Chandrahasa (Hinduism)
In the Hindu epic Ramayana, the Chandrahasa is an indestructible sword that Shiva gifts Ravana.[1][2][3][4]
According to local folklore, it is also believed that this sword was given to Shivaji by the goddess Bhavani in Tulja Bhavani Temple to fight the evil kings.[5]
Ravana lifting Mount Kailash
The Uttara Kanda of the Hindu epic Ramayana records that the ten-headed, twenty-armed mighty King Ravana defeated and looted Alaka – the city of his step-brother and god of wealth Kubera, situated near Mount Kailash. After the victory, Ravana was returning to Lanka in the Pushpaka Vimana (the flying chariot that his father in law made for him), when he spotted a beautiful place. However, the chariot could not fly over it. Ravana met Shiva's demigod-bull attendant Nandi (Nandisha, Nandikeshwara) at the place and asked the reason behind his chariot's inability to pass over the place. Nandi informed Ravana that Shiva and Parvati were enjoying a dalliance on the mountain, and that no one was allowed to pass. Ravana mocked Nandi. Enraged by the insult, Nandi cursed Ravana that monkeys would destroy him. In turn, Ravana decided to uproot Kailash, infuriated by Nandi's curse and his inability to proceed further. He put all his twenty arms under Kailash and started lifting it. As Kailash began to shake, a terrified Parvati embraced Shiva. However, the omniscient Shiva realized that Ravana was behind the menace, and pressed the mountain into place with his big toe, trapping Ravana beneath it. Ravana gave a loud cry in pain. Realizing his mistake, Ravana sang hymns in praise of Shiva for a thousand years. Finally, Shiva not only forgave Ravana, but also granted him the invincible sword, Chandrahasa.[6][7]
Bhavani Talvar
Shivaji, the powerful ruler of the Maratha Empire, used to go to the Tulja Bhavani Temple to seek blessing throughout his conquests. According to local tradition, on one occasion, when Shivaji prayed to the goddess Tulja for victory in a battle against the Mughal Empire, the goddess appeared and gave him the Chandrahasa sword, after which the goddess disappeared. The sword, when used, made Shivaji successful in all his conquests against his rivals.[citation needed] The sword is now called the Bhavani Talvar or the Bhavani Khadga, literally meaning. 'The sword of Bhavani'.[8]
Popular culture
Bengali writer Sourav Chakrabory wrote a dark fantasy novel named Chandrahas. The novel is based on the myth of the sword Chandrahasa and human sacrifice.[9]
References
- ^ Bennett, James (7 June 2017). Beneath the Winds: Masterpieces of Southeast Asian Art from the Art Gallery of South Australia. Australia: Art Gallery of South Australia. p. 251. ISBN 978-1921668074.
- ^ Cakrabartī, Bishṇupada (24 July 2008). The Penguin Companion to the Ramayana. Penguin. p. 91. ISBN 978-0143100461. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
- ^ Social, Daily. "12 Of The Most Powerful Divine Weapons From Hindu Mythology". Daily Social. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
- ^ "Chandrahas". cleandungeon. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
- ^ "Tuljapur: Abode of the Goddess". Outlook Traveller. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
- ^ Rao pp.217–8
- ^ Kala pp.37–8
- ^ Shanker, C. R. Gowri (3 July 2016). "The temple which Bhavani left: Tulja Bhavani temple". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
- ^ "Chandrahas". www.goodreads.com. Retrieved 9 May 2021.