A devotee of Shiva. Since he was afraid of an asura named Kalamarga even while he was in his mother’s womb, he was named Kalabheeti. His father Mamdi had prayed to Shiva for a thousand years for a son. His wife became pregnant, but that lasted for four years. Mamdi asked the unborn child why he remained in the womb and the child said he was afraid of the asura Kalamarga. Mamdi appealed to Shiva who asked him to educate the child on dharma and vairagya. Mamdi did so and the child came out, and soon became a devotee of Shiva. Shiva appeared before him and said he would be known as Mahakala for getting over his fear of the asura as per Skandapurana.