Kamakhya Devi Katha – Chapter 4: The Rise and Fall of Narakasura

The Rise and Fall of Narakasura

With the curse of Kamadeva's rebirth, a new terror began to loom over the land of Kamrup. The result of that curse manifested as Narakasura, the son of Mother Earth and Lord Vishnu's Varaha avatar, but filled with demonic qualities. His rise marked the end of Kamrup's golden age and the beginning of a new era of tyranny.

Narakasura's Invasion of Kamrup

Narakasura's arrival was like a fierce storm. He shattered the peace of Kamrup. His vast army wreaked havoc all around. Green fields turned red with blood, and the prayers in temples were replaced by screams. The people of Kamrup were terrified, their hearts filled with despair. They felt helpless to protect themselves. Everywhere there was a dance of death and destruction, as if the very soul of peace had been trampled.

"What kind of a demon is this that is staining our land with blood?" a old farmer cried. "Do the gods not hear our pleas? Will they not save us from this terrible crisis?" His words echoed in the air, filled with despair and fear.

Persecution of the Gods and the Invocation of Kamakhya

Narakasura not only oppressed humans but also tried to display his power to the gods. He planned to invade heaven, harboring the ambition to defeat Indra and seize the nectar of heaven. He captured sixteen thousand princesses and kept them in his palace, attempting to make them his slaves. He snatched the precious earrings of Aditi, the mother of the gods. All the gods, including Indra, were terrified and felt powerless. They took refuge in Goddess Kamakhya, praying to her to liberate them from Narakasura's atrocities.

In the Kamakhya temple, nestled amidst dense forests, the gods praised Mother Kamakhya. "O Mother, protect us! Save us from this demon! We beg at your feet." Their prayers echoed throughout the universe, melting the heart of Goddess Kamakhya. Kamakhya assured them that Lord Krishna would end Narakasura and re-establish righteousness.

The Slaying of Narakasura by Lord Krishna

When the tyranny became unbearable, Lord Krishna, along with Satyabhama, invaded Narakasura's kingdom. A fierce battle ensued, with a terrible duel between Krishna and Narakasura. Krishna's Sudarshana Chakra severed Narakasura's head from his body. As soon as Narakasura was slain, peace returned to the earth. The captive princesses were freed, and the ornaments of the heavenly realm were returned to the gods. Righteousness was re-established, and people breathed a sigh of relief.

After the slaying of Narakasura, Lord Krishna took the blessings of Kamakhya Devi and sang her glories. Kamakhya blessed him and said that her grace would always remain upon Kamrup. The Goddess instructed Satyabhama to return the earrings of Aditi, the mother of the gods, which had been looted by Narakasura.

The Origin of the Ambubachi Festival

After the slaying of Narakasura, Kamrup entered a new era. With the blessings of Lord Krishna and the grace of Kamakhya Devi, the land became verdant once again. But the memory of Narakasura's atrocities remained in the hearts of the people, and their devotion to Kamakhya Devi, who had liberated them, grew even stronger. This devotion would become the reason for the origin of the Ambubachi festival, celebrated during the goddess's menstruation, the story of which will be told in the next chapter.