Veerabhadra Katha: Hindu scriptures and Shiva Purana elaborate on Mahadev’s raudra forms. Kaal Bhairav Dev and Veerbhadra’s form are considered prominent among the fierce forms of Mahadev. Narrative of origin of Veerabhadra, the raudra form of Lord Shiva is one of the most powerful episodes. This form of Lord Shiva originated during Prajapati Daksh’s Yaksha at a time when Mahadev became angry after Mata Sati sacrificed her life.
Prajapati Daksh was the mental son of Lord Brahma. He was mother Sati’s father. According to legend, once Prajapati Daksha conducted a huge yagya. In this yagya he invited all the gods and goddesses, but did not call Lord Shiva and Sati, but Mother Sati insisted on going to her father’s place. Mahadev explained to them, but the mother did not agree and reached her father’s place without being invited.
Sati committed suicide
Prajapati Daksh insulted Lord Shiva a lot in front of Mother Sati who reached the Yagya. Mother Sati could not bear the insult of her husband and sacrificed her life by jumping into the same Yagyakund. Mahadev was filled with anger when he received information about Sati’s self-immolation. Shiva dislodged one of his lightning and flame-glowing matted hair and slammed it to earth.
Two parts of his hair as it fell to earth. According to Shiva Purana, a very huge, thousand-armed, decorated with trident-sword and fierce warrior like Sakshat Kaal appeared from the main part. He was called the Veerbhadra form of Lord Shiva. Veerabhadra also become the ruler of Shiva’s virtues. Whereas from the other part of the hair, Mahavinash and Bhadrakali, the goddess of protection, appeared in person.
Virbhadra had cut off Daksh’s head
Lord Shiva ordered Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali to immediately go and destroy Daksha’s yagya. Then both the superpowers attacked Daksh’s Yagya Mandap with the army of Shivganas. Veerabhadra also stopped the velocity of Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra. Finally, Prajapati Daksh’s head was cut off and put in the Yagya Kund. Then on the prayer of Lord Brahma, Shiva donated his life to Daksh by putting the head of a goat.
