Story of Demon Darika and Goddess Bhadrakali is famous in
South India especially in Kerala. The story is the reason for the origin of
many temples in Kerala.
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.
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.