LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
महा पाशुपतास्त्राग्नि निर्दग्धा असुर सैनिका
(81)
Maha Pashupata Astra Agnir Dagdha Asura Sainika (81)
Meaning:
Devi burnt the army of the demons (Bhandasura) with the Astra called Maha-Paashupata (belonging to and given to her by Lord Shiva) . This Astra produced fire that caused the destruction of the entire enemy camp.
Interpretation:
Pashupata Astra is the most powerful weapon of Lord Shiva. It, along with Brahmastra of Lord Brahma and Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu, is considered one of the deadliest weapons. Like the other two, it has no equivalent and can be used only once.
While chanting the above Namah, care should be taken to pronounce it properly. It should be Nir Dagda Asura Sainika (meaning Devi burning the army of Asuras). When continuously read it would be Nirdagadasurasainika which would mean Devi destroying the army of the Devas.
The Battle with Bhandasura
After the series of exchanges of Astras where Bhandasura re-created several Asuras and Devi responded with re-creating the Dashavatara forms of Lord Maha Vishnu, Bhandasura employed the Maha Mohanastra which resulted in the soldiers on the Shakti Sena becoming unconscious.
For a very brief period, Bhanda seemed to have the upper hand and he started roaring and laughing loudly and celebrating victory in advance. Devi ended his joy by nullifying the Maha Mohana Astra by her powerful Shambhava Astra.
The fourth day's battle was coming to an end and Devi did not want to prolong it any longer. With the help of Narayanastra, Lalithambika destroyed the whole army of Bhandasura and immediately followed it up by releasing Pashupata Astra that created a huge fire, the fire of destruction,called Kaalagni burning down the enemy's camp causing massive damages.
Author's Notes:
The reason behind Devi deploying the Pashupata Astra and burning the entire army of Asuras should be clearly understood. The soldiers of Asura army of Bhanda are no different from the soldiers of Shakti Sena of Devi, when it comes to following the Karma theory. The only difference being in their adopting the path - the one on Devi's side, choosing the righteous, the Virtuous path or the path of Dharma and the other the evil way or Adharma.
That's why Devi is burning them - it is not exactly burning but a process of purification before granting them Mukti or total Liberation. Agni or fire is believed to cleans all impurities.
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