The Fiery Avatar of Bhadrakali
Kalkaji temple in the national capital has for years now been an embodiment of faith for faithful, especially in times of Navatri. The temple sees a steady stream of followers during Navratri. A temple that has its roots in the pre vedic era it was a war between gods and demons that resulted in its genesis.
It is believed after the birth of Bhadrakali, Rakhtabeej was gradually vanquished. This was when the temple came into being and has been known ever since as the Kalkaji temple.
The temple houses goddess Bhadrakali and there are multiple theories about the origin of the goddess and consequent creation of the temple.
As per the holiest of scriptures and the most trusted one on Durga and her nine forms, the Devi Mahatmayam, when Rakhtabeej had become an element of terror for the gods, Bhadrakali was created.
The origin of the Goddess and her forms is also associated with Daksha and Dakshayaga, based on Shaivism. Brushing aside the talk of Bhadrakali being born as the daughter of Lord Shiva, a priest in the temple tells an agency when gods were endangered by the evil Rakhtabeej and his army, they went to lord Brahma.
On Brahma’s advice they were to pray to Goddess Kaushiki. The goddess killed all demons, but Rakhtabeej lived. To kill Rakhtabeej, Bhadrakali was born who killed the demon and the temple came to existence.
All the gods prayed to her and made her temple here.
Rakhtabeej was an Asura who fought against the gods by joining forces with Shumbha and Nishumbha. Rakhtabeej had a boon that whenever a drop of his blood fell on the ground, a duplicate Rakhtabeej would be born at that spot.
The trick that managed to weed out Rakhtabeej was Bhadrakali stretched out her tongue over earth and licked each drop of blood. This way she ended the evil reign of Rakhtbeej. Over years the Kalkaji temple has been a big centre of faith.
During Navratra, the rush increases and lakhs of devotees visit the temple.
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