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ॐ जयन्ती मङ्गला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी।
दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तु ते।।
The annihilation of the demon Raktabeej (also spelt Raktabija) by Maa Ambika (a form of Devi Durga) and Maa Kali is an ancient story (katha) that has been told for millennia in India. The tale is not only interesting but also teaches a timeless lesson to humankind about identifying and defeating one’s inner Raktabeej.
Although a reference to Raktabeej is found in many ancient texts and Puranas, we have based this article and the attached video on the famous text named Durga Saptashati. Durga Saptashati is an integral part of Markandeya Purana. Devotees also refer to it as Chandi or Chandi Path or Devi Mahatmya. This katha can be found in the eighth chapter of Durga Saptashati.
Know More about Durga Saptashati
Raktabeej Meets His End
Long long ago, the devatas and the demons led by Shumbha and Nishumbha engaged in a fierce battle. Devaraja Indra’s army was defeated by Shumbha and Nishumbha’s powerful forces. Shumbha and Nishumbha usurped the powers of all the devatas and started ruling the entire universe. The defeated and humiliated devatas went to Mount Kailash and appealed to Mata Parvati for help. Mata Parvati assumed the form of the charming Devi Ambika to protect the rights of the Devatas. She fought a relentless battle with Shumbha and Nishumbha’s army.
A ferocious demon named Raktabeej was one of the generals in this army. He engaged in a no-holds-barred battle with Goddess Ambika and all the Matrikas. Raktabeej was blessed with a unique boon. As soon as a single drop of his blood fell on the earth, another equally terrifying and huge Raktabeej-like demon was born. As a result, when the Matrikas heightened their attacks on him and more drops of his blood fell on the earth, more powerful Raktabeej like demons came into existence. On seeing this ghastly sight, Devi Ambika and Maa Kali hatched a plan to annihilate the demon.
रक्तबीज की कथा हिन्दी में देखें और पढ़ें
As per the plan, Maa Chandika started attacking Raktabeej continuously and Maa Chamunda extended her tongue into infinity. Every drop of Raktabeej’s blood fell on her tongue. As and when a demon appeared from that drop of blood, the ferocious Maa Kali would immediately devour that demon.
Slowly but surely all the blood in Raktabeej‘s body was drained out and the terrible demon came to an end. The matrikas were ecstatic and the grateful devatas worshipped Maa Chandika, Maa Kali and other Matrikas.
If one ponders over the story, Raktabeej is akin to our pride, akin to our greed and akin to our inertia. If and only if we conquer the Raktabeej within us, we will be able to move ahead on the path of Dharma.
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