14 - Manifestation of Kameshvara

The Agamas regard 'Parama-Shiva* and his Shakti (Potency) called Lalita here as superior to the trinity of the lower grade viz. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. From philosophical standpoint there is no difference between Power and Master of the Power (Shakti and Shaktiman). When the Supreme Power (Pari Shakti) Lalita is born, her consort (the Shaktiman) Parama Shiva must manifest. Here he has done so and is designated as Kameshvara due to his most beautiful form.

Hayagriva said: 

1. At the same time, Brahma, the grandfather of worlds, desirous of seeing the goddess of Devas, came there along with great sages. * 

* W. 1-8 tell us that Lalita is a Supreme Deity, all lesser gods, divinities, Siddhis etc. come to pay obeisance to her.

2. Then there arrived Vishnu seated on the son of Vinata (i.e., Garuda). Shiva too, seated on his Bull, came there to see the universal goddess. 

3. Narada and other celestial sages came in a group to the supreme Goddess. Then came the groups of celestial damsels to see that great Deity.

4-8. Vishvavasu and other Gandharvas as well as Yakshas came there. 

Then, on being commanded by Brahma, Vishvakarma, the lord, built a divine city thereon a par with (Amaravati). the city of the immortal ones. 

Then the goddess Durga, the presiding deity of all Mantras, and Syama the presiding deity of all lores, approached Ambika. 

Brahmi and other (divine) mothers came there surrounded by their respective groups of goblins. Anima and other Siddhis (spiritual achievements) and crores of Yoginis came there; Bhairavas, Kshetrapalas, Mahashasta the leader of the Ganas (groups of attendants), Mahaganeshvara (i.e., Vinayaka), Skanda, Batuka and Virabhadra came there and they bowed to the great goddess and eulogised her. 

9-13. The city was beautiful with its ramparts, arched gateways and multi-storeyed buildings. It had big stables, pens etc. to house horses, elephants and chariots. It looked splendid with many royal' pathways and roads. There were charming abodes of Samantas (barons and lords), ministers, twice-born castes, Vetalas, man-servants and maid-servants. The centrally situated royal palace was divine and was beautified with gateways and minarets. It had many halls. It was rendered splendid by means of Assembly chambers. There was a great hall of thrones. It was studded with the nine kinds of precious stones and it appeared bright and beautiful. In the middle there was a divine throne made of Gintamani (wish-yielding) stone. It was self-luminous, unparalleled and similar to the rising sun. After scrutinizing all these, Brahma the grandfather of the worlds, thought thus: 

14. "Even if he happens to be ignorant and puerile, the person who presides over this city shall excel the worlds, due to the power and influence of this city. 

15. A woman alone does not deserve to rule over a kingdom. A man too without a woman (does not so deserve it). The Shruti says that one should crown a man who has the characteristics of a great person, who has an auspicious preceptor and who is united in wedlock to a woman who is agreeable and suitable to him. 

16. This lady shines like the embodiment of presiding deity of the sentiment of love. Excepting Shankara, no one else in the three worlds can be her bridegroom. 

17-20. He has matted hairs and wears a garland of skulls. He has an uneven three numbers of eyes and holds a skull in his hand. Though fair in complexion he is of stained (black) neck. He smears ashes all over his body. Bones from the cremation ground constitute his jewels. Will that extremely auspicious lady choose him who is the abode of everything inauspicious?" 

Even as god Brahma was thinking thus, Maheshvara (Shiva) appeared in front of him assuming a form that fascinated the whole universe. He had a divine personality endowed with handsome features of ten million Kandarpas (God of Love) i.e., he was ten million times more beautiful than Kandarpa), dressed in divine robes, and wore divine garlands and was be smeared with heavenly scents and unguents. He was adorned with crown, necklaces, bracelets, earrings etc. He thus appeared in front of Brahma, assuming a form fascinating the world. 

21. Brahma, the grandfather of the worlds, embraced that youthful hero having a charming body and named him Kameshvara. 

22. Coming to the decision, "This is a befitting bridegroom for that supreme Shakti." all of them went to her accompanied by him. 

23. Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshvara eulogised Para Shakti. On seeing that fawn-eyed goddess the youthful Nilalohita (Shiva) became overwhelmed with love and forgot his activities. 

24-25. On seeing him who appeared like Samara (god of Love) who had regained his physical body, that lady of tender form was also overpowered by the god of love. She considered him (entirely) befitting herself. Being excited and afflicted by love, both of them eagerly gazed at each other. Though learned and self-controlled and especially conversant with all emotional feelings they behaved in a manner that their conduct was not comprehended by others. They were agitated and unhappy in their minds for a short while.

26-29. Then Brahma spoke to the great goddess, the sole heroine (ruler) of the world: -"These Devas, sages and groups of Gandharvas and Apsarases wish to see you the goddess in the battlefield along with your beloved husband, O Goddess who is befitting and loveable to you? Who is that blessed man? For the purpose of protecting the worlds resort to the supreme Purusha. Be the queen of this city. Be installed in this excellent throne. You will be ceremoniously crowned by the exalted, sinless divine sages. 

We wish to see you seated in the throne along with your husband. We wish to see you equipped with the emblems and insignia of imperial power, bedecked in all jewels.