Kaitabha

In Hindu mythology, one of two demons
who attempt to kill the god Brahma (the
other is Madhu). The story is recounted
in several mythic sources, with some
important differences among them. All
versions agree that Madhu and Kaitabha
are born from the god Vishnu’s earwax
during the period of cosmic dissolution
(pralaya). As the creation of the world
begins, a lotus sprouts from Vishnu’s
navel. It opens to reveal the creator-god,
Brahma, who is immediately attacked
by Madhu and Kaitabha. In all versions
of the myth, Brahma appeals for help.
Vishnu tricks the demons (who are
strong but not too bright) and slays
them. The difference comes in the deity
to whom Brahma appeals for help. The
story first appears in the mythology of
Vishnu; here Brahma invokes that deity.
Yet this same story also appears in the
Devimahatmya, the earliest mythic
source for the cult of the Mother
Goddess as the supreme divine power.
In this version, Brahma’s hymn of praise
is to the Goddess, who in her form as
Yoganidra (“sleep of yoga”) has lulled
Vishnu into a cosmic stupor, rendering
him unable to come to Brahma’s aid.
Pleased by Brahma’s praise, the Goddess
withdraws her influence over Vishnu; he
awakens and slays the demons.