Bhadrakali
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Bhadrakāli (भद्रकाली), also known as the gentle Kali, is generally an auspicious form of the goddess Kali, and the consort of Virabhadra, who was himself born of the wrath of Rudra [1].
According to Vayu Purana and the Mahabharata she came into being by Devi’s wrath, when Daksha insulted Shiva, during the great Ashvamedha Yagna (Horse-sacrifice) [1] [2].
According to Tantra Rahasya, she arose from the North (Uttaramnaya) face (Amnayas) of Shiva, which is blue in color and with three eyes. [3]
It is believed that Bhadrakāli was a local deity that was assimilated into the mainstream Hinduism, particularly into Shaiva mythology. Sometimes she assumes terrible aspect, and is represented with three eyes, and four, twelve or eighteen hands. She carries a number of weapons, with flames flowing from her head, and a small tusk protruding from her mouth.
[edit] Famous Bhadrakali Temples
- The ancient Bhadrakali Temple in Hanamakonda(Warangal), Andhra Pradesh. Bhadrakali (or Maha Kali Mata) was the principal deity of the Hindu Kakatiya kingdom of Warangal (Oragallu or Ekashilanagaram) that ruled most of Andhra Pradesh during that time. Rituals and animal (and human, by some accounts) sacrifices on a massive scale were performed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Bhadrakali before the Kakatiyas went off to battle.
- Kadinamkulam Padickavilakom Bharanicadu Sree Bhagavathi Temple in Kerala
- Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi temple, Pandalam
- The historian PN Oak has revealed that one densely populated area of Ahmedabad is known as 'Bhadra'. Bhadra is a sanskrit name. This Bhadra area is having a number of mosques. PN Oak has revealed that the Jama-masjid of Bhadra area in Ahmedabad was earlier a temple of Bhadrakali deity, which was converted to masjid. Bhadrakali was the primeval deity of this city. He proved, through number of articles published in 1964-65, that so called Jama-masjid of Ahmedabad (Karnavati or Rajnagar) was the temple of city and royal deity Bhadrakali. [4]
- We also find the temple of Bhadrakali at place called Bajna at a distance of 36 km from Ratlam city in Malwa region. This Bhadrakali temple is of the period of Parmara rulers and known as Garhkhankhai mataji. This temple is situated in dense forested area of the valley at the sangam of Karan river and Mahi river. Raja Bhoj had constructed this temple. This place is also recognized as shaktipitha in India. The excavations at this site has produced rare idols of Shiva in yoga pose, Lakshami, Gajasursanhar, Surya and Nataraja. The world famous 'Tripurasundari ma' temple at a distance of 60 km from this place is situated at village Talwada in Banswara district in Rajasthan. An inscription of 1540 AD found here reveals that this temple was constructed prior to the rule of Kanishka. Some people believe it to be constructed before 3rd century AD. There was a very ancient place here known as 'Garhpoli' which is called as 'Umarai' at present. Excavations in 1982 at this place have produced idols of Shiva with Parvati on his thigh. Ganesha and Kartikeya are seated on both sides.[5]
- Bhadrakali Temple at Bhadran, Gujarat.
- Bhadrakali Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Bhadrakali Temple in Gokarna. This is situated next to Lord Shiva's temple in Gokarna.
[edit] References
- ^ a b the Horse-sacrifice of the Prajapati Daksha The Mahabharata translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli (1883 -1896], Book 12: Santi Parva: Mokshadharma Parva: Section CCLXXXIV. p. 317. “I am known by the name of Virabhadra’’ and I have sprung from the wrath of Rudra. This lady (who is my companion), and who is called Bhadrakali, hath sprung from the wrath of the goddess.”
- ^ Vishnu Purana SACRIFICE OF DAKSHA (From the Vayu Purana.) The Vishnu Purana, translated by Horace Hayman Wilson, 1840. p. 62, "In former times, Daksha commenced a holy sacrifice on the side of Himaván, at the sacred spot Gangadwara, frequented by the Rishis. The gods, desirous of assisting at this solemn rite, came, with Indra at their head, to Mahadeva, and intimated their purpose; and having received his permission, departed in their splendid chariots to Gangadwára, as tradition reports.” 62:2 The Linga (Purana) is more precise, calling it Kanakhala, which is the village still called Kankhal, near Haridwar.p. 68 I am called Virabhadra, the issue of the wrath of Rudra. Bhadrakálí also, who has sprung from the anger of Devi…
- ^ Shakti and Shâkta by Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe), [1918], Chapter Six Shakti and Shakta. “4) The face in the North is blue in color and with three eyes. By this face, I revealed the Devis, Dakshinakalika, Mahakali, Guhyakah, Smashanakalika, Bhadrakali, Ekajata, Ugratara, Taritni, Katyayani, Chhinnamasta, Nilasarasvati, Durga, Jayadurga, Navadurga, Vashuli, Dhumavati, Vishalakshi, Gauri, Bagalamukhi, Pratyangira, Matangi, Mahishamardini, their rites and Mantras.”
- ^ PN Oak: Some blunders of Indian Historical research
- ^ Amit Nigam: Ratlam ki Tripura sundari, Democratic World, 28 December 2006
- Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola
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