A foster son of Hiranyaksha. Shiva was Andhaka’s real father. Once, while Shiva was meditating, his daughter put her hands over his eyes. A darkness arose, and with a thundering sound, a rakshasa emerged from it. Since he was born from the darkness, he was called Andhaka. During this time, Hiranyaksha was praying to Shiva for a son. As per Vamanapurana Chapter 63, Shiva gave Andhaka to Hiranyaksha and told him that if Andhaka earned the illwill of the world, killed a brahmin or lusted after devis, Shiva would burn him himself.

Once, when he was filled with lust, Andhaka called the asuras and told them that whoever brought Pravati, Shiva’s wife to him first would be considered his dearest friend. On hearing this, Prahlad let Andhaka know that Paravati was his actual mother. Andhaka didn’t relent though Prahlad also told him that lusting after another man’s wife was an evil deed. Andhaka sent Shambarasura to Shiva to demand Parvati for him. Shiva replied that he would hand over Parvati if he could be defeated in a game of dice. Andhaka was angry and proceeded to the mountain Mandara to do battle with Shiva. He was defeated , apologised to Shiva and accepted that Parvati was his mother. He also sought blessings from Shiva to help him get over his evilness. According to Vamanapurana Chapter 63, Shiva blessed him and transformed him into an asura chieftain called Bhringi.