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This story takes place during the battle between Kali and Raktabija, when Kali's terrifying form threatened to destroy the world. It tells how Shiva transformed into an infant to awaken Kali Maa's maternal instincts and prevent the world's destruction.
Characters in the story:
Lord Shiva: Lord Shiva holds significant prominence in Hinduism as a prominent deity, revered for his role as the vanquisher of malevolence and the catalyst of universal change. Depicted in various forms, he is often portrayed as a tranquil ascetic engaged in deep meditation or as the divine dancer, adorned with a third eye, an entwined serpent around his neck, and a trident grasped firmly in his hand.
Goddess Kali: Goddess Kali is a goddess known for her fierce form and association with destruction, time, and the power of femininity. She is often depicted with a dark complexion, multiple arms, and a necklace of skulls.
Goddess Durga: Goddess Durga is a prominent Hindu deity who is revered as a symbol of power, courage, and divine feminine energy. She is known by various names such as Devi, Shakti, Bhavani, and Parvati, and is believed to be the manifestation of the supreme goddess.
Demon Raktabeeja: Demon Raktabeeja is a demonic figure who possessed the power to multiply himself from every drop of his blood that touched the ground, making him almost invincible in battle.
During the legendary battle between Mahisasura and Durga, Mahisasura had taken the help of a fierce demon named Raktabija. Raktabija had a terrifying ability: every drop of his blood that touched the ground would give rise to many more demons as powerful as he was. The gods, despite their combined strength, found themselves unable to defeat him because the more they fought, the more demons appeared.
In their desperation, the gods turned to Durga for help. Goddess Kali, emerging from the forehead of Durga, roared onto the battlefield. With her wild hair flying and her eyes blazing with fury, she began to slaughter the demons and drink their blood so that no new Raktabija would be born. Her rage was unstoppable, and she danced a ferocious dance of destruction, killing everything in her path.
However, Kali’s bloodlust soon spiraled out of control. She became so consumed by her rage that she couldn’t distinguish between friend and foe, threatening to destroy the world she was meant to protect. The gods, now fearful of the very force they had unleashed, sought a way to calm her.
Shiva devised a plan. He knew that only a drastic action could bring Kali back to her senses. So, he lay down among the corpses on the battlefield, becoming one with the blood-soaked earth. As Kali continued her frenzied dance, she stepped on Shiva. The moment her foot touched him, she realized she had stepped on her beloved husband.
The shock of this realization brought Kali out of her blind rage. She stopped her dance, and her terrifying fury melted away. In that moment, she was transformed. Her eyes, which had once blazed with anger, now softened with love and compassion.
To further soothe her, Shiva turned into a helpless infant, lying at her feet. Seeing her husband in this vulnerable form, Kali’s maternal instincts took over. She picked up the infant Shiva and gently began to nurse him. This act of nurturing brought complete peace to her heart.
As Kali cradled the infant Shiva, the world saw a different side of the fierce goddess. It was a reminder that even the most destructive forces have a nurturing, compassionate side. The balance between destruction and creation was restored, symbolized by Kali’s tender care for the baby Shiva.
Through this powerful story, the divine message was clear: the universe thrives on a delicate balance between opposing forces. Destruction and creation, rage and compassion, all coexist in harmony. And even in the midst of chaos, love and nurturing have the power to restore peace and order.
