Legend has it that Andhaka was born when Parvati closed the eyes of Lord Shiva with her hands. The world was engulfed in darkness and the intense heat produced by Shiva’s third eye combined with his sweat to give birth to a blind and deformed child. Andhaka was given to demon king, Hiranyaksha who had no offspring.
Later, Andhaka did intense ‘tapas’ for several years to please Brahma. Finally, Brahma relented and Andhaka was given eyesight and a boon that he will only be killed, if he ever chose his mother in marriage.
Several years later Andhaka happened to see Goddess Parvati and wished to marry not knowing that she was his mother. This led to a major confrontation between Shiva and Andhaka and he was finally killed by Shiva.
The story of Andhaka and Shiva slaying him has inspired artists of all ages.
From the Virgin Comics flyer about the comic book Andhaka
Andhaka, the blind one. Born deformed and marooned at the door of the demon kingdom. Brought up under the harsh regimen of the demon warriors, Andhaka learnt to overcome and even surpass his natural disabilities, rising rapidly in the ranks of the demons. Ultimately, as their King, he embarks on a brutal campaign that brings him to the doorsteps of Mout Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva and Uma. Here, a sad and awful truth awaits the blind champion of the demons, the truth behind his birth and his karma.