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History

"Shri Mangala Devi Mahatme"

(The legend and historical background)

(Stala Purana)

Our Scriptures tell us about Lord Shrihari's incarnations on this earth time and again, in order to protect His devotees by means of destroying evil forces. There are also references in Puranas to Mother Goddess' appearance on the earth fulfill the same mission

Once the great seven sages ( Sapta Rishis ) came to Vaikunta to meet Lord Vishnu. The door keepers of Vaikunta Jaya and Vijaya prevented them from meeting Maha Vishnu . The Rishis , taking it as great insult cursed them to be borne on the earth.

Terrified by this curse Jaya and Vijaya were at a loss to know how to save themselves from the deprivation of Vaikunta. They seek forgiveness and succour from the Lord, as there was no means of circumventing the curse of great sages. It was inevitable for them to be borne on earth. However , the merciful God gave them the option of ten lives on the earth as His devotees or that of three lives as His enemies . The repentant door-keepers opted for three births so that they could come back to Vaikunta at the earliest. Lord Vishnu granted their prayer promising to redeem them each time. 

As decreed by their destiny Jaya and Vijaya took birth as Hiranyaksha and Hiranykashyapu. They became bitter enemies of Vishnu. They became so powerful that they unseated Devendra from his throne and indulged in the persecution of Lord Vishnu's devotees, saints and sages. Vishnu incarnating as Varaha and Narasimha killed Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashyapu respectively. He restored Devendra to his throne and brought happiness and prosperity to His devotees.

Having got rid of the two formidable enemies , the devatas heaved a sigh of relief and resumed their indulgence in heavenly pleasures. On such a day when they were enjoying the dance recital of Apsaras, Narada happened to visit Indra. He was welcomed with love and reverence. Indra, very casually enquired about the goings on around the world. In response to his enquiry in a tone of warning Narada advised him to be vigilant as bad days were in store for him. Alerted by this warning , Indra evinced great interest in knowing the source of his troubles.

Narada forewarned him about the war preparations of Vikhasini, the daughter of Hiranyakashyapu. Of course Devendra laughed away the possible threat from a woman, However, having  sounded the warning bell Narada took his leave.

Vikhasini's ( Daughter of Hiranyakashyapu, queen of Shonithapura ) pleasure and pastime was persecution of innocent and virtuous people. Not content with these, she encouraged her army chief to attack Devaloka. When the army of demons besieged Devaloka, Indra faced them brandishing his Vajrayudha and riding his Airavata. But the enemy proved to be too strong for him and he was forced to flee from Devaloka with all his followers. Seeing Indra's throne vacant the demons occupied it with pomp and pride. But the king of Yakshas did not allow their victory to last long . He slew their chief and drove them out of Indraloka.

The news of the death of the stalwarts of her army left Vikhasini badly humbled and shattered. She realised that without the grace of God her earthly powers were futile. She made up her mind to do penance and propitiate Brahma so that she could get a son by his grace who would be powerful enough to avenge the insult and penury suffered by her because of Lord Vishnu and Devatas.

Having entrusted her state responsibilities to her minister, Vikhasini entered a forest and commenced her severe penance devoted to Brahma. When it proved to be futile she decided to offer her mortal body to the sacrificial fire. Brahma appeared before her, immensely pleased with her devotion. He offered to satisfy her wants. Elated by the grace of Brahma Vikhasini said, "Lord grant me a son who can slay Vishnu, the slayer of my father." Brahma had to tell her that Threemoorthies are deathless. But in the form of a boon promised her that she would beget a son from Lord Shiva and he would be valiant and invincible. This boon brought Vikhasini boundless pleasure, and quite contended , she returned to her kingdom.

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