Story of Kavyamata

Story of Kavyamata is found in the Devi Bhagavatha, 4th Skanda. She was so pious and pure that it was due to her curse that God Vishnu had to take numerous avatars on earth and suffer among human beings. Kavyamata is the mother of Shukracharya, the guru of Asuras (demons). She had done intense austerities and performed penance as result she had extraordinary powers.

Once in a fierce war, the Asuras were defeated by the Devas. Asuras sought the help of Shukracharya but all his attempts to help Asuras failed as the Devas were helped by Vishnu.

To attain more powers to help Asuras, Shukracharya went to Kailasa and performed penance to gain knowledge from Shiva. This continued for several years.

Taking advantage of the absence of Shukracharya, the Devas, led by Indra, attacked the Asuras. After a fierce battle, Asuras were left clueless and so they approached Kavyamata.

With a mere glance, she sent the Devas to long sleep. Such was her power that Indra, the King of Devas, became paralyzed.

Vishnu to help the Devas, cut off the head of Kavyamata with his Sudarshana Chakra (discus). Vishnu had to help the Devas as they were more inclined to Dharma.

Sage Bhrigu who happened to witness this event brought Kavyamata back to life.

In furious rage, Kavyamata cursed Vishnu to take numerous births on earth. Thus Vishnu had to take numerous Avatars on earth.

This story is a hint to the level of spiritual power that women of Santana Dharma had. Such was the power of the women that Vishnu did not ignore the words of a mother and He took numerous avatars on earth.