Once there lived a cruel asura named Durgamasur he was very cruel. He was born in the family of Hiranyaksha. Once he thought that he must attain the Vedas and that he must get his fair share from fire sacrifices. So, he meditated upon Brahma for thousand years. Brahma, became pleased with appeared and gave him the boon he longed for.
From that time, the sages forgot all about the Vedas and all rites and rituals became extinct. The sages began to wonder how they forgot the Vedas and wondered where they went. The Gods became gradually weaker and weaker, not getting their share of the sacrificial offerings.
At this time, that demon invaded the city of heaven. And the Gods, not being able to fight with him took refuge in the caves of the mountain Sumeru and began to meditate on Goddess Parasakthi.
It is said that, when the offered to the Fire, those get transferred to the Sun and get transformed as rains. So when the Homa ceremonies disappeared, there was the scarcity of rain. The earth became quite dry and not a drop of water was found anywhere. Countless people and animals lost their lives. When such calamities were seen, the calm and quiet saints, in their earnestness to worship the Supreme Goddess, began to worship daily with their penance, meditation and worship.
The divine mother appeared with all Beauty and mercy. She began to shed waters from Her eyes. For nine nights continuously, the heavy rains poured down out of the waters flowing from Her eyes. Seeing the misery of all the people, out of pity, She showered incessantly tears from Her eyes; and all the people and Gods felt satisfied and began to praise her.
Devi transformed her appearance into a wonderful form with eyes all over her body and eight hands. She held foods like grains, cereals, vegetables, greens, fruits and other herbs, this new form of Goddess is known as Shakambhari. She is said to have so many eyes so that she doesn't miss it delay on anyone. She fed every living being with their needs until the earth stabilized with necessary good and water. The name Shakambhari means nourishing all by vegetables and greens.
Parvati got to know about Durgamasur's evil intentions, so she sent a lady messenger to make him to give the Vedas back to Brahma and also to give back the heaven to Indra. Durgamasur didn't want to, Parvati's messenger was angry and warned him to make preparations for his death.
Great tumult arose. A great battle arose and divine mother took various forms to nullify his army and finally with 15 arrows brought him down.
The three worlds, then, assumed a peaceful appearance when that greatly powerful demon was killed. Then Hari, Hara, Brahma and the other Devas began to praise and chant hymns to the World Mother with great devotion and in voices, choked with feelings. Thus when Brahma, Vishnu, Hara and the other Gods praised and chanted various hymns to the Devi and worshipped Her with various excellent articles, she became instantly pleased. Then the Devi, graciously pleased, handed over the Vedas to the sages. This Devi was praised as Durga for defeating Durgamasura.
It's the mother who feeds us in time of need. Remembering her always is our duty. It holds good in both material and spiritual world.
Jai jai Shakambhari! Jai Maa Durge!
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