Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c9.4

v1.c9.4

Jayā and Vijayā, the two companions of Pārvatī suggested to her that, though she had Nandi, Bhṛiṅgi and others among Śiva’s attendants as her servants, still it would be better for her if she had a person as her own servant. Pārvatī took the advice in good part, and it so happened subsequently that, on one occasion, when she was bathing in one of the inner compartments of her mansion, Śiva not knowing where she then was, went into the place where she was bathing. Pārvatī realised the value of the advice of her friends fully then and resolved upon creating a person who would be to her a faithful servant. She took a little of the dirt on her skin and created out of it a lovely being and ordered him to keep strict guard at her gate so as not to allow any one inside without her permission. Once, Śiva himself happened to go to meet his consort, but could not get access into her apartments, as the new gate-keeper would not allow him in. Śiva then tried entreaties and threats, none of which proved effective; he then resolved upon forcing his way in somehow. On noticing this, the new dvārapālaka administered to Śiva a few cuts with a cane and drove him out. Incensed at the behaviour of this insignificant servant of his consort he ordered his Bhūta-gaṇas—host of demons—