Bhadrakali | ✓

Glossary and Decoding

Glossary and Translations

Snub: a refusal to recognize someone you know

Reiterate: to say, state or perform again

Madayi: a place in Kerala where the war between Goddess Bhadrakali and Asura Darika has said to be taken place

Sanatani: Sanatan Dharma

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Decoding The Poem

There are different versions to this story. Each version has it's own way of describing Bhadrakali. Some say she had eight arms, while others say it was sixteen or even thirty two. Sixteen was the most common occurrence.

For those who have doubt regarding Lord Shiva being her father and Bhadra her brother, I would like to make it clear that one of the famous Malayalam song, Pallivallu Bhadravatakam clearly mentions this relation. Here's the line from that song:

Parmesha putri raghubhadra
Njaninnorkkeda

Parmesha or Parmeshwara is referred to Lord Shiva.

There is a belief that Darika was expert at night battles. Bhadrakali covers Surya with her hair which I feel could be symbolic reference to solar eclipse. The reference to golden anklet wasn't mentioned. I assume she used to trick the asura.

I hope this clears the common doubts. But if you have any, do comment or PM it to me. I will try my best to clear them.