Once, on the ninth day (Navami) of the month of Vaishakh, a Friday, a seven-day Ram-Mahotsav (Festival of Rama) began there. For this occasion, the Lord of Sacrifice, the chanting of Rama’s name, various donations, and feasts for Brahmins featuring the “six flavors” (Shada-rasa) commenced. Some people began to dance and sing songs in praise of Rama.
At that time, a massive and powerful demon began to harass the residents of Varunapur. Those afflicted people took refuge in Rama. Chanting “Ram, Ram,” they began to meditate upon His lotus feet.
“O Lord of the Universe Rama, O great Lord Jamadagnya (Parashurama), destroyer of wicked kings, granter of grace to devotees, O Jagannath, God of gods, You are the remover of fear. We have come to You for refuge. We are Yours, and You alone have protected us. We yearn for Your vision. Protect us.”
Hearing their words, Rama appeared there. Upon seeing Him, all the residents of Varunapur stood with folded hands and began to praise Him:
“O best of the Bhrigu lineage, You are like the sun, the foremost among the twice-born. Salutations to You. You are the remover of sorrows and the fulfiller of all desires. You are the Primordial Being (Adipurusha), and for the ‘world-tree’ of Your devotees, You are the axe that grants liberation. To protect the residents of Your sacred land, You have wielded the bow and arrow, drying up the ocean of people’s misery. Salutations to You.”
After being praised thus, Lord Rama spoke to the noble Brahmins in a deep and sweet voice:
“O Brahmins, pay attention to what I say for your benefit. Here, for the destruction of demons and giants, I have established the Goddess. This Goddess is endowed with all auspicious signs, filled with Maya, and worshipped by the powerful. This world-purifying Goddess is a young maiden who sanctifies the earth, walking with feet adorned with jewel-encrusted anklets. She has many forms, such as the Maiden (Kanya), the Young Girl (Kumari), the Enchanting Youth (Manmohini Yuvati), the Ruler, and the Old Woman (Vriddha) who fulfills all desires.”
“In the nine periods of the day—dawn, forenoon, midday, afternoon, evening, dusk, night, midnight, and late night—this Goddess, the sustainer of beings, assumes nine forms on earth. Vedic scholars know her by these nine names:
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Adishakti, 2. Mahamaya, 3. Mula-Prakriti, 4. Ishwari, 5. Gandhadwara, 6. Duradharsha, 7. Nityapushta, 8. Karishini, and 9. Shridevi.”
“Invoke and worship Her using these 24 names: Durga, Bhadrakali, Vijaya, Vaishnavi, Kumuda, Chandika, Krishna, Madhavi, Kanyaka, Maya, Narayani, Shanta, Sharada, Ambika, Katyayani, Baladurga, Mahayogini, Adhishwari, Yoganidra, Mahalakshmi, Kalaratri, Mohini, Sarvadevanamaskarya, and Bharati.
This Goddess fulfills all desires and grants all fruits of labor. Serve the Goddess in this great temple of Varuna. I myself established Her here in the past. Her beautiful canopy (Chhatra) flows with sacred water and is topped with a golden pinnacle (Kalash). The staff of the canopy is studded with gems and reaches the sky. Pray to Her with worship, offerings (Bali), and prostrations. She will grant you the boons you desire.”
Having said this, Rama departed for the Gomantak mountain. Suta said, “Then, according to Rama’s command, all the residents of Varunapur praised and bowed to Shri Mahalasa Devi.”
The Power of Shri Mahalasa
Following Rama’s command, the people performed ritualistic worship and took refuge in the Goddess, praying: “O Mother of the Universe, You are the creator, sustainer, and destroyer. Terrified by the demon Chandasura, we have come to You. Slay this wicked demon and protect us.”
The Goddess spoke in pleasing words: “O Brahmins, do not fear. I will surely kill him.”
The sword-wielding Goddess set out, fought a great battle, slaughtered the demon army, and finally severed the terrifying head of Chandasura. Holding the head in Her left hand, the Goddess entered the temple. Celestial beings, gods, and sages showered her with flowers and sang her praises.
The day the demon was killed became Her favorite day. Therefore, those who worship the Goddess with great devotion on Magh Shukla Shashti (the sixth day of the bright half of the month of Magh) will surely have all their desires fulfilled. This Puranic account explains the glory of Varunapur (today’s Verna) and the origin of Shri Mahalasa Devi.