Bhadrakali

Museum(M.72.53.7)]

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 . 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) [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m12/m12b111.htm 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.”] [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp043.htm 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… ] .

According to "Tantra Rahasya", she arose from the North ("Uttaramnaya") face ("Amnayas") of Shiva, which is blue in color and with three eyes. [ [http://www.sacred-texts.com/tantra/sas/sas06.htm Shakti and Shâkta] by Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe), [1918] , Chapter SixShakti 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.”]

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.

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, the great revisionist historian of the Hindu-Nazi movements, 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. He also proved that the Vatican was really a Hindu Shrine called Vatika that was the abode of Bhadrakali. [PN Oak: Some blunders of Indian Historical research]

*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. [Amit Nigam: "Ratlam ki Tripura sundari", Democratic World, 28 December 2006]

*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 derieved from the name of goddess Bhadrakali.

References

*Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola