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The Indic narrative tradition is replete with allegorical stories of the battles between the divine and demonic forces. In times immemorial, their lived two demons – Madhu and Kaitabha who are believed to signify tamasic forces. The story of their end is narrated in many Puranas. It is also found in the Mahabharata. In this note, we have narrated the story as it is found in the first chapter of Devi Mahatmya which is a part of the Markandeya Purana and the first book of the Devi Bhagavata Purana.
Shri Vishnu Slays Madhu and Kaitabha with the Grace of Devi Mahamaya – Story as narrated in Chapter 1 of Durga Saptashati, Markandeya Purana
A Kalpa, an unfathomable cycle of time in the life of our universe had ended with the great deluge. Every conceivable or unconceivable space was covered with water. Bhagwan Vishnu was resting on the great Sheshnaga, in deep, mystic slumber with Brahmaji sitting on the lotus that emerged from his navel. Suddenly, two asuras Madhu and Kaitabha sprang up from the dirt that emanated from Vishnuji’s ears. They rushed towards Brahma threatening to devour him. A troubled Brahmaji started praying fervently to Devi Yoganidra, the Mahamaya who is without beginning and without end and was dwelling in Vishnu’s eyes.
Pleased by his entreaties, this all-powerful, supreme Devi who deludes all, drew herself out from Narayan’s heart, mind and senses, appeared in front of Brahma and blessed him.
Having been awakened from his Yoganidra, Vishnuji engaged in a furious battle with the two demons – Madhu and Kaitabha for almost five thousand years. Devi Mahamaya stepped in and deluded the asuras into believing that they were invincible. They started brimming with arrogance and told Vishnuji – ‘Ask us for a boon’. Jagannatha requested Madhu and Kaitabha that they should be annihilated by him. The trapped asuras desired to be killed at a dry place which they hoped would not be found. Lo and behold, Hari placed them on his thighs and beheaded them with his Sudarshan Chakra. Madhu and Kaitabha had been destroyed and it was time for creation to begin.
Introduction to Devi Saptashati
Shri Vishnu Slays Madhu and Kaitabha with the Grace of Devi Yogamaya – Story from Book 1 of Devi Bhagavata Purana
The story of Madhu and Kaitabha is elaborated upon in chapters 6-10 of the First Book of the Devi Bhagavata Purana. The description of their birth is similar i.e. they appeared from the dirt that came out of Vishnuji’s ears when he was in deep yogic slumber. The two demons started roaming around in the deep and dark waters in which they were born. Smitten by a desire to become all powerful, they performed penance for a thousand years and prayed fervently to Devi Bhagwati. She gave them a boon that they would not be killed by either by a devata or a demon and would perish only when they wanted to. Elated by this pronouncement of the Devi, the arrogant asuras attacked Brahma. Worried by this sudden turn of events Brahmaji first prayed to Hari for help and then to Devi Yogamaya. The Devi freed Vishnu from her maya who woke up and fought with the valiant demons for five thousand years. Unable to defeat Madhu and Kaitabha, he turned to the all-powerful, omnipresent Devi for help. Together they hatched a plan to ensure that the two brothers could be annihilated. Devi Yogamaya beguiled the two demons and Vishnu told them to ask him for a boon. Intoxicated with their power and the maya of the Devi, they told Jagannatha – ‘We are not beggars. We are givers. You can ask us for a boon.’ At that opportune moment, Narayan entreated them – ‘Please accept death at my hands.’ Madhu and Kaitabha had been deceived and were left with no option. Shri Hari placed their heads on his thighs and beheaded them with his Sudarshan Chakra. The asuras who signified the darkness of ignorance were thus destroyed.
This story is a reminder that Devi Mahamaya is omnipresent in all her resplendent glory. She is the one who beguiles us with the darkness of maya and leads us to the light of true knowledge.
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