The tale of Niladevi

Nila, a Brahmin woman, once insulted a hundred hermits who were observing a vow, As a consequence, she was wandering as a wretched soul. According to the legend, in her wanderings she met Sage Agasthya and on the Sage’s instructions prayed to Bhairava (a lower form of manifestation of Lord Siva) and attained mukti.

It is said that as she was wandering as a consequence of a curse, Sage Agasthya having mercy on her taught her the Sammohana Bhairava mantra. The Puranas say that she transformed to a saatwic natured person, meditated on this mantra with great devotion and attained mukti.

The puranas also mention that a dialogue took place between Niladevi and Bhairava. Bhairava addressed Niladevi thus, “Your chanting of this mantra will cause my stay her. I shall subject you to great sufferings for a period. If you can, with unwavering mind, meditate and chant prayers on Lord Siva, the Lord will have mercy on you and grant you liberation.

We know from legends that people who give up their lives at Varanasi are taught Taraka mantra by Viswanatha and granted liberation. The devotees of Lord Siva may note from Niladevi’s life that meditation on Bhairava mantra led her to be liberated.