Bhadra
Bhadra is the daughter of Bhagavān Sūrya and Devī Chāyā. She is the full sister of Śani, who was born of the same mother. She is also known as Viṣṭi. She was born with fierce, unchecked power that threatened the order of the world. Brahmā then gave her a fixed role. She became a devī whose pūjā (worship) protects devotees from disease, from the grahas (planets) when they bring harm, and from obstacles.
Birth and nature
Bhadra was born to Bhagavān Sūrya through Chāyā, the same mother who bore Śani. So Śani is her brother through both parents. At birth she looked fearsome. She had a dark complexion, very long hair and large teeth, and she was full of fierce energy. The moment she was born, she began to run, meaning to throw the whole universe into upheaval.
She broke up yajñas (fire rituals) and put obstacles in the way of dharma work. She interfered with festivals and auspicious processions. She troubled devas and mortals in every way she could. Her wild ferocity distressed even Bhagavān Sūrya. He thought of arranging her marriage, hoping a husband might hold her in check. But no one in the three worlds was willing to marry her.
Brahmā’s intervention
Brahmā came to the domain of Bhagavān Sūrya. When the talk turned to Bhadra, Sūrya left the matter to Brahmā. He said: “You have created everyone, including her. Whatever should be done, only you know best. Please instruct.”
Brahmā called Bhadra and spoke to her with authority. He said: “I will make you a deva. People will worship you. Those who do not respect you, you may trouble. At certain set times you may seize and shake beings, whether human, divine or animal. But those who worship you and keep your vrata (vow), you must protect.”
Bhadra accepted the word of Brahmā. She took a set period of presence and influence, which comes at certain times in each pakṣa (lunar fortnight). In that period she is active in the world. Outside those periods she slowly grew deva-like qualities and became a protector of those who worship her.
The twelve names
The Uttara Parva gives Bhadra twelve names. Each stands for one side of her divine form.
- Dhanyā
- Dadhimukhī
- Bhadrā
- Mahāmārī
- Kharānanā (donkey-faced)
- Kālarātri
- Mahārudrā
- Viṣṭi
- Kulaputrikā
- Bhairavī
- Mahākālī
- Asura-kṣayakarī (destroyer of asuras)
Anyone who recites these twelve names on rising each morning will be free from all diseases. Those who are already ill are healed. All the grahas become favourable to those who worship her. All obstacles are removed, and victory in every conflict is certain.
Bhadra in the Pañcāṅga
The Pañcāṅga is the traditional almanac with five limbs: tithi, vāra, nakṣatra, yoga and karaṇa. In it, Viṣṭi (also called Bhadrā) is one of the eleven karaṇas. She comes twice in every lunar fortnight. She is held to be inauspicious for beginning new ventures, journeys, marriages and other auspicious undertakings. Those who worship her on her days are freed from her harmful influence.
Sources
- Bhaviṣya Purāṇa, Uttara Parva, Chapter 117