Tripura (mythology)

Group of three cities in Hindu mythology

Tripura, meaning three cities or fortresses, is described in Hindu mythology as being constructed by the great Asura architect Mayasura. They were great cities of prosperity, power and dominance over the world, but due to their impious nature, Maya's cities were destroyed by god Tripurantaka or Tripurari, an aspect of Shiva. The three cities were made of gold, silver and iron and were located on the heaven, earth and underworld planes respectively.

Following the death of Tarakasura, who was killed by Kartikeya, his sons Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali, and Kamalaksha undertook severe penances by which they pleased Brahma. They requested that they might be made immortal. Brahma declined their request, telling them that nothing can be immortal. Then Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali and Kamalaksha asked to be blessed with impregnable fortresses, which would be everlasting. When Brahma told them that nothing could be everlasting, they requested that the destruction of the cities could be brought about by a single arrow only, in the hope that it was impossible for anyone to shoot such an arrow, save Shiva, of whom they were great devotees. Brahma then gave them his blessing,thereby ensuring that such fortresses could indeed be constructed.

After several years of joy, the inherent evil tendencies of the asuras surfaced once again and they began to oppress the good and torment the noble. In the meantime, Mayasura was engaged in the worship of Shiva. The rest of the demons attacked sages and the devas and shattered the peace of the worlds. Finally, when Indra and the rest of the devas despondently approached Brahma for respite, Brahma redirected them to Shiva and also informed them of the vulnerability of Tripura to a single arrow. Shiva promised to help them and the devas returned to combat the asuras in a mighty war. They were also assisted by Nandi, the leader of Shiva's Ganas. Even though Vidyunmali was slain by Nandi, and several other asuras were killed in the war, they were revived by water in the pool of Tripura, which had magical powers.

Shiva immediately regretted his act, since he had forgotten to protect Mayasura, architect of the three cities and a great devotee of his. Realising this, Nandi raced ahead of the arrow and informed Mayasura of impending doom. The great architect lost no time in fleeing Tripura, leaving behind the fabulous cities he had constructed, before they (along with their inhabitants, the asuras) were reduced to ashes by the great arrow of Shiva. This destruction of Tripura, led to the bestowing upon Shiva of the epithet Tripurantaka ( 'He who brings'/'brought Tripura to an end').