosts. On the south-westen corner is the place of the Râksasas. Here resides
Nirriti with his axe in his hand and with his wife and other Râksasas. On the west
is the city of Varuna. Here Varuna râja resides with his wife Vârunî and intoxicated
with the drink of Vârunî honey; his weapon is the noose, his Vâhana is the King
of fishes and his subjects are the aquatic animals. On the north-western corner
dwells Vâyudeva. Here Pavana Deva lives
with his wife and with the Yogis perfect in the practice of Prânâyâma. He holds
a flag in his hand.
His
Vâhana, is deer and his family consists of the forty nine Vâyus. On the north resides
the Yaksas. The corpulent King of the Yaksas, Kuvera, lives here with his S’aktis
Vriddhi and Riddhi, and in possession of various gems and jewels. His generals Manibhadra,
Purna bhadra, Manimân, Manikandhara, Manibhûsa, Manisragvî, Manikar-mukadhârî,
etc., live here. On the north eastern corner is situated the Rudra loka, decked
with invaluable gems. Here dwells the Rudra Deva. On His back is kept the
arrow-case and he holds a bow in his left hand. He looks very angry and his
eyes are red with anger. There are other Rudras like him with bows and spears
and other weapons, surrounding him. The faces of some of them are distorted;
some are very horrible indeed! Fire is coming out from the mouths of some
others. Some have ten hands; some have hundred hands and some have thousand
hands; some have ten feet; some have ten heads whereas some others have three
eyes. Those who roam in the intermediate spaces between the heaven and earth,
those who move on the earth, or the Rudras mentioned in the Rudrâdhyâya all
live here. O King! Îsâna, the Regent of the north eastern quarter lives here
with Bhadrakâlî and other Mâtriganas, with Kotis and Kotis of Rudrânîs and with
Dâmarîs and Vîra Bhadras and various other S’aktis. On his neck there is a
garland of skulls, on his hand there is a ring of snakes; he wears a tiger skin;
his upper clothing is a tiger skin and his body is smeared with the ashes of
the dead. He sounds frequently his Damaru; this sound reverberates on all
sides, he makes big laughs called Attahâsya, reverberating through the heavens.
He remains always surrounded with Pramathas and Bhûtas; they live here.
Here ends the Tenth Chapter of the Twelfth Book on the
description of Mani Dvîpa in the Mahâpurânam S’rî Mad Devî Bhâgavatam of 18,000
verses by Maharsi Veda Vyâsa.
Chapter
XI
On
the description of the enclosure walls built of Padmarâga mani, etc., of the Mani
Dvîpa
1-30. Vyâsa
said :-- O King Janamejaya! Next to this Pusparâga mani enclosure wall comes
the tenth enclosure wall, made of Padmarâga mani, red like the red Kunkuma and
the Rising Sun. It is ten yojanas high. All its ground, entrance gates and
temples and arbours are all made of Padmarâga mani. Within this reside the
sixty four Kalâs or Sub-S’aktis adorned with various ornaments and holding
weapons in their hands. Each of them has a separate Loka (region) allotted and
within this Loka he has get his own formidable weapons, Vâhanas, families and
their leaders or Governors. O King! Now hear the names of the sixty four Kalâs.
They are :--Pingalâksî, Vis’âlâksî, Samriddhi, Vriddhi, S’raddhâ, Svâhâ,
Svadhâ, Mâyâ, Sañgñâ, Vasundharâ, Trîlokadhâtrî, Sâvitrî, Gâyatrî,
Tridas’es’vsrî, Surûpâ, Bahurûpâ, Skandamâtâ, Achyutapriyâ, Vimalâ, Amalâ,
Arunî, Ârunî, Prakriti, Vikriti, S’rîsti, Sthiti, Samrhiti, Sandhyâ, Mâtâ,
Satî, Hamsî, Mardikâ, Vajrikâ, Parâ, Devamâtâ, Bhagavatî, Devakî, Kamalâsanâ,
Trimukhî, Saptamukhî, Surâsura vimardinî, Lambosthî, Ûrdhakes’î, Bahusîrsâ,
Vrikodarî Ratharekhâhvayâ, S’as’irekâ, Gaganavegâ, Pavanavegâ, Bhuvanapâlâ,
Madanâturâ, Anangâ, Anangamathanâ, Anangamekhalâ, Anangakusumâ, Visvarûpâ,
Surâdikâ, Ksayamkarî, Aksyobhyâ, Satyavâdinî, Bahurûpâ, S’uchivratâ, Udârâ and
Vâgis’î. These are the sixty four Kalâs. All of them have got luminous faces
and long lolling tongues. Fire is always coming out from the faces of all of
them. The eyes of all of them are red with anger. They are uttering :-- We will
drink all the water and thus dry up the oceans; we will annihilate fire, we
will stop the flow of air and control it. Today we will devour the whole
universe and so forth. All of them have got bows and arrows in their hands; all
are eager to fight. The four quarters are being reverberated with the clashing
of their teeth. The hairs on their heads are all tawny and they stand upwards.
Each of them has one hundred Aksauhinî forces under them. O King! What more to say
than this that each of them has got power to destroy one lakh Brahmândas; and
their one hundred Aksauhinî forces also can do the same. There is nothing that
is not impracticable with them. What they cannot do cannot be conceived by mind
nor can be uttered in speech. All the war materials exist within their
enclosures. Chariots, horses, elephants, weapons, and forces all are unlimited.
All the war materials are ready at all times and in abundance. Next comes the
eleventh enclosure wall built of Gomedamani. It is ten Yojanas high. Its colour
is like the newly blown Javâ flower. All the ground, trees, tanks, houses,
pillars, birds and all other things are all red and built of Gomedamani. Here
dwell the thirty-two Mahâ S’aktis adorned with various ornament made of
Gomedamani and furnished with various weapons. They are always eager to fight.
Their eyes are always red with anger; their bees are like Pis’âchas and their
hands are like chakras (discs). “Pierce him,” “Beat him,” “Cut him,” “Tear him
asunder,” “Burn him down,” are the words constantly uttered by them. The
inhabitants of the place always worship them. Each of them has ten Aksauhinî
forces. These are inordinately powerful. It is impossible to describe that. It
seems that each S’akti can easily destroy one lakh Brahmândas. Innumerable
chariots, elephants, hordes, etc., and other vâhanas are here. Verily all the
war materials of the Devî Bhagavatî are seen in this Gomedamani enclosure.
31-51. Now I am
mentioning the auspicious, sin destroying names of these S’aktis :--Vidyâ, Hrî,
Pusti, Prajñâ, Sinî vâlî, Kuhû, Rudrâ, Viryâ, Prabhâ, Nandâ, Posanî, Riddhidâ,
S’ubhâ, Kâlarâtri, Mahârâtri, Bhadra KâIî, Kaparddinî, Vikriti, Dandi, Mundinî,
Sendukhandâ, S’ikhandinî, Nis’umbha s’umbha mathanî, Mahisâsura marddinî,
Indrânî, Rudrânî, S’ankarârdha sarîrinî, Nârî, Nirâyanî Tris’ûlinî, Pâlinî,
Ambikâ, and Hlâdinî. (See the Daksinâ Mûrti Samhitâ and other Tantras.) Never
there is any chance that they will be defeated anywhere. Hence if all those
S’aktis get angry at any time, this Brahmânda ceases to exist. Next to this
Gomeda enclosure comes the enclosure made of diamonds. It is ten yojanas high;
on all sides there are the entrance gates; the doors are hinged there with nice
mechanisms. Nice new diamond trees exist here. All the roads, royal roads,
trees, and the spaces for watering their roots, tanks, wells, reservoirs,
Sâranga and other musical instruments are all made of diamonds. Here dwells
S’rî Bhuvanes’varî Devî with Her attendants. O King! Each of them has a lakh
attendants. All of them are proud of their beauty. Some of them are holding
fans in their hands; some are holding cups for drinking water; some, betelnuts;
some are holding umbrellas; some chowries; some are holding various clothings;
some flowers; some, looking glasses; some, saffrons; some collyrium, whereas
some others are holding Sindûra (red lead). Some are ready to do the painting
works; some are anxious to champoo the feet; some are eager to make Her wear
ornaments; some are anxious to put garlands of flowers on Her neck. All of them
are skilled in various arts of enjoyments and they are all young. To gain the
Grace of the Devî, they consider the whole universe as trifling. Now I shall
mention to you the names of the attendants of the Devî, proud of their
possessing lots of amorous gestures and postures. Listen. They are :--
Anangarûpâ, Anangamadanâ, Madanâturâ, Bhuvanavegâ, Bhuvanapâlikâ,
Sarvas’is’ira, Anangavedanâ, Anangamekhalâ, these are the Eight Sakhîs. Each of
them is as fair as Vidyullatâ. Each is adorned with various ornaments and
skilled in all actions. When they walk to and fro with canes and rods in their
hands in the service of the Devî, they look as if the lightning flashes glimmer
on all sides.
52-71 On the
outer portion of the enclosure wall, on the eight sides are situated the dwelling
houses of these eight Sakhîs and they are always full of various vâhanas and
weapons. Next to this enclosure of diamond comes the thirteenth enclosure wall
made of Vaidûrya mani. Its height is ten yojanas. There are entrance gates and
doorways on the four sides. The court inside, the houses, the big roads, wells,
tanks, ponds, rivers and even the sands are all made of Vaidûrya mani. On the
eight sides reside the eight Mâtrikâs Brâhmî, etc., with their hosts. These
Mâtrikâs represent the sum-total of the individual Mâtrikâs in every Brahmânda.
Now hear their names :-- (1) Brâhmî, (2) Mâhes’varî, (3) Kaumârî, (4) Vaisnavî,
(5) Vârâhî,
(6)
Indrânî, (7) Châmundâ, and (8) Mahâ Laksmî. Their forms are like those of
Brahmâ and Rudra and others. They are always engaged in doing good to the
Universe and reside here with their own Vâhanas and weapons.
At the
four gates, the various Vâhanas of Bhagavatî remain always fully equipped.
Somewhere there are Kotis and Kotis of elephants. At some places there are
Kotis and Kotis of horses; at others there are camps, houses, at others there
are swans, lions; at others there are Garudas; at other places there are
peacocks, bulls and various other beings all fully equipped and arranged in due
order. Similarly the above mentioned animals are yoked to Kotis and Kotis of
chariots; there are coachmen (syces); at some places flags are fluttering high on
them so as to reach the heavens and thus they are adding beauty. At other
places the aerial cars are arranged in rows, countless, with various sounding
instruments in them, with flags soaring high in the Heavens and endowed with
various ensigns and emblems. O King! Next to this Vaidûrya enclosure, comes the
fourteenth enclosure wall built of Indranîlamani; its height is ten Yojanas.
The court inside, houses, roads, wells, tanks and reservoirs, etc., all are
built of Indranîlamani. There is here a lotus consisting of sixteen petals
extending to many Yojanas in width and shining like a second Sudars’ana Chakra.
On these sixteen petals reside the sixteen S’aktis of Bhagavatî, with their
hosts. Now I am mentioning the names of these. Hear :-- Karâlî, Vikârâlî, Umâ,
Sarasvatî, S’rî, Durgâ, Ûsâ, Laksmî, S’ruti, Smriti, Dhriti, S’raddhâ, Medhâ,
Mati, Kânti, and Âryâ. These are the 16 S’aktis. They all are dark blue, of the
colour of the fresh rain-cloud; they wield in their hands axes and shields. It
seems they are ever eager to fight. O King! These S’aktis are the Rulers of all
the separate S’aktis of the other Brahmândas. These are the forces of S’rî
Devî.
72-90. Being
strengthened by the Devî’s strength, these are always surrounded by various
chariots and forces, various other S’aktis follow them. If they like, they can
cause great agitation in the whole universe. Had I thousand faces, I would not
have been able to describe what an amount of strength they wield. Now I
describe the fifteenth enclosure wall. Listen. Next to this Indranîlamani
enclosure, comes the enclosure made of pearls (muktâ), very wide and ten
Yojanas high. The court inside, its space, trees, all are built of pearls.
Within this enclosure there is a lotus with eight petals, all of pearls. On these
petals reside the eight S’aktis, the advisers and ministers of the Devî. Their
appearances, weapons, dresses, enjoyments, everything is like those of S’rî
Devî. Their duty is to inform the Devî of what is going on in the Brahmândas.
They are skilled in all sciences and arts and clever in all actions. They are
very clever, skillful and clever in knowing beforehand the desires and
intentions of S’rî Devî and they perform those things accordingly. Each one of
them has many other S’aktis who also live here. By their Jñâna S’akti they know
all the news concerning the Jîvas in every Brahmânda. Now I mention the names
of those eight Sakhîs. Listen. Anangakusumâ, Anangakusumâ-turâ, Anangamadanâ,
Ananga madanâturâ, Bhuvanapâla, Gaganavegâ, S’as’irekhâ, and Gaganarekhâ. These
are the eight Sakhîs. They look red like the Rising Sun; and in their four
hands they hold noose, goad, and signs of granting boons and “no fear.” At
every instant they inform S’rî Devî of all the events of the Brahmânda. Next to
this comes the sixteenth enclosure wall made of emerald (marakata); it is ten
Yojanas high; the court inside, its space, and houses and everything are built
of emeralds (marakata mani). Here exist all the good objects of enjoyments.
This is hexagonal, of the Yantra shape. And at every corner reside the Devas.
On the eastern corner resides the four-faced Brahmâ; he lives with Gâyatrî
Devî; he holds Kamandalu, rosary, signs indicating “no fear” and Danda (rod).
The Devî Gâyatrî is also decorated with these. Here all the Vedas, Smritis, the
Purânas, and various weapons exist incarnate in their respective forms. All the
Avatâras of Brahmâ, Gâyatrî, and Vyâhritis that exist in this Brahmânda, all
live here. On the south-west corner Mahâ Visnu lives with Sâvitrî; He holds conch
shell, disc, club, and lotus. Sâvitrî has got also all these. The Avatâras of
Visnu that exist in every Brahmânda Matsya, Kûrma, etc., and all the Avatâras
of Sâvitrî that exist in every universe, all dwell in this place. On the north
western corner exists Mahâ Rudra with Sarasvatî. Both of them hold in their
hands Paras’u, rosary, signs granting boons and “no fear.”
91-110. All the
Avatâras of Rudra and Pârvatî (Gaurî, etc.) facing south that exist in all the
Brahmândas, dwell here. All the chief Âgamas, sixty four in number and all the
other Tantras reside here, incarnate in their due forms. On the south-eastern
corner, the Lord of wealth, Kuvera, of Bhagavatî, surrounded by roads and shops
resides here with Mahâ Laksmî and his hosts holding the jar of jewels (Mani
Karandikâ). On the western corner exists always Madana with Rati, holding
noose, goad, bow and arrow. All his amorous attendants reside here, incarnate
in their forms. On the north-eastern corner resides always the great hero
Ganes’a, the Remover of obstacles, holding noose and goad and with his Pusti
Devî. O King! All the Vibhûtis (manifestations) of Ganes’a that exist in all
the universes reside here. What more to say than this, that Brahmâ and the
other Devas and Devîs here represent the sum-total of all the Brahmâs and the
Devas and the Devîs that exist in all the Brahmândas. These all worship S’rî
Bhagavatî, remaining in their own spheres respectively. O King! Next come the
seventeenth enclosure wall made of Prabâla. It is red like saffron and it is
one hundred Yojanas high. As before, the court inside, the ground and the
houses all are made of Prabâla. The goddesses of the five elements, Hrillekhâ,
Gaganâ, Raktâ, Karâlikâ, and Mahochchhusmâ reside here. The colours and lustres
of the bodies of the goddessses resemble those of the elements over which they
preside respectively. All of them are proud of their youth and hold in their
four hands noose, goad and signs granting boons and “no fear.” They are dressed
like S’rî Devî and reside here always. Next to this comes the eighteenth
enclosure wall built of Navaratna (the nine jewels). It is many yojanas wide.
This enclosure wall is superior to all others and it is higher also. On the
four sides there exist innumerable houses, tanks, reservoirs, all built of
Navaratna; these belong to the Devîs, the presiding Deities of Âmnâyas (that
which is to be studied or learnt by heart; the Vedas). The ten Mahâ Vidyâs,
Kâlî, Târâ, etc., of S’rî Devî and the Mahâbhedâs, that is, their all the
Avatâras all dwell here with their respective Âvaranas, Vâhanas and ornaments.
All the Avatâras of S’rî Devî for the killing of the Daityas and for showing
favour to the devotees live here. They are Pas’amkus’es’varî, Bhuvanes’varî,
Bhairavî, Kapâla Bhuvanes’varî, Amkus’a Bhuvanes’varî, Pramâda bhuvanes’varî,
S’rî Krodha Bhuvanes’varî, Triputâs’vârûdhâ, Nityaklinnâ, Annapurnâ, Tvaritâ,
and the other avatâras of Bhuvanes’varî, and Kâlî, Târâ and the other
Mahâvidyâs are known as Mahâvidyâs. They live here with their Âvarana Devatâs,
Vâhanas, and ornaments respectively. (Note :-- The Âvarana Deities are the
attendant Deities.) Here live also the seven Kotis of Devîs presiding over the Mahâ
Mantras, all brilliant and fair like the Koti Suns. O King! Next to this
enclosure wall comes the chief and crowning palace of S’rî Devî, built of Chintâmani
gems. All the articles within this are built of Chintâmani gems. Within this
palace are seen hundreds and thousands of pillars. Some of these pillars are
built of Sûryakântamani, some are built of Chandrakânta mani, and some are
built of Vidyutkânta mani. O King! The lustre and brilliance of these pillars
is so strong that no articles within this palace are visible to the eye. (Note
:-- The face of the Goddess Kâlî is so bright that it appears like a shadow,
i.e., black.)
Here ends the Eleventh Chapter on the description of the
enclosure walls built of Padmarâga mani, etc., of the Mani Dvîpa in the
Mahâpurânam S’rî Mad Devî Bhâgavatam of 18,000 verses by Maharsi Veda Vyâsa.
Chapter
XII
On the description
of Mani Dvîpa
1-17. Vyâsa said
:-- O King Janamejaya! The Ratnagriha, above mentioned, is the Central, the
Chief and the Crowning Place of Mûla Prakriti. [The nine jewels are :-- (1)
Muktâ, (2) Mânikya, (3) Vaidûrya, (4) Gomeda, (5) Vajra, (6) Vidruma, (7)
Padmarâga, (8) Marakata, and (9) Nîla.] This is situated in the centre of all
the enclosures. Within this there are the four Mandapas, i.e., halls built of
one thousand (i. e., innumerable) pillars. These are the S’ringâra Mandapa,
Mukti Mandapa, Jñâna Mandapa and Ekânta Mandapa; on the top there are canopies
of various colours; within are many scented articles scented by the Dhûpas,
etc. The brilliance of each of these is like that of one Koti Suns. On all
sides of these four Mandapas there are nice groups of gardens of Kas’mîra,
Mallikâ, and Kunda flowers. Various scents, and scented articles, for example,
of musk, etc., are fully arranged in due order. There is a very big lotus tank
here; the steps leading to it are built of jewels. Its water is nectar, on it
are innumerable full-blown lotuses and the bees are humming always over them.
Many birds, swans, Kârandavas, etc., are swimming to and fro. The sweet scents
of lotuses are playing all round. In fact, the whole Manidvîpa is perfumed with
various scented things. Within the S’ringâra Mandapa, the Devî Bhagavatî is
situated in the centre on an Âsana (seat) and She hears the songs sung in tune
by the other Devîs along with the other Devas. Similarly sitting on the Mukti
Mandapa, She frees the Jîvas from the bondages of the world. Sitting on the
Jñâna Mandapa, She gives instructions on Jñâna, and sitting on the fourth
Ekânta Mandapa, She consults with Her ministers, the Sakhîs, Ananga Kusuma,
etc., on the creation, preservation, etc., of the universe. O King! Now I shall
describe about the main, Khâs, room of S’rî Devî. Listen. The Khâs Mahâl palace
of the Devî Bhagavatî is named S’rî Chintâmani Griha. Within this is placed the
raised platform, the dais and sofa whereon the Devî taketh Her honourable seat.
The ten S’akti-tattvas form the staircases. The four legs are (1) Brahmâ, (2)
Visnu, (3) Rudra, and (4) Mahes’vara. Sadâs’iva forms the upper covering plank.
Over this S’rî Bhuvanes’vara Mahâ Deva or the Supreme Architect of the Universe
is reigning. Now hear something about this Bhuvanes’vara. Before creation while
intending to sport, the Devî Bhagavatî divided Her Body into two parts and from
the right part created Bhuvanes’vara. He has five faces and each face has three
eyes. He has four hands and He is holding in each hand speer, signs indicating
do not fear, axe, and signs granting boons. He looks sixteen years old. The
lustre of of His Body is more beautiful then Koti Kandarpas and more fiery than
thousand Suns; and at the same time cool like Koti Suns. His colour is crystal
white, and on His left lap S’rî Bhuvanes’varî Devî is always sitting.
18-29. On the
hip of S’rî Bhuvanes’varî, is shining the girdle with small tinkling bells,
built of various jewels; the ornaments on the arms are made of burnished gold
studded with Vaidûryamanis; the Tâtanka ornaments on Her ears are very
beautiful like S’rîchakra and they enhance very much the beauty of Her lotus
face. The beauty of Her forehead vies with, or defies the Moon of the eighth
bright lunar day. Her lips challenge the fully ripened Bimba fruits. Her face
is shining with the Tilaka mark made of
musk and saffron. The divine crown on Her head is beautified with the Sun and
Moon made of jewels; the nose ornaments are like the star Venus and built of
transparent gems, looking exceedingly beautiful and shedding charming lustre
all around. The neck is decorated with necklaces built of gems and jewels. Her
breasts are nicely decorated with camphor and saffron. Her neck is shining like
a conchshell decorated with artistic designs. Her teeth look like fully ripe
pomegranate fruits. On Her head is shining the jewel crown. Her lotus face is
beautified with alakâ as if these are mad bees. Her navel is beautiful like the
whirls in the river Bhâgirathî; Her fingers are decorated with jewel rings; She
has three eyes like lotus leaves; the lustre of Her body is bright like
Padmarâgamani cut and carved and sharpened on stone. The bracelets are adorned
with jewel tinkling bells; Her neck ornaments and medals are studded with gems
and jewels. Her hands are resplendent with the lustre of the jewels on the
fingers; the braid of hair on Her head is wreathed with a garland of Mallikâ
flowers; Her bodice (short jacket) is studded with various jewels.
30-45. O King!
S’rî Devî is slightly bent down with the weight of Her very high hard breasts.
She has four hands and She is holding noose, goad and signs granting boons and
“do not fear.” The all beautiful all merciful Devî is full of love gestures and
beauties. Her voice is sweeter than that of lute; the lustre of Her body is
like Kotis and Kotis of Suns and Moons
if they rise simultaneously on the sky. The Sakhîs, attendants, the Devas and the
Devîs surround Her on all sides. Ichchâ S’akti, Jñâna S’akti, and Kriya S’akti
all are present always before the Devî. Lajjâ, Tusti, Pusti, Kîrti, Kânti,
Ksamâ, Dayâ, Buddhi, Medhâ, Smriti, and Laksmî are always seen here incarnate
in their due Forms. The nine Pîtha S’aktis, Jayâ, Vijayâ, Ajitâ, Aparâjitâ,
Nityâ, Vilâsinî, Dogdhrî, Aghorâ, and Mangalâ reside here always and are in the
service of the Devî Bhuvanes’varî. On the side of the Devî are the two oceans
of treasures; from these streams of Navaratna, gold, and seven Dhâtus
(elements) go out and assume the forms of rivers and fall into the ocean Sudhâ
Sindhu. Because such a Devî Bhuvanes’varî, resplendent with all powers and
prosperities, sits on the left lap of Bhuvanes’vara, that He has, no doubt acquired
His omnipotence. O King! Now I will describe the dimensions of the Chintâmani
Griha. Listen. It is one thousand Yojanas wide; its centre is very big; therooms
situated further and further are twice those preceding them. It lies in
Antarîksa (the intervening space) without any support. At the times of
dissolution and creation itcontracts and expands like a cloth. The lustre of
this Chintâmani Griha is comparatively far more bright and beautiful than that
of other enclosure walls. S’rî Devî Bhagavatî dwells always in this place. O
King! All the great Bhaktas of the Devî in every Brahmânda, in the Devaloka, in
Nâgaloka, in the world of men or in any other loka, all those that were engaged
in the meditation of the Devî in the sacred places of the Devî and died there,
they all come here and reside with the Devî in great joy and festivity.
46-59. On all
sides rivers are flowing; some of ghee, some of milk, curd, honey, nectar, pomegranate
juice, jambu juice, and some of mango juice, sugarcane juices are flowing on
all sides. The trees here yield fruits according to one’s desires and the wells
and tanks yield water also as people desire. Never is there any want felt here
of anything. Never are seen here diseases, sorrow, old age, decrepitude,
anxiety, anger, jealousy, and envy and other lower ideas. All the inhabitants
of this place are full of youth and look like one thousand Suns. All enjoy with
their wives and they worship S’rî Bhuvanes’varî. Some have attained Sâlokya,
some Sâmîpya, some Sârûpya and some have attained Sârsti and pass their days in
highest comfort. The Devas that are in every Brahmânda all live here and
worship S’rî Devî. The seven Koti Mahâ Mantras and Mahâ Vidyâs here assume
forms and worship the Mahâ Mâyâ S’rî Bhagavatî, Who is of the nature of Brahmâ.
O King! Thus I have described to you all about this Manidvîpa. The lustre of
Sun, Moon and Kotis and Kotis of lightnings cannot be one Kotieth of one Koti
part of Its lustre. At some places the lustre is like Vidrumamani; some places
as are illumined like the lustre of Marakata Mani; some, like Sûrya Kânta mani
and some places are rendered brilliant like Kotis and Kotis of lightnings. The
light at some places is like Sindûra; at some places like Indranîlamani; at
some places, like Mânikya, and at some places like diamond. Some places are
blazing like the conflagration of fire; and some places look like molten gold;
some places seem filled with the lustre of Chandrakântamani, and some places
look brilliant like Sûryakântamani.
60-73. The
mountains here are all built of gems and jewels; the entrance gates and enclosures
are built of gems and jewels; the trees and their leaves all are of gems; in fact
all that exist here are all of gems and jewels. At some places numbers of
peacocks are dancing; at some places cuckoos are captivating the minds of
persons by cooing in the fifth tune and at others doves and pigeons and parrots
are making sweet cackling sounds. Lakhs and lakhs of tanks are there with their
pure crystal-like waters. The Red lotuses have blown fully and enhanced the
beauty of the place. The captivating scents of these lotuses extend to a
distance one hundred Yojanas all round and gladden the minds of people. The
leaves are rustling with gentle breeze. The whole sky overhead is radiant with
the lustre of Chintâmani gems and jewels. All the sides are illuminated with
the brilliancy of the gems and jewels. O King! These jewels act like lamps. And
the sweet scented trees emit their flagrance and it is transmitted by breeze
all around. Thus these trees serve the purpose of dhûp (scent). The rays of
these gems pierce through the openings of the jewel screens on the houses and
fall on the mirrors inside, thus causing a nice brilliant appearance that
captivates the mind and causes confusion. O King! And what shall I say of this
place, more than this, that all the powers, and wealth, all the love
sentiments, all the dress suited to amorous interviews, all the splendours,
fire, energy, beauty and brilliance, the omniscience, the indomitable strength,
all the excellent qualities and all mercy and kindness are present here! The
All Comprehending Bliss and the Brahmânanda can always be witnessed here! O
King! Thus I have described to you about the Manidvîpa, the most exalted place
of the Devî Bhagavatî. At Her remembrance all the sins are instantly destroyed.
The more so, if a man remembers the Devî and about this place at the time of
death, He surely goes there. O King! He who daily reads the five Chapters,
i.e., from the eighth to this twelfth chapter, is surely untouched by any
obstacles due to the Bhûtas, Pretas and Pis’âchas. Especially the recitation of
this at the time of building a new house and at the time of Vâstuyâga ensures all good and auspiciousness.
Here ends the Twelfth Chapter of the Twelfth Book on the
description of Mani Dvîpa in the Mahâpurânam S’rî Mad Devî Bhâgavatam of 18,000
verses by Maharsi Veda Vyâsa.
These are the English Translation by Swami Vijñanananda. The whole Srimad Devi Bhagavata Maha Purana can be found Here
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