Description of Śāsthī Devī
The sixth part of Prakṛti is named Śāsthī. The Devī Śāsthī is the
Presiding Deity of infants and children; She is the Māyā of Viṣṇu and She
bestows sons to all. She is one of the sixteen Mātṛkās and is known by the name
of Devasenā."
- Role and
Attributes:
Śāsthī Devī is the chaste and dearest wife of Skanda. She determines the longevity of children and is constantly engaged in their protection. She is a Siddha-Yoginī, always keeping children close to her. - Priyavrata’s
Story:
Nārāyaṇa recounted the story of Svāyambhuva Manu’s son, Priyavrata, who remained a great yogīndra practicing austerities. Upon Brahmā’s request, Priyavrata married, but for a long time, he had no children. After performing a Putresti sacrifice with Mahārṣi Kaśyapa, his wife Mālinī consumed the sacrificial offering and became pregnant. - The Birth of
the Lifeless Son:
Mālinī carried the child in her womb for twelve Deva years, but when the child was born, it was lifeless. Grief-stricken, Priyavrata took his son to the cremation ground, where he encountered a divine aerial car, and on it, a beautiful, youthful Siddha-Yoginī appeared.
Meeting with Devasenā
Priyavrata's Worship: Upon seeing the Siddha-Yoginī, Priyavrata placed the
child on the ground and began to worship her with hymns. He asked who she was,
and the Devī, shining like the summer sun, answered him.
Devasenā’s Revelation: "O King! I am the mind-born
daughter of Brahmā. My name is Devasenā, and I am Skanda’s wife, known as
Śāsthī among the Mātṛkās. I bestow sons to those who have none, wives to those
who have none, wealth to the poor, and fulfillment to all karmīs."
Devasenā explained the importance of karma in determining the
circumstances of one’s life, including children, wealth, and well-being. She
revived Priyavrata’s lifeless son and assured him of future blessings.
Boon Granted by Śāsthī Devī
- Blessing of a
Son:
Devasenā promised Priyavrata a son who would be famous by the name Suvrata, renowned for his virtues and strength. The king promised to worship her and spread her worship throughout the three worlds.
Worship of Śāsthī Devī
Establishment of Worship:
Priyavrata returned to his kingdom and performed auspicious ceremonies in honor
of Śāsthī Devī. From then on, every sixth day of the bright fortnight and other
ceremonies related to childbirth became dedicated to her worship.
- Dhyānam and
Method of Worship:
Śāsthī Devī is meditated upon as the giver of sons, adorned with jeweled ornaments, and bright like the white campaka flowers. Offerings of pādya, arghya, ācamanaīya, scents, flowers, dhūpa, lights, and food are made to her. The principal mantra for her worship is:
“Āūm̐ hṛīṁ śāsthī devyai svāhā.” - The Power of
Stotra:
A stotra (hymn) composed by Priyavrata for Śāsthī Devī, when repeated with devotion, brings blessings of children, wealth, and well-being. It is said that a barren woman or one who loses children can attain a healthy, long-lived child through the grace of Śāsthī Devī by reciting this stotra.
Stotra translated in English:
"O Devī, Devasenā! I bow down to Thee. O Śāsthī Devī, grant me wealth,
sons, and victory, and protect me from enemies. Bestow upon me learning and
prosperity, and fulfill my desires."
Through her grace, those who worship her with devotion are blessed with
children and success in their endeavors.
