From a satsang with Pt. Dr. Umesh Persad, Spiritual Leader, Shiva Shakti Mandir of Marion Oaks, Florida, USA
In the worldview of Sanaatan Dharma, the essence of all existence is the One Supreme. However, like fish swimming in the vast ocean, we often identify with the fish rather than recognising ourselves as part of the ocean itself. Similarly, we see the fleeting clouds but fail to identify as part of the eternal sky. We focus on the printed words of a newspaper yet overlook the unchanging paper on which they are written. In the same way, we identify with the transient story projected on the cinema screen, forgetting the unchanging screen beneath. These metaphors teach us that while we are immersed in the changing forms and stories of life, our true essence lies in the eternal—the source, the infinite, the background of all existence. Sanaatan Dharma reminds us that we are not the story or the characters but the eternal screen on which the story unfolds.
Mahaa Saraswati is revered as the Goddess of knowledge, yet her deeper significance is as a symbol of oneness. The stories of the Devis projecting and reabsorbing themselves reflect the interconnectedness of all creation. All forms of the divine and the sacred murtis are symbolic representations of eternal principles. The ultimate truth is the Supreme Reality that transcends all forms and names.
In the Devi Mahatmya, found within the Markandeya Puraana, we encounter the profound story of Mahaa Saraswati. This narrative illustrates the eternal battle between light and darkness, good and evil—both within the world and within ourselves.
The Story of Mahaa Saraswati and the Defeat of the Demons
Once, two powerful demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha, brought chaos to the universe. They usurped the blessings of sacrifice and goodness, leaving the Devas powerless. Seeking aid, the Devas retreated to the Himalayas, the mountain of stillness, and prayed to Vishnu Maayaa, the Supreme Devi, embodied as Parvati Devi. Answering their call, Parvati projected a radiant form of herself—Mahaa Saraswati, also known as Kaushiki Devi.
The luminous goddess, with eight arms and unmatched beauty, assured the Devas of her help. When Shumbha’s henchmen, Chanda and Moonda, spotted her, they informed their master, who sent his messenger Sugreeva to propose marriage. Mahaa Saraswati, however, declared that she would only marry one who could defeat her in battle.
Thus began a fierce conflict. The Goddess vanquished Dhoomralochan, reduced Chanda and Moonda to ashes through the power of Kaali Maa, and destroyed Raktabeeja, whose blood spawned numerous copies of himself. Finally, Mahaa Saraswati faced Shumbha and Nishumbha in an epic battle. With her trident, she struck them down, liberating the universe from their tyranny. The Devas sang her praises as she appeared, radiant and resplendent, holding eight divine weapons: a lotus, trident, plough, conch, discus, bow, arrow and mace.
The Eternal Message of the Devi Mahatmya
Mahaa Saraswati represents the eternal energy of the universe, a force that permeates everything, including ourselves. The demons she battles symbolise the inner struggles we face. The defeat of these demons is a metaphor for self-realisation—the moment we transcend the illusions of individuality and separation.
Each demon reflects a psychological challenge:
- Chanda and Moonda symbolise attraction and aversion.
- Dhoomralochan represents clouded vision or delusion.
- Raktabeeja embodies unending desires that multiply uncontrollably.
- Shumbha signifies ego, the sense of “I”, while Nishumbha represents attachment, the sense of “mine”.
The Devi’s eight hands, holding eight weapons, signify the destruction of the ashta pasha (the eight bonds) that bind us to ignorance and suffering: hatred, shame, fear, doubt, reproach, entitlement, attachment to lineage and pride in virtue. By recognising these subtle obstacles within ourselves and surrendering to the Supreme, we can achieve liberation.
The path to self-realisation lies in paying attention to the internal battle, surrendering to divinity through prayer, meditation and self-observation. With the grace of Mahaa Saraswati, the ego and attachments that obscure our true nature can be dissolved, allowing us to merge with the infinite.
