Goddess Bhadrakali is a fierce manifestation of Mother
Goddess Shakti. She is popularly worshipped in this form in Kerala and some
parts of South India. Bhadrakali appeared from the forehead of Shiva to annihilate
demon Darika.
The story of Bhadrakali and Goddess Kali is different. The
character and ferociousness of both the deities are the same but the story of
origin is different.
Bhadrakali is ferocious to those who practice Adharma. She
is merciless to them. To those who practice Dharma, she is the kind mother. She
is the protective mother who will never let any harm happen to her children.
Story of Goddess Bhadrakali
Legend has it that once Asuras, or demons, were defeated by Devas and they had to retreat to the netherworld. Two Asura women then did intense penance and propitiated Brahma who gave them the boon that they would give birth to two powerful sons.
In due course of time, the women had two sons named
Danavendra and Darika.
Danavendra and Darika then did intense Tapas and propitiated
Brahma. They attained the boon from Brahma that men, gods or demons would not
be able to kill them. They also got the boon that they would have the strength
of thousand elephants.
With such invincible powers, Danavendra and Darika attacked
the Devas and drew them out of heaven.
Devas asked Sage Narada to help them. Sage Narada went to
Kailash and asked Shiva to intervene and wipe out Adharma being propitiated by the
demons.
Shiva then opened his third eye and Goddess Bhadrakali
appeared from it.
This form of Mother Goddess Shakti was unimaginable. Devas
or humans or demons had never such a ferocious Goddess.
The colossal body of Bhadrakali was jet black. She had three
burning eyes and her mouth was like a huge cave. Two long saber like teeth were
projecting out from it. Her black hair rolled down like a tumultuous river. She
had innumerable arms and each holding a separate weapon. It was impossible to
look at her face.
She went into battle against Danavendra and Darika.
The demon army was no match to Goddess Bhadrakali. All of
them were crushed and killed. Then Danavendra was killed. Finally, Bhadrakali
chopped the head of demon Darika.
Temples of Bhadrakali
Goddess Bhadrakali temples are found throughout Kerala. Goddess Bhadrakali murti are usually made of Dharu or wood. Puja and rituals are performed on a separate metallic bimbam. Temple festivals associated with the Goddess are observed throughout the year. The rituals vary from region to region.
Goddess Bhadrakali is depicted with two, four, eight,
sixteen, eighteen or 32 arms. The arms hold numerous weapons. She also holds
the severed head of Demon Darika.
Tuesday and Fridays are the most auspicious days in a
week associated with the Goddess. She is propitiated for early marriage; cure
from diseases, peaceful life, and healthy children and for defeat of enemies.