| It is indeed
curious to note that the temple of Kamakhya is unique when compared with the Devi temples
in other parts of India, for it enshrines no image of the goddess. There is a cave within
the temple, in a corner of which stands a block of stone on which the symbol of a yoni is
printed. The yoni symbol, so sculptured, is kept moist from the oozings of a natural
spring within the cave. The devotees touch it and offerings of the flowers and leaves are
made on it. The origin of the creative symbolism of
the yoni has been differently interpreted by different texts. While the Kalika Purana -lives
an amorous interpretation of the yoni, the Yogini Tantra emphasises its creative
symbolism. Devi herself is said to have asked Siva to explain who Kamakhya was and he
relates the following story about the origin of Kamakhya:
"In the primeval times Brahma after having created the
universe arrogated to himself the supreme creative force. The goddess noticed this
arrogance of Brahma and created out of her own body a demon named Kesi. As ‘soon as
born the demon rushed towards Brahma to swallow him up. Brahma fled in terror in the
company of. Visnu. The demon then built a city called Kesipura and began to harass the
three worlds. There was all around the echo of a sound-‘Kill Brahma’. Brahma
cast aside his vanity and in the company of Visnu offered a hymn of propitiation to Kali
for the relief of the worlds from the tyranny of Kesi. |
