93 - The discussion of Mahishasura with his ministers 

Varäha said:

1. When Närada was gone, Mahishasura began to think of the beautiful damsel spoken about by him.

2. Thinking of her, he never got peace of mind. He summoned his chief minister by name Alamšharman.

3-4. He had eight ministers who were learned, valiant and just. They werc Praghasa, Vighasa, Shañkukarna, Vibhävasu, Vidyunmáli, Sumati, Parjanya and’ Krüra. These were the principal ones. They asked their king to tell them what they should do.

5. Determined to get the damsel mentioned by Närada, the king told them:

Mahisha said:

6. Sage Närada spoke to me about a young woman. She cannot be obtained without defeating the king of gods.

7-8. You, therefore, consider the matter well and tell me how gods can be defeated and how this woman can be obtained. Please tell me quickly.

9. Thus asked, they began to say. First Praghasa said to him:

10. “O lord, she who was spoken of by Nárada to you, is the supreme power that has assumed the form of the goddess Vaishnavï.

11. A king who desires the wife of his preceptor, the wife of another king or the women in attendance on him, or cohabits with a woman prohibited for him, brings about his own doom.

12. After Praghasa, Vighasa said, “O king, what Praghasa said about that goddess is true.

13. If we all agree, then what should be done by one desirous of success, is to get that virgin goddess in marriage.

14-15. In a matter relating to a virgin, one should not act by oneself. If you all agree to what I say, then let the ministers go to her nearest relative and seek her hand for you.

16. We will first try negotiation failing which we will try to get the approval by gifts. If we still fail we try the method of threat, and finally, if necessary, we will fight.

17. If by all these processes, we fail to achieve our aims, we will march forward and carry her away by force”.

18. Vighasa’s proposal was gladly approved by all the other ministers. They said:

19. ‘‘Vighasa has said now what best we can do in this matter. Let that be done and let us send a messenger now.

20. The messenger should be pure in mind, valiant and learned in polity.

21. We should know from him about her appearance, complexion, valour, might, relations and residence.

22. After knowing all this, we may think of the further action to be taken”.

23. The king accepted the suggestion and applauded the minister Vighasa.

24. All of them then considered as to who should be sent as messenger and finally chose Vidyutprabha, who had magical powers, for the purpose.

25. Vighasa then told him: ‘‘Be victorious over the army of gods. Mobilise the Räkshasa army with all its four constituents.

26. O lord of Asuras, when the gods are defeated by you, that damsel will naturally come to you.

27-28. When the guardians of the quarters, Maruts, Nägas, Vidyädharas, Siddhas, Gandharvas, Rudras, Vasus, Ädityas, are all overcome, you will become Indra.

29. When Indra’s harem with numerous women, and the women among Devas and Gandharvas fall to you, she too will certainly do so”

30-31. Thus said, the king ordered the commander-in-chief Virüpäksha, black like the Cloud and collyrium, to get ready the army with the elephants, horses, chariots, and soldiers, in order to defeat gods and Gandharvas.

32. Commanded thus, Virüpäsha immediately got ready the invincible army.

33. Each Räkshasa in the army was adequate to defeat one god in battle.

34. Even the chieftains were nine crores in number. Thousands of Räkshasas constituted the infantry.

35. The entire force was assembled and made to march with a view to defeating the force of gods.

36. With a variety of weapons in hands and with ferocious looks, the soldiers in the army danced in delight and uttered loud cries at the prospect of victory over the gods.