handakarnan is a ferocious deity worshipped in kavus or temples in North Kerala. This form is associated with Theyyam performance. The story of Kandakarnan is associated with Goddess Bhadrakali and pox.
As per the story, Mahishasura was annihilated by Goddess Bhadrakali. Manodari, wife of Mahishasura, performed intense tapas to please Shiva and get boons. Shiva was hesitant to appear before Manodari as he knew that the boons she will ask will create further problems in the universe. But Goddess Parvati forced Shiva to appear before Manodari.
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