Bhadrakali
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Bhadrakali (IAST: Bhadrakālī, Devanagari: भद्रकाली) , also known as the gentle Kali, is generally an auspicious form of the goddess Kali, and the legend states that she came into being by Devi’s wrath, when Daksha insulted Shiva. It is believed that Bhadrakāli was a local deity, which was assimilated into the mainstream Hinduism, particularly into Shaiva mythology. Sometimes, she assumes terrible aspect, and is represented with three eyes, and four, twelve or eighteen hands. She carries a number of weapons, with flames flowing from her head, and a small tusk protruding from her mouth. She is the consort of Virabhadra. [1] This way she is ancestor of many Jat clans.
History
The historian Ram Swarup Joon has given the chronology of Virabhadra, obtained from the records of the Bards of Dholpur, in his book ‘History of the Jats’ (1938, 1967) as under: [2]
In the branch of Puru there was ‘Sanyati’ whose son was Virabhadra. Virabhadra had four sons 1. Pon Bhadra 2. Kalhan bhadra 3. Atisur Bhadra and 4. Jakh Bhadra.
- Pon Bhadra is the originator of Punia gotra.
- Kalhan Bhadra is the originator of Kalhan gotra.
- Atisur Bhadra had Ajanta Jata Shankar and his son Dahi Bhadra in the lineage. Dahi Bhadra is the originator of Dahiya gotra.
- Jakh Bhadra is the originator of Jakhar gotra.
According to Ram Swarup Joon, the descendants of above spread as under:
(a) Pon Bhadra’s descendants Punias to Haryana, Brij, and Gwalior
(b) Kalhan Bhadra’s descendants Kalhans to Kathiawar and Gujarat.
(c) Atisur Bhadra’s descendants Anjana Jata Shankar to Malwa
(d) Jakh Bhadra’s descendants Jakhars to Punjab and Kashmir
(e) Dahi Bhadra’s descendants Dahiyas to Punjab and Central Asia
Temples of Bhadrakali
It is clear from the above chronology that some descendants of Virabhadra have moved to Malwa and Gujarat. There must be some traces left in these areas.
- Bhadrakali temple in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) - We find The traces of their migration in the form of temples of Bhadrakali in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and in Malwa near Ratlam. The historian PN Oak has revealed that one densely populated area of Ahmedabad is known as 'Bhadra'. Bhadra is a sanskrit name. This Bhadra area is having a number of mosques. PN Oak has revealed that the Jama-masjid of Bhadra area in Ahmedabad was earlier a temple of Bhadrakali diety, which was converted to masjid. Bhadrakali was the primeval diety of this city. He proved, through number of articles published in 1964-65, that so called Jama-masjid of Ahmedabad (Karnavati or Rajnagar) was the temple of city and royal diety Bhadrakali. [3]
- We also find the temple of Bhadrakali at place called Bajna at a distance of 36 km from Ratlam city in Malwa region. This Bhadrakali temple is of the period of Parmara rulers and known as Garhkhankhai mataji. This temple is situated in dense forested area of the valley at the sangam of Karan river and Mahi river. Raja Bhoj had constructed this temple. This place is also recognized as shaktipitha in India. The excavations at this site has produced rare idols of Shiva in yoga pose, Lakshami, Gajasursanhar, Surya and Nataraja. The world famous 'Tripurasundari ma' temple at a distance of 60 km from this place is situated at village Talwada in Banswara district in Rajasthan. An inscription of 1540 AD found here reveals that this temple was constructed prior to the rule of Kanishka. Some people believe it to be constructed before 3rd century AD. There was a very ancient place here known as 'Garhpoli' which is called as 'Umarai' at present. Excavations in 1982 at this place have produced idols of Shiva with Parvati on his thigh. Ganesha and Kartikeya are seated on both sides.[4]
- The city and district Bhadrak get name from Bhadrakali temple.
- Bhadrakali Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Bhadrakali Temple in Ujjain, India - Adjoining the famous Mahakal Temple Ujjain.
Reference
- ↑ Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola
- ↑ RS Joon: History of the Jats’ (1938, 1967)
- ↑ PN Oak: Some blunders of Indian Historical research
- ↑ Amit Nigam: Ratlam ki Tripura sundari, Democratic World, 28 December 2006
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