Shumbha's Proposal to Devi

After hearing about the beauty of the woman (Devi) who has appeared in the Himalayas, from Chanda and Munda and instigated by them that he alone deserves her, Shumbha sends his messenger Sugreeva to her giving this instruction:

The 55th shloka of the 5th chapter of Durga Saptashati -

इति चेति च वक्तव्या सा गत्वा वचनान्मम। यथा चाभ्येति सम्प्रीत्या तथा कार्यं त्वया लघु॥

O messenger Sugreeva, approach Devi with care and intelligence. Speak to her in such a way that she is convinced and comes willingly. Praise our might, valor, and highlight our greatness, so she feels honored to come of her own accord. Ensure your tone and words are pleasing, light, and free from any force.

The 56th shloka -

स तत्र गत्वा यत्रास्ते शैलोद्देशेऽतिशोभने । सा देवी तां ततः प्राह श्लक्ष्णं मधुरया गिरा ॥

After receiving Shumbha’s instructions, Sugreeva went to the splendid and serene mountain area where Devi was residing. Following his master’s orders, he addressed Devi with care and respect. His words were soft, polished, and filled with sweetness, intending to persuade her without causing any offense or displeasure. This reflects the strategy of diplomacy - using gentle and pleasant speech to accomplish one’s goal.

The 57th shloka -

दूत उवाच । देवि दैत्येश्वरः शुम्भस्त्रैलोक्ये परमेश्वरः । दूतोऽहं प्रेषितस्तेन त्वत्सकाशमिहागतः ॥

Sugreeva begins his dialogue with Devi by introducing himself as the messenger of Shumbha, the mighty ruler of the three worlds. By addressing Shumbha with grand titles like ‘the supreme lord of the three worlds,’ he attempts to convey his master's authority and power. This opening sets the tone for persuasion, emphasizing Shumbha’s dominance and his intent.

The 58th shloka -

अव्याहताज्ञः सर्वासु यः सदा देवयोनिषु । निर्जिताखिलदैत्यारिः स यदाह शृणुष्व तत् ॥

Sugreeva highlights Shumbha's supreme authority and invincibility. He emphasizes that Shumbha's commands are unquestioned among the gods and that he has vanquished all enemies of the Daityas. This serves to portray Shumbha as an unstoppable and legitimate ruler. Sugreeva then urges Devi to pay attention to Shumbha's message, implying that it deserves respect and serious consideration. This is a strategic way to both assert Shumbha’s power and gently persuade Devi to listen.

The 59th shloka -

मम त्रैलोक्यमखिलं मम देवा वशानुगाः । यज्ञभागानहं सर्वानुपाश्नामि पृथक्पृथक् ।।

Shumbha, through his messenger Sugreeva, asserts his supreme control over the universe. He declares that the three worlds belong to him and that even the gods are subservient to his will. He further emphasizes his dominance by stating that he enjoys the offerings (yajña-bhāga) meant for various deities during sacrifices, reinforcing his position as the supreme overlord of all divine and worldly activities. This is a display of power aimed at persuading Devi to recognize his authority.

The 60th shloka -

त्रैलोक्यवररत्नानि मम वश्यान्यशेषतः । तथैव गजरत्नं च हृतं देवेन्द्रवाहनम् ।।

Shumbha (through Sugreeva) boasts about his immense wealth and power, claiming possession of all the rarest treasures in the three worlds. He further emphasizes his dominance by mentioning that even Airavata, the celestial elephant, the prized mount of Indra, has been seized by him. This statement is meant to underscore his supreme authority over not just earthly beings but also divine realms, presenting himself as the ultimate ruler deserving of acknowledgment and respect from Devi.

The 61st shloka - 

क्षीरोदमथनोद्भूतमश्वरत्नं ममामरैः । उच्चैःश्रवससंज्ञं तत्प्रणिपत्य समर्पितम् ।।

Shumbha continues to assert his supremacy by mentioning Ucchaihshravas, the divine horse that emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). He highlights that even this celestial being, considered a rare and precious treasure, has been surrendered to him by the gods with respect. This statement further reinforces his claim of unparalleled power and control over the divine and material realms, aiming to impress upon Devi his unmatched authority.

The 62nd shloka -

यानि चान्यानि देवेषु गन्धर्वेषूरगेषु च । रत्नभूतानि भूतानि तानि मय्येव शोभने ॥

Shumbha, through his messenger, declares his possession of all precious and extraordinary stuff and  treasures found among the gods, celestial musicians (Gandharvas), and serpents (Nāgas). By calling these ‘ratnabhūtāni’ (gem-like), he emphasizes their rarity and value, claiming them all as his own. Addressing Devi as ‘beautiful one’ (śobhane), he  adds a persuasive and respectful tone, attempting to win her favor while reinforcing his unrivaled power and authority.

The 63rd shloka -

स्त्रीरत्नभूतां त्वां देवि लोके मन्यामहे वयम् । सा त्वमस्मानुपागच्छ यतो रत्नभुजो वयम् ॥

Sugreeva conveys Shumbha's view, addressing Devi as a rare and precious jewel among women. By stating  her status, he tries to persuade her to join Shumbha, emphasizing that as ruler and possessor of all treasures, he is the rightful recipient of such a divine gem. This appeal is meant to flatter Devi while subtly asserting Shumbha’s claim over her as part of his dominion.

The 64th shloka -

मां वा ममानुजं वापि निशुम्भमुरुविक्रमम् । भज त्वं चञ्चलापाङ्गि रत्नभूतासि वै यतः ||

Through Sugreeva, Shumbha offers Devi a choice to be with either himself or his equally powerful brother Nishumbha. By addressing her as "one with playful glances" (chañcalāpāṅgi), he attempts to charm and flatter her. He reiterates her value as a rare and precious jewel, emphasizing that her rightful place is with them, the mighty rulers of the three worlds. This is both an appeal and an assertion of their perceived authority over her.

The 65th shloka -

परमैश्वर्यमतुलं प्राप्स्यसे मत्परिग्रहात् । एतद्बुद्ध्या समालोच्य मत्परिग्रहतां व्रज ।।

Shumbha, through his messenger, promises Devi unmatched wealth and supreme power if she agrees to become his consort. He urges her to consider this proposal thoughtfully, implying that such an alliance would elevate her status and bring her immense prosperity. This statement combines persuasion with a subtle assertion of dominance, aiming to compel Devi to join him willingly.

Through his messenger, Shumbha seeks to persuade Devi with flattery and promises. Declaring his power and wealth, he offers her a choice between himself and his brother Nishumbha. Calling her a jewel among women, he assures her unmatched prosperity if she accepts his proposal, urging her to reflect and join him willingly.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi