MADHUKEET (MADHU and KAITABHA) My Lord destroyed the -demons without the practice of devotion including Sahasbahu, Madhukeet, Mehkhasa….. (Gauri M. l, p. 224) Episode: Madhu and Kaitabha were two formidable demons, who sprung from the ear of Vishnu, when he;;was sunk in his sleep of contemplation (Yoganidra) at the end of the kalpa. Brahma created gods and demons both, who began to fight with each other. The Vedic incarnations were used as weapons by the gods. Seeing this, the demons made up their mind to steal the Vedas. Madhu and Kaitabha, aided by Maya, east a spell on the gods and ran away with the Vedas and hid them at the bottom of the ocean.
The gods were unable to perform the rites without the Vedas and Brahma was incapable of creation. At that time, Shakti, the female power of Shiva helped Vishnu in the recovery of the Vedas. Vishnu assumed the form of a boar and brought back the Vedas. See : Das Avatars (boar incarnation).
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
In Hindu mythology, Madhu and Kaitabha are two powerful asuras (demons) who play a significant role in the cosmic narrative of creation and preservation. Their story is closely tied to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and is recounted in texts like the Devi Bhagavata Purana and the Bhagavata Purana.
Origin of Madhu and Kaitabha
Madhu and Kaitabha are said to have originated from the earwax of Lord Vishnu while he was in a deep meditative state known as yoganidra (cosmic slumber). From Vishnu’s navel, a lotus sprouted, upon which Brahma, the creator, sat contemplating the creation of the cosmos. The two asuras emerged as embodiments of tamas (darkness) and rajas (activity), representing the forces of chaos and destruction.
The Theft of the Vedas
Madhu and Kaitabha, driven by their immense power and arrogance, stole the Vedas (sacred texts) from Brahma and hid them in the depths of the primeval ocean. This act disrupted the cosmic order, prompting Brahma to seek Vishnu’s help.
The Battle with Vishnu
Vishnu, awakened by Brahma’s prayers, confronted Madhu and Kaitabha. The two asuras, having performed intense penance, had received a boon from the goddess Mahadevi that they could only be killed with their consent. Confident in their invincibility, they engaged in a fierce battle with Vishnu that lasted for thousands of years.
Using his divine wisdom, Vishnu praised the asuras and cleverly asked them for the boon of slaying them. Amused and overconfident, Madhu and Kaitabha granted Vishnu’s request. Vishnu then expanded his form and placed the asuras on his thighs, slaying them with his Sudarshana Chakra (divine discus).
Symbolism
The story of Madhu and Kaitabha is rich in symbolism:
- Cosmic Balance: Their defeat by Vishnu represents the restoration of cosmic order and the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (chaos).
- Divine Wisdom: Vishnu’s clever strategy highlights the importance of intellect and strategy in overcoming challenges.
- Creation and Preservation: The retrieval of the Vedas symbolizes the preservation of knowledge and the continuity of creation. Legacy
The bodies of Madhu and Kaitabha are said to have disintegrated into pieces, forming the seismic plates of the Earth, according to some interpretations. Their story underscores the cyclical nature of creation, destruction, and renewal in Hindu cosmology.
