21/05/2025
This tale, rooted in the Purana, narrates how the Divine Mother (Devi) aided Sudarshana in overcoming adversity, marrying Princess Sashikala of , and reclaiming his rightful throne in
🌿 The Exile of Prince Sudarshana:
Sudarshana was the son of King Dhruvasindhu of Kosala (Ayodhya) and Queen Manorama. After King Dhruvasindhu’s death, a power struggle ensued between two rival factions: King Yudhajit of Ujjain, father of Queen Lilavati, and King Virasena of Kalinga, father of Queen Manorama. Both sought the throne for their respective grandsons. In the ensuing conflict, King Virasena was killed, and Queen Manorama fled into the forest with young Sudarshana and a eu**ch attendant, seeking refuge in the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja . 
🕉️ Divine Intervention and the Power of “Kleem” :
While in the hermitage, Sudarshana began chanting the sacred syllable “Kleem,” the Bija Mantra associated with the Divine Mother. This devotion pleased Devi, who appeared to him, granting divine weapons and her blessings . 
👑 The Swayamvara of Princess Sashikala:
Around this time, King Subahu of Benares was organizing a swayamvara (a ceremony where a princess chooses her husband) for his daughter, Princess Sashikala. Emissaries from Benares, passing through Sage Bharadwaja’s hermitage, were impressed by Sudarshana’s demeanor and recommended him as a suitor. Despite his exile, Sudarshana attended the swayamvara, and Sashikala chose him as her husband. 
⚔️ Conflict and Divine Protection:
The marriage angered King Yudhajit, who, along with his grandson Shatrujit, attacked Sudarshana and King Subahu. In the ensuing battle, the Divine Mother intervened, appearing on a lion and annihilating Yudhajit and his forces with a mere breath
🏰 Return to Ayodhya and Coronation
With his adversaries defeated, Sudarshana returned to Ayodhya. The citizens welcomed him, and he was crowned king. He established a temple dedicated to the Divine Mother in Ayodhya, ensuring her worship became integral to the kingdom’s spiritual life
