Story of Bhima, second of the Pandavas, and Pagasooran is a
local legend in Tamil Nadu. The story is quite similar to the Bakasura episode
in the Mahabharat. Demon Pagasuran had received numerous blessings and he was
as strong as Bheemasena. The demon built a fort near Neelimali in Tamil Nadu
(near present day Coimbatore ).
The demon was a voracious eater and used to trouble the villages in the region
for food.
Like the infamous Bakasura, the demon demanded a cart load
of food daily. If the food was insufficient he killed person that brought the
food and also the bulls that pulled the cart.
One day Pandavas visited the region and found out about the
troubles of the people. Bhima promised to the help the villagers.
Next day Bhima carried the food to the demon. Instead of
serving it to the demon, Bhima started eating the food.
Pagasuran witnessed this arrogance and ran towards Bhima to
kill him.
Bhima thwarted the attack of the demon. Two of them attacked
each other. The fight shook the nearby regions. It was like two mountains
dashing against each other. People ran out of their house thinking it was an
earthquake.
Bhima realized that the demon was equal in strength. So he
prayed to Goddess Kali for help. Goddess Kali blessed Bhima with more strength.
Thus Bhima finally struck down the demon.
The demon was nearing his end and realized his mistakes. He
then prayed to Goddess Kali for forgiveness. Goddess Kali appeared before the demon
and blessed him. She gave him the boon that he will be a guard in her temple.
The villagers were happy and they constructed a temple for
Goddess Kali. They also created the statue of Pagasooran and Bhimasena. They
both stand guarding the deity in the temple.
It is believed that the Vanabadrakaliamman
Temple on Mettupalayam – Tekkampatti Road Coimbatore