- for the village in Nepal see Bhadrakali, Nepal
| Bhadrakali | |
|---|---|
 Bhadrakali, circa 1675 painting; made in: India, Himachal Pradesh, Basohli, now placed in LACMA Museum (M.72.53.7) |
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| Destruction | |
| Affiliation | Devi |
| Consort | Rudra |
Bhadrakāli (Malayalam: ഭദ്രകാളി, Sanskrit: भद्रकाली), is according to legends a fierce form of Kali. Bhadra in Sanskrit means blessed, auspicious; fair, beautiful; good; fortunate, prosperous.[1]
Bhadrakali is the popular form of Devi worshiped in Kerala. In Kerala she is considered the auspicious and fortunate form of Kali.
She is generally considered the consort of Shiva in the form of Rudra. But there is also a story that she is the consort of Virabhadra, who was himself born of the wrath of Rudra [2].
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) [2][3].
According to Tantra Rahasya, she arose from the North (Uttaramnaya) face (Amnayas) of Shiva, which is blue in color and with three eyes.[4]
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.
Kshatriyas like the Kodavas and Nairs would ardently worship this deity. They worship certain weapons at their temples which they believe to be the weapons used by the goddess Bhadrakali.
Folk Art ritual of Kerala and Bhadrakali
Kerala has a tradition of folk artist rituals associated with worship of Devi in the form of Bhadrakali. Though the Deity is often referred to as Kali it is the Bhadrakali form.
These rituals are performed in places of worship called "Kavu" (roughly translated as grove) or small temples. Besides general welfare of the village, these rituals aim at warding off of such calamities like Small Pox and other epidemic diseases.
Themes generally revolve around the triumph of Bhadrakali over the demon Daruka (Daarikan) and other evil characters.
The dance forms are:
1. Theyyam
2. Theeyattu
3. Patayani
4. Poothanumthirayum
5. Mudiyettu [5]
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.
- Thirumaandham Kunnu temple at Angadippuram, Kerala
- Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple at kodungallur, Kerala
- Panayannar Kavu, near mavelikkara, Kerala
- Kadinamkulam Padickavilakom Bharanicadu Sree Bhagavathi Temple in Kerala
- Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi temple, Pandalam
- The temple of Bhadrakali is found at a 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 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, Lakshmi, 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[who?] 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.[6]
- 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.
- Bhadrakali Temple in Kurushetra, Haryana is one of the oldest temple where Shreekrishna and Balram had their Mundan ceremony
- Bhadrakali Temple in Bhadrak,is one one of the oldest shakti shrine of Orissa.The name of this ancient town derived from the name of goddess Bhadrakali.
- Bhagwati Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth Ashram, Rajaldesar, Churu, Rajasthan.
- Bhadrakali Temple at Itkhori, Jharkhand [3].
- Shri Mayura Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Bhadrakali Temple in hanumangarh , rajasthan
References
- ^ [1]
- ^ 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.”
- ^ [2]
- ^ 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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