Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur – Legends

Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur – Legends

Andhaka was the son of Hiranyaksha and cousin of Prahlada. Andhaka and Prahlada, along with their army defeated the Devas, making Prahlada the king of the three worlds. Sometime later, Prahlada battled Vishnu, but lost the battle due to a curse the sages have placed upon him. After his loss, he appointed Andhaka as king and successfully acquires Vishnu's forgiveness. Upon returning, Andhaka tries to make him king again, but is met with refusal. At one point, Mahishasura and Tarakasura are killed by the gods, a feat which Andhaka thought was impossible.

After this incident, Andhaka came to desire a beautiful wife and was informed about Parvati, said to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Unaware that Parvati is his mother, Andhaka makes his way to Shiva's abode. There he tried to abduct Parvati, but she assumed a hundred forms and knocked him unconscious in battle. Andhaka fled back to Patala with the intention to recuperate and make another attempt at procuring Parvati.

Prahlada tried to dissuade him. He revealed to Andhaka his true origins about being born from the sweat of Shiva when Parvati covered his eyes. His explanation falls on deaf ears and he fails to persuade the Asura. Andhaka attacked Shiva and the other deities with his army, most of whom were obliterated. Andhaka then disguised himself as Shiva to fool Parvati, but she managed to recognise him and hid among her servants. Unable to find her, Andhaka returns to the battle.

Karthikeya and Ganesha accompanied by the Ganas, destroyed Andhaka's chariot. Lord Shiva engaged him in battle. Whenever Andhaka's blood fell on the ground, a copy of him would spawn. Lord Vishnu created 64 Yoginis to drink the blood of the demon every time he was hurt, preventing the spread of new demons. Finally, Shiva managed to decapitate Andhaka. After the fight, the 64 goddesses (Yoginis) asked Lord Shiva to commemorate them in the form of a temple structure.