अन्धकारः समभवत्तस्य बाह्यचिकीर्षया
Darkness arose there, by his intention to act externally.
नीलकण्ठनिभच्छायं निबिडं पप्रथे तमः
A dense gloom spread, with a hue like that of blue-throated Śiva.
उज्जिहानमिव क्षोणीविवरेभ्यः सहस्रशः
It surged forth from the earth's crevices by the thousands, as if rising up.
क्वचिद्दीपप्रभाजाले कृतकातरचेष्टितम्
In some places, the network of lamp-light seemed to move about in anxious gestures.
आबद्धमैत्रकमिव स्फुरच्छाद्वलमण्डले
It appeared as if friendly bonds were formed in the circles of trembling moss.
गुप्तप्रविष्टमिव च श्यामासु वनपङ्क्तिषु
And as if it had entered secretly into the dark lines of the forests.
त्रियामावामनयना नीलकञ्चुकरोचिषा
Night, with her three watches and dark-blue garment of rays, cast down her gaze.
असुराणां प्रदुष्टानां रात्रिरेव बलावहा
For the wicked Asuras, night alone brought strength.
अथ प्रचलितं सैन्यं विषङ्गेण महौजसा
Then the army moved, with uncertainty, possessing great might.
दमनाद्याश्च सेनान्यः श्मामकङ्कटधारिणः
And the generals, beginning with Damana, bearing dry shields.
एकत्वमिव संप्राप्तास्तिमिरेणातिभूयसा
All became as one, through the overwhelming darkness.
कूटेन युद्धकृत्येन विजिगीषुर्महेश्वरीम्
With deceitful war tactics, they sought to conquer the great goddess.
यथा तस्य निशायुद्धानुरूपो वेषसंग्रहः
Their attire was suited to the night-battle, just as the situation required.
न च दुन्दुभिनिस्वानो न च मर्द्दलगर्जितम्
There was no sound of drums, nor the roar of cymbals.
गुप्ताचाराः प्रचलितास्तिमिरेण समावृताः
They advanced in secrecy, concealed by the darkness.
पश्चिमाभिमुखं यान्ति ललितायाः पताकिनीम्
They moved westward, toward the banner of Lalitā.
निश्वासमपि सस्वानमकुर्वन्तः पदेपदे
At every step, they did not even make a sound with their breathing.
भूयः पुरस्य दिग्भागं गत्वा मन्दपराक्रमाः
Again, having reached the city's direction, they advanced with little vigor.
आगत्य निभृतं पृष्ठे कवचच्छन्नविग्रहाः
Having arrived quietly behind, their forms concealed by armor,
अपश्यन्नतिदीप्ताभिः शक्तिभिः परिवारितम्
they saw her surrounded by exceedingly radiant weapons.
सहस्रादित्यसंकाशां पश्चिमाभिमुखीं स्थिताम्
She stood facing west, shining like a thousand suns.
नर्मालापविनोदेन सेव्यमानां रथोत्तमे
Attended with gentle conversation and amusement, upon a splendid chariot,
पुरोगतं महत्सैन्यं वीक्षमाण सकौतुकम्
she gazed with curiosity at the great army advancing ahead.
पृष्ठवंशे रथेन्द्रस्य घट्टयामास सैनिकैः
The soldiers pressed upon the rear line of the lord of chariots.
महाकलकलं चक्रुरणिमाद्याः परःशतम्
The hosts of animā and other powers made a tremendous clamor.
कठोरवज्रनिर्धातनिष्ठुरैः शक्तिमण्डलैः
With circles of weapons harsh as thunder-forged adamant,
आकस्मिकरणोत्साहविपर्याविष्टविग्रहम्
their forms were seized by sudden zeal for battle and confusion.
विपाटैः पाटयामासुरदृश्यैरन्धकारिणः
With invisible, blinding blows, they struck the dark ones.
अदृश्यमानशस्त्राणामदृश्यनिजवर्मणाम्
Their weapons unseen, their own armor invisible,
इतस्ततो बहु क्लिष्टं छन्नवर्मितमर्मवत्
here and there, many were afflicted, their vital points hidden by armor.