Question

With the nude mendicant Bhiksatana, this figure visited a forest to humble a group of proud sages and their wives. Shiva’s amorous pursuit of this figure led to the creation of gold and silver mines. In Kerala, a namesake regional classical dance in the lasya style retells the story of this figure, whose celibate son Ayyappan is honored at Sabarimala (-5[1])Temple. A festival at Koovagam in Tamil Nadu reenacts the marriage of this figure to a warrior who agreed to be sacrificed to Kali in the (*) Kurukshetra War, named Aravan. This figure beheaded the thieving Svarbhanu, creating Rahu and Ketu. Bhasmasura the ash demon was (10[1])tricked into placing his hand on his (10[1])head, thereby destroying him, while imitating this figure’s dance. Statues of Harihara embody this figure’s union with Shiva and hold symbols like the trident and (-5[1])chakra. For 10 points, name this female avatar of Vishnu. (0[1])■END■

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