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 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 (10[1])Svarbhanu, creating Rahu and (-5[2])Ketu. Bhasmasura the ash demon was tricked into placing his hand on (10[1])his 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 chakra. For 10 points, name this female avatar of Vishnu. (0[1])■END■

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