Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.157

v3.c19.157

According to the Varāha-purāṇa the account given above of Andhakāsura and the Mātṛikās is an allegory; it represents Ātma-vidyā or spiritual wisdom as warring against andhakāra, the darkness of ignorance: ētat-tē sarvam-ākhyātam-ātma-vidyāmṛitam. The spirit of vidyā, represented by Śiva, fights with Andhakāsura, the darkness of avidyā. The more this is attempted to be attacked by vidyā, the more does it tend to increase for a time; this fact is represented by the multiplication of the figures of Andhakāsura. Unless the eight evil qualities, kāma, krōdha, etc., are completely brought under the control of vidyā and kept under restraint, it can never succeed in putting down andhakāra.