The Power and Significance of Pratyangira Devi: The Guardian Deity of Shakti
Nikumbala Devi, also known as Pratyangira Devi, is a significant figure in Hindu mythology and worship. Her role is not just a story in ancient texts but a living tradition that continues to influence devotees in contemporary times. Let us explore the origins, attributes, and worship practices of this powerful deity.
Origins of Pratyangira Devi
As mentioned in the Markandeya Purana, Shiva Purana, Vathistabhaana Purana, and Vimathgira Purana, especially at the beginning of the Treta Yuga, Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu, killed the unruly King Hiranyakashipu by tearing up his body and drinking his blood. Due to the anger that spread in Hiranyakashipu's body and blood, Lord Narasimha's rage could not be curbed. To calm him down, Lord Shiva came in the form of Sharabha, a hybrid of bird and animal. In response, Lord Narasimha transformed into Gandaberunda, a two-headed bird, leading to a long and chaotic battle.
Later, Lord Varaha, also an avatar of Vishnu, appeared to aid Lord Narasimha. When the situation escalated and caused unrest, Goddess Parvati took the form of Shoolini Devi and appeared beside Varaha. The Devas then approached Lakshmi, who took the form of Pratyangira and alongside Prahlada, managed to pacify Lord Narasimha. Additionally, Bhu Devi took the form of Varahi to pacify Varaha, and each deity returned to their respective abodes.
Attributes and Practices of Pratyangira Devi
Pratyangira Devi, also known as Atharvana Bhadrakali, is a powerful manifestation of Shakti. She is described as a goddess with a male lion's face and a human body, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Shakti. She holds the combined destructive power of Shiva and Shakti, and her dual form signifies the balance of good and evil.
In Shaktism, Pratyangira is referred to as Siddhilakshmi, a form of Guhya Kali. In Durga tradition, she is known as Purna Chandi, representing the fiery destructive power of Brahman. In the Vedas, she is Adharvana Bhadrakali, the goddess of the Atharva Veda, and is also mentioned in the Ramayana.
Pratyangira is a teevra murti, a form that represents extreme ferocity. She is associated with wrathful deities and is used in rituals and worship to invoke powerful and transformative energies. However, due to her ferocious nature, worship is strictly prohibited for those with improper or insufficient bhakti. Only those who are initiated by a skilled Guru in Tantra can perform her worship.
Worship of Pratyangira Devi is performed for various purposes, including spiritual growth, overcoming challenges, and eliminating negative influences. Pratyangira Devi Homam Havan is performed on days of Amavasya to seek her blessings and protection.
Tantric Aspects and Invocations
Tantric deities like Pratyangira are classified into different categories based on their qualities, such as shanta (calm), ugra (wrathful), prachanda (horrifying), ghora (terrifying), and teevra (ferocious). Pratyangira belongs to the teevra category and is associated with powerful acts and energies.
She can be invoked for various purposes, including appealing, growth, increasing, attracting, subduing, dissention, repealing, and killing. Detailed guidelines are provided for suitable materials and the number of recitations needed for these purposes. It is important to note that invoking Pratyangira, especially for acts like killing or subduing, is irreversible, even if the performer later regrets it.
Conclusion
Pratyangira Devi remains a formidable and revered deity in Hindu worship. Her stories and practices continue to inspire and guide devotees, especially those seeking transformative and powerful energies in their lives. Whether seen as a guardian of Shakti or a fierce protector, she remains an essential and awe-inspiring figure in Hindu mythology.
Important: Seek expertise and proper guidance from a Tantric Guru for any worship involving Pratyangira Devi.