The Boons Granted to King Suratha and the Vaishya
Maharishi Medha said – O King, I have now told you the sacred glory of the Goddess. Such is the power of the Devi who sustains the entire universe. She is the giver of knowledge, yet through the power of Vishnumaya, even you, this Vaishya and other wise people may become caught in delusion, and will continue to do so in the future as well.
O King, therefore take refuge in this supreme Goddess. When worshipped with devotion, Bhagavati grants worldly fulfilment, Swarga and, ultimately, Moksha.
Markandeya said – After hearing these words of Maharishi Medha, King Suratha bowed respectfully before the great Rishi who was devoted to severe spiritual discipline. The King and the Vaishya then went into the forest to perform Tapasya. They chose a place on the bank of a river, sat there in meditation and began worshipping Bhagavati with the longing to receive Her Darshan.
On the riverbank, they made an image of the Goddess and worshipped Her with flowers, incense, lamps and Havan. At first, they reduced their food intake. Later, they gave up food completely and, with their minds fixed entirely upon Bhagavati, worshipped Her with deep concentration and devotion.
For three years they continued this intense worship, offering even their own blood as a sacred offering to the Goddess.
After three years, Chandika, the protector of the universe, appeared before them and said, “O King, and O noble Vaishya who brings honour to his family, ask Me for whatever boon you desire. I am deeply pleased with both of you, and I shall grant what you seek.”
Markandeya said – Hearing this, King Suratha asked the Goddess for the restoration of his kingdom in this life after defeating his enemies, and for an eternal and unbroken kingdom in his next birth.
The Vaishya, whose heart had become detached from worldly life, asked Bhagavati for the knowledge that would free him from attachment, possessiveness and ego.
The Goddess said, “O King, very soon you will defeat your enemies and regain your kingdom. Your rule will remain secure and stable. After your death, you will be born from an aspect of Surya Dev and will become renowned in this world as Savarni Manu.
O noble Vaishya, I shall also grant the boon you have asked of Me. You will receive the knowledge that leads to Moksha.”
Markandeya said – Having granted both of them the boons they desired, and after receiving their praise, Bhagavati disappeared from their sight.
In this way, King Suratha, the noble Kshatriya, was later born through the grace of Surya Dev and became renowned upon the Earth as Savarni Manu.