12. Killing of Jalandhara

The radiance emitting from the third eye of Śiva fell into the ocean and it instantly took on the form of a boy. His name was Jalandhara, the king of daityas. It was by penance that he acquired his exploits. All the gods including Brahmā and Viṣṇu were defeated by him. After conquering all gods, Jalandhara desired to defeat Śiva. Then he went to Śiva in order to conquer him. On hearing Jalandhara’s arrogant speech, lord Śiva created a discus by drawing in the water of the ocean with the toe of his leg and told Jalandhara that if he was powerful to lift the discus, he will be able to fight with Mahādeva. Then the king of Asuras became very angry and caught the discus attempting to kill Śiva. As soon as he lifted this discus on his shoulder, he was pierced into pieces with that weapon.^[1] But in the Śiva Purāṇa, it is said that on hearing the arrogant words of Jalandhara, Śiva held his Sudarśana cakra in his hand, which he made with his toe in the water and threw it towards Jalandhara. The weapon hit Jalandhara and cut his head.^[2]