sample copy. not for distribution. - educreation.in · vi 30. maa radha 100 31. maa yashoda 103 32....

Sample Copy. Not For Distribution.

i

Maa - The Universal Mother


ii

Publishing-in-support-of,

EDUCREATION PUBLISHING

RZ 94, Sector - 6, Dwarka, New Delhi - 110075 Shubham Vihar, Mangla, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh - 495001

Website: www.educreation.in

________________________________________________________________

© Copyright, Authors

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of its writer.

ISBN: 978-1-5457-0767-8

Price: `305.00

The opinions/ contents expressed in this book are solely of the authors and do not represent the opinions/ standings/ thoughts of Educreation or the Editors .The book is released by using the services of self-publishing house.

Printed in India


iii

Maa The Universal Mother

Prem P. Bhalla

EDUCREATION PUBLISHING (Since 2011)

www.educreation.in


iv


v

Contents List

S.No. Subject Page

Preface

vii

1. Mother 1

2. Maharishi Ved Vyas 4

3. Creation of the Universe 8

4. The Death of Durgam 14

5. The Five Goddesses 16

6. Maa Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Ganga 18

7. Maa Ganga 21

8. Maa Sarasvati 26

9. Maa Lakshmi 30

10. Maa Parvati 35

11. Maa Durga 39

12. Maa Vaishno Devi 43

13. Maa Tulsi 47

14. Maa Savitri Devi 54

15. Maa Gayatri Devi 57

16. Maa Kaali 59

17. Maa Manasa Devi 61

18. Maa Jwalamukhi 63

19. Maa Chhinmastika Devi 65

20. Mahavidya 67

21. Maa Svaha Devi and Svadha Devi 72

22. Shakti Peeth 75

23. Panchkanya 79

24. Ahalya 81

25. Draupadi 84

26. Kunti 88

27. Tara 91

28. Mandodari 93

29. Maa Sita 96


vi

30. Maa Radha 100

31. Maa Yashoda 103

32. Maa Annpurna Devi 105

33. Maa Santoshi 107

34. Markandey Rishi 109

35. Durga Saptshati – 1 112













48. Pleasing the Mother Goddess 153

49. Navratri 155

50. Navratri and the Nine Goddesses 161

51. 108 Names of Durga 169

52. Mother Goddess Around the World 171

53. Vande Mataram 173

54. Love for Mother 175

55. The Modern Scenario 179

56. The Universal Mother 182


vii

Preface

We owe our existence to our mothers. A mother gives us birth,

feeds us and protects us from harm. If it weren‟t for her it is

unlikely that we would have survived. This is true for you, me and

everyone else. The entire world is in existence because of mothers.

Before becoming a mother, a female child gives the pleasure of

being a daughter, a sister and wife. Motherhood follows. She

plays a key role in the existence of mankind. It is unfortunate

when young girls or women are mistreated and exploited. If they

retaliate to brutal activities they are well justified.

Exploitation of women is not a new phenomenon. It has always

existed. Only the extent might have varied from one generation to

another.

Hinduism, or Sanatan Dharm, based upon the need to respect

nature and its complex ways, has always respected the female form

as a mother. It is a mother who imparts knowledge and values to a

child. This aspect of motherhood has always been respected in the

form of Maa Sarasvati. Again, it is the mother who handles the

affairs of the home ensuring the welfare and prosperity of the

family. This aspect of motherhood has always been respected in

the form of Maa Lakshmi. Mothers love, are patient and forgiving.

Yet when the child is stubborn and wayward they are quick to

punish. This aspect of motherhood has forever been respected in

her form as Maa Parvati.

Life is far more complex than what many of us would like to

imagine. Motherhood is not restricted to the three aspects we have

just considered. In life we have the examples of “panch-kanya”, or

the five maidens, Ahalya, Draupadi, Kunti, Tara and Mandodari,

all of whom faced adverse circumstances, and yet with the strength

that distinguishes a mother each one of them is venerated. We also

have examples of Sri Krishna‟s Radha, Sri Ram‟s Sita and of

Yashoda, who displayed unique aspects of motherhood. Maa

Savitri, Maa Gayatri, Maa Ganga and Maa Tulsi have other

messages for us. Our search for knowledge is not restricted to Maa


viii

Sarasvati, but extends to “Das Vidyaein” or the ten forms of

knowledge each represented by a mother goddess. We need the

help of Maa Svaha, consort of Agni, the fire-god, to convey our

offerings to the gods, and also that of Maa Svadha to convey our

offerings to our forefathers.

Offering prayers has always been looked upon as serious work.

But celebrating Navratri, the nine nights with the Mother Goddess,

twice a year, has always been as much fun and frolic, as it is a

period of solemn prayer and self-introspection to rise from the

darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge and well-being.

There are two significant writings about the Mother Goddess –

Rishi Ved Vyas‟s Devi Puran and Rishi Markandey‟s Devi

Mahatmyam. Both are popular with devotees. Few can read or

understand the original versions. For convenience the texts have

been translated into Hindi and several other languages. They relate

more to Maa Durga than to the other forms of the Goddess.

The modern generation is no less interested to learn about the

Mother Goddess, as were the forefathers. Many have moved from

the smaller towns to larger cities and even to other countries

around the world. This has not lessened their desire to keep in

touch with the rich Indian culture.

Maa – The Universal Motherexplains the concept of the

Mother Goddess manifested in many forms. It appreciates the

strength of a mother in bringing harmony to our lives through

devotion and compassion. Ignorance can be dispelled only through

appreciation of the truth. Hindu literature in English is limited in

extent and scope. An effort has been made to give a wider concept

of the Mother Goddess and include details of popular

manifestations.

I am grateful to Graphic Impressions, Mumbai, and others for

the line drawings included in the book.

If this book can motivate the reader to give greater respect to

one‟s mother and to women, I would feel amply compensated for

writing it. May the Mother Goddess bless you at all times?

- Prem P. Bhalla



1

Mother

The female parent is called a mother; the male parent is called a

father. While a father‟s role in giving birth to a child is brief, a

mother‟s role is complex. A mother nurtures a baby in her womb.

On birth, she feeds it on her milk until the baby is ready to survive

on other food. The milk helps nourish and also build immunity to

the lurking dangers in the environment. As a part of her flesh and

blood, and the emotions that go into giving birth to a child, she

develops a unique bond with the child.

Experience has repeatedly convinced us that no bond could be as

strong as that between a mother and her child. For a mother the

child continues to be special throughout her life. A child may or

may not experience the intensity of similar affection for several

reasons. To a mother, her child is always her first priority.

If it weren‟t for the strong bond

or the emotions that a mother has

for her child, many of us would

not have been in existence. A

mother, like God, gives

unconditionally to her child

making her relationship very

special.

In Manu Smriti it is said: A

teacher must be respected; a

spiritual teacher must be given ten times the respect given to a

teacher. A father is worthy of a hundred times of respect and a

mother a thousand times more. Such has been the importance of a

mother at all times.

1


Prem P. Bhalla

2

Mothers are universally the same. They have similar instincts.

However, in some societies and cultures the circumstances,

particularly the economic considerations, have influenced the

attachment between a mother and child.

Strangely, despite vast variations in cultures and languages

amongst people all over the world, there is great similarity in the

way the female parent is called. The word „mother‟ has come from

the Old English „mōdor‟, in Latin it is „māter‟, in German it is

„mutter‟, in Dutch it is „moeder‟, in Hindi it is „mata‟, in Sanskrit it

is „mātr‟ and in Persian it is „madar‟. The first word a child utters

is „ma‟ or „maa‟, and universally everyone understands that when

you call out „mum‟ or „mom‟, you are calling out to mother.

Women who might not be the biological mothers, but have

adopted a child or have raised the child in the absence of the

mother would also be called a mother. It is also common to call a

woman who exercises control or authority to be called a mother.

Women who extend maternal affection would also be referred to as

a mother. In a convent or a hermitage where women who have

given up family life and live as nuns, the head-nun is addressed as

mother.

A mother is a person or a being that gives love and protection

unconditionally. In this sense it is common for people to refer to

land as „Mother Earth‟ and to one‟s country as the Motherland.

People can be very sensitive about this. The love for one‟s land or

country or nation promotes belongingness and patriotism. It is this

feeling that motivated millions of people in the history of mankind

to have given up their lives in war to protect ideals and the

frontiers of their Motherland.

Almost all religions of the world refer to the role of a mother in

everyday life. Mothers are revered and are also the subject of

certain expectations. However, it is Hinduism alone that not only

reveres the Goddess Mother, but millions pray exclusively to her

and her manifestations. Innumerable temples are dedicated to the

Goddess who is known by more than a thousand names.



3

Twice a year during Navratri millions of people exclusively pray

to and celebrate the Mother Goddess for nine nights or ten days

each time. Even at other times the Mother Goddess is revered as

one who gives knowledge and wisdom, and also one who gives

prosperity and wealth. She protects mankind just as a mother

would protect her own child. Mother Goddess has kept this faith

alive for thousands of years through ways that are hard to explain.

The Hindu religious literature is principally in Sanskrit from

where it has been translated into many languages both at national

and international level. The current work tries to reach out to

English speaking Hindu devotees not only within India, but also to

those who have out of economic necessity moved out from the

country to all parts of the world and are unable to access or analyse

the complex religious beliefs that emanate not from one Goddess,

but a series of them said to be incarnations of the Presiding Mother

Goddess.

The modern young person seeks reason and proof to accept

many of the beliefs that have passed on over hundreds of years

from one generation to another. What exists on record and forms

the foundation of the beliefs is placed before you in an easy-to-

understand form. Many comments are included for a person to

look at the situation from a wider perspective. The ultimate

interpretation would depend upon the faith and the beliefs of the

reader and how he or she looks at it.


Prem P. Bhalla

4

Maharishi Ved Vyas

More than two thousand five hundred years ago Parashar Rishi and

Satyavati were blessed with a son whom they named Krishna

Dvaipayan. He was called Krishna because he was dark

complexioned. Since he was born on a „dweep‟, meaning an

island, the word Dvaipayan was added to Krishna. However, he

was not known by this name for long.

He was still a small child when

he went to the forest to perform

penance and sacrifices. He went

on to acquire great knowledge and

became a writer. He is to this day

acknowledged for his significant

contributions to Hindu literature.

He was named Rishi Ved Vyas

because he classified and

compiled the knowledge of the

Vedas. He is known to be the

founder of the Vedantic philosophy.

A prolific writer, besides classifying the Vedas he wrote several

Upanishads, Purans and the great epic Mahabharat, which is often

referred to as the fifth Veda. The Bhagavad-Gita, renowned all

over the world forms a part of the great epic.

On one occasion Narad Muni, the celestial sage, suggested that

Rishi Ved Vyas should have a son. He was blessed with a son

born through Apsara Ghritachi. They named him Shuk. Rishi

Ved Vyas initially requested Brihaspati, the Guru of the Gods, to

educate Shuk, but later provided him guidance personally. The son

went on to become a great learned sage in his own right and was

well known as Shukdev.

2



5

Rishi Ved Vyas was known for his knowledge and experience.

When King Vichitravirya, another son of Satyavati, died without

leaving an heir to the throne, Satyavati asked Vyas to have sons

through his widows. Pandu was born to Ambalika, the blind

Dhritrashtra to Ambika and Vidur to Ambalika‟s maid.

Rishi Ved Vyas had blessed Gandhari, wife of Dhritrashtra, that

she would have a hundred sons. He loved both the Pandavs and

the Kauravs. However, their differences could not be reconciled.

A witness to the great battle, he blessed Sanjay that he could see

Mahabharat from where he sat so that he could relate the details to

blind Dhritrashtra.

At the end of Mahabharat he consoled and pacified Gandhari at

the loss of her hundred sons. At the same time he encouraged

Yudhisthir to become king of Hastinapur. He also visited

Dhritrashtra, Gandhari and Kunti when they finally left the

kingdom and moved to a forest. He blessed them that they could

see their dead sons and those who had died during Mahabharat for

a day.

A man of great knowledge and vision that is worthy of great

appreciation, the contribution of Maharishi Ved Vyas to Hindu

scriptures is exemplary. Out of the eighteen Purans that he wrote

one that stands out amongst others is the Devi Bhagwat Puran that

highlights the role of the Mother Goddess in Hindu scriptures. It is

written in the form of a dialogue between Shukdev and the

devotees eager to know about the Mother Goddess.

Devi Bhagwat Puran is written in Sanskrit in 18,000 stanzas

divided into 318 chapters in 12 sections. It is said to be originally

written by Maharishi Ved Vyas. In the Puran Shukdev describes

the attributes of Mother Goddess Jagdambika to learned sages

eager to learn about her. He explains to them how the Goddess

created the universe and manifests in several forms to maintain a

balance between the good and evil. He reiterates that the reading

and the hearing of the Puran rids everyone of ignorance, conflicts,

grief and suffering. Just as darkness vanishes when the sun rises,


Prem P. Bhalla

6

hearing and learning about the Mother Goddess clears away doubts

and worries and frees a person from sins and evil.

Shukdev explains that while his Guru Maharishi Ved Vyas

entrusted him the responsibility of propagating seventeen Purans,

he personally narrated the Devi Bhagwat Puran to king Janmejay

whose father king Parikshat had died because of snake-bite. In the

last days of his life king Parikshat had, in his quest for self-

realisation, heard the Bhagwat Puran dedicated to the life of Sri

Krishna. He had simultaneously meditated upon Devi Bhagwat

Puran and offered prayers to Mother Goddess Jagdamba, who

blessed him.

On another occasion when Narad met Vasudev and Devki,

parents of Sri Krishna, Vasudev told Narad how his prayers to

Mother Goddess Jagdamba were answered. He was at that time in

the midst of the worst time of his life.

Evil Kans had overthrown his own father king Ugrasen and

holding him in bondage forcibly taken over as the ruler of

Mathura. When he received a celestial warning that the eighth son

of his sister Devki would be the cause of his death, Kans was quick

to put his sister Devki and her husband Vasudev in prison. When

they were blessed with their first son in prison, Kans did not want

to take any chances and killed him. Then came the second; he too

met a similar fate. Then the third and the fourth sons were born.

Kans spared none. This way Vasudev and Devki had given birth to

six sons, but each was killed soon after birth. The couple could

bear it no longer. As a last resort Vasudev invited the family priest

Maharishi Garg to the prison and told him how frustrated he and

Devki were because of the evil Kans.

Maharishi Garg heard about the woes of the couple very

patiently and suggested that the couple should meditate upon the

Mother Goddess Jagdamba by hearing the Devi Bhagwat Puran.

Vasudev explained that it would not be possible to follow the

rituals and conduct an appropriate rendition of the holy Puran

within the limitations of a prison. He was in complete agreement

that it would relieve and free them from their frustrations and



7

requested Maharishi Garg to conduct the same on their behalf.

Accepting Vasudev‟s request Maharishi Garg went to Vindhyachal

and accompanied by Brahmins he conducted the yagya over nine

days.

Pleased with their devotion at the end of the yagya there was a

celestial call from the Mother Goddess that she was pleased with

Vasudev and Devki and had persuaded Lord Vishnu to incarnate

on earth as their eighth son who would end the rule of

unrighteousness. The Mother Goddess also explained that at the

time of the birth the baby must immediately be transferred over to

the home of Nand and Yashoda in Gokul. At the same time a

daughter would be born to Yashoda. The baby boy must be left

with Yashoda and the girl brought to prison to be placed beside

Devki. When Kans arrives they can hand over the daughter to

Kans. When Kans will throw her on the ground to kill her, she will

slip out of his hand and would immediately reach Vindhyachal

where she shall preside as one of the many forms of the Mother

Goddess.

Vasudev went on to explain to Narad that every event went on

as destined by the Mother Goddess. He said that at every step the

great faith he had on Mother Jagdamba only strengthened. She is

truly the Mother of the Universe. He requested Narad that it would

be his good fortune if Narad could narrate the Devi Bhagwat Puran

to him, his family and others. Narad readily agreed and over the

next nine days shared the pleasures of the Devi Bhagwat Puran

with the devotees, and then retired to his abode.


Prem P. Bhalla

8

Creation of the

Universe

(From DEVI BHAGWAT PURAN)

Shukdev explained that his guru Rishi Ved Vyas narrated the Devi

Bhagwat Puran to King Janmejay. He convinced him to conduct a

yagya devoted to Mother Goddess Jagdamba, who created the

universe. King Janmejay was eager to know about Mother

Goddess and how the universe was created by her. He inquired,

“Revered Sir, you are the best person to explain how the universe

was created or is sustained. I have heard that it is the Lords

Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva that possess the attributes to perform

these tasks.”

Maharishi Ved Vyas responded, “O King, you are a wise person.

You have asked a question that is complex and difficult to

understand. One day the most knowledgeable Narad Muni sat in

quiet contemplation on the bank of the river Ganga when I arrived.

To take advantage of his knowledge I asked him what you just

enquired of me. I too desired to know who has manifested this

vast universe.

“He explained that learned teachers affirm that Mother Goddess

has the attributes to fulfill everyone‟s desires. She is the most

compassionate and powerful Supreme Being that has in

cooperation with Mother Nature created the universe. She is one

with Brahman; she is the Empress of the whole universe. She is

possessed of all virtues, is without faults and is forever propitious

and auspicious to her devotees. She is known by many names.

The Vedas and all the knowledge has emanated from her.

“Narad Muni continued, “Long ago, the same question puzzled

me too. To seek an answer I went to my father Brahma. He did

3



9

not have a ready answer to the complex question. He explained

that perhaps Lord Vishnu could remove my doubts better.

“He went on to narrate his own experience. He said, “At one

time there was nothing but water all around. There were no

beings. I emerged from a lotus flower. When I looked around

there was nothing but water. Time went by but there was no

change. One day, I heard a celestial call, “Adopt devout austerity

and penance!” This led me to observe austerity and penance for a

long, long time until once again there was a celestial call, “Create

the universe!” The call was clear, but I did not know how to go

about it.

“Just then I saw two horrific asurs Madhu and Kaitabh.

Terrified, holding the stem of the lotus I lowered myself into the

water where I saw Lord Vishnu lying in deep slumber on the coils

of Sheshnaag. I did not know how to react until I was reminded of

Yoganidra, the Goddess who controlled Lord Vishnu‟s sleep. I

offered prayers to her. Pleased with my prayers, she let go her

hold over Vishnu, who sat up. A great battle ensued between

Vishnu and the asurs, until finally he killed them. Now there were

the two of us, Vishnu and me. Just then Shiva joined us.

“We were blessed when Mother Goddess appeared before us and

said, “Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva! Each of you should get down to

your work – creation, sustenance and annihilation. These shall be

your responsibilities.”

“In response, we said, “Mother, how can wefulfill these

responsibilities? How can we successfully create or sustain

anything? There is no land. All over there is nothing but water.”

“Hearing us, Mother smiled. Just then a beautiful aerial chariot

descended from the sky. Mother Goddess said, “O Gods! Without

fear alight this aerial chariot. Today, it shall take you for an

unbelievable journey.”

“We got on to the beautiful aerial chariot the like of which we

had never seen. Soon it was swiftly on its way. It took us to a

place we had never imagined. There were beautiful flowers and


Prem P. Bhalla

10

fruit-laden trees. We moved on to see a beautiful city. The chariot

did not halt. It moved on to a still larger province with beautiful

forests, parks and gardens. We could see hundreds of Apsaras,

Gandharv, Yaksh and others intermingling and enjoying

themselves singing and dancing. There we also saw Indra, the king

of gods. He was accompanied by his charming consort, Sachi. We

were astonished to see the beautiful heaven. The aerial chariot

moved speedily to yet another heavenly abode where we saw

another Brahma seated. Vishnu and Shiva asked me, “Who is this

immortal Brahma?” I humbly expressed my ignorance, as I did not

know the Creator of the universe.

“After the brief halt the aerial chariot was again on the move.

We swiftly flew to the high peaks of the Mountain Kailash. From

a home we saw the three-eyed Shiva come out. He was riding a

bull. On seeing him and his ganas, we were overtaken by utter

astonishment. Hardly had we taken a glimpse when the chariot

speedily flew to still greater heights to reach Vaikunth where we

saw the beautiful home of Mother Lakshmi. Narad! I find it

difficult to describe the great wealth that I saw there. Even Vishnu

was lost in bewilderment to see it. There we saw Lord Vishnu

seated beside Mother Lakshmi.

“We had not got over the shock of what we saw that our aerial

chariot was again swiftly on its way until we reached a vast sweet-

water sea that had a beautiful island. On the island we could see

charming parks and gardens with a variety of trees, bushes and

flowers. In one of the gardens we saw a beautiful divine maiden

seated on an exquisite throne. She was dressed in beautiful red

attire. Her necklace shone brilliantly on her neck. I had never seen

anyone more beautiful and charming. From her emitted

innumerable shafts of brilliant light.

“Seated on the ground close to her were devotees chanting the

mantra: “Hrin”. The celestial maidens seated by her were

addressing her quietly as Bhuvaneshi, Maheshwari and by many

other names. On seeing her, each of us glanced at each other

questioning: Who is this beautiful maiden? What is her name?

We watched in total ignorance.



11

Get Complete Book At Educreation Store

www.educreation.in


sample copy. not for distribution. - educreation.in · vi 30. maa radha 100 31. maa yashoda 103 32....

Documents