LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
भण्डासुर वधोद्युक्त शक्ति सेना समन्विता (65)
Bhaṇḍasura Vadhodyukta Shakti Sena Samanvita
Meaning:
Devi is all set to wage a battle against the demon Bhandasura and her army called the Shakti Sena accompanies Devi in her mission. Here the word Samanvita should be understood to mean - accompanying. The names of goddesses of her Shakti Sena find mention in the subsequent slokas.
Interpretation:
It may be recollected that the very purpose of Devi's incarnation (avataram) and her coming out of Chidagni kunda was to destroy Bhandasura.
The origin of Bhandasura and his getting that name is a funny little tale. When Lord Shiva burnt Manmatha, Chitrakarma one of Ganas of Shiva, collected the ashes and made a doll out of it. When he took it to Lord Shiva, an asura came out of it. Looking at Lord Brahma uttered the word 'Bhanda Bhanda' meaning 'Shame Shame' and thus the asura got the name Bhandasura. Since the cause of birth of Bhandasura was the third eye of Shiva, the demon was extremely powerful and absolutely unconquerable. At the same time he was evil personified.
Apart from LSN, the Brahmananda Purana also provides a detailed account of the slain of Bhandasura by Devi. Refer the following verse:
Namo namastey Jagadeka naathey Namo namah Shri Tripuraabhi dhaaney
Namo namo Bhanda Mahaasura aghney Namostu Kameshwari Vaamakeshi
Our salutations to you O - Jagadeka Naatha and Tripuraabhidaana who has the unique distinction of destroying Bhandasura by Devi Kameswari / Vaamakeshi.
Author's view:
As in several of the previous Namahs, this one also has an inner meaning attached to it. The word Bhanda can also be construed to mean Bondage. We human beings are attached to several such bondages such as ignorance, pride, lethargy, jealousy, mean mindedness etc. These evil elements are vrry strong and unconquerable like the demon. Devi needs to deploy her full force - the Shakti Sena - to remove it from our minds and pave path for our getting enlightenment.
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