Vaishampāyana 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 Narayana, 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
hero Aniruddha and consoled him. The powerful hero then saluted her.
Thereupon the goddess with her fingers cut off the strong noose of
serpents and then consoling 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)".