Krishjan

Chapter 3 — Third Section

Kena

12 Shloka • Translation Only

Brahman indeed won the victory for the gods (Devas). But after that victory of Brahman, the gods became proud. They thought: “This victory is ours alone; this greatness is ours alone.”

Brahman became aware of their pride. To them, He appeared in the form of a mysterious Yakṣa (divine being). But the gods did not recognize It. They wondered: “What is this Yakṣa?”

They said to Agni, Jātavedas: “Find out what this Yakṣa is.” He replied: “So be it.”

He approached It. The Yakṣa asked him: “Who are you?” He replied: “I am Agni.” And he added: “I am Jātavedas.”

The Yakṣa asked him: “What power resides in you?” Agni replied: “I can burn all that exists here on the earth.”

The Yakṣa placed a blade of grass before him and said: “Burn this.” Agni approached it with all his power, but he was unable to burn it. Then he returned and said: “I could not discover what this Yakṣa is.”

Then they said to Vāyu: “O Vāyu, find out what this Yakṣa is.” He replied: “So be it.”

He approached It. The Yakṣa asked him: “Who are you?” He replied: “I am Vāyu.” And he added: “I am Mātariśvan.”

The Yakṣa asked him: “What power resides in you?” Vāyu replied: “I can carry away all that exists here on the earth.”

The Yakṣa placed a blade of grass before him and said: “Carry this away.” Vāyu approached it with all his speed and power, but he was unable to move it. Then he returned and said: “I could not discover what this Yakṣa is.”

Then they said to Indra, Maghavan: “Find out what this Yakṣa is.” He replied: “So be it.” He approached It, but as he drew near, the Yakṣa vanished from his sight.

In that very space, he saw a woman of great radiance and beauty—Umā Haimavatī, the daughter of Himavat. He approached her and asked: “What was that Yakṣa?”