Virabhadra, the characteristic god of Deccan who was born amongst his believers several centuries ago, but never there had been a temple that was dedicated to him until the 16th Century. Interestingly Virabhadra appeared to be a highly celebrated deity of Andhra, Karnataka and Telangana. What popularized the worship of Virabhadra? Was it his miracles? Or was it his followers? Or was the hero cult of India flourishing in these times?
Let’s turn time back a couple of centuries and look at the 11th -12th century of Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana. This was when the seeds of heroism were sown in form of art, culture- folk or popular and in hearts of people. The Vanijas or Banijas, who were merchants, took up war when required. So they were addressed as Vira-Banijas or Vira-Vanijas. Then rose the comparisons of the hero or the vira with Bhadra, Vira Bhadra, who no doubt was known to people prior to their time.
With Virasaivas and Vira-Banijas gaining love and popularity amongst people in these three states, the Kings employed them for various bravery related jobs. Favoured by the kings as far as Tamil Nadu, the Virasaivas and Vanijas, gained the hero cult such great momentum that by 16th Century India saw its first hero temple of Virabhadra at Lepakshi.
First time at this temple is Siva worshipped along with Raghunatha and Durga in form of Virabhadra! This is the time of the Vijayanagara kings who made the iconography of Virabhadra so prominent and eye-catching that it broke all the reservations against the god who looked malevolent but no one could resist worshipping him. Some say Bhadra was the same from the Puranas who emerged out of the angry Siva upon seeing the dead body of his beloved wife Sati, while some say Bhadra was a warrior, one of his kind and greater than anyone who was ever seen. Were they both the same? Who can tell! But one thing is certain, the imagery of Bhadra will leave every on-looker in awe.
