19 - Deities stationed on the Chariots-Chakraraja 

The struggle between Lalita and Bhandasura is a symbolic description of the struggle between good and evil forces. Thus, the description of the chariot of Lalita is equally symbolic. For the convenience of readers, we draw the outline of steps etc. of her chariot.

Chakra-Raja

The Chariot of Lalita

Ananda-Maha-pitha

I                      Around this great seat of Bliss of Lalita are

step               stationed 15 Eternal deities of the form of time

(Kala-rupa)-They are on par with Lalita  [vide VV.

54-60]

II                    3 deities viz. Kameshi, Vajreshi and Bhagamalini

step               the most beloved of Lalita and comparable to her in

grandeur etc. [vide W. 495-53]

III                  8 Rahasya-yogini deities–Destroyers of Asuras.

step                                                                                       [vide VV. 46-49a]

IV                   10 Nigarbha-yagini deities. They are benevolent

step               giving protection, delight etc. to all [vide VV. 41-45]

V                     10 Kulottirna deities. Auspicious and kind-hearted,

step               powers such as.  Sarva-siddhi-prada 

     [vide Vv. 35-40]

VI                   12 Sampradaya deities or Ajna-shaktis Fiery

step               element predominates as they rose from the ashes

                        of Kama. [vide VVJ28-34]

VII                 6 Gupta-tara deities like Ananga-madana etc. Their

step               names show that Eroticism was their forte

[vide W. 24-27]

VIII               The Shaktis are Gupta 'secret* [vide VV. 17-23}

step               16 digits of the Moon. They are also called ‘Nitya’

Eternal Shaktis 10 Mudra devis [vide w. 3-16]

10 siddhi-devis like Anima etc. (ii) 8 Shaktis like Brahmi known as "Matrus"

IX                   All Shaktis in the IX step are Prakafa (Manifest)

step               Shaktis.

Agastya said: 

1-2. "Mention the names of those deities of manifest glory who were stationed in the steps of the leading chariot Chakraraja. O Hayagriva, mention all their numbers, their different splendid colours and the divine weapons too." 

3. "It is mentioned that ten Siddhidevis were stationed on the ninth step of the brilliant chariot. Listen to their names from me. 

4-6. They were Anima, Mahima, Laghima, Garima, Ishita, Vashita, Praptisiddhi the seventh one, Prakamyasiddhi, Muktisiddhi and the next one named Sarvakama (Siddhi). These deities had four arms. They resembled Japa flowers (China rose). They held in their hands the Chintamani (Philosopher's stone), skull, trident and collyrium leading to achievement. They were full of kindness and were resorted to by Yogins. 

7-8. There in the former half were the eight Shaktis beginning with Brahmi viz.: Erahmi, Maheshvari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Mahendri, Chamunda the seventh one and Mahālaksmī the eighth one. All of them possessed only two arms. Their person is red in complexion and they wear red garments. They held skull and lotus (in their hands). 

9-12. (Or) some mention the procedure for meditation in another manner. Those deities are glorified thus. They have the forms and sizes like those of Brahma and others. They have weapons similar to those of Brahma and others. They hold insignia and distinguishing marks of Brahma and others. 

Mudrādevis who were stationed in the region above theirs were still greater. With their hands having the lustre of lotuses, they were engaged in expressing Mudrās (Mystical Gestures). They resembled the flowers of pomegranate. They were charming in their yellow robes. They had four arms in two of which they held shields and swords. They had roving red eyes due to intoxication. Listen to their names from me. 

13-15. They were Sarvasamkshobhini, Sarvavidrāvinī, Sarvākarshanakrunmudrā, Sarvavašhańkarī, Sarvonmādanamudrā, Sarvamahāńkušhāyasti, Sarvakhecharikā Mudrā, Sarvabījā, Sarvayoni the ninth one and Sarvatrikhandikā. These three namely the Siddhis, Brāhmī, and others as well as Mudrās all these were manifest Shaktis. 

16. They were posted in the Raktaratha (Red chariot) in order to slay the Asura Bhanda. Listen from me to the names of those who were mentioned before as (deities) of secret names (Guptas). 

17-21. These were Śhaktis in the form of sixteen digits of the moon viz.: Kāmākarshanikā, Buddhyākarshanikā Kalā (Digit), Ahamkārākarshinī, Shabdākarshanikā Kalā, Sparśhākarshanikā Nityā (Eternal), Rupakarshanika Kalā, Rasakarshanikā Nityā, Gandhakarshanikā Kalā, the eternal, Chittakarshanikā, Dhairyakarshanikā Kalā, Smrutyākarshanikā Nityā, Nāmākarshanikā Kalā, Bījakarshanikā Nityā, Atmakarshanikā Kalā, Amrutākarshani Nitya and Sharirakarshini Kalā. They were in the eighth step and are glorified by the epithet Guptas (secret ones). 

22-23. They resembled the coral tree. They were charming with their smiles. They had four arms and three eyes. Their crowns shone brightly like the moon and the sun. 

Holding bows and arrows, shields and swords, O Potborn sage, they got themselves ready for slaying the Asura Bhanda. They had divine refulgence. 

24. The deities named Guptatarās stationed themselves on the seventh step of the chariot Chakraratha that had the brightness of the lamp blazing in the evening. 

25-27. They were Anangamadanā, Anangamadanāturā, Anangalekhā, Anangavegā, Anangāńkuśhā and the next one Anańgamālāńgi. These deities had the lustre of the China Rose. They held sugarcane bow, flowery arrows, boquets of flowers and lotuses. They were excessively valorous and used to abide by the commands of Lalitā. Furiously angry at Bhandasura they stood by shining brightly. 

28-31. The deities named Sampradāyas (Traditional ones) the chief among whom was Sarvasamkshobhini resorted to the sixth step of the leading chariot Chakraratha. The clusters of their tresses had been tied into an ornamental braid. The saffron mark on their foreheads shone brightly. They were excessively impetuous by nature. They had the lustre on a par with that of fire of death. They had bows and arrows of fire. They held swords in the form of Fire and shields named Vahnichakra. Their physical bodies were brightly illuminated. They were furious towards the leader of the Asuras. They rose up from the ashes of Kama. These exceedingly powerful deities were the Ajñāśhaktis (Shaktis of behest) of Lalitā. 

32-34. Their names are - Sarvasamkshobhini, Sarvavidravinī, Sarvākarshanikā Shakti, Sarvāhlādanikā, Sarvasammohini Shakti, Sarvastambhanā, shaktikā, Sarvajrumbhanashakti, Sarvonmādanaśhaktikā, Sarvārthasādhikāśhakti, Sarvasampattipūranī, Sarvamantramayī shakti and Sarvadvandvakshayankarī. Thus the names of Sampradāyā deities have been mentioned. 

35-37. Then next, the deities stationed on the fifth step are remembered as Kulottīrnas. They were like the crystals with illuminated brilliant bodies. They held axe, noose, mace, bell and jewels. With knitted brows they were excessively furious towards the enemy of the gods. 

O Pot-born sage, listen to the names of these too. 

38-40. They are goddess Sarvasiddhipradādevī, Sarvasampatpradā, goddess Sarvapriyankarī, Sarvamangalakarinī, Sarvakāmapradādevī, Sarvaduhkhavimochinī, Sarvamrutyupraśhamini, Sarvavighnanivārini, Sarvāngasundaridevi and Sarvasaubhāgyadāyinī. Thus the ten Devis have been mentioned. Their minds were filled with kindness. 

41-44. These were ten famous deities stationed on the fourth step, named Nigarbhayoginis. They have been glorified as having a lustre equal to that of a pearl necklace. 

They are Sarvajñā, Sarvashakti, Sarvaišhvaryapradā, Sarvajñānamayidevī, Sarvavyādhivināśhinī, Sarvādhārasvarūpā, Sarvapāpaharā, Sarvānandamayi Devi, Sarvarakshāsarūpini and the tenth deity should be known as Sarvepsitaphalapradā. 

45. All these should be known as having four arms. They held the thunderbolt, javelin, iron club and discus. They were ready to slay the Asura Bhanda. 

46-49a. The deities named Rahasyayoginīs were stationed on the third step of the leading chariot Chakraratha. They were wellknown presiding deities of speech. Their lustre was like that of the red Asoka (Jonesia Ashoka Roxb). They held bows, and arrows in their hands. Armours covered their whole bodies. They shone with lutes and books too. They were Vasini, Kameshĩ, Bhogini, Vimala, Aruna, Javini, Sarveshĩ: and Kaulinī. These eight deities are remembered as the cause of the slaughter of Daityas. 

49b-52. Then, three deities were stationed on the second step of the leading chariot Chakraratha. They were seated on three (different) seats. They were endowed with eight arms in which they held bows, arrows, a drinking bowl, a chitron, (fruit) and dagger as well as shields, serpentine noose and a bell of loud sound. They were intoxicated due to liquor. They used to keep secrets guardedly. They were Kāmeśhī, Vajreśhī and the other one Bhagamālinī. These three deities are remembered as ones filled with wrath towards Bhanda. 

53. They had the same greatness and grandeur as that of Lalitā and they had the same refulgence. They are glorified as one's most beloved Śhrīdevī. 

54. Then next, fifteen imperishable deities are mentioned as having fixed up their residences all round on the Ananda mahāpījha (the great seat of Bliss), on the step in the middle: of the chariot. 

55. They are also eternal in the form of Kāla (Time). They had stationed themselves after pervading the universe. Their bows indicated their agitation and fury against Bhandasura and other Daityas. 

56-59. They had their forms and persons on a par with those of the Goddess; their weapons too were like those of the Goddess. It is for rendering help to all the worlds that they exist in every Yuga. 

O Pot-born sage, comprehend fully from me their names: They are: - Kāmeshī, Bhagamālā, Nityaklinnā, Bherundā, Vahnivāsinī, Mahāvajreśhvari, Druti, Tvaritādevī, the ninth one Kulasundari, Nityā, Nīlapatākā, Vijaya, Sarvamangalā, Jvālāmālinikā and Gitrā. Thus the fifteen deities have been recounted. 

60. Accompanied by these deities whose attention was solely on rendering service, goddess Parameśhvarī set off in order to conquer the wicked Bhandasura. 

61. Seven steps are mentioned in the excellent chariot (named) Gitichakra¹ (Geyachakra also. See verse 63) that belonged to Mantrinātha and that had great wheels. There listen to those deities of the Devi. 

1. The following is the outline of the Geya Chakra or Giti-Chakra (chariot of Mantrinfnāthā Geya (giti) Chakra

I step            (i) Mantrini (ii) Sangita-Yogini The administrative head and second step to Lalitā only                           [vide W. 61-63]  

II step           Rati, Priti and Manojā (3 deities)   

[vide w. 63-64] step

III step         5 deities of arrows of Kama e.g. Drāvini, So?Ini 

5 kāmadevas below these deities e.g. Kamarāja, Kandarpa                                                 [vide W. 65-69a]

IV step         8 Shaktis or Mātru devatās (mentioned in W

 7-8 above)

8 virgin deities like Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Rati etc.                                                         [vide W69b-72a]

V step           16 deities like Vāmā, Jyesthā etc well-armed

well- armoured ready to fight (vide W. 72b 76) 

VI step         8 Bhairavas such as Asitānga, Ruru etc.

                                                                                                (vide vv. 77-79a) 

VII step       5 deities like Mātangi, Siddhalakshmi

3 Ganapas or Kshetrapālaj like Kshetrapa 

2 goddesses Lakshmi, Sarasvati 2 Treasures-Śhańkha, Padma 

10 Śhaktis of the dikpal&s (guardians of quarters) 

62. Sangītayoginī is mentioned as the most beloved deity of Shridevī. Her abode was a seat in the middle of the step in the chariot Geyachakra. 

63-64. The same first step was the place of residence of Mantrim. 

Then the deities stationed on the second step in the excellent chariot Geyachakra were Rati, Prīti and Manojā with lutes and bows in their hands. They were dark-complexioned like the Tamāla (a tree with very dark leaves). They were competent to exterminate Dānavas. 

65-69a. The deities of.the arrows of the god of Love were stationed on the third step. They were five viz.: Drāvini, Shosinī, Bandhini, Mohini and Unmādinī. All these five had resplendent bows in their hands. There on the same step were stationed five too beneath the deities. They were Kāmarāja, Kandarpa, Manmatha, Makaradhvaja and the fifth one Manobhava. All these were capable of enchanting the three worlds. Marks on their foreheads with Kastūri (Musk) shone brilliantly. They glittered with pearls. Their entire body was covered with armour. They had the lustre of flowers of Palāśha (Butea Frondosa). They are called Pañchakāmas (Five Kāmas or gods of Love). They eagerly sought the killing of Bhandāsura. 

69b-72a. The deities mentioned before, the chief of whom was Brāhmi and the eighth one was Chandikā (instead of Mahālakshmī as in vv. 7 and 8 above) stationed on the fourth step of the leading chariot Geyachakra. There in the same step but beneath them were Lakshmī, Sarasvati, Rati, Piiti, Kīrti, śhānti, Pusti and Tusti. These Shaktis are mentioned as Kumāris (Virgins), O Pot-born sage. Their eyes were red due to anger. They held Kuntas (Lances, spears) and discus in order to kill Daitya of great strength. 

72b-76. There were sixteen other deities beginning with Vāmā. They were stationed on the fifth step of that prominent chariot Gītichakra. Listen to their names from me-Vāmā, Jyesthā, Raudrī, Śhānti, Śhraddhā, Sarasvati, ŚhrībhūŚhakti, Lakshmī Srushti, Mohini, Pramāthinī, Aśhvasinī, Vīchi, Vidyunmālinī, Surānandā and Nāgabuddhikā. 

They had the lustre of ruby. They were eagerly desirous of agitating the entire universe. At every step, they made elaborate preparations for the great battle*. They were covered with adamantine armours. Others were engaged in loud boisterous laughs. They held various weapons and missiles such as the thunderbolt, batons, Shataghnīs and Bhuśhundikās 

*N.xii.77 reads correctly: Mahā-samara-sannāha. 

77-79a. Then those stationed on the sixth step of the leading chariot Gīti (i.e. Gītichakra) were the Bhairavas beginning with Asitānga. They were dreadful due to their weapons. They held the trident and the drinking bowl. They were blue-complexioned. They were-Asitānga, Ruru, Ganda, Krodha, Unmattabhairava, Kapālī, Bhisana and Sarhhāra these were the eight Bhairavas. 

79b-80. Then, stationed on the seventh step of the leading chariot Gīti were Mātangi, Siddhalakshmī, Mahāmātangikā and Mahatī, Siddhalakshmī repeated again. They were red complexioned. They held bows and arrows. 

81-86a. Beneath the same step were stationed Ganapa (the heads of Ganas, Kshetrapālas), Kshetrapa, Durgāmbā and Batuka with weapons in their hands. There itself, beneath the step were stationed Lakshmī, Sarasvatī, and the treasures Shańkha and Padma-all of them held weapons in their hands. They were furious with Bhanda of fierce valour and exploits, the enemy of the entire world. 

The ten leaders of the quarters beginning with Shakra and ending with Vishnu were stationed in the same step but beneath, in the forms of Śhaktis. They held thunderbolt, spear, Kāladanda (staff of Kala), a sword, a noose, a flag, a mace, a trident, the missile of Darbha grass and the discus. They devoutly served Mantrināthā always in order to destroy the Asura followers, the wicked unbelievers, of Bhanda, thorns for the whole of the universe. 

86b-90a. The protectors of the cardinal points resorted to the Gitichakra because they were eager to remind and inform Lalitā (about the task of slaying Bhanda) through the of Mantrināthā. All the submissions (and petitions of request) of all Devas to Mahādevī yielded results if they were submitted through Mantrini.¹ 

1. Procedure of appeals etc. to Lalita and the functions of Mantrini. 

Petitions to a queen submitted through the important ones result in the acquisition of fruit by the servants. 

Otherwise, how could they even approach Shridevi whose refulgence was blazing forth and whose prowess' was invincible. 

90b-92. Because she was the deity of the lore of Music, she was the most beloved one of Shridevī. In the case of fulfilment of tasks, she never transgresses what is mentioned by her. In the shakti empire of Śhrīdevī, the deity Mantrinī was powerful enough to do, undo and alter all activities or to refrain from doing anything. Hence, all protectors of the quarters, desirous of victory of Shrīdevī continued to serve Mantrini who was her chief Aide. 

93-95. Thus, the names of all deities stationed in the steps of excellent chariot named Gakrarāja of Lalitādevi have been completely recounted. 

Her divine weapons for the purpose of slaying Bhandasura have also been mentioned. 

The deities on the steps of Geyachakra have also been mentioned. 

Those men who listen to these names of all deities shall be liberated from all sins. They shall be victorious.