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| Jai Maa Durga |
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Shumbha's chieftains Chanda and Munda chased the fleeing Gods to know where they were going to seek shelter.
The Gods stationed at the Himalayas and began to pray to Durga with folded hands, "O the Protector of the refugees, the very embodiment of bliss, the bestower of fearlessness, succour and solace! Thou merciful one! Kindly kill the wicked demon Shumbha for the welfare of all! Free the three worlds from the threat and tyranny of the demons."
At that very juncture Goddess Parvati happened to come there to have a bath in the holy Ganga. The lotus-eyed Goddess asked the Gods, "Whom are you praying to?"
And lo! Out of her own person, Shiva Ambika emerged and said, "Vanquished by Shumbha and Nishumbha, all these Gods are praying to me!"
The demon chieftains Chanda and Munda were watching the whole scene with their eyes wide open. They were spell bound to see the resplendent beauty of Ambika Durga. They said to each other that they had never seen such a beautiful woman before.
So Chanda and Munda hurried to Shumbha and said, "Your Majesty! A bewitching beauty is beautifying the Himalayas by her charms! She is matchless and peerless. You do deserve to possess such a jewel of a woman."
Shumbha spoke out, "Bring her to me. I will marry her."
Having rushed to the Himalayas, Chanda and Munda pleaded, "O damsel! you must have heard the name of the demon king Shumbha. He is the master of the three worlds. He has all the riches, power and pelf of the three worlds. He wishes to make you his mistress."
Durga smiled and said, "I have taken a pledge that I will marry the person who will defeat me in the battle and mingle my pride into dust."
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