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Showing posts from March 11, 2018


Hidimbi Devi – Hadimba Worshipped as Goddess

Hidimbi, also known as Hadimba, was the wife of Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers. A demoness by birth, Hidimbi is worshipped in Himachal Pradesh. She is the guardian deity of tribals and travelers. She protects those who venture into forests and travels through forests and mountains. Hidimbi is also the mother of Ghatothkach. Hidimbi and her brother Hidimba were demons. They robbed and ate travelers who ventured into the forest they lived. They also polluted the ashrams of Saints. A group of Saints sought help of Bhima to get rid of the demons. Hidimba was overpowered by Bhima. Hidimbi changed her character after meeting Bhima. She fell in love with the strong Bhima. They both got married and led a peaceful life. But soon Bhima realized his Dharma and decided to leave the forest. Hidimbi did not follow Bhima as she was accustomed to the forests. She also hid from Bhima the fact that she was pregnant as she did not want Bhima to abandon his Dharma and stay in the f

Story of Matali, the charioteer of Indra

Matali is the charioteer of Indra and the story of Matali is found in the Vamana Purana. The birth of Matali is very interesting. It happened when the Devas (demigods) and Asuras (demons) were involved in a war. Indra , the king of Devas, was defeated and his weapon Vajra was broken by the demon king Andhaka . Indra then, on advice of Vishnu, took the help of Agni who provided him with a fiery weapon. Indra advanced towards the demons on his golden chariot provided by the Vasus. But Indra did not have an efficient charioteer who knew warfare and how to dodge through the enemy army. Indra himself drew the chariot and swiftness of it caused earth to shiver. During this period, Sage Samika and his wife Tapasvini had a child. A Rishi had told Tapasvini that if her first child was placed on open ground during earthquake it will become two. Tapasvini desired for the second child and therefore Sage Samika placed the child on open earth when Indra was riding across the skies