Kankala Bhairava, also known as Kankalamurti, is a formidable form of the Hindu god Shiva, particularly venerated in South India. This fierce aspect of Shiva is intricately associated with themes of destruction, penance, and transcendence. The stories surrounding Kankalamurti are rich with symbolism and reflect the complex nature of divine retribution and redemption.
Encounter with Vishvakasena
One of the most prominent legends of Kankalamurti involves
an encounter with Vishvakasena, a gatekeeper of Vishnu's abode, Vaikunta.
According to this tale, Shiva, in the form of Bhairava, sought entry into
Vaikunta. However, Vishvakasena refused him access. In his wrath, Bhairava
killed Vishvakasena and carried his skeleton (kankala) on his trishula
(trident). This act of carrying the skeleton earned him the name Kankalamurti.
The Journey to Vaikunta
Following the slaying of Vishvakasena, Bhairava, now known
as Kankalamurti, entered Vaikunta and approached Vishnu. Hungry and penitent,
he begged Vishnu for food. There are two versions of what happened next:
Blood Offering: In one version, Vishnu compassionately
offered his own blood to Kankalamurti as sustenance. This gesture highlights
Vishnu's role as a preserver and nurturer, even in the face of such a grim
visitor.
Forehead Artery: Another version narrates that Vishnu cut an
artery on Bhairava’s forehead, causing a stream of blood to flow into his
begging bowl, thus satiating his hunger. This act signifies a profound act of
self-sacrifice and divine grace.
Redemption at Kashi
Vishnu, recognizing the need for Bhairava to atone for his
actions, directed him to the sacred city of Kashi (Varanasi). It is believed
that Kashi, being a city of liberation and purification, would expiate the sin
of killing Vishvakasena. Upon reaching Kashi, the corpse of Vishvakasena
vanished, symbolizing the cleansing of Bhairava’s sin. Subsequently,
Vishvakasena was resurrected, and Bhairava, having been sanctified, shed the
form of Kankalamurti and returned to his divine abode.
Depiction and Symbolism
Kankalamurti is typically depicted as a fierce, four-armed
figure. He holds a kankala-danda (skeleton-staff) and is often accompanied by
bhuta ganas (ghostly attendants) and love-sick women. This imagery reflects his
association with death, the afterlife, and the potent energy that transcends
ordinary existence.
The Vamana Legend
Another intriguing legend about Kankalamurti involves the
slaying of Vamana, an avatar of Vishnu. In this story, Vishnu incarnated as
Vamana, a dwarf who later assumed a gigantic form to humble the demon king
Mahabali. However, Vamana’s colossal form became a burden to the universe.
Responding to their pleas, Shiva, in the form of Kankalamurti, destroyed Vamana
and used his backbone as a weapon. This act is symbolic of Shiva's role as the
destroyer within the Hindu trinity, necessary for the cyclical process of
creation, preservation, and destruction.
Philosophical Interpretations
Kankalamurti embodies the concept of Shiva as the dissolver
of the universe. The skeleton he carries represents the ultimate reality of
destruction and the transient nature of life. The tales of Kankalamurti, filled
with acts of violence followed by acts of redemption, underscore the dual
aspects of Shiva – both terrifying and benevolent. These narratives emphasize
that destruction is not merely an end but a necessary precursor to renewal and
liberation.
In essence, the stories of Kankalamurti serve to illustrate profound truths about the nature of divinity, the cycle of life and death, and the path to spiritual purification and ultimate liberation.