Virabhadra, also rendered Veerabhadra, Veerabathira, and Veerabathiran, is a fierce form of the Hindu god Shiva. He is created by the wrath of Shiva, when the deity hurls a lock of his matted hair upon the ground, upon hearing of the self-immolation of his consort, Sati, at the Daksha yajna.
Virabhadra and Daksha
Virabhadra devotional plaque Notes
Image: LORD VEERABHADRA
Image: Veerabhadra
Sati, also known as Dakshayani, is the Hindu goddess of marital felicity and longevity, and is worshipped as an aspect of the mother goddess Shakti. Sati was the first wife of Shiva, the other being Parvati, who was Sati's reincarnation after her death.
Shiva mourns Sati, 19th-century Kalighat painting
In Hinduism, Sati is considered as an ideal lady. The painting depicts her receiving gifts before her wedding from Kubera and his wife.
Sati confronts Daksha.
Shiva carrying Sati's corpse, followed by Vishnu's Sudharshana chakra, 19th-century lithograph.