Shiva's Attendant Ferocious Virabhadra

The spectacular kalamkari painting of "Virabhadra" is given a resoplandent treatment with some beautiful colour pattern.  

Virabhadra was born out of the wrath of "Rudra (Shiva)", when the Lord stepped in to destroy the Yagna of "Daksha Prajapati", after "Dakshayani (Sati)" or Devi self-immolated in yagna fire. Along with him was created, his consort Bhadrakali, from the wrath of Devi.

Vīrabhadra was a great warrior who eventually blinded Bhaga and broke, among many other countless gods, Pushan's teeth. Other gods fled the battle field unable to sustain his power. He is the head of Shiva Gana or the followers of Shiva.

Sati was the youngest daughter of Daksha, the chief of the gods. When Sati grew up she set her heart on Shiva, worshipping him in secret. In the Swayamvara of Sati, Daksha invited all gods and princes except Shiva. Sati cast her wreath into air, calling upon Shiva to receive the garland; and behold he stood in midst of the court with the wreath about his neck. Daksha had no choice but to marry Sati with Shiva.

One day Daksha made arrangements for a great horse sacrifice, and invited all the gods omitting only Shiva. Sati, being greatly humiliated, went to the banquet and Sati released the inward consuming fire and fell dead at Daksha's feet. Narada bore this news to Shiva. Shiva burned with anger, and tore from his head a lock of hair, glowing with energy, and cast upon the earth. The terrible demon Vīrabhadra sprang from it, his tall body reached the high heavens, he was dark as the clouds, he had a thousand arms, three burning eyes, and fiery hair; he wore a garland of skulls and carried terrible weapons. Vīrabhadra bowed at Shiva's feet and asked his will.

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