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Harivaṃśa
177. The goddess consoles Aniruddha
VAISHAMPAYANA said:—While the heroic Aniruddha was imprisoned in the city of Shonita along with Ushā by Bali's son king Vāna, he, seeking refuge with goddess Koumāri for his own safety, sang a hymn in her praise.
Having saluted the endless, undecaying, eternal prime deity the Lord Nārāyaṇa, I chant the glories of Chandi, the worshipful goddess Katyāyani, worshipped of all the gods and worlds and adored by the gods, Rishis and Rakshasas, reciting the names sung by Hari (1-5).
ANIRUDDHA said:—For my well being I bow unto the sister of Mahendra and Vishnu. Being cleansed and with my mind purified I chant her glories with folded hands I bow unto thee who dost confer honors, do thou release me from my bonds and give me life and health.
Thus adored the great goddess Durgā went where Aniruddha was kept in chains. The goddess, fond of her votaries, released Aniruddha who was imprisoned in the City of Vāna.
She appeared before the irrepressible heroe Aniruddha and consoled him. The powerful heroe then saluted her. Thereupon the goddess with her fingers cut off the strong noose of serpents and then sonsoling Aniruddha said:—
“O Aniruddha, wait here for a few days more. The holder of discus and the slayer of the Daityas will cut off the thousand arms of Vāna, release you from your fetters and take you to his own city (6-15).
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