BHAGAVAN MAHAKALA OF AVANTIKA

HARASIDDHI TEMPLE

It is another sacred shrine here equally popular as Mahakaleswara temple, and it is dedicated to Harasiddhi - a name assumed by Mother Gowri after putting to death of two dreadful demons. It is the sixth of the 18 saktipeethas and here three images are adored and they are placed one above the other. They are Annapurna, Harasiddhi and Gowri. The emergence of this deity has a strange background and it is narrated in Skandapurana. The story goes that Lord Maheswar and Gowri were once playing the game of chess in Kailas. As it progressed they were so absorbed that they were oblivious of the surroundings. Hara, one of the nine principal forms of Gowri acting then as sentinel heard some disturbing sounds outside. She rushed out and found two devils Chandra and Prachanda by names who made bold to enter Kailas and create trouble - they were audacious enough to combat with Nandi the divine vehicle of the Lord when denied admission. Their out- bursts marred the tranquility of the place. Apprehending some trouble, if the Lord were to know of it, Hara prayed mentally to Goddess Gowri to punish the intruders. Thereupon Gowri made here appearance and smashed the devils. As her request was accomplished anon by the blessings of Gowri - she was called Harasiddhi thenceforward. Belief is current that whosoever worshippers her here with earnestness under distress, his wishes will be fulfilled as the archamurti Harasiddhi did in the past. 

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