Maharshi Vasishtha instructed the childless King Dasharatha to worship Tri Pura Sundari who manifested at Five Maha Punya Kshetras of Ayodhya, Madhura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi and Avanti. The King along his three wives worshipped the Devi at Ayodhya for three days and nights. On the third mid-night, as the King was asleep Devi appeared and assured that he would no doubt beget illustrious sons but he had some possible impact on the longevity of the progeny due to blemishes in his previous births; she therefore directed him to visit Kanchipura, take Sacred bath in Pancha Tirtha, secure her Darshan at Kanchi and perform Shri Chakra Puja. She further instructed the King to enter Kama Koshta and the Maha Bila which was worshipped by Tri Mutris and Maharshis; She was present as seated with ‘Praangmukha’or facing East as Invisible ‘Maha Raagjni’, that Maha Gouri manifested from Kamakshi’s forehead would be seated towards the Southern Side; that Maha Lakshmi would be seated to Kamakshi’s left as Bimbaakaara; that her mere view would destroy all sins and flaws and then the King should perform ‘Shodasopachaara Puja’ as prescribed. The excited King visited Kanchi at once along with his queens under the direction of Guru Vasishtha Maharshi, performed the Shri Chakra Worship as instructed by Tripura Sundari, prostrated before her, did Pradakshinas most reverentially, gave away charities liberally, arranged Brahmana Puja with respects and arranged Anna daanas. At the conclusion of the Worship, the King made Devi Stuti as follows:
Paadaagra lamba Paramaabhi rama Manjeera Ratna Ruchi Manjula Paada Padmey, Peetaambarasphuratapeyshala Hema Kaanti Keyura Kankana Parishkruta Baahu Valli/
Pundrekshu chaapa Vilasanmridu vaama paaney, RatnormikaaSuma shaaraahatadakshahastey/
Vakshoja mandala vivalga Vaksha haarey, Pashaangushaanghadalasad bhuja shobhitaangi/
Vaktashriyaa Vijita shaarada Chandra bimbey, Taataanka ratna karamandita bhaagey/
Mandasmitasphurana shaalini manjunaasey, Netra triya Vijita neela saroja patrey/
Subhrulatey Suvadaney Sulalaata chitrey, Graiveyaka sphurita kambu manojna kanthey/
Ratnaanuvidbhutaneeya Mahaakireetey Sarvaanga sundari Samasta Surendra Vandye/
Kaankshaanurupa varadey Karunaardra chittey, Saamraajya sdampadabhimaanini Chakra naathey/
Yogeendra maanasaSaroja nivaasa hamsi, Simhaasaneshwari Parey Mahi Saannidhehi/
(Devi! You are ornamented with ‘Diyaabharanas’ emitting splendours of anklet chains adding the illuminations of your soft feet; you are possessive of hands with ‘Suvarna Kankanas’ on your wrists as your left hand with gem studded finger rings has a sugar cane bow with flower arrows and the right with ‘Paashaankushaas’; you wear silk dresses doubling the radiance of your body shine of gold; your long neck laces made of Nava Ratnas touching ‘Vakshojaas’ make fun of Chandra bimba; your shapely nose heckles moon shine; enticing eyes are like Neela Sarojas; you are of Su Vadana or of charming face; Su Lalaata or charismatic forehead; Kanthaabharanaas are exquisitely bedecked; and your ‘Nava Ratna Kireeta’ enriches ‘Sarvaanga Soundarya’. Para Devata! Sakala Suraasura Vandaniya or worshippable by Devas and Asuraas; Yoga Maanasa Hamsi! Vanchita Varapradaa! Karunaalayaa! Samraajya Daayini! Shri Chakreshwari! Simhasanshwari! Tri Pura Sundari!)
As the King prayed to her, Kamakshi Devi blessed him with four sons with Devaamsha. Bhakta Ganaas do get their desires fulfilled as in the case of Dasharatha. Indeed Shri Devi’s Mahatmya is unparalleled and inexpressible to Brahma- Vishnu- Maheshwaras!
[The above Annexures were extracts from the Hayagriva-Agastya Samvada of Kamakshi Mahima as quoted by Markandeya Maharshi to King Surata].
