Veerbhadra : Angry Avatar of Shiva (Full Story of Veer Bhadra)

Shiva becomes pleased with his devotees very quickly. He also grants them the desired boon. Because of this quality, he is also called Bholenath. However, it is to please Mahadev but impossible to face his anger. This is the reason why his devotees also call him the God of Destruction. Lord Shiva has ended the evil forces with his fierce forms many times. One of such forms is Veerbhadra. 

Do you know that once Veerbhadra had to fight with Vishnu? It was the first time when a Rudra Avatar was facing Lord Vishnu himself. It was a situation of conflict. So, let’s see why it happened. But before starting, who is Veerbhadra? Why is it so important to know about him?

Who Veerbhadra Is?

Lord Shiva has 19 avatars or incarnations. Whereas, there are 11 fierce forms which are known as Rudra Avatar. Among these, Veerbhadra is considered the first Rudra Avatar of Shiva. He was born in Mahadev’s rage after his separation from Sati.

A Daughter’s Choice and Father’s Anger

Prajapati Daksha was the father of Lord Shiva’s wife Sati. Daksha was the son of Lord Brahma (The Creator) and was entitled as Prajapati which means ruler of the human race. However, Sati was a devotee of Shiva since childhood. Since then she had decided to marry Shiva. But Daksh did not accept this. He wanted to marry his daughter to a high family.So, he held a Swayamwar for his daughter. But Sati has already taken the decision. She threw the garland (Var Maala) in the sky and pleased Shiva to accept it. The garland landed in Shiva’s neck and he accepted Sati as his wife.

A Yajna Fueled by Arrogance and Disrespect

After Sati’s marriage with Shiva, Daksha abandoned her. Once, Daksha organized a great Yajna in which he invited all the gods. Even supreme gods like Vishnu and Brahma were present too. Despite inviting all the Gods, Daksha didn’t send any invitation to Shiva and Sati. He didn’t even keep a share of them in the Yajna. 

Sati’s Sacrifice

When Sati came to know about the Yajna, she decided to attend it. However, Shiva didn’t allow her to go. He refused to go either. But Sati felt that she didn’t need an invitation as she was her father’s beloved child. So, despite Shiva’s refusal, she went to the Yajna. 

Furthermore, when she arrived there, she noticed her father neglected her. Later, Daksha started to insult Sati and her husband. She couldn’t tolerate her husband’s insult. So, she jumped into the fire of Yajna and sacrificed herself.

Rise of Veerbhadra: Shiva’s Rage

News of Sati’s death reached Shiva. Knowing that his wife sacrificed herself in fire, ignited a fire within him. He was burning in anger, grief, pain, sorrow and rage. He plucked out his matted hair and hit it hard on the ground. Suddenly a spark and fire started to come out of it. Further, this took the form of a colossal warrior, Veer Bhadra. His eyes were blazing with rage. Armed with fearsome weapons. He sets out on a mission to destroy Daksh, his Yagya and anyone who dares come between them.

Vishnu vs Angry Veerbhadra: Dharm Sankat

Daksha’s force trembled before the angry Veer Bhadra. Heads rolled, limbs flew, and blood fell over the ground. Veer Bhadra was unstoppable. However, Vishnu was committed to protect Daksha and his Yajna. He stood in his path. Veer Bhadra found himself in a Dharm Sankat. Shiva sensed his hesitation so he plucked his matted hair again which took the form of Bhadrakali. A fierce women warrior who was assigned by Shiva to fuel Veer Bhadra. Furthermore, enraged again, he continued his rampage.

Never Question A God

Seeing the unstoppable warrior, Daksha questioned the commitment of Lord Vishnu. He said that if Vishnu had wanted, he could have used his Sudarshan Chakra. But still he is not using it. Then Vishnu replied by saying:

“केवलं ज्ञान मष्ठ्रित्य निरिश्वार्परनरा निरेयंते च गचन्ति तल्प्कोटि शतानि च।”

Meaning: One who in the arrogance of knowledge denies God and denies His greatness, deserves hell. He left after saying this.

Head Burning In the Flames of Rage

Finally, the angry Veer Bhadra beheaded Daksha. Then Brahma and Vishnu went to calm Shiva. They requested Shiva to revive Daksha so that the Yajna could be completed. Upon the request of the Gods, he intervened. Shiva replaced Daksha’s head with that of a sheep. Then the Yajna was completed and Veer Bhadra calmed at Shiva’s command.

Veer Bhadra’s Legacy of Dharma

Veer means the one who always follows the path of dharma and also brings the unrighteous to the path of dharma. Whereas, Bhadra means beneficial. Veerbhadra, born from the hair of Mahadev, is his first Rudra incarnation. Veerbhadra is a symbol of nobility, bravery, opulence, and devotion. Later, he married Bhadrakali and had 6 sons.

A Lesson to Learn

This story of angry Veer Bhadra teaches us valuable lessons. It highlights the devastating results of anger and arrogance. Also, it teaches about the importance of forgiveness. Likewise, if Daksha behaved humble then he wouldn’t have lost his head. Moreover, if he had belief over Lord Vishnu then he must have remained to his side. So, in conclusion, avoid envious feelings like anger, envy, jealousy and hate. And have faith and patience. Because if you don’t have faith in god then no one can save you with the flames of trouble. 

• Who was Veerbhadra?
• Whom did Veerbhadra marry?
• Who is the ninth rudra avatar of Shiva?  Shiva has 11 rudra avatars. Among them Lord Hanuman is the ninth rudra of Shiva.