Shumbha sent his messenger to Devi asking her to marry him or his brother Nishumbha. Devi conveyed her clear stand that she would marry only someone who conquers her in battle.

Now, the 1st and 2nd shlokas of the 6th chapter of Durga Saptashati -

ॐ ऋषिरुवाच ॥ 

इत्याकर्ण्य वचो देव्याः स दूतोऽमर्षपूरितः ।

समाचष्ट समागम्य दैत्यराजाय विस्तरात् ॥

Rishi narrates that after hearing the Devi's powerful words, the messenger, overwhelmed with anger, returns to the Daitya king. He conveys everything he witnessed and heard in great detail, likely including the Devi's firm stance and divine authority. This sets the stage for the Daitya king’s response, escalating the conflict between the Devi and the forces of evil.

The 3rd shloka -

तस्य दूतस्य तद्वाक्यमाकर्ण्यासुरराट् ततः ।

सक्रोधः प्राह दैत्यानामधिपं धूम्रलोचनम् ॥

Enraged, Shumbha directs his commander Dhūmralochana, ordering him to confront or attack the Devi. This reflects the Asura king's arrogance and unwillingness to accept divine authority, setting the stage for a confrontation between the forces of adharma and Devi’s divine power.

The 4th shloka -

हे धूम्रलोचनाशु त्वं स्वसैन्यपरिवारितः ।

तामानय बलाद्दुष्टां केशाकर्षणविह्वलाम् ॥

His specific instruction to drag her by her hair emphasizes his disrespect and intent to demean her divine authority. This reflects the typical hubris of the Asuras, underestimating the Devi’s power and righteousness.

The 5th shloka -

तत्परित्राणदः कश्चिद्यदि वोत्तिष्ठतेऽपरः ।

स हन्तव्योऽमरो वापि यक्षो गन्धर्व एव वा ॥

If anyone dares to protect her, be it an immortal (Deva), a Yaksha, or even a Gandharva, they must be killed." This command from the Asura king underscores his arrogance and reckless defiance of divine and celestial forces, setting the tone for an inevitable clash between adharma (unrighteousness) and the divine power of the Devi.

The 6th and 7th shlokas -

ऋषिरुवाच ॥ 

तेनाज्ञप्तस्ततः शीघ्रं स दैत्यो धूम्रलोचनः ।

वृतः षष्ट्या सहस्राणामसुराणां द्रुतं ययौ ॥ 

The Rishi said: Thus commanded, the demon Dhūmralochana promptly set out, accompanied by sixty thousand Asuras. This verse highlights the overwhelming forces being deployed against Devi.

The 8th shloka -

स दृष्ट्वा तां ततो देवीं तुहिनाचलसंस्थिताम् ।

जगादोच्चैः प्रयाहीति मूलं शुम्भनिशुम्भयोः ॥

Seeing the Devi stationed on the snow-capped mountain, he (Dhūmralochana) shouted loudly, 'Go at once to the presence of Shumbha and Nishumbha!’. This verse portrays Dhūmralochana's arrogance as he attempts to intimidate the Devi, unaware of her divine power and the futility of his command.

The 9th shloka -

न चेत्प्रीत्याद्य भवती मद्भर्तारमुपैष्यति ।

ततो बलान्नयाम्येष केशाकर्षणविह्वलाम् ॥

‘If you do not willingly go to my lord now, then I will forcibly take you, dragging you by your hair and humiliated.’

Knowledge Bank

Agni-dagdhas and Anagni-dagdhas

Those pitrus whose death rites have been performed with fire as per shastra are called Agni-dagdhas. In some cases due to neglect or the relatives unable to get the body, proper cremation is not done. Such pitrus are called Anagni-dagdhas.

Mrigashira Nakshatra borns should plant and protect Jamun (Syzygium cumini) trees

This is their Nakshatra Tree. Planting and protecting them will enhance health and long life.