One of two demons
that tries to destroy the deity Brahma in Hindu mythology; the other demon is
Kaitabha.
The narrative is told in a variety of legendary texts, with
some significant changes between them.
During the moment of cosmic dissolution, Madhu and Kaitabha
are born from the deity Vishnu's ear wax, according to all traditions
(pralaya).
A lotus blooms from Vishnu's navel as the universe is
created all over again.
It begins by revealing Brahma, the creator-god, who is
immediately threatened by Madhu and Kaitabha.
In all versions of the narrative, Brahma asks for
assistance, and Vishnu fools and kills the demons.
The distinction between the two accounts is the god to whom
Brahma pleads for assistance.
The narrative is originally told in the Vishnu mythology,
when Brahma summons Vishnu.
The Devimahatmya, the oldest text in which the Mother
Goddess emerges as the highest divine force, tells the same narrative.
Brahma's song of adoration in this version is to the
Goddess, who, in her shape as Yoganidra ("yoga slumber"), has lulled
Vishnu into a cosmic lethargy, making him powerless to assist Brahma.
The Goddess, pleased by Brahma's praise, relinquishes her
control over Vishnu, who wakes and slays the demons.
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