In the Kurma Purana, the story of the demon Andhaka presents
a unique version compared to the more popular narrative. Here's an expanded
account based on your summary:
Andhaka in the Kurma Purana
In the Kurma Purana, Andhaka is depicted as a formidable
demon with extraordinary physical attributes. He is described as having a
thousand arms, a thousand heads, and two thousand eyes and feet, emphasizing
his monstrous and fearsome nature.
Parentage and Birth
Andhaka is born to the sage Kashyapa and his wife Diti.
Kashyapa is one of the ancient sages or Prajapatis, and Diti is often
associated with the Asuras or demons. Their union produced many powerful demon
progeny, and Andhaka is among the most notable due to his remarkable form and
strength.
The Theft of the Parijata Tree
One of the key episodes involving Andhaka in the Kurma
Purana is his attempt to steal the Parijata tree from heaven. The Parijata tree
is a divine, wish-fulfilling tree that grows in the gardens of Indra, the king
of the gods. This tree is highly coveted for its celestial beauty and the boons
it bestows.
Andhaka, driven by his ambition and the desire to possess
this divine treasure, launches an assault on heaven to seize the Parijata tree.
His immense power and the sheer scale of his attack create chaos and panic
among the gods.
Confrontation with Shiva
In response to Andhaka's audacious theft, Shiva, one of the
principal deities in Hinduism, intervenes. Shiva, known for his role as the
destroyer in the Trimurti (the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma the creator
and Vishnu the preserver), takes up the task of confronting Andhaka.
A fierce battle ensues between Shiva and Andhaka. Despite
Andhaka's formidable abilities and his thousand-armed might, he is ultimately
no match for Shiva's divine power and prowess. Shiva defeats and kills Andhaka,
thus earning the epithets Andhaka Samhara (destroyer of Andhaka) and Andhaka
Ripu (enemy of Andhaka).
Significance of the Story
This version of Andhaka's story in the Kurma Purana
highlights several key themes:
- Divine Justice: The intervention of Shiva to protect the celestial order and the divine treasures signifies the upholding of dharma (cosmic law and order).
- Might of the Gods: The battle showcases the supremacy of the gods, particularly Shiva, over even the most powerful of demons.
- Unique Attributes: The depiction of Andhaka with a thousand arms, heads, and other features underlines his unique identity in this Purana, distinguishing him from other versions of his story.
Comparison with Other Narratives
The more widely known version of Andhaka’s story involves
his desire for his own mother, Goddess Parvati. In this tale, Andhaka is
typically portrayed as the son of Shiva and Parvati, who becomes lustful
towards Parvati, not recognizing her as his mother due to a curse or ignorance.
This narrative explores themes of desire, ignorance, and the destructive power
of uncontrolled emotions, culminating in Andhaka's death at the hands of Shiva.
In contrast, the Kurma Purana's version focuses more on Andhaka’s physical might and his attempt to challenge the divine order by stealing the Parijata tree. Both stories, however, emphasize Shiva's role as a destroyer of evil and protector of cosmic harmony.
The story of Andhaka in the Kurma Purana, with its unique elements and focus on his battle with Shiva over the Parijata tree, adds a rich layer to the mythological tapestry of Hinduism. It presents a different perspective on the demon Andhaka, highlighting the diversity of narratives and interpretations within the vast corpus of Hindu mythology.