Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.10

v2.c16.10

A third account of the birth of Rudra is as follows: When Madhu and Kaiṭabha, the two demons, attempted to kill Brahmā when he was created by Viṣṇu in the lotus that issued from his navel, Brahmā prayed to Viṣṇu that he might be saved from the demons. Pleased with the prayers of Brahmā, Viṣṇu grew fiercely angry with the Rākṣasas; from the frowned brows of Viṣṇu sprang forth a being named Śambhu, wielding a trident and possessing three eyes. Thus we see, as in the case of many other deities, there are various accounts of the birth of Rudra.