Kunti narrated a conversation between Queen Vidula and her son to Krishna and asked him to share it with her sons, the Pandavas, to inspire them for the war.
Krishna’s peace talks didn’t convince Duryodhana. In fact, Duryodhana and his trusted advisors (Karna, Shakuni, and Duhshasana) planned to imprison Krishna so that he wouldn’t help the Pandavas. Krishna found out about this and left the palace after displaying his vishwaroop. He went to Vidhura’s quarters to meet Kunti before returning to Upaplavya.
Kunti welcomed Krishna and gave a firm message to her sons to inspire them to fight the war for what was their right. She knew Yudhistira was a peace-loving person and knew he needed a boost from her to avenge Draupadi’s insults and get back their kingdom. She spoke to Krishna about how hard her situation was when she had to live at the mercy of relatives, when her powerful sons were alive. She then narrated a story of Vidula, a widowed queen, and her son, Sanjaya, to encourage the Pandavas to fight the war with all their strength.
A long time ago, there lived a widowed queen and her son, who took up the reins to the throne. Her son was defeated by the king of Sindhu in an attack. This affected him so much that he gave up his responsibilities as a ruler and was willing to hide in the palace rather than risk his life.
Vidula, being a true Kshatriya woman, disliked her son’s attitude and censured him to stop being lazy and a coward. She looked at her son lying on the bed and was angered by his indifference. She asked where he came from since neither she nor his father (her dead husband) were cowards who ran away from enemies. She said he would remain hopeless for the rest of his life if he didn’t act when necessary and reminded him that his dharma as a Kshatriya king was to protect his subjects from danger. She asked why he was lying down like a corpse when he should have been circling the sky like a hawk to find the enemy’s weakness and swoop to attack. Vidula ordered her son to be strong and do his dharma without worrying about the results. She bemoaned that she gave birth to Kali instead of a valorous son and said no other woman should have such useless sons.
Sanjaya, the young king, didn’t like her taunts. He asked if the world and the treasures would mean anything to her if she didn’t have a son to love.
Vidula advised him not to follow the oath of those deserted by their servants and depend on others. She said that a man’s life is purposeful when other living beings depend on him and not the other way around. A brave person who ensures the happiness of his relatives and subjects would lead an auspicious and virtuous life. She continued her speech and said he would lead an inferior life if he gave up his responsibilities. A Kshatriya who didn’t display his powers when necessary was equal to a thief. She lamented that her words weren’t making an impact as they should. Vidula reminded her son that even though the king of Sindhu was strong, he wasn’t invincible, and a calamity would bring him down. She advised him to conduct meetings with allies and launch a planned attack.
Vidula also said she made a mistake by naming him Sanjaya since he didn’t display any signs of it (Sanjaya means a person who brings victory). She urged him to fight instead of turning his back. Vidula spoke about how she was born into a powerful lineage and was married into another and enjoyed the luxury of wealth. She demanded how he could not be affected seeing her and his wife in a state of weakness, and why he didn’t do anything to change the situation. She told him to stop clinging to life and do the needful by defeating his enemies. A brave warrior became famous by killing an enemy. She gave Indra as an example and how slaying Vritra made him the king of heaven.
Vidula added that the kingdom was the road to heaven for those who fulfilled their responsibilities and warned her son not to let any of his enemies see him in such a dejected state. She reminded Sanjaya that he was young and strong and had the ability to regroup and fight again. Instead of bending or surrendering to the enemy, she wanted him to bravely fight and do his best to protect the interests of his subjects. She concluded by saying he should live the same way with or without allies by his side.
Sanjaya wasn’t convinced. He still tried to justify his stance and said that his mother’s heart had turned to steel. He moaned that she had no compassion and didn’t care that her only son could die on the battlefield and leave her alone. He asked once again what she would do with the ornaments if he were dead.
Vidula was disappointed. She explained to her son that she had done everything to steer him on the path of dharma and artha, as it was the right time for him to act for his kingdom. She said that he would be committing a sin and an act of cruelty if he didn’t do his job. A Kshatriya was born to fight and be victorious, and hence he should accept his responsibility and protect his subjects even if it put his life at risk.
Sanjaya protested and yet again said she had no compassion for her child.
Vidula was firm. She wasn’t going to let her son abandon the subjects at the mercy of another king. She said she rather liked that he thought of her that way, as it allowed her to push him more. She added that she would honor him when he defeated the Saindhvas (Sindhus) who attacked their kingdom.
Sanjaya knew he couldn’t convince his mother with emotional blackmail, so he decided to ask for help. He said the treasury was empty, and he did not have allies to support him. He said he saw no means for him and asked her to guide him.
Vidula was happy to see the change in her son. She told him not to demean himself because of his previous failures and to be confident in his skills. The fruits of deeds weren’t meant to be permanent, but if one didn’t act, they would never attain success. She said a person should rise again even if he fell a few times. She advised her son to find ministers, subjects, allies, etc., who disliked and actively hated the king of Sindhu. They would be useful to create a conflict. Vidula instructed him to approach these men with gifts and do it quickly before others did. She said that the enemy was too powerful for an attack; he should strive for conciliation by being friendly. She said that if a person could convert an enemy into an ally and gain their trust, he could think of regaining the lost kingdom. She continued that challenges and calamities shouldn’t dislodge the person from his path. The process was meant to be difficult, and it would be worth the effort. When a king displayed his vulnerability, it would affect the subjects too and demoralize them. They may seek refuge with the enemy and desert their king.
She advised him to prevent such developments by acting quickly and told him not to be frightened or display his worries. She then revealed that they had a large treasury he didn’t know about, and that would help in collecting allies and attacking his enemy to regain the kingdom. She also told him about certain loyal well-wishers who wouldn’t desert him and would help him find victory.
Sanjaya said she had inspired him with her speech, and her advice and intelligence helped cast away the darkness in his mind. He called her his leader and promised to be the king his subjects deserved. He said he would do his best to defeat his enemies and come back victorious.
Vidula was relieved and happy. She blessed him to be successful. Sanjaya followed her advice to the dot and achieved the goal of defeating the king of Sindhu.
Kunti concluded the story by saying these words had immense power and were called Jaya (victory). She hoped her sons would listen to the same words from her (through Krishna) and achieve their victory. She said that those who heard the story were sure to be victorious. A woman would give birth to a warrior-like son if she heard this story during her pregnancy.
Kunti sent more messages to each of her sons, highlighting their talents and reminding them of their duty as Kshatriyas. She also sent a message to Draupadi that she had always behaved as she would with her husbands (implying that she supported her daughter-in-law in words and actions).
Krishna took her blessings and left, promising to convey her messages and do his best to help the Pandavas win the war.
https://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.png00Srivalli Rekha Mantralahttps://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.pngSrivalli Rekha Mantrala2025-05-15 09:04:482025-05-15 09:05:55The Conversation Between Vidula and Her Son – Stories from Udyoga Parva
Despite multiple rounds of advice, Duryodhana didn’t change his mind. Instead, he slapped his thigh to show he was capable of defeating anyone. To this, Narada said that it was rare for people to listen to well-wishers and their meaningful advice. He gave the example of how Galava faced defeat due to obstinacy.
A long time ago, Dharma wanted to test Rishi Vishwamitra. He took the form of Rishi Vashishta and went to Kaushika ashram, where Vishwamitra lived. He said he was extremely hungry and needed some food to eat. Vishwamitra cooked charu (rice with milk and honey, like a form of porridge) with a lot of care. This meant he couldn’t provide other offerings to the guest, and he also spent extra time on the dish. In the meantime, Dharma in Vashishta’s disguise consumed the food offered by other rishis. When Vishwamitra came with the bowl of porridge, he said he had eaten from others and asked the rishi to stay there. Then, Dharma left the ashram.
Vishwamitra stayed there, standing like a statue with the bowl in his hands. Years passed, but he didn’t move. Dharma arrived again after a hundred years and saw Vishwamitra in the same position. The porridge in the bowl was still warm and fresh, as if it had been made a few minutes ago. Dharma smiled and said that he was pleased with the rishi’s dedication and consumed the porridge.
This made Vishwamitra immensely happy. He had become a Brahmin with his tapasya, though he was born a Kshatriya. The rishi had a disciple named Galava, who served him for many years. Vishwamitra said to his disciple that he had achieved the goal of staying in the ashram and was free to go wherever he wanted.
However, Galava said he wanted to give guru dakshina to the rishi before he left. Vishwamitra said he had already paid the debts of learning through his service, so there was no need for anything else. However, Galava was adamant. The rishi asked to leave, but the disciple wouldn’t. At last, an irritated Vishwamitra told Galava to bring eight hundred white horses that had one black ear each.
Galava was delighted and excited to find what his guru wanted, only to realize it wasn’t an easy task. Pure white horses with a single black ear were rare and highly expensive. He began to worry so much that he stopped eating and became thin like a skeleton. He thought of himself as grateful for not being able to fulfill his guru’s wish and decided to take his own life. When he thought of giving up life to go to Vishnu’s abode, Garuda appeared in front of Galava. Garuda was the disciple’s friend and inquired about his troubles. When Galava shared his plight, Garuda promised to help him.
Garuda asked Galava to decide the direction in which they would travel first to find the horses. He then provided detailed information about the east (the gods, the events, origin, etc.). Galava asked to take him there. Garuda told his friend to sit on him, and they flew eastwards. Galava was terrified at the speed and requested Garuda to slow down. He continued to worry about the horses.
Garuda said the disciple didn’t seem wise if he thought he could die when he chose, and assured him that they would do their best to find the horses. They flew to Mount Rishabha, where a lady was performing tapasya. She was Shadili, a rishini. She welcomed them and gave them food to eat. Garuda and Galava felt sleepy and fell asleep. When they woke up, Garuda was shocked to see his wings gone. Galava asked if Garuda had any ill intentions.
Garuda said he thought he could take Shadili to Brahma’s abode, but not out of disrespect. He said it was due to his respect for her that he felt it might be a good move. He apologized to her and asked for forgiveness. Shadili told him that she knew what she wanted (which was why she lived alone on the mountain) and didn’t like being slighted by him (Garuda thought she was weaker and needed his help, which she didn’t). She advised Garuda not to censure a woman. Garuda’s wings reappeared as he bowed to her.
On their return journey, Galava and Garuda saw Vishwamitra. He reminded his disciple about the guru dakshina and said he would wait a little longer since he could see the disciple trying hard. This made Galava anxious and stressed.
Garuda thought about it and said he would take Galava to a king who was a friend. The king was rich and was likely to own such horses. Garuda took Galava to Yayati, the son of Nahusha. Galava agreed. They quickly flew to Yayati’s kingdom and met the king.
After the initial greeting, Garuda placed his request. Yayati thought he had to fulfill it in any way he could. However, his kingdom was as rich as before, and he didn’t have enough wealth or the kind of horses they wanted. Yayati conveyed the same to Garuda and instead offered his daughter Madhavi as a gift. He said the kings would be willing to pay a hefty bride price for her. In return, he wanted his daughter to have sons so that he could have some grandkids. Garuda told Galava to take Madhavi to the richest king on earth and make a deal.
Galava and Madhavi travelled to Haryashva Ikshvaku of Ayodhya. The Brahmin gave the king an offer of marriage in exchange for eight hundred white horses with one black ear each. Haryavarsha thought about the offer. He had no children and needed an heir. However, he also didn’t have as many horses as Galava wanted. So, he made a deal. He would give two hundred horses in exchange for marrying Madhavi and having a son through her.
Galava wasn’t sure, but Madhavi assured him to agree. She said she had a boon to become a virgin after giving birth, so he could take her to more kings afterward. The deal was made. Madhavi gave birth to Haryvarsha’s son, Vasumana. A while later, Galava came to take her to another king.
They went to Divodasa, the king of Kashi, and asked for six hundred horses in exchange for marrying Madhavi. However, the king also had only two hundred such horses. They made the same deal. Madhavi gave birth to Pratardana.
Galava visited them again so that he could take Madhavi to another king. This time, they went to Bhoja to meet King Ushinara. The Brahmin said the king could have two sons through her if he gave four horses. However, Ushinara also had only two hundred white horses with one black ear each. So, a similar deal was made. Madhavi gave birth to Shibi.
Galava then collected Madhavi and went to meet Garuda. He said he still needed another two hundred horses. Garuda told him to stop trying and said he wouldn’t be successful since there were no more such horses left on the earth. He advised Galava to take the horses and Madhavi to Vishwamitra. Garuda even accompanied them.
They went to Vishwamitra and gave him six hundred horses and Madhavi. The rishi accepted her. Madhavi gave birth to Ashtaka. Then, Galava came to take her back to Yayati and thanked Garuda for his help. He also thanked Madhavi and said her sons would one day save four kings and himself (Galava).
When Madhavi returned, Yayati planned a swayamwara for her, but she wasn’t interested. She decided to become a rishini and left for the forests to do tapasya. Yayati requested his daughter to reconsider her decision, but she refused.
Years later, when Yayati fell from his position in heaven for being arrogant about his tapasya, it was these four grandsons who caught him in their chariot and gave up their places in heaven so that he could regain his lost position and live in heaven forever.
Yayati was grateful for their selfless gesture and wanted to know who their mother was. He was delighted to see his daughter Madhavi as their mother. Even Galava reached the spot and gave one-eighth of the power of austerities for Yayati to go back to heaven (as a thank you for his help earlier). Back in heaven, Brahma Deva said Yayati had to fall due to his insolence and advised him not to repeat the mistake.
Concluding the story, Narada told Duryodhana that Galava and Yayati suffered due to their arrogance and obstinacy.
https://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.png00Srivalli Rekha Mantralahttps://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.pngSrivalli Rekha Mantrala2025-05-13 11:45:502025-05-13 11:45:52The Story of Garuda and Galava – Stories from Udyoga Parva
After Parasurama completed the story of King Dhambhodbhava, Rishi Kanva spoke about the greatness of Narayana. He told Duryodhana not to think he was the strongest of everyone and that the Pandavas were superior since they had other capabilities too. He narrated how Matali, Indra’s charioteer, found a worthy groom for his daughter and achieved the task with help from Narada, Indra, and Narayana.
Matali was Indra’s charioteer. He had a beautiful and well-mannered daughter named Gunakeshi. She was a kind, soft-spoken, and lovely girl. When Gunakeshi attained a marriageable age, Matali and his wife, Sudharma, wanted to find the most suitable groom for her. Since she was their only child, they didn’t want to rush and decided to take time to explore multiple options. He set high standards and wasn’t willing to budge. Matali knew his quest was difficult, but he would do it for his daughter’s future.
After much discussion, Matali and his wife felt there was none among the devas and humans to meet their requirements. They hoped to find a groom among the nagas. Matali told his wife he would start his search the next day.
As planned, Matali was traveling across heaven when he came face to face with Narada Muni, the celestial nomadic rishi. When asked, Matali told Narada that he was going to meet Varuna. Since Narada was traveling the same way, they went together.
Narada wanted to know the reason for the visit, and Matali replied that he was searching for a suitable groom for Gunakeshi and finalized the nagas. Narada immediately offered help and said he would take Matali to various naga kingdoms in the underworld. After all, it was good to have a few options. Matali was happy with the suggestion.
They first went to Varuna’s kingdom. Narada described the beauty of the place and praised Varuna and his qualities. Varuna’s son Pushkara was married to Soma’s daughter Jyotsnakali, who chose him as her husband.
Narada and Matali walk by Varuna’s lake, where the divine weapons, including Krishna’s Chakra and Arjuna’s Gandiva, were created. They moved on and went to Patala, a city located in the center of the earth (underground) and frequented by daityas and danavas. Narada praised the region and listed the good qualities of the place. He told Matali to look around and see if anyone caught his eye.
Matali didn’t see anyone worthy of his daughter and told Narada the same. They proceeded to Hiranyapura of the daityas, a city known for its maya. In fact, one could find hundreds of types of maya in this city. Hiranyapura was designed by Maya in his mind, and Vishwamarka executed the plan to build it. The city was located in the nether regions of Patala. Narada described its advantages and told Matali to see if he could find someone who might be suited as his son-in-law.
Once again, Matali said no one caught his eye and he wanted to visit another city. Moreover, the danavas and devas were constantly fighting each other, so he didn’t want a groom from the other side. So, Narada took Matali to Surparna, the city of Garudas. The lineage of these citizens came from Vinata’s six sons – Sumukha, Sunamna, Sunetra, Suvarchasa, Surupa, and Subala. Narada said they bore the Srivatsa sign and were loyal to Vishnu. Being fearsome birds, they feasted on the nagas. Narada also listed a few famous descendants of Garuda to nudge Matali into choosing a groom from one of them.
However, Matali wasn’t impressed. Seeing this, Narada finally took him to the seventh kingdom of Patala. It was called Rasatala and belonged to Surabhi (the mother of cows). The supreme sages lived in this city alongside Surabbi’s descendants and other celestial animals. Narada said living in Rasatala gave more happiness than living in the world of garudas or nagas. Yet, Matali wanted to see more.
Narada then took the charioteer to the city of Bhogavati, owned by Vasuki, the naga. He said the city was as beautiful as Amaravathi and was the same place where Sesha (the naga who performed austerities and carried the earth on his hood) resided. As with other cities, Narada highlighted the beauty of Bhogavati and listed the names of famous nagas.
This time, Matali was attentive (he wanted a naga son-in-law, after all!) and was observing a particular young naga. When Narada asked if he had found anyone, Matali pointed out the naga standing in front of Aryaka. Matali wanted to know who that young naga was and who his parents were. Matali said the naga had the right age, build, and energy to suit his daughter.
Narada replied that the young naga was Sumukha, the king of nagas, belonging to the Airavata lineage. He was the grandson of Aryaka and took Matali to meet Aryaka so they could discuss the match right away. Matali was satisfied and went along. He was sure he had found the perfect match for Gunakeshi.
Narada and Matali greeted Aryaka with respect. They exchanged introductions and pleasantries. Narada got down to business by listing the positives of Matali and his daughter. Then, he shared their intentions of asking for Sumukha as a groom for Gunakeshi. However, Aryaka was saddened by the developments. Though he was delighted to get a match from Indra’s charioteer, he also knew things were complex.
He sighed with a heavy heart and explained that Sumukha indeed had all the qualities of a worthy groom but was destined to die soon. Garuda killed and ate Sumukha’s father (Aryaka’s son). Garuda had threatened to eat Sumuhka in a month, which was almost over. Aryaka asked how he could agree to the match knowing his grandson was bound to die in a few days.
Matali was determined. He said that he decided Sumukha would be his son-in-law, and he would do everything to make it happen. Matali promised to speak to Indra and seek his protection to save Sumukha from Garuda. He said he wanted his daughter to live with her life partner for a long time and would do anything for it. Arayaka trusted Matali’s words and gave his acceptance to the match. He said that if Sumukha’s life wasn’t under threat, he had no objection to the wedding and would happily accept Gunakshi as his granddaughter-in-law.
Thus settled, Narada and Matali went straight to heaven to meet Indra, taking Sumukha with them. Indra was with Vishnu, so Narada told them about Matali’s desire to make Sumukha his son-in-law and the threat on the young naga’s life from Garuda. Vishnu told Indra to make Sumukha immortal by giving him amrita. Indra asked Vishnu to do the honors and give Sumukha a boon to live a long life. However, Vishnu told Indra that he too had the power to grant such a boon and said no one would stop him from doing so. Indra took Vishnu’s advice and blessed Sumukha to have a healthy and long life. The young naga glowed from Indra’s boon. He was no longer worried about the impending doom.
The matter settled, Indra and Vishnu blessed Sumukha and Gunakeshi when they got married in a happy ceremony. Everyone was satisfied with the results. However, Garuda was furious. After all, he couldn’t keep his vow of eating Sumukha. Garuda went to Indra (who was his friend) and said it was unfair of him to protect Sumukha. He said that it was Indra himself who gave Garuda a boon to eat as many snakes has e wanted to satisfy his hunger, and now Indra countered that boon by blessing the young naga with a long lifespan. Garuda first said he would give up his life and then reminded Indra that he could carry the king of heaven on a single feather (and subtly threatened that he was the stronger of the two).
Vishnu reached the spot and overheard Garuda’s boasts. He told the bird not to be proud of his strength and said he was actually weak. To demonstrate, Vishnu asked Garuda to bear the weight of his right arm. Garuda thought he could hold it easily. However, Vishnu’s arm was so heavy that the mighty bird fell faint from the weight on his wings. When he woke up, he bowed to Vishnu and apologized for his actions.
Vishnu smiled affectionately at Garuda and pardoned him. He advised that Garuda didn’t have to eat all the nagas and should spare Sumukha. Vishnu made Garuda and Smukuha become friends with each other.
Matali found a groom he wanted, Sumukha’s life was spared, Garuda was humbled, and no one had to die.
Concluding the story, Rishi Kanva advised Duryodhana not to act like Garuda but to realize that Krishna was Vishnu and do the right thing by adhering to the terms of the dice game (and returning Indraprastha to the Pandavas).
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Find out how King Dambhodbhava was defeated by Nara and Narayana.
Yudhistira asked Krishna to visit Hastinapura with a peace message as one last attempt before the war. Krishna agreed, saying he would rather try everything he could so that no one would blame him (yet, Gandhari did).
When Krishna was at the sabha in Hastinapura, various rishis, namely Narada, Parasurama, etc., arrived to witness the peace talks. They did their best to make Duryodhana understand why the war with the Pandavas was not advisable.
Parasurama narrated the story of King Dambhodbhava to explain that Krishna and Arjuna were none other than Narayana and Nara and that the lust for war would eventually lead to defeat and destruction.
A long time ago, there lived a mighty king named Dambhodbhava. He was a powerful ruler who enjoyed conquering other kingdoms. Thanks to his massive and capable army, he became an emperor. However, King Dambhodbhava wasn’t satisfied and craved more. He would wake up every day and ask if there was anyone more valorous and mighty than him so that he could defeat that person.
Over time, the Brahmins, his ministers, and other noblemen cautioned him to rein in his arrogance. They advised that he shouldn’t be so proud of his strength. However, Dambhodbhava continued to be haughty. So, one day, the Brahmins told him about two ascetics, Nara and Narayana, living in Gandhamadana. They said the two ascetics had fought many wars and defeated everyone and were currently residing in the Himalayan region in their hermitage and doing tapasya.
Dambhodbhava immediately gathered his army with six divisions and marched to Gandhamadana. He wanted to fight with the ascetics and prove himself as an unequalled warrior on earth. When he reached the ashram, the king left his army outside and went to meet the ascetics.
Nara and Narayana welcomed him respectfully and gave him water and fruits. They honored him like an esteemed guest and inquired about his kingdom’s and citizens’ welfare. Dambhodbhava looked at their thin and frail bodies and thought it would be an easy fight. He told them about his intention to face them in a duel. The ascetics didn’t like it. They replied that the hermitage was a place devoid of anger, pride, hatred, and other such feelings.
No matter how much they tried to convince him, Dambhodbhava didn’t budge. He was determined to fight them. He loved a good fight more than anything else since he was never defeated.
The two ascetics agreed at last and said they would cure him of his war lust once and for all. Dambhodbhava was elated when they accepted his challenge. He ordered his army to be ready, but wondered how the two ascetics would fight him when they had no weapons. Nara and Narayana told him not to worry about it. They didn’t need weapons. Nor would any of the king’s weapons harm them.
The king ordered his army to launch an attack by raining arrows on them. He too joined them by quickly firing multiple arrows at the ascetics. Nara took a blade of grass, charged it with a powerful mantra, and flung it at the king. The single blade of grass became an endless shower of sharp arrows that killed his army and injured the king. No matter how much Dambhodbhava tried, he couldn’t face the onslaught or defeat the ascetics.
At last, he gave up and sought mercy by accepting defeat. He fell at Nara’s feet to seek his forgiveness. Nara blessed the king and warned him to cultivate humility. He told Dambhodbhava that a good king was someone who knew when to fight a war and when to keep peace and focus on his kingdom.
Taking their advice, King Dambhodbhava returned to his kingdom and corrected his ways. He discarded his arrogance and became a competent ruler loved by his subjects.
Parasurama told Duryodhana that he, too, should discard his arrogance and realize that he was eager to fight a losing war with Nara and Narayana.
https://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.png00Srivalli Rekha Mantralahttps://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.pngSrivalli Rekha Mantrala2025-05-05 07:54:262025-05-05 07:54:27The Story of King Dambhodbhava – Stories from Udyoga Parva
In the last part of the Aranyaka Parva, Rishi Vaisampayana narrated how Indra planned to take Karna’s golden armor. Surya Deva appeared in Karna’s dreams to warn him. When Karna didn’t listen, Surya Deva told him to ask Indra for the shakti missile in exchange for the armor. At this point, King Janamejaya asked Vaisampayana about the armor, the earrings, and the secret of Karna’s birth.
In the earlier times, a Brahmin visited the kingdom of Kuntibhoja. He was a powerful and radiant rishi with matted hair and a long staff in his hands. He approached the king and asked for hospitality, saying he would dwell in the house if no one disturbed or insulted him. Kuntibhoja immediately agreed as he knew saying no to the rishi would be risky. He then called his (adopted) daughter, Pritha, a young teen, and tasked her with the responsibility of taking care of their guest throughout his stay. He said he trusted no one except her to ensure the rishi’s well-being in the kingdom.
Young Pritha accepted the task and was diligent in her actions. She made the arrangements herself and supervised everything personally. From serving food whenever the rishi asked to providing supplies for his rituals and sitting silently when he was in tapasya, she gave him no reason to find fault. In fact, the rishi was so pleased with her dedication that he wanted to give her a boon. When it was time for him to leave the kingdom and resume his journey, the rishi named Durvasa, called Pritha (Kunti) to him and blessed her. He told her to ask for a boon.
Kunti replied that she was happy that her devotion pleased him and wanted nothing else. However, the rishi gave her a mantra that would summon any god. With the mantra, she could control the god after summoning him/ her to the earth. Though Kunti wasn’t sure she needed such a mantra, she accepted it, fearing the rishi would be offended by her refusal. After teaching her the secret mantra, Rishi Durvasa resumed his travels.
Kunti returned to her routine, but a tiny part of her wondered about the mantra. She thought to test it someday. One morning, Kunti was in her chamber as the sun rose in the sky. Mesmerized by its beauty, she wanted to see more of the sun. Impulsively, she recited the mantra and saw what would happen. In the next instant, Surya Deva appeared in her chamber, blazing with glory. He had a honey-colored complexion and was mighty-armed. He was powerfully built and filled the room with his aura. Using yogic powers, he divided himself into two parts – the sun in the sky and the god in front of her.
He told her he was under her control since she had invited him and asked what she wanted. By then, Kunti was borderline terrified. She said she used the mantra due to curiosity, and since she had seen him, he could go back.
However, Surya Deva said he couldn’t return without giving her something in return and said he would give her a powerful son who would be as radiant as himself. Kunti was truly afraid. After all, she was an unmarried teenager. He added that sending him away without accepting his gift would be an insult, and he would curse her kingdom for it. It was a matter of pride that a human who summoned him didn’t take anything from him. He even gave her the divine eyesight to see how the gods in heaven were amused and laughing at him.
Kunti said it wasn’t proper of him to say such words to an unmarried person and that only her parents had the right to give her away (in marriage). Surya Deva replied that he made the offer as she was young, otherwise, anyone else wouldn’t have gotten the same (he would have been furious instead). Kunti thought about it and saw no way out. She said she would agree to have a son if he thought it was according to dharma.
Surya Deva said that men and women had the right to be with anyone they wanted, and her parents didn’t need to give her away, and that they had no right to do so. He also accepted her request and assured her that she would remain a virgin even after having his son.
Then, Kunti asked if her son could have armor and earrings for protection and be as mighty and strong as the sun god. He promised her that her son would indeed have all that she asked for. He said the boy would be born with flesh armor and golden earrings gifted by Aditi.
When Kunti accepted, Surya Deva touched her navel with his yogic powers. His energy was so fierce that it overwhelmed her. Kunti fainted as he assured her that she would give birth to a mighty son and become a virgin afterward. He then departed to heaven. Kunti was distressed and didn’t know what to do. She took a nurse into confidence and managed to hide her pregnancy. Ten months later, she gave birth to a radiant boy in the suklapaksha. As promised, he was born with flesh armor and golden earrings. Though a newborn, he showed all signs of becoming a well-built warrior.
Kunti quickly wrapped in a blanket and paced the newborn in a basket lined with beeswax and insulated against water and cold. When it was twilight, she crept out of the palace and left the basket in the River Ashva. She prayed over the basket and said words of protection to ensure the child would be safe and protected by the gods themselves. She hoped a loving woman would adopt him. Kunti said the armor would help her recognize him later.
The basket floated from Ashva to Charmanvati to Yamuna and finally drifted into the Ganga. In Ganga, it reached the city of Champa, where charioteers lived.
Adhiratha, Dhritarashta’s friend and charioteer, also lived in the Champa with his wife Radha. The couple had everything they wanted except children, which made Radha sad. One day, they went for a picnic alongside the riverbank and saw a basket floating their way. Adhiratha went into the river to check the basket and was stunned to find a baby inside.
He brought the basket to his wife, who immediately picked up the radiant child and hugged him to her chest. She decided they would adopt him as their own. Adhiratha was more than happy to do so. They consulted the Brahmins and conducted the required rituals. The Brahmins named him Vasusena. He was also known as Vrisha. As he grew, the armor on his breast grew to cover him and glittered. Adhiratha and Radha had children of their own after adopting the baby. However, they loved him just the same.
After Rishi Markandeya finished narrating Ramayana, Yudhistira said he didn’t grieve for himself but for his brothers and Draupadi. He then asked if the rishi knew of any woman who was as devoted to her husbands as Draupadi was. Rishi Markandeya shared the story of Savitri and how she convinced Yama Dharmaraja to return her husband’s life.
King Ashvapti of Madra was a generous ruler who followed his dharma and gained a good name for his actions. But he didn’t have any children. So, the king performed penance and severe rites like fasting and continued to follow the same for eighteen years. He worshipped Savitri (Gayatri mantra or the feminine form of the sun god).
Pleased with his dedication, Savitri herself rose from the yagna fire and asked what boon he wanted. He asked for sons as he needed offspring. Savitri replied that she had already spoken to Brahma Deva about it, and Ashvapati would soon have a daughter.
The king thanked the goddess and returned to his kingdom, hoping the child would be born soon. His first wife, the princess of Malava, soon conceived and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl with eyes like a lotus. Because she was born after praying to Savitri, the king gave his daughter the same name.
Years passed, and the baby grew into a lovely maiden of marriageable age. She looked like a celestial maiden and thought they weren’t deserving of someone like her. The king was unhappy as he couldn’t find a worthy husband for his daughter. One day, he told her she should search for a husband since no one was coming forward to make an offer. Assigning ministers to accompany her, the king watched his young daughter get into a chariot to find a man who wanted to marry.
Savitri traveled to many hermitages and across the forest lands. She stopped whenever she found older families and took their blessings. She went to sacred sites and gave donations to the Brahmins. Finishing her travels, Savitri returned home. She saw that Narada was also in the court at that moment and took his blessings.
When Narada asked where she went, the king explained that he sent her to search for her husband. Turning to her, Ashvapati asked to share the details of her travels and if she had found a man worthy of being her spouse.
Savitri recounted everything and mentioned the king of Salva, named Dyumatsena. The king lost his eyesight when he was still young, and the neighboring king used this opportunity to attack the Slava and conquer it. Dyumatsena, his wife, and his son were forced to relocate to a forest and have been living there ever since. His son, Satyavan, now a grown-up man, captured her attention. Savitri said she wanted to marry him.
Narada spoke. He told the king that Savitri committed a grave mistake by choosing Satyavan. There was no denying that the young man followed dharma and spoke only the truth. His parents were also pious. When young, he loved horses and would make them out of clay and paint horse dolls. Hence, he was also called Chitrashva. The king asked if he was a handsome man and was generous. Narada assured him that Satyavan was handsome and had all the worthy qualities. He was knowledgeable, humble, respectful, generous, kind, and loving.
The king asked if he had any faults. Narada said Satyavan had only one fault, which was really big. The young man had a short life span. He would die in a year. Ashvapati told Savitri to go and find another husband, as this was too much of a flaw to ignore.
However, Savitri was adamant. She said she already considered Satyavan her husband and would never wed another man. She didn’t care how long he lived. She wanted to be his wife for the year left in his life. Narada told the king that there was no use convincing Savitri, and he should contact Satyavan’s parents to finalize the wedding.
The king had no choice, so he ordered the arrangements to be made. On an auspicious day, he went to Dyumatsena’s hermitage and found the blind king sitting on a mat made of kusa grass. He introduced himself. After the initial pleasantries, Ashvapati explained the matter and asked Dyumatsena to accept Savitri as his daughter-in-law. The blind king said they had no riches and were worried that the princess might not be able to live in a forest like a peasant. Ashvapati assured him that Savitri would happily do so.
Dyumatsena confessed that many years ago, he had hoped to have an alliance with the Madra kingdom, but he let go of the idea when he lost his throne. He said his dream had come true and would give his blessings for the wedding. Savitri and Satyavan were married quickly.
Savitri left her riches in her father’s home and dressed like an ascetic to join her husband and in-laws in her new home. Very soon, her pleasant nature and devotion won their hearts. She took care of the blind king and his wife as if they were her parents, and they loved her just as much. Savitri and Satyavan also had a loving and warm marriage.
The year passed too soon. The day of Satyavan’s death was approaching. A worried Savitri planned in advance. Four days before the marked date, she fasted for three whole days and stood still in the same spot throughout. Though her in-laws tried to convince her otherwise, she didn’t budge. Her father-in-law gave her his blessings.
On the day Satyavan was to die, Savitri woke up early and finished her prayers. Dyumatsena asked her to break her fast and eat something as she was weak. However, Savitri said she would eat in the evening. She took the blessings of her in-laws and the other rishis living nearby. Then, she accompanied Satyavan into the forest as he went to chop firewood.
Satyavan also tried to dissuade her, saying the path would be rough and she was already weak from fasting. Savitri was determined to join him that day. Unable to win, Satyavan led her into the forest, carrying an axe on his shoulder. She reminded him to take blessings from the elders before their journey.
Satyavan showed her many delightful sights on the way. They heard the birds and peacocks cry, saw the stream gushing nearby, and the trees in full blossom. However, her heart was heavy with fear. Satyavan continued to collect fruits and berries in his basket. When they reached a spot, Satyavan said he suddenly felt ill as if his head was swimming. Savitri sat down and urged him to rest with his head in her lap. He did so and closed his eyes in relief. Remembering Narada’s words, Savitri calculated the time of her husband’s demise and sat still.
Soon, she saw a celestial man in yellow garments walking their way. He had a smooth and dark complexion and held a noose in one hand. Seeing him, Savitri lowered her husband’s head onto the ground and stood up. She bowed to Yama Dharmaraja, who personally came to collect Satyavan’s soul. She said she could see he was a god and asked if he could share his name.
Yama introduced himself and said he had come to collect Satyavan’s soul, and since the young man was good and truthful at all times, he decided to do the task himself instead of sending his servants (Yama dutas) as he normally did. Then, he pulled the life force out of Satyavan’s body (it was the size of a thumb) and used the noose to bind it. Satyavan’s lifeless body lay on the forest ground. His job done, Yama proceeded to walk in the southern direction (since it is the direction of death).
A distressed Savitri followed Yama as he left the forest. Yama realized this and turned back to stop her. He told her to go back and perform the last rites for her husband and that hell wasn’t a place for the living.
Savitri replied that she would like to say something to him. She said it was her dharma to follow her husband even if he was being taken somewhere by others, and as his wife, she must abide by the rules of dharma no matter what.
Impressed by her words, Yama said he would give her a boon, anything except her husband’s life, and after that, she should go back. Savitri asked for her father-in-law’s eyesight to be returned and for him to become strong again. Yama granted her the boon. He said she was tired from following him and urged her to go back.
Savitri placed forth another argument. She asked how she could be exhausted when she was with her husband and repeated that she must go wherever he was being taken. Savitri then said that friendship with the virtuous was never fruitless, and one should always associate with such people. Yama was again impressed with her words and told her to ask for another boon, insisting that she should ask for anything except her husband’s life. This time, Savitri asked her father-in-law should recover his lost kingdom and continue to follow the path of dharma. Yama granted her the boon and told her to go back once again.
He walked ahead, with Savitri still following behind. She requested him to listen to her. This time, Savitri talked about Yama himself and said he was the one who controlled all the rules and that even those with compassion could show it only to a certain point. Yama told her to ask for another boon and repeated the same exception. Savitri said her father didn’t have any sons and requested that he have a hundred sons who would be her brothers and continue their lineage. Yama granted her the third boon as well. He asked her to return since she had already travelled too far.
Savitri said it didn’t feel like much distance since she undertook the journey with her husband (even if it was his soul) and said her mind traveled a much greater distance. She asked Yama to listen to her once more. She said he was the son of Vivasvat (sun god) and was equally virtuous. She said he was the king of dharma since no one trusts anyone more than a virtuous person, and making friends with such people is always a blessing, and people would always look up to virtuous people.
Yama yet again said he was pleased by her words and granted her a fourth boon with the same exception. This time, Savitri asked for a hundred sons for herself to be born through Satyavan, and that the sons be dutiful to their parents and extend their lineage. Yama didn’t think much about her request and granted the boon right away.
Savitri didn’t give up yet. She further spoke about dharma, virtue, and how the virtuous ones would never be fruitless nor do they destroy anything, so they are also the protectors. Yama said her knowledge delighted him much and that his respect for her had increased. He told her to ask for an unmatched boon. Now, Savitri took her chance and asked for Satyavan’s life. She said she was as good as dead if he wasn’t alive and with her. She reminded Yama that he had already granted her a hundred sons, and this would be possible only when Satyavan was alive. She asked him to make his words come true by releasing her husband’s soul back into his body.
Yama was impressed by her determination and wit. He happily freed Satyavan’s soul and showed it to her, saying he was returning it to her husband’s body. He blessed her to have a hundred sons like her mother would, and that all the boons he gave her would happen one after another.
He finally made her return to the forest and went back to his abode. She rushed to where Satyavan’s body lay and raised his head to place it back in her lap. Satyavan slowly stirred and opened his eyes. He was bewildered and asked what had happened. Savitri said he rested for many hours, and it was evening by then. He said his head hurt terribly, and he wanted to rest for a while, but didn’t remember anything after that. He looked around at the approaching darkness and urged his wife they leave quickly.
Savitri was more than happy to do so or stay back, depending on how his health was. He said he felt a lot better and had no pain in any part of his body. He also wanted to go and see his parents since they were often worried when he stayed for too long in the forest.
Savitri assured him that his parents were safe and everything was wonderful. They slowly made their way back home in the northern direction, leaving the basket under the tree to collect the next day.
Meanwhile, old Dyumatsena regained his eyesight. Though he marveled at the sudden development, he was too worried about Satyavan and Savitri to wonder about the details. He and his wife, Shaibya, rushed to all the nearby hermitages to ask if their children had come that way. They feared Satyavan had died as it was predicted, and Savitri was distraught or in some trouble. The rishis tried to assure them that their children were safe, but the old couple was restless and repeatedly called out the names of Satyavan and Savitri. The rishis like Suvarcha and Gautama said they saw the events using their tapasya powers and were confident that the young couple was safe and alive.
Soon, Satyavan and Savitri returned to their home and found the rishis around the old couple. Satyavan told them he had slept a long time due to severe pain in the head and which caused the delay. The rishis then revealed that his father, Dyumatsena, had suddenly regained his eyesight.
Rishi Gautama asked Savitri to explain everything, as he knew she was responsible for it. Savitri did so by narrating the events that took place throughout the day and her pleading with Yama, which got them four boons and Satyavan’s life. All the rishis blessed Savitri for bearing the sacred dharma so beautifully and raising the value of her lineage with her actions.
The next day, the news spread far and wide. People from the surrounding regions arrived at their doorstep to see and talk to Savitri, who had achieved the impossible. Meanwhile, a few men from the kingdom arrived to inform Dyumatsena that the current king had been killed by his own advisors and that he should once again be their ruler. After a meeting with the advisors, the old king and his family returned to the city in a royal procession. An auspicious day was chosen to crown Dyumatsena as the king of Shalva with Satyavan as the heir apparent.
Over the years, Savitri and her mother gave birth to a hundred sons each. With her determination, dedication, and love, Savitri not only saved her husband but also brought much happiness to her family.
https://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.png00Srivalli Rekha Mantralahttps://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.pngSrivalli Rekha Mantrala2025-04-23 11:26:182025-04-23 11:26:20The Story of Sati Savitri – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
Surprisingly, the Mahabharata provides us with the details of the birth and family relationships of Ravana. Rishi Markandeya shared this information with Yudhistira when consoling him that a great many women had to face hardships, and Sita was one of them. He continued to narrate the Ramayana.
Ravana’s great-grandfather was Prajapati, the self-creating ascetic. One of Prajapati’s mind-born sons was Pulastya, who had a son called Vaishravana (Kubera). However, Vaishravana preferred Prajapati over his father, which angered Pulastya.
Pulastya collected his anger to create another version (a darker version) of himself called Vishrava (think of him as Pulastya’s evil twin) to counter Vaishravana. However, Prajapati made Vaishravana immortal since he liked his devotion. He also made him the king of riches and the guardian of the worlds. Furthermore, Vaishravana gained friendship with Ishana (Shiva) and got a son, Nalakubera, as a boon. He was gifted Lanka as his kingdom. Vaishravana ruled the land of the rakshasas and lived happily with his son and others.
However, Vaishravana didn’t forget that his father’s other self, Vishrava, was angry at him. In an attempt to appease him, he sent three rakshashis to serve his father (Vishrava). The three rakshasis – Pushpotkata, Raka, and Malini were dutiful and talented. They spent all their time trying to please Vishrava and eventually succeeded.
Vishrava granted them each a boon. All three wanted children of their own. Pushpotkata gave birth to two sons – Kumbhakarna and Dashagriva (Ravana). Raka gave birth to Vibhishana. Raka had twin children – Khara and Surpanaka.
Khara hated Brahmins and carried a powerful bow to kill and eat raw flesh. Surpanaka loved to obstruct religious rites and sacrifices. While Kumbhakarna and Ravana had super strength, Vibhishana was the most handsome man and followed dhrama since his childhood.
They lived on Mount Gandhamadana with their father. Once, they saw Vaishravana and his wealth and decided to perform austerities to become like him.
The three siblings (Kumbhakarna, Ravana, and Vibhishana) spent several years in intense austerities for various reasons. Khara and Surpanaka took care of their older brothers and ensured no one disturbed them.
Finally, Brahma Deva appeared to grant each of them their boons. He told them to ask for anything except immortality.
Ravana asked for a boon where he would never be defeated by gandharvas, devas, asuras, yakshas, rakshasas, nagas, kinnaras, and demons (that’s why he was defeated by humans and vanaras). Kumbhakarna asked for a long period of sleep since his mind was clouded with fatigue after the tapasya. Brahma Deva granted it.
Vibhishana asked that his mind shouldn’t turn to adharma even during extremely difficult situations. He also asked for the Brahmastra to be manifested in him. Brahma Deva was pleased with the requests and granted him both as well as immortality.
Once he obtained the boon, Ravana attacked Lanka and won it from Vaishravana. He also stole the Pushpaka chariot from Vaishravana. Vaishravana was so angry that he cursed Ravana that the Pushpaka wouldn’t carry him. Instead, it would carry the one who would lead to Ravana’s demise. Then, Vaishravana, with the yakshas, gandharvas, guhyakas, and others, went to reside on Mount Gandhamanada and soon converted it into his kingdom.
Ravana and his siblings relocated to Lanka. Heady with power, Ravana attacked many kingdoms, including the gods. Over time, the gods began to fear him and asked for help to defeat Ravana. They went to Brahma Deva and said that his boon made Ravana near-invincible, and he was terrorizing everyone.
Eventually, when the time was right, Narayana was born as Rama to kill Ravana. The devas also arrived on the earth to incarnate as various people who would support Rama in his mission (just like how it happened in the Mahabharata). As Vaishravana cursed, the Pushpaka carried Rama to Ayodhya after Ravana’s death.
https://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.png00Srivalli Rekha Mantralahttps://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.pngSrivalli Rekha Mantrala2025-04-23 11:02:542025-04-23 11:02:56Ravana Birth and Background – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
After Draupadi had been rescued from Jayadratha and the king of Sindhu had been let off with a warning and a shaved head, Yudhistira went into depression once again. Rishi Markandeya arrived to console the Pandavas and help them adjust to the situation. Yudhistira said he felt sad for Draupadi for having to face such atrocities and being kidnapped more than once. He asked the rishi if any other women suffered as much as she did. Rishi Markandeya then took this chance to narrate a short summary of Ramayana (his version) to share that Sita also had to face many trials throughout her life.
Naturally, Yudhistira wanted more details. The rishi obliged.
Here, Rishi Markandeya listed the lineage of Rama as well as the story of how Ravana was born.
In the Ikshvaku lineage, there was a king named Aja. His son was Dasaratha, who had four sons – Rama, Lakshmana, Shatrughna, and Bharata. Rama was Kaushalya’s son, Lakshmana and Shatrughna were Sumitra’s twins, and Bharata was Kaikeyi’s son.
The king of Videha, Janaka, had a daughter named Sita. Tvashtra (Vishwakarma) created her to be Rama’s queen and consort.
Yudhistira asked why Rama had to go into exile and what happened afterward. Rishi Markandeya explained.
King Dasaratha was delighted when his sons were born. They grew up to be learned men with good manners and great warrior skills. Soon, the sons were married. Dasaratha was pleased with the developments.
Rama, the eldest son, had a pleasant nature and was a favorite of the subjects. He was also his father’s favorite. Dasaratha thought he was growing old and decided to crown Rama as the king of Ayodhya. His advisors and the council of ministers agreed with the decision. They even fixed the time for the coronation. Rama was dark-skinned, long-limbed, broad-chested, radiant, handsome, and brave. He had curly hair, was learned in dharma, and was as powerful as Indra. He protected those who needed it and punished the guilty. He was never defeated or vanquished by anyone.
Dasarartha made an announcement that Rama would be crowned the king on the day of Pushya nakshatra. The preparations began in earnest.
The news reached Manthara, who went to Kaikeyi and told her that she (Kaikeyi) was unfortunate while Kaushalya was fortunate since her son was becoming the king. Manthara asked what good fortune Kaikeyi had if her son wasn’t a king? Kaikeyi thought about it, dressed in stylish clothes, and went to meet the king. She sweetly reminded him that he had promised to grant her a boon, and she wanted it now. Dasaratha agreed and asked what she wanted. He said he would give her anything she asked for.
Kaikeyi asked Bharata to be crowned the king and for Rama to go into exile in the forest. Dasaratha was distraught and unable to say anything. Rama got the news of Kaikeyi’s wish and his father’s promise, so he chose to honor it by going to the forest. His wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshmana, followed him.
After Rama left, Dasaratha gave up his body and departed to the other world. Kaikeyi said to Bharata that he should accept the throne since all the thorns in his path had been removed. However, Bharata was furious and said she had brought him a bad name with her actions and was responsible for her husband’s death. He then went to find Rama and was accompanied by his three mothers. Shatrughna, Rishi Vasishtha, and many other ministers etc. followed Bharata on his quest.
Bharata found Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in the Chitrakuta forest. However, Rama told him to go back and rule the kingdom. Bharata dutifully did so by placing Rama’s sandals on the throne and taking up the role of an administrator.
Meanwhile, Rama decided they should move elsewhere so that the citizens wouldn’t come to meet him again. The trio traveled to a forest near the ashram of Sharabhanga. Taking blessings from him, they went to stay in the Dandakaranya forest along the banks of the River Godavari. Here, Rama fought Khara due to Surpanaka’s actions and protected the ascetics residing in the region. He also killed fourteen thousand rakshasas, as well as Khara and Dushana (Khara’s younger brother). Later, when Surpanaka’s nose and lips were sliced off by Lakshmana, she went to her older brother in Lanka and shared her distress.
An angry Ravana asked who did that to her. Surpanaka told him everything about Rama’s valor and the death of her (their) brothers. Ravana got into his Pushpaka and flew to Gokarna to meet Maricha, his former advisor.
Maricha had turned an ascetic as he was afraid of Rama. He welcomed Ravana and offered him fruits and water. After inquiring about his health and subjects, Maricha wanted to know the reason for Ravana’s visit. When he explained, Marciha advised Ravana to stay away and not provoke Rama. However, an angry and arrogant Ravana threatened to kill Maricha if he didn’t do as ordered. Ravana planned to use Maricha to distract Rama and kidnap Sita. He said separation from Sita would make Rama distraught and lose interest in his life.
Knowing death was inevitable, Maricha performed his own funeral rites and set off with Ravana to Dandakaranya. He transformed into a golden deer and walked in front of the ashram where Rama and Sita lived. Sita sent Rama to chase the deer, and Lakshmana stayed back to ensure her safety. When Rama realized the deer was a rakshasa, he shot an arrow at it. Maricha called out for Sita and Lakshmana in Rama’s voice. This made Sita anxious even as Lakshmana tried to assure her. Nevertheless, he set off, following Rama’s footsteps.
Ravana took the chance he had been waiting for and approached Sita in the guise of a traveling Brahmin and begged for alms. She offered him fruits. Ravana revealed his true self and tried to entice her to go away with him by talking about the beauty and riches of Lanka. When Sita got angry and asked him to leave, he used force to restrain her. Sita fell unconscious. Ravana quickly grabbed her by her hair and got into his Pushpaka.
Jatayu, a vulture, saw this and tried to free Sita, but lost the fight to Ravana, who cut off the wing. An injured Jatayu fell to the earth in agony and cried for Rama. Jatayu was the son of Aruni. His brother was Sampati, a friend of King Dasaratha.
Meanwhile, Rama was rushing back to the ashram and met Lakshmana on the way. He was concerned for Sita’s safety and rebuked Lakshmana for leaving her alone. They ran back to the ashram to find Sita missing. They saw Jatayu, who told them what happened. The vulture took his last breath in Rama’s arms. After doing the needful, Rama and Lakshmana began their search for Sita.
They faced Kadanbha, a rakshasa who grasped Lakshmana in his arms. Rama told Lakshmana to slice off the rakshasa’s right arm while he attacked, and chopped the left arm. Together, the brothers killed Kadanbha. A divine being emerged from the dead body. It was Gandharva Vishvavasu who was cursed by Brahma to be born to a rakshasi. Being killed by Rama and Lakshmana freed him from the curse. Vishvavasu advised them to go and meet Sugriva, living near Lake Pampa around Mount Rishyamukha. The gandharva assured Rama that he would soon reunite with his wife with the help of Sugriva and his advisors.
Following the gandharva’s advice, Rama and Lakshmana went to Lake Pampa. It was a beautiful place with pink and blue lotus flowers, a scented breeze, and lovely plants. This made Rama miss Sita even more, and he cried for her. Lakshmana tried to cheer him up and said they would find Sugriva and bring back Sita from Lanka. They bathed in the lake, offering oblations to their ancestors, and went to Mount Rishyamukha. There, they saw five vanaras in a discussion. One was Sugriva, one was Hanuman, well-built and tall as a mountain, Jambavan, Mainda, and Dvivida.
After the introductions, Sugriva showed the jewels they collected (the ones that fell from the sky) to Rama. Positive that these belonged to Sita, Rama and the Vanaras made a deal. Rama would kill Vali, Sugriva’s brother, and crown Sugriva the king of Kishkinda. In return, Sugriva would help Rama find Sita (and fight the war if necessary).
They proceeded to Kishkinda, where Sugriva challenged Vali to a hand-to-hand combat. Tara, Vali’s wife, cautioned him not to go and said that Sugriva had the support of Hanuman, Jambavan, and Rama. However, Vali was confident of his strength and skills. He went to fight Sugriva.
Sugriva lost the first round since Rama couldn’t distinguish between him and his twin brother. Hanuman placed a garland around Sugriva’s neck, which allowed Rama to aim at Vali from behind a tree. After Vali’s death, Sugriva was made the king of Kishkinda and got back his wife. Tara also stayed with him since her husband had died. Rama stayed with them in Malyavan for four months.
Meanwhile, Ravana was mesmerized by Sita’s beauty and wanted to possess her. He made her a prisoner in a garden with ashoka trees and ordered several rakshasis to guard her. Sita spent all her time thinking about Rama. The raksashis tried to terrify her, but she asked them to eat her if they wanted. Sita said she had no will to live with Rama, so she would become their meal. This annoyed the rakshasis since she refused to accept or acknowledge Ravana.
However, when the rakshasis weren’t around, Trijata spoke to Sita. She was a pious woman despite being a rakshasi. Trijata said that Avindhya had told her a secret she would share with Sita. Rama and Lakshmana were searching for her and knew where she was. They were well and would come to free her soon. Trijata also said that Ravana wouldn’t dare to violate a woman due to a curse. A long time ago, he raped Rambha, Nalakubera’s wife, and was cursed by him to face death if he forced himself on another woman. Trijata assured Sita that she had seen Ravana’s destruction in her dreams, along with Kumbhakarna’s death and Vibhishana being alive. There was nothing to worry about since Rama and Lakshmana would come and take her back home.
Ravana, dressed in rich clothes and jewels, went to meet Sita. He boasted of his riches and powers. He listed the various women who served him and asked Sita to marry him and become his wife, like Mandodari. Sita simply turned away and ignored him. She held a blade of grass between them and spoke to the grass (indicating that Ravana was equal to that little piece of grass). She said she was unfortunate to have to listen to him talk and asked if he was such a great man and why he wasn’t following his dharma.
Ravana said she was still yearning for a human, and he couldn’t touch her against her wishes (due to the curse which would shatter his head into a thousand pieces if he did). He left her crying.
After waiting for Sugriva, Rama finally sent Lakshmana to remind him of the promise. He said Sugriva was happily enjoying himself in Kishkinda and might have forgotten the promise. Lakshmana went to Kishkinda and was welcomed by Sugriva. He gave Rama’s message to the vanara king. Sugriva said that he didn’t forget, nor was he ungrateful. He had sent many of his best vanaras in different directions to find the trace of Sita. They were to return to him in a month and give an update. He asked Lakshmana to wait for five days as they would get the news.
Lakhsmana and Sugriva went to Malyavan to meet Rama and share the news with him. Most spies had arrived but couldn’t find Sita anywhere. They said the ones who went southward were yet to return, so there was hope.
Rama was sad but determined to be hopeful. They had to wait for another two months before news arrived that Angada and Hanuman, who went southward, had some good news to share. Rama rushed to meet Hanuman and asked if he knew where Sita was.
Hanuman said he had good news and described his journey. The search party didn’t find Sita anywhere and finally reached a cave that belonged to a daitya named Maya. There, they saw a lady ascetic named Prabhavati who gave them directions. They ascended Malaya and saw the vast expanse of the ocean in front of them. They were discussing Jatayu when another similar vulture approached them and demanded how they knew his brother. This was Sampati who was agonized about his brother’s death. However, he knew that Ravana lived in Lanka and that Sita was possibly held captive there.
After a brief meeting, Hanuman invoked his father, Vayu, and flew across the ocean to reach Lanka. There, he had to kill a rakshasi who lived in water, Surasa, who tried to block his path. Reaching Lanka, Hanuman said he saw Sita inside and that she was fasting and looked tired and weak. He said he approached Sita and assured her that he wasn’t a rakshasa and informed her about Rama. Sita replied that Avindhya had said he would come, so she knew he was Hanuman. Sita gave him a jewel to show Rama and sent him back. She also sent a message and reminded Rama about an incident that happened in Chitrakuta (Rama hurled a straw at a crow for troubling Sita). Hanuman concluded his tale, saying that he had burnt the city before returning.
Rama was relieved to finally find the trace of Sita and know she was safe enough. Upon Sugriva’s instructions, his vanara army assembled there.
Sushena, Vali’s father-in-law, arrived with one thousand crores of swift vanaras.
Gaja and Gavaya arrived separately with one crore vanaras.
Gavaksha, with the tail of a cow, came with sixty thousand crore vanaras.
Panasa brought ten, twelve, and thirty-five crore vanaras.
Dadhimukha, an aged, brave vanara, brought another large army.
Jambhavan brought a hundred thousand crores of bears.
Many others came with more armies, all of them ready to help Rama fight Ravana.
They practiced and trained for a while. On an auspicious day, Sugriva arranged them into different battle formations. Hanuman led from the front, while Lakshmana guarded the rear. They were ready to march ahead for Rama’s cause. Nala, Nila, Angada, Kratha, Mainda, and Dvivida were also made the protectors and heads of different divisions of the army. They passed through the forests, plain lands, mountains, etc., to reach the seashore.
Rama asked Sugriva for his opinion about the best way to cross the ocean to reach Lanka. After discussing the odds, Rama said he would ask the ocean for help, and if he didn’t get a response, he would dry it up for them to march ahead. Rama touched the water and invoked the god of the ocean, who appeared in his dreams to provide a solution. The god of the ocean said that Nala was the son of Vishwakarma, and the ocean would bear whatever Nala threw into it and convert it into a bridge. So, Rama asked Nala to build a bridge of stones from the shore to Lanka. As the construction continued, they moved ahead toward their destination. Vibhishana heard of Rama’s arrival and went to meet him and extended his support, saying he would always be on the side of dharma. With Vibhishana’s help, Rama and the vanara army crossed the bridge and camped outside Lanka.
Ravana’s two rakshasi guards, Shuka and Sarana, disguised as vanaras to spy on them, but Vibhishana caught them. Rama exposed them to his army so that they wouldn’t be tricked again and freed the rakshasis. Then, Rama sent Angada as a messenger to Ravana.
Entering or penetrating Lanka wasn’t going to be easy for the vanaras. Ravana had fortified the city as per the sacred texts. The walls were big and strong, there were moats with crocodiles. There were watchtowers and catapults used to detect and attack enemies. The soldiers had pots filled with resin and venomous snakes. They were also armed with many weapons like clubs, spears, lances, axes, fireworks, spiked clubs, etc. They had shataghanis (a weapon that could kill hundreds at a time) and other weapons dipped in poisonous beeswax. All gates of the city were guarded.
Angada reached one of the gates and announced his presence. He entered the city fearlessly and walked into the court. Angada delivered Rama’s message to Paulastya (Ravana, Pulastya’s son) that there would be a war if he didn’t respectfully return Sita.
The message made Ravana angry. His guards, the night prowling rakshasas, grabbed Angada. He nimbly jumped up to the terrace, and this movement dislodged the rakshasas. Before they could react, he leaped from there and went back to Rama.
Upon Rama’s orders, the vanara army got to work and breached the walls of Lanka. With Lakshmana leading them, Jambhavan, Vibhishana, and others successfully destroyed the south gate and entered the city. Rama invaded Lanka with over a hundred thousand crore of vanaras. They raised such dust that the sun was invisible. The rakshasas and their families came out to watch and were amazed. Some travelers ran away, seeing the mayhem caused by the vanara army.
With orders from the king (Ravana), the rakshasas rushed out to tackle the invasion. They got onto the walls to attack the enemies. However, the vanaras were quick. Both sets fought and killed each other. Rama rained a relentless shower of arrows with Lakshmana. Once they successfully invaded Lanka and breached the defenses, the army withdrew for the day.
Parvana, Putana, Jambha, Khara, Krodhavasha, Hari, Praruja, Aruja, Praghhasa, and others, Ravana’s piscaha and rakshasa followers launched an attack. Vibhishana used his powers to remove the invisibility capability of the rakshasas. This made them easier targets, and the vanaras killed them all. Hearing about their death made Ravana so angry that he personally marched out with his army.
He arranged his army in a Ushana battle formation. Rama also stepped out and used a battle formation recommended by Brihaspati. Lakshmana fought with Indrajit, Sugriva with Virupaksha, Nikharvata with Tara, Nala with Tunda, and Patusha with Panasa, as Rama faced Ravana. It was a terrible and terrifying battle.
Suddenly, Prahasta rushed at Vibhishana, who faced him with ease and killed him soon. Dhumraksha attacked the vanaras, but Hanuman stepped in and killed him. As the war continued, both sides killed each other. When the sky turned dark, they retreated to their camps. Taking stock of the situation, Ravana decided to send Kumbhakarna into the battle. Since Kumbhakarna was asleep, the guards took musical instruments, food, and other items to wake him up from his deep and long sleep. Eventually, they succeeded. Ravana sent Kumbhakarna to fight Rama and his army the next morning. He also sent Vajravega and Pramathi with extra instructions.
The massive Kumbhakarna wreaked havoc on the vanara army. The monkeys were terrified but continued to fight him. He was laughing and killing them in spades. Surgriva tried to fight Kumbhakarna but couldn’t. Lakshmana shot an arrow that penetrated the rakshasa’s body and made him let go of Sugriva. However, Kumbhakarna threw a rock at Lakshmana, which he destroyed, and used the brahmastra to kill him. Seeing the mighty rakshasa fall, the smaller ones fled. However, Dushana’s brothers, Vajravega and Pramathi, targeted Lakshmana. Hanuman killed Vajravega, while Nila tackled Pramathi and ended his life. The day’s battle ended with many deaths on both sides.
When Ravana heard of Kumbhakarna and Dhumraksha’s deaths, he asked his older son, Indrajit, to kill his enemies and bring him victory. Indrajit entered the war the next day and challenged Lakshmana, who accepted it right away. They had a gruesome battle, trying to outdo each other at every opportunity. Angada also joined the fight at times. Indrajit began using his maya to disappear, so Rama stepped in to help his brother. However, Indrajit managed to injure Rama and Lakshmana and make them unconscious. The vanara army stood around them. Vibhishana too reached the spot and used an herb named Vishalya with divine mantras to revive the brothers.
When they woke up, Vibhishana said to Rama that a guhyaka arrived from Mount Shveta with miracle water from Kubera so that he could see invisible beings as well. Rama accepted the water and touched his eyes with it. Lakshmana, Sugriva, Angada, and other key warriors also did the same.
Meanwhile, Indrajit went to Ravana and gave him an update. He returned to find Rama and Lakshmana healthy again. Lakshmana launched an attack on Indrajit. After another ferocious fight, Lakshmana killed Indrajit. This angered Ravana so much that he went to kill Sita.
Avindhya stopped him and reminded him that he shouldn’t kill a woman. He said that as a captive, she was already considered dead, and the best way to kill her was to kill her husband. Ravana agreed and decided to fight Rama himself. He ordered his chariot to be prepared.
Ravana marched out with his rakshasa army, scattering the varanas in his path. Mainda, Nila, Nala, Angada, Hanuman, and Jambavan blocked his path. With his army being killed, Ravana resorted to maya. However, Rama killed the rakshasas. Seeing this, Ravana created lookalikes of Rama and Lakshmana and sent them to fight the brothers. Rama quickly killed his lookalike upon Lakshmana’s request.
Just then, Matali arrived in Indra’s chariot. He said Indra sent the chariot (named Jaitra) for Rama so that he could face Ravana and kill him that day. Rama first thought it was another maya of Ravana, but Vibhishana assured him that it was real and he should use the chariot sent by Indra.
When Rama mounted the chariot and rode toward Ravana, the god cheered from heaven. An angry Ravana unleashed thousands of arrows at Rama. Rama calmly invoked the Brahmastra and killed Ravana. The flames burnt him, his chariot, and the horses. The vanara army cheered.
The gods and rishis from heaven praised and blessed Rama for achieving their objective. Rama then handed over Lanka to Vibhishana. Avindhya emerged from the city with Sita and asked Rama to accept his wife.
Rama descended the chariot to see his wife crying, wearing dirty clothes, and with matted hair. He said to her that she was free to go wherever she wanted. He said he was freed from the rakshasa since she was his wife, but he wouldn’t accept her now. Sita was so distraught that she collapsed. Lakshmana and others stood still in shock. They didn’t know how to react.
Brahma, Indra, Vayu, Agni, and others descended from heaven to meet Rama. Even King Dasaratha arrived in his heavenly form.
Sita said to Rama that she didn’t blame him for his words. She continued that if she had committed an evil act, the air (breath) would be free of her (as in she would die). Vayu, Agni, Varuna, and Brahma told him that Sita was taintless and that Rama should take her back. Brahma said Sita was protected through Nalakubera’s curse, and everything that happened was set in motion for Rama to kill Ravana (due to the boon).
Dasaratha said he was proud of Rama and approved him as the king. Rama replied that he would go back to Ayodhya and rule the kingdom. He took his father’s blessings. He reunited with Sita, gave a boon to Avindhya, and many riches to Trijata.
Indra asked Rama what boon he wanted. Rama asked for victory over his enemies and to revive all the dead vanaras. Indra agreed. The dead vanaras rose to life as if they woke up from slumber. Sita gave a boon to Hanuman that he would live for as long as Rama’s fame lasted.
The gods went back to heaven. Matali told Rama that his fame would be sung for eternity for removing the rakshasa who troubled every creature on the earth. After arranging protection for Lanka, everyone crossed the stone bridge to return to the shore. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Kishkinda with Vibhishana and Sugriva. Rama made Angada the heir apparent to Sugriva and resumed his journey to Ayodhya. He sent Hanuman as a messenger to Bharata to inform him of their return. Hanuman went to Nandigrama and saw Bharata wearing tree bark as a dress and ruling the kingdom with Rama’s sandals on the throne.
Rama and Lakshmana met their brothers Bharata and Shatrughna happily. After he was crowned the king, he gave Sugriva, Vibhishana, Jambhavan, and others permission to get back to their kingdoms. He returned the Pushpaka to Vibhishana, who flew to Lanka in it. Eventually, the Pushpaka returned to its original owner, Kubera.
Later, Rama performed ten Ashwamedha yagnas on the banks of the River Gomati. The kingdom flourished.
Vyasa visited the Pandavas, and as always, Yudhistira saw this as his chance to ask a few questions and expand his knowledge. When asked about whether the dharma of giving was more difficult or the dharma of austerities, Vyasa shared the story of Mudgala as an example and said the dharma of giving was the most difficult one.
Mudgala was a common man who lived in Kurukshetra a long time ago. He followed his dharma and led a simple yet contented life without feeling jealous of others. He was observing a sacrifice called ishtikrita (where one sacrifices one’s wishes). He, his wife, and his son ate for a fortnight. For the next fortnight, he lived like a pigeon by collecting one drona of vrihi (one drone = 1/16th of a khári). He dutifully observed the full moon and new moon rituals and happily served whoever visited his home as guests. Since he was such a pious man, the rice stocked in his house never ran empty. No matter how much he donated, the quantity remained the same. This allowed him to serve hundreds of Brahmins.
One day, Rishi Durvasa went to Mudgala’s house wearing nothing but air (naked). He transformed into a lunatic with a temper and demanded food from Mudgala, who welcomed him with respect and treated him as he would treat everyone.
Mudgala continued to serve food, and the lunatic continued to eat. This went on until he had nothing left in his house. Then the lunatic smeared the leftover bits on his body and left. On the next auspicious lunar day, the lunatic arrived again to eat everything in Mudgala’s house. Mudgala had to go out to gather more food to feed the lunatic. However, he wasn’t irritated or worried. He took it in stride and did what he had to do.
Rishi Durvasa repeated the same six times. Not once did Mudgala resent the lunatic or feel any negative emotion. He was happy to collect more food to feed his guests, even if he himself had nothing to eat. Durvasa then said to him that controlling the fickle mind wasn’t an easy task, but he (Mudgala) had mastered it. He had conquered the world with his selfless deeds and had obtained a place in heaven.
Even as he spoke, the golden chariot from heaven descended to carry Mudgala to heaven. It was yoked to swans and cranes and had bells tied to it. Mudgala asked the messenger to tell him more about people who resided in heaven, what divine happiness meant, and if there were any shortcomings so that he could act accordingly.
The messenger said Mudgala had obtained a place in heaven, so he didn’t have to do anything for it. He described it as where the Vasus, Maruts, Sadhyas, Vishwas, and others resided. It was where rishis who performed severe austerities went after discarding their bodies. Heaven had no sorrow, no old age, no repentance, etc. However, the place was not permanent, and one could fall from heaven for various reasons.
After listening to the various descriptions of heaven, Mudgala thought about it and bowed to the messenger. He asked the messenger to leave since he didn’t want to go to heaven. He didn’t want to experience the unhappiness of a fall. Mudgala said he would find a region with no sorrow or dislodging once he entered. Then, he returned to his routine of collecting rice grains and feeding his guests. As years passed, he attained moksha.
Vyasa assured Yudhistira that happiness and unhappiness were cyclic and would come and go. He asked him to be confident of regaining his lost kingdom.
https://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.png00Srivalli Rekha Mantralahttps://draupadiparashakti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/draupadi-blanc.pngSrivalli Rekha Mantrala2025-04-19 12:19:082025-04-19 12:19:09The Greatness of Mudgala – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
Rishi Markandeya narrated one story after another to the Pandavas, Draupadi, Krishna, Satyabhama, and Narada. This time, Yudhistira asked why Agni went into the forest and how new types of Agni (fires) were created.
The rishi explained.
A long time ago, Agni was angry and stalked into a forest to perform austerities. With no Agni to offer oblations, everyone requested Rishi Angiras to become the second Agni to eliminate darkness. His energy was so fierce that it illuminated the world and reached Agni, who was in the forest. Agni thought Brahma created another Agni, so his services were no longer required. He went to Angiras and told him to continue being Agni.
However, Angiras replied that Agni was the first one created by Brahma, and he should get back to his previous position. Agni declined. He didn’t want to do that. It had been so many years that people now knew Angiras as their Agni. The real Agni was more than content to be a second Agni named Prajapatyaka.
Angiras told Agni to perform good deeds and obtain a place in heaven. He also asked Agni to have his first son through Angiras. Agni agreed. Angiras’s son Brihaspati became Agni’s son.
Then came many types of Agnis, each of them used for different purposes.
Angiras’s wife was Subha (he had more wives). Their offspring were Brihajjyoti, Brihatkirti, Brihadbrahma, Brihanmana, Brihanmantra, Brihadbhasa, and Brihaspati. His first daughter was Bhanumati, his second daughter was Raga, the third was Sinivali, the fourth was Archismati, and the fifth was Havismati, with her oblations. Angiras’s sixth daughter was Mahishmati, and the seventh daughter was Mahamati. She was radiant and was honored at great sacrifice. The eighth daughter was Kuhu (new moon), the one that cannot be divided.
Brihaspati and his wife Chandramasi gave birth to six sacred fires and a daughter. Their first son was Shyamu, a fire with many-hued flames. He was offered clarified butter (ghee) as oblations and got the first offering at horse sacrifices (Ashwamedha) and chaturmasya.
Shamyu and his wife Satya (daughter of Dharma) had Agni as their son, along with three daughters. Their first Agni son was Bharadwaja, and their second son was Bharata. The first share of offerings went to the older son, while the offerings of sacrifices performed at full moon went to Bharata.
Bharata had three wives, a son named Bharata, and a daughter named Bhavati. The son Bharata had a son named Prajapati Bharata.
Bharadwaja’s wife was Viraa, and their daughter was named Vira. Brahmins said that like Soma, Bharadwaja was worshipped with ghee. He was also called Rathaprabhu, Rathadhvana, and Kumbhareta when he received the second offering of Soma. Bharadwaja and another wife, Sarayu, had a son called Siddhi, who was celebrated in the ritual chant as the presiding deity.
The Nishchyavana fire praised the earth and was a symbol of creativity. It never lost luster, fame, or prosperity. His son is Vipapa, pure, untainted, and without sin, also called Satya.
The fire Nishkriti freed beings from lamentations and brought good fortune. His son was Svana, the creator of suffering.
The fire called Vishvajit illuminates the minds of the universe. His son, Vishvabhuj, was an internal fire that digested the food. He was a brahmachari and self-controlled in vows. Cooked food is offered as oblations to this fire.
The fire Vadava (also called Urdhvabhaj) would drink up all the water and rise high (the flames are bigger). Established in prana, the fire was worshipped by those who lived in houses facing the northward direction.
Svishtakrit was another fire, and his daughter was Manyati, the fire of anger in calm people. She was the essence of anger. Svaha is a cruel and terrible fire. There was another fire named Kama, the one with unmatched beauty.
The fire named Amogha destroyed enemies in a battle by being a bow and sitting on a chariot (and wearing a garland).
Uktha was another fire and the creator of speech, thus called Sakamashva.
Kashyapa, Vasishtha, Prana’s son Prana, Agni Angiras, and Chyavana Trishuvarchaka performed severe austerities to obtain a son equal to Brahma. They created a fire with five colors. The son’s head was made of kindling fire, and his arms were like the sun. His feet were black, but his complexion was golden. This son is called the Panchajanya in the Vedas and was the origin of five lineages. After performing austerities for ten thousand years, he created various creatures and beings. He also created Brihat and Rathantara from his head and mouth, Shiva from his navel, Indra from his strength, Vayu and Agni from his life breath, the two accents from his arms, and the entire universe.
The five ancestors he created were – Pranidhi (Brihadurjas’ son), Brihattara (Kashyapa’s son), Bhanu (Angiras’s son), Saubhara (Varcha’s son), and Anudatta (Prana’s son). These five went on to create five lineages.
Additionally, he created the following –
The sacrifice, the dawn, Abhima, Atibhima, and Bhimabalabala (15 gods, the obstructers of sacrifices)
Sumitra, Mitravat, Mitrajna, Mitravardhana, and Mitradharma (5 gods of sacrifices)
Surapravira, Vira, Sukesha, Suvarcha, and Surahanta (5 gods)
These three categories of gods were placed on the earth to cause obstructions in sacrifices. However, if the yagna fire was built skillfully, they could not go near it or cause trouble. They don’t steal the offerings if pacified with mantras.
Brihaduktha is another son learned in adhvaryus, and his offerings were meant for Mitravinda.
The fire named Bharata had severe restrictions. Pushtimati fire offered prosperity when satisfied with the offerings. The fire Shiva was always engaged in worshipping Shakti. He was called Shiva since he removed suffering and purified people/ things.
Tapas performed many austerities to have a son named Purandara. Ushma was another son and could be seen in all beings. Manu was another fire son who officiated Prajapati. Shambhu was a fire spoken about by the Brahmins learned in the Vedas. They also talk of Avasathya.
Tapas created two more sons – Urjaskara and Havyavahana, who shone like gold in their radiance.
The sun gave birth to asuras and terrible creatures when he was exhausted (nighttime).
Manu and Bhanu (also called Brihadbhanu), Tapas’s son, were created by Angiras.
Bhanu’s wives were Supraja, Brihadbhasa, and Somaja. They had six sons – Balada (the fire that gave strength to all beings), Manyumat (the terrible wrath in calm beings), Vishnu aka Dhritiman Angiras (offered oblations) during a full moon or new moon. Agrayana (got the first oblations along with Indra), Niragraha (for chaturmasya oblations), and another.
Manu’s wife, Nisha, gave birth to two Agnishomas, one daughter, and five other fires – Vaishvanara (received first oblations with Indra for chaturmasya sacrifices), Vishvapati (the lord of all beings), Svishtakrit (the supreme fire).
Hiranyakashipu’s daughter Rohini was married to Prajapati. Their children were –
Samnihita (fire that resided in all bodies as the life breath)
The fire whose path is black and white (smoke) bore oblations (based on anger and led the tainted to the untainted)
(Rishi )Kapila (expounder of sankhya yoga)
Agrani (first share of oblations to the deceased)
These four correct the defects in yagna fires.
If the wind made the fires interact with each other, eight different rites had to be performed for the fire Suchi.
If the fire of the south mixed with the other two, eight different rites had to be performed for the fire Viti.
If the sacrificial fire mixed with the fire of conflagration, eight different rites had to be performed for the fire Dasyumat.
If one heard the news that a living being (human or animal) died, eight different rites had to be performed for the fire Abhimat.
A Brahmin who hadn’t rendered offerings to a fire for three nights should perform eight different rites to the northern fire.
The one who awaited the observance of the full moon and new moon rituals had to perform eight different rites to the Pathikrit fire.
If the fire of who was expecting touched the agnihotra fire, eight different rites had to be performed for the Agimta fire.
Saha Apa had a wife named Mudita. He was the lord of bhuh and bhuvah and had a fire son who was the lord of all beings. This fire (termed garhapatya) always circulated and was worshipped at sacrifices. He was also known as Apamgarbha and was the lord of bhuh, bhuva,h, and mahah. His son was Bharata, the fire who consumed dead bodies. Niyata/ Kratu was the best fire at agnishtoma sacrifices (and compared to Bharata).
Seeing Niyata, Agni went to hide in the ocean. The gods searched for him everywhere but couldn’t find him. Agni met Angiras and asked him to continue being the new Agni since he was too weak. He went into hiding again, but the fish revealed his location. An angry Agni cursed them to become food for others. The gods tried to convince Agni to return, but he refused. In fact, he gave up his body and entered the earth. Inside the earth, he interacted with various elements to create metals, minerals, etc. He created energy and fragrances from his mouth, the devadarus (Deodar Cedar Trees) from his bones, crystals from his phlegm, emeralds from his bile, black iron from his liver, mica from nails, and coral from arteries.
Agni continued to be immersed in austerities despite the lack ofa body. His fire flourished again and grew radiant. However, seeing the rishis, he was frightened again and got back to hide in the ocean. The universe and the gods were afraid of this pattern and sought help from Angiras (also called Atharva). He created the world and churned the ocean. He restored Agni to his earlier position and made him accept all oblations. Atharva then travelled to many countries and created sacrificial hearths in different locations. The following rivers became the sacrificial hearths established by him –
Adbutha and his wife Priya had a son named Viduratha. The soma rites equal the number of fires mentioned by Rishi Markandeya. All of them were born in Atri’s lineage and the offspring of Brahma (his mind-born children). Atri created his own body.
Despite the various number of fires mentioned, these were all the same. There was only one illustrious fire, the one generated from Angrias’s body in many forms.
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Rishi Markandeya continued his story of how Skanda was gifted the necessary weapons and items to become the general of Indra’s army and tackled the asuras who attacked the devas.
Airavata, Indra’s white celestial elephant, had two bells named Vaijayanti. Indra gave one bell to Skanda and another to Vishaka. The pennants of both were red in color. Skanda (Mahasena) played with these objects as he sat surrounded by his various companions.
After Skanda was made the general of Indra’s army, a happy Shiva went to Bhadravata (located to the east of Kailasa) with Parvati (Uma). Their chariot was pulled by a thousand lions. The navagrahas, Kubera, and the guhyakas walked in front of the chariot while Vrishadhvaja and Indra followed behind. A yaksha named Amogha was on the right side with other yakshas, rakshasas, and jambhakas (demons), as well as Maruts, Vasus, Rudras, and other devas. Yama and Mrithyu followed behind but surrounded the group from all sides. Behind them was Shiva’s bow, Vijaya (this was gifted to Parasurama, who later gave it to Karna).
Varuna too followed them. Shiva’s other weapons, like the spear, maces, clubs, etc., trailed behind Vijaya alongside his umbrella and kamandalu (water pot). Shiva’s staff, Sri, Brighu, Angiras, and other gods followed as well while worshipping the staff. The rivers, trees, rishis, gandharvas, nagas, and women too joined the traveling group. The women sprinkled flowers. Paranjaya also followed. The moon held an umbrella over Shiva as Agni and Vayu held the whisks on either side. Gouri, Vidya, Gandhari, Keshini, and Mitrasahrya followed Parvati with Savitri in the rear. The rakshasas were at the front, controlled by Pingala, Shiva’s yaksha friend.
Shiva traveled accompanied by such a large troop. Though they knew the destination, the path was erratic. Shiva would move from one end of the group to another at random. Mahasena (Skanda) was also a part of this troop. Shiva went to where Mahasena was and told him to always protect the seven corps of the Maruts. Skanda asked what else he should do.
Shiva said that Skanda should see him (Shiva) in every task he undertook so that it would ensure his (Skanda’s) welfare. Hugging him, Shiva told Skanda he could go (to where he was required). Skanda left.
The next instant, a blazing portal kind of thing opened up. Everyone was bewildered when an army came out of it like a huge mass of clouds. Weapons were hurled at the gods and Shiva by the approaching army. The devas began to scatter and were being killed by the army of asuras. Indra encouraged his army to fight and be courageous. He charged ahead at the asuras. The Maruts, Vasus, Sadhyas, and other devas banded together to fight the asura army. However, the asura army was powerful and soon gained the upper hand over the gods.
Mahisha rushed to the chariot and grabbed it. The maharishis fainted. Despite the chaos around him, Shiva didn’t kill Mahisha since he knew it was Skanda’s job. Mahisha was sure of his win when Shiva didn’t react.
Then, Skanda arrived, dressed in red clothes and golden armor, and fury raging in his eyes. Seeing his aura, the asura army wavered. They began to grow doubtful of their win. Mahasena hurled a spear at Mahisha. It killed the asura in an instant. He hurled the spear again and again. It would kill a bunch of asuras and return to him every time. Soon, he alone destroyed the entire asura army that attacked the gods.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and worshipped Skanda for saving their lives. Satisfied, Shiva and Parvati resumed their journey. Indra embraced Skanda and said that he killed Mahisha, a powerful asura who had been harassing them after receiving a boon from Brahma. He said that he would be Skanda’s famous first deed, and his glory would be eternal. Indra then went to Shiva and took his blessings. Shiva told Indra to treat Skanda as he would treat him (Shiva, as a powerful god, not just the general of his army). Thus, Agni’s son became the mighty general of Indra’s army and was worshipped by everyone.
Rishi Markandeya concluded by saying that those who heard this story would obtain prosperity and a place in Skanda’s world afterward.
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After Rishi Markandeya narrated the genealogy of the different types of Agnis, he told Yudhistira to listen to the story of the birth of Karthikeya/ Kumara/ Skanda. The rishi called him the son of Adbutha, born from the wives of the seven rishis.
Once upon a time, the devas and asuras were constantly fighting each other. Indra was worried and wanted a general, someone who was extremely powerful and had the valor to protect the gods’ army. Thinking about it, he went to Mount Manasa, where he heard a young woman asking for a protector or a husband, someone who would help her.
Indra rushed towards the sound and assured her of her safety. Then, he saw Keshi, an asura, grabbing the maiden’s hand. Indra told Keshi to leave, but he said he had come to become the woman’s husband and threw his club at Indra.
Indra sliced the club with his vajra. When Keshi threw a mountain peak at him, Indra managed to destroy that too. Keshi was hurt in the process, so he left the woman and fled to save his life. Indra asked her who she was. The woman replied that she was Prajapati’s daughter, Devasena. Her sister Daityasena was already abducted by Keshi. The sisters often visited Mount Manasa to play. Keshi would come for the sisters. While Daityasena liked Keshi, Devasena didn’t. She said that her sister didn’t mind being abducted by the asura, but she wanted a powerful husband like Indra.
Indra replied that his mother was Dakshayani, which made Devasena his mother’s sister’s daughter (his sister). He asked her to tell him more about herself. Devasena said she was weak but wanted a powerful husband, as it was a boon her father got from the gods. So, Indra asked her to define the types of powers she wanted in her husband. Devasena said he should be immensely strong and vanquish gods, gandharvas, yakshas, kinnaras, nagas, asuras, and rakshasas. He should have the traits of a learned Brahmin and perform good deeds.
Indra sadly realized there wasn’t anyone he knew with all these traits. They needed to create someone for her. Just then, a strange astronomical event occurred in the sky.
The sun rose on Udaya Mountain. The moon entered the sun. The new moon set at the same instant. The gods and asuras were fighting on the same mountain. Dawn arrived with red clouds. The ocean below was red. Agni entered the sun carrying the oblations of Bhrigu, Angiras, and other rishis. The twenty-four parvas (parts of the day, possibly) surrounded the sun. Seeing the union of the sun and the moon, Indra got an idea. He thought that if the moon or Agni had a son, the boy would be powerful enough to meet Devasena’s checklist.
Indra took Devasena to Brahma Deva and asked for a brave husband for her who would also become the general of his army. He might as well get both wishes granted through the same person. Brahma Deva granted Indra and Devasena a boon that he would create a powerful young man to be the general of the devas’ army and the maiden’s husband. Thanking him, Indra took Devasena to meet the devarishis. Vasishtha and others helped Indra perform a great sacrifice. The Adbuta fire rose from the yagna site to accept the oblations and carry them to heaven.
As he rose, Agni saw the wives of the devarishis glowing golden in the light and desired them. However, he realized it was improper of him to do so. He made a plan to enter the household fire so that he could look at the women daily. Agni spent the next few days doing just that. However, he wanted more but knew he couldn’t have it. So, he went into the forest with a plan to discard his body.
Meanwhile, Daksha’s daughter, Svaha, saw Agni and desired him. When he left for the forest, she decided to do something about it and came up with a plan to disguise herself as the seven rishi patnis and seduce Agni.
Svaha first took the form of Shivaa, the wife of Angiras. She went to Agni and said she desired him and went to meet him after consulting her friends. Agni asked how she knew about his feelings for them. Svaha, as Shivaa, replied that they always thought he was their beloved, and since he had been showing signs of reciprocation, they decided to act on it.
Agni was happy to spend time with her, not knowing the truth. Svaha caught Agni’s semen in her hands and decided to transform into Garudi so that her actions wouldn’t affect the wives of the rishis. She flew over the forest towards Mount Shveta. This place was filled with rakshasas. Flying to the peak of the mountain, she threw the collected semen into a well. Svaha repeated the same by assuming the forms of the other five rishi patnis. However, she couldn’t transform into Arundhati, the wife of Vasishtha, as the lady was known for her immense tapasya powers.
On the first day of the lunar fortnight, the collected semen in the well turned into a boy. Since Svaha flung the semen six times, the boy had six heads and twelve arms attached to a single body. With each passing day, the boy grew bigger. By the fourth lunar day, his limbs were formed. Red clouds surrounded him and lightning flashed. He held a giant bow in one hand (given by Shiva). The boy roared so loudly that it shook the three worlds. The two nagas, Chitra and Airavata, jumped in fright. He saw and grabbed them in his hands. In his other hands, he held a spear, a red cock (tamrachuda), and a conch shell. He blew the conch and pounded on the sky with two other arms.
Sitting on the mountain peak, he looked like a blazing sun that wanted to devour the world. He aimed an arrow at Mount Shveta and shattered it. The vultures flew to Mount Meru for safety. He then threw his spear at Mount Shveta. The mountains were all afraid and began to worship him. They prayed to him throughout the fifth day.
The destruction caused by this boy was immense. The rishis and other people living in and around the Chitraratha forest were agitated. Even as the rishis tried to perform rituals to pacify him, people began to talk. They gossiped that this calamity was because of the rishi patnis sleeping with Agni. Some of them had seen Garudi fly from the forest. However, no one knew it was Svaha responsible for everything. Still, the news reached her. She flew to the boy and said she was his mother. Meanwhile, the rishis abandoned their wives due to the rumor, though Svaha told them she was the boy’s mother.
Vishwamitra followed Agni and was the only other person who knew everything. He went to seek refuge with Skanda and wrote a hymn to praise him. Vishwamitra performed the birth-relevant rites for Kumara and the world. Naturally, Kumara liked Vishwamitra. The rishi informed the other rishis about Svaha, but they refused to get back with their wives.
Up in heaven, the devas went to Indra and asked him to kill Skanda as he was too powerful and would want to become another Indra. He replied that the boy was too strong and could defeat even the creator in a battle. He suggested sending the mothers of the world to him as they had the power to do it. However, when the mothers saw the boy, their maternal instincts made them adopt him as their own. Kumara accepted them as his mothers and worshipped them. Then, Agni went to meet his son. Kumara worshipped his father as he stayed there with the boy. One of the mothers (Krura) was created out of anger. She was the one who nursed the boy. Agni transformed himself into Naigameya (a goat/ ram), something for the boy to play with.
The gods surrounded Kumara, and soon, Indra arrived on his Airavata. Seeing him ready for an attack, Kumara was angry. The gods cheered, rooting for Indra. Kumara opened his mouth and released a stream of fire that fried the god’s army. They quickly rushed to him to make peace. Indra hurled his vajra at Kumara. The weapon split open his right side.
Another young boy came out of his body. This boy was dressed in gold and held a spear in one hand. He was known as Vishaka. Seeing this frightened Indra. He, too, joined his hands in prayer and surrendered to Skanda. Now, all the gods and the army were Skanda’s.
Many more minor Kumaras and daughters were born when the vajra struck Skanda. They all thought of Vishaka as their father.
The mothers asked Skanda to make them the supreme mothers of the world. He agreed. Thus, Kaki, Halima, Rudra, Brihali, Arya, Palala, and Mitra became the seven mothers of the children who were born. They also had a son each (Sishu). The children born to Skanda’s mothers were known as the eight great ones. The sixth head of Skanda has the face of a goat and was worshipped by the mothers. Bhadrashakha is the chief among the heads. After all this happened on the fifth day, the war took place on day six.
The young man, Skanda, sat wearing golden armor and a crown. His eyes were gold. His clothes had a tinge of red. He was handsome and radiant. Even Shri worshipped him in the form of a lotus. The maharishis bowed to him and sought refuge. They asked him to become Indra.
Skanda asked what Indra did and how he protected everyone. They explained the roles and responsibilities of being Indra. However, Skanda replied that he had no desire to become an Indra and said he was happy to work for Indra instead. Indra insisted that Skanda was more powerful. and hence, the right person to rule the three worlds. Skanda didn’t budge. He asked to be made the general of his army so that he could fight the asuras and keep the devas and humans safe.
Indra happily agreed. The celebration began. Rudra (Shiva) arrived with Uma. Since the Brahmins sometimes referred to Agni as Rudra, Skanda became Shiva’s son as well. In short, the boy was born after Rudra’s energy entered Agni’s. This was combined with Svaha’s energy as well as that of the six mothers.
Agni gave Skanda a cock (rooster) that became his emblem. The rites were performed to install Kumara as the general of Indra’s army. Once done, Indra remembered Devasena. He fetched her to the mountain. When Devasena arrived, Indra introduced her to Skanda and said they were destined to be married even before he (Skanda) was born. Brihaspati recited the mantras as their wedding took place immediately. Devasena became his wife. The Brahmins also addressed her as Shashthi, Lakshmi, Asha, Sukhaprada, Sinivali, Kuhu, Sadvritti, and Aparajita.
After the celebrations were over, the six rishi patnis came to Skanda to share their plight and asked him to save them by granting them a place in heaven. They asked to be his mothers to be freed of the debt. Skanda replied that he was their son, and they were his mothers, so they would get what they wanted.
Meanwhile, there was more work for Skanda.
Indra said that Abhijit, Rohini’s younger sister, was feeling proud and went into the forest to perform austerities to become the first (while Rohini is the fourth star, she is Chandra’s first wife since he loved her the most, but had to marry all the twenty-eight stars, including Abhijit). A star had been dislodged from the sky due to this. Brahma Deva had determined the time for each star, but this new development had disturbed it. Considering Indra’s worry, the Krithikas went to heaven and became a star (the constellation appears like a cart).
When this was done, Svaha (Garudi) said to Skanda that he should offer her funeral oblation since she was his mother and said she wanted to live with him always. He granted her the boon. Then the group of mothers also wanted to be his mothers. He said they were his mothers and he was their son. They asked for a boon where only they would be worshipped as the mothers of the world and no one else. Also, by becoming his mothers, they were deprived of having offspring, so they wanted the children to be returned to them.
Skanda said they couldn’t wish for an offspring they already gave away, but he could give them other children. So they asked for children from natural mothers to devour them. He said he could give them that, but it would be extremely painful. Skanda suggested they take care of the children instead, as long as they are good. The mothers agreed and said they would do so while living with him. He said that they could afflict the children in different ways until they (the kids) reached sixteen years of age. Skanda promised to give them undecaying and terrible souls. They would live in happiness and be worshipped. When he said this, a new, strong being with a golden complex appeared out of Skanda’s body and went to devour the offspring. This being became a graha (loosely translated to a planet but here it defines an evil spirit or a disease), they named Skandapasmara. The extremely terrible version of Svaha (Garudi) was known as Shakuni and the rakshasi Putana became a graham with the same name. Pichasi women who roam at night in terrible forms were called Shitaputana. Aditi was also known as Revati, and her graham was called Raivata, which affects children.
Diti (the mother of daityas) was known as Mukhamandika in graham form and devoured the flesh of children. The Kumaras and Kumaris were also graha born from Skanda and devoured embryos. The Kumaras were the husbands of Kumaris and snatched children.
Shakuni rode Surabhi, the wish-fulfilling cow, to eat the children of the earth. Sarama, the goddess of dogs, robbed women of their embryos. The mother of trees resided in a karanja tree (Millettia pinnata or Panigrahi). Men who want sons worship this tree.
The eighteen grahas were fond of meat and liquor. They spend ten nights around the pregnant women during delivery time. Kadru graha would enter the womb to eat the embryo, so the mother would deliver a serpent instead. The mother of gandharvas would steal the embryo and run away. The mother of apsaras sits on the embryo (presumably to kill it). Skanda’s nurse was the daughter of the ocean of blood. She would be worshipped as Lohitayani in the kadamba tree (burflower tree). Arya, the mother worshipped for the fulfillment of desire,s dwelt among women.
Once the child turned sixteen, these mothers were no longer inauspicious to them and didn’t cause any trouble. Performing rites and prayers to Skanda would also appease these grahas.
However, different grahas would afflict young adults aged over sixteen. Rishi Markandeya listed them as follows –
Devagraha: A man who saw gods, no matterwhether asleep or awake, and turned mad because of this
Pitrigraha: A man saw his ancestors at all times, which made him mad
Siddhagraha: A man who disrespected the sihhadas and got cursed by them
Rakshasagraha: A man who inhaled various fragrances and tasted different flavors, and turned mad because of this
Gandharvagragha: A human who became mad after being touched by a gandharva
Yakshagraha: A man who spent a lot of time with the yakshas and became mad because of this
Pisachagraha: A man who became mad after being ascended by pishachas
The grahas could be classified into three types – gluttons, frolicsome, and lustful. They afflict men until they attain seventy years. Post that age, the fever that affects men would be considered a graha (old age-related illness). However, the grahas avoid men who control their senses and have pure thoughts. They also don’t harass those who worship Skanda.
Rishi Markandeya went back to narrating about the other requests Skanda had to handle.
Svaha appeared in front of Skanda again with another request. She said that since she was a child, she had desired to be with Agni, but he hadn’t loved her as much as she loved him. She wanted to reside eternally in Agni. Skanda set a mandate that all fire sacrifices had to be performed with the word ‘svaha’ after each offering. Thus, Svaha would always be a part of Agni. This made her very happy.
Then, Brahma Deva told Skanda (Mahasena) to go and meet Shiva. She said that Shiva entered Agni and Uma entered Svaha so that they could help in the conception of a powerful god (Skanda). During this process, Manjika and Manjikaa were also born, and the remaining semen flowed into the red river (Lohita/ Brahmaputra). A few bits stuck to the trees and some fell on the earth, while a little went into the sun’s rays. Thus, the semen fell in five ways, which led to the birth of companions (of Skanda) in different forms. Mahasena went to Shiva and worshipped him.
The Conversation Between Vidula and Her Son – Stories from Udyoga Parva
Kunti narrated a conversation between Queen Vidula and her son to Krishna and asked him to share it with her sons, the Pandavas, to inspire them for the war.
Krishna’s peace talks didn’t convince Duryodhana. In fact, Duryodhana and his trusted advisors (Karna, Shakuni, and Duhshasana) planned to imprison Krishna so that he wouldn’t help the Pandavas. Krishna found out about this and left the palace after displaying his vishwaroop. He went to Vidhura’s quarters to meet Kunti before returning to Upaplavya.
Kunti welcomed Krishna and gave a firm message to her sons to inspire them to fight the war for what was their right. She knew Yudhistira was a peace-loving person and knew he needed a boost from her to avenge Draupadi’s insults and get back their kingdom. She spoke to Krishna about how hard her situation was when she had to live at the mercy of relatives, when her powerful sons were alive. She then narrated a story of Vidula, a widowed queen, and her son, Sanjaya, to encourage the Pandavas to fight the war with all their strength.
A long time ago, there lived a widowed queen and her son, who took up the reins to the throne. Her son was defeated by the king of Sindhu in an attack. This affected him so much that he gave up his responsibilities as a ruler and was willing to hide in the palace rather than risk his life.
Vidula, being a true Kshatriya woman, disliked her son’s attitude and censured him to stop being lazy and a coward. She looked at her son lying on the bed and was angered by his indifference. She asked where he came from since neither she nor his father (her dead husband) were cowards who ran away from enemies. She said he would remain hopeless for the rest of his life if he didn’t act when necessary and reminded him that his dharma as a Kshatriya king was to protect his subjects from danger. She asked why he was lying down like a corpse when he should have been circling the sky like a hawk to find the enemy’s weakness and swoop to attack. Vidula ordered her son to be strong and do his dharma without worrying about the results. She bemoaned that she gave birth to Kali instead of a valorous son and said no other woman should have such useless sons.
Sanjaya, the young king, didn’t like her taunts. He asked if the world and the treasures would mean anything to her if she didn’t have a son to love.
Vidula advised him not to follow the oath of those deserted by their servants and depend on others. She said that a man’s life is purposeful when other living beings depend on him and not the other way around. A brave person who ensures the happiness of his relatives and subjects would lead an auspicious and virtuous life. She continued her speech and said he would lead an inferior life if he gave up his responsibilities. A Kshatriya who didn’t display his powers when necessary was equal to a thief. She lamented that her words weren’t making an impact as they should. Vidula reminded her son that even though the king of Sindhu was strong, he wasn’t invincible, and a calamity would bring him down. She advised him to conduct meetings with allies and launch a planned attack.
Vidula also said she made a mistake by naming him Sanjaya since he didn’t display any signs of it (Sanjaya means a person who brings victory). She urged him to fight instead of turning his back. Vidula spoke about how she was born into a powerful lineage and was married into another and enjoyed the luxury of wealth. She demanded how he could not be affected seeing her and his wife in a state of weakness, and why he didn’t do anything to change the situation. She told him to stop clinging to life and do the needful by defeating his enemies. A brave warrior became famous by killing an enemy. She gave Indra as an example and how slaying Vritra made him the king of heaven.
Vidula added that the kingdom was the road to heaven for those who fulfilled their responsibilities and warned her son not to let any of his enemies see him in such a dejected state. She reminded Sanjaya that he was young and strong and had the ability to regroup and fight again. Instead of bending or surrendering to the enemy, she wanted him to bravely fight and do his best to protect the interests of his subjects. She concluded by saying he should live the same way with or without allies by his side.
Sanjaya wasn’t convinced. He still tried to justify his stance and said that his mother’s heart had turned to steel. He moaned that she had no compassion and didn’t care that her only son could die on the battlefield and leave her alone. He asked once again what she would do with the ornaments if he were dead.
Vidula was disappointed. She explained to her son that she had done everything to steer him on the path of dharma and artha, as it was the right time for him to act for his kingdom. She said that he would be committing a sin and an act of cruelty if he didn’t do his job. A Kshatriya was born to fight and be victorious, and hence he should accept his responsibility and protect his subjects even if it put his life at risk.
Sanjaya protested and yet again said she had no compassion for her child.
Vidula was firm. She wasn’t going to let her son abandon the subjects at the mercy of another king. She said she rather liked that he thought of her that way, as it allowed her to push him more. She added that she would honor him when he defeated the Saindhvas (Sindhus) who attacked their kingdom.
Sanjaya knew he couldn’t convince his mother with emotional blackmail, so he decided to ask for help. He said the treasury was empty, and he did not have allies to support him. He said he saw no means for him and asked her to guide him.
Vidula was happy to see the change in her son. She told him not to demean himself because of his previous failures and to be confident in his skills. The fruits of deeds weren’t meant to be permanent, but if one didn’t act, they would never attain success. She said a person should rise again even if he fell a few times. She advised her son to find ministers, subjects, allies, etc., who disliked and actively hated the king of Sindhu. They would be useful to create a conflict. Vidula instructed him to approach these men with gifts and do it quickly before others did. She said that the enemy was too powerful for an attack; he should strive for conciliation by being friendly. She said that if a person could convert an enemy into an ally and gain their trust, he could think of regaining the lost kingdom. She continued that challenges and calamities shouldn’t dislodge the person from his path. The process was meant to be difficult, and it would be worth the effort. When a king displayed his vulnerability, it would affect the subjects too and demoralize them. They may seek refuge with the enemy and desert their king.
She advised him to prevent such developments by acting quickly and told him not to be frightened or display his worries. She then revealed that they had a large treasury he didn’t know about, and that would help in collecting allies and attacking his enemy to regain the kingdom. She also told him about certain loyal well-wishers who wouldn’t desert him and would help him find victory.
Sanjaya said she had inspired him with her speech, and her advice and intelligence helped cast away the darkness in his mind. He called her his leader and promised to be the king his subjects deserved. He said he would do his best to defeat his enemies and come back victorious.
Vidula was relieved and happy. She blessed him to be successful. Sanjaya followed her advice to the dot and achieved the goal of defeating the king of Sindhu.
Kunti concluded the story by saying these words had immense power and were called Jaya (victory). She hoped her sons would listen to the same words from her (through Krishna) and achieve their victory. She said that those who heard the story were sure to be victorious. A woman would give birth to a warrior-like son if she heard this story during her pregnancy.
Kunti sent more messages to each of her sons, highlighting their talents and reminding them of their duty as Kshatriyas. She also sent a message to Draupadi that she had always behaved as she would with her husbands (implying that she supported her daughter-in-law in words and actions).
Krishna took her blessings and left, promising to convey her messages and do his best to help the Pandavas win the war.
The Story of Garuda and Galava – Stories from Udyoga Parva
Despite multiple rounds of advice, Duryodhana didn’t change his mind. Instead, he slapped his thigh to show he was capable of defeating anyone. To this, Narada said that it was rare for people to listen to well-wishers and their meaningful advice. He gave the example of how Galava faced defeat due to obstinacy.
A long time ago, Dharma wanted to test Rishi Vishwamitra. He took the form of Rishi Vashishta and went to Kaushika ashram, where Vishwamitra lived. He said he was extremely hungry and needed some food to eat. Vishwamitra cooked charu (rice with milk and honey, like a form of porridge) with a lot of care. This meant he couldn’t provide other offerings to the guest, and he also spent extra time on the dish. In the meantime, Dharma in Vashishta’s disguise consumed the food offered by other rishis. When Vishwamitra came with the bowl of porridge, he said he had eaten from others and asked the rishi to stay there. Then, Dharma left the ashram.
Vishwamitra stayed there, standing like a statue with the bowl in his hands. Years passed, but he didn’t move. Dharma arrived again after a hundred years and saw Vishwamitra in the same position. The porridge in the bowl was still warm and fresh, as if it had been made a few minutes ago. Dharma smiled and said that he was pleased with the rishi’s dedication and consumed the porridge.
This made Vishwamitra immensely happy. He had become a Brahmin with his tapasya, though he was born a Kshatriya. The rishi had a disciple named Galava, who served him for many years. Vishwamitra said to his disciple that he had achieved the goal of staying in the ashram and was free to go wherever he wanted.
However, Galava said he wanted to give guru dakshina to the rishi before he left. Vishwamitra said he had already paid the debts of learning through his service, so there was no need for anything else. However, Galava was adamant. The rishi asked to leave, but the disciple wouldn’t. At last, an irritated Vishwamitra told Galava to bring eight hundred white horses that had one black ear each.
Galava was delighted and excited to find what his guru wanted, only to realize it wasn’t an easy task. Pure white horses with a single black ear were rare and highly expensive. He began to worry so much that he stopped eating and became thin like a skeleton. He thought of himself as grateful for not being able to fulfill his guru’s wish and decided to take his own life. When he thought of giving up life to go to Vishnu’s abode, Garuda appeared in front of Galava. Garuda was the disciple’s friend and inquired about his troubles. When Galava shared his plight, Garuda promised to help him.
Garuda asked Galava to decide the direction in which they would travel first to find the horses. He then provided detailed information about the east (the gods, the events, origin, etc.). Galava asked to take him there. Garuda told his friend to sit on him, and they flew eastwards. Galava was terrified at the speed and requested Garuda to slow down. He continued to worry about the horses.
Garuda said the disciple didn’t seem wise if he thought he could die when he chose, and assured him that they would do their best to find the horses. They flew to Mount Rishabha, where a lady was performing tapasya. She was Shadili, a rishini. She welcomed them and gave them food to eat. Garuda and Galava felt sleepy and fell asleep. When they woke up, Garuda was shocked to see his wings gone. Galava asked if Garuda had any ill intentions.
Garuda said he thought he could take Shadili to Brahma’s abode, but not out of disrespect. He said it was due to his respect for her that he felt it might be a good move. He apologized to her and asked for forgiveness. Shadili told him that she knew what she wanted (which was why she lived alone on the mountain) and didn’t like being slighted by him (Garuda thought she was weaker and needed his help, which she didn’t). She advised Garuda not to censure a woman. Garuda’s wings reappeared as he bowed to her.
On their return journey, Galava and Garuda saw Vishwamitra. He reminded his disciple about the guru dakshina and said he would wait a little longer since he could see the disciple trying hard. This made Galava anxious and stressed.
Garuda thought about it and said he would take Galava to a king who was a friend. The king was rich and was likely to own such horses. Garuda took Galava to Yayati, the son of Nahusha. Galava agreed. They quickly flew to Yayati’s kingdom and met the king.
After the initial greeting, Garuda placed his request. Yayati thought he had to fulfill it in any way he could. However, his kingdom was as rich as before, and he didn’t have enough wealth or the kind of horses they wanted. Yayati conveyed the same to Garuda and instead offered his daughter Madhavi as a gift. He said the kings would be willing to pay a hefty bride price for her. In return, he wanted his daughter to have sons so that he could have some grandkids. Garuda told Galava to take Madhavi to the richest king on earth and make a deal.
Galava and Madhavi travelled to Haryashva Ikshvaku of Ayodhya. The Brahmin gave the king an offer of marriage in exchange for eight hundred white horses with one black ear each. Haryavarsha thought about the offer. He had no children and needed an heir. However, he also didn’t have as many horses as Galava wanted. So, he made a deal. He would give two hundred horses in exchange for marrying Madhavi and having a son through her.
Galava wasn’t sure, but Madhavi assured him to agree. She said she had a boon to become a virgin after giving birth, so he could take her to more kings afterward. The deal was made. Madhavi gave birth to Haryvarsha’s son, Vasumana. A while later, Galava came to take her to another king.
They went to Divodasa, the king of Kashi, and asked for six hundred horses in exchange for marrying Madhavi. However, the king also had only two hundred such horses. They made the same deal. Madhavi gave birth to Pratardana.
Galava visited them again so that he could take Madhavi to another king. This time, they went to Bhoja to meet King Ushinara. The Brahmin said the king could have two sons through her if he gave four horses. However, Ushinara also had only two hundred white horses with one black ear each. So, a similar deal was made. Madhavi gave birth to Shibi.
Galava then collected Madhavi and went to meet Garuda. He said he still needed another two hundred horses. Garuda told him to stop trying and said he wouldn’t be successful since there were no more such horses left on the earth. He advised Galava to take the horses and Madhavi to Vishwamitra. Garuda even accompanied them.
They went to Vishwamitra and gave him six hundred horses and Madhavi. The rishi accepted her. Madhavi gave birth to Ashtaka. Then, Galava came to take her back to Yayati and thanked Garuda for his help. He also thanked Madhavi and said her sons would one day save four kings and himself (Galava).
When Madhavi returned, Yayati planned a swayamwara for her, but she wasn’t interested. She decided to become a rishini and left for the forests to do tapasya. Yayati requested his daughter to reconsider her decision, but she refused.
Years later, when Yayati fell from his position in heaven for being arrogant about his tapasya, it was these four grandsons who caught him in their chariot and gave up their places in heaven so that he could regain his lost position and live in heaven forever.
Yayati was grateful for their selfless gesture and wanted to know who their mother was. He was delighted to see his daughter Madhavi as their mother. Even Galava reached the spot and gave one-eighth of the power of austerities for Yayati to go back to heaven (as a thank you for his help earlier). Back in heaven, Brahma Deva said Yayati had to fall due to his insolence and advised him not to repeat the mistake.
Concluding the story, Narada told Duryodhana that Galava and Yayati suffered due to their arrogance and obstinacy.
Of course, it did not affect Duryodhana.
How Matali Found a Groom for His Daughter – Stories from Udyoga Parva
After Parasurama completed the story of King Dhambhodbhava, Rishi Kanva spoke about the greatness of Narayana. He told Duryodhana not to think he was the strongest of everyone and that the Pandavas were superior since they had other capabilities too. He narrated how Matali, Indra’s charioteer, found a worthy groom for his daughter and achieved the task with help from Narada, Indra, and Narayana.
Matali was Indra’s charioteer. He had a beautiful and well-mannered daughter named Gunakeshi. She was a kind, soft-spoken, and lovely girl. When Gunakeshi attained a marriageable age, Matali and his wife, Sudharma, wanted to find the most suitable groom for her. Since she was their only child, they didn’t want to rush and decided to take time to explore multiple options. He set high standards and wasn’t willing to budge. Matali knew his quest was difficult, but he would do it for his daughter’s future.
After much discussion, Matali and his wife felt there was none among the devas and humans to meet their requirements. They hoped to find a groom among the nagas. Matali told his wife he would start his search the next day.
As planned, Matali was traveling across heaven when he came face to face with Narada Muni, the celestial nomadic rishi. When asked, Matali told Narada that he was going to meet Varuna. Since Narada was traveling the same way, they went together.
Narada wanted to know the reason for the visit, and Matali replied that he was searching for a suitable groom for Gunakeshi and finalized the nagas. Narada immediately offered help and said he would take Matali to various naga kingdoms in the underworld. After all, it was good to have a few options. Matali was happy with the suggestion.
They first went to Varuna’s kingdom. Narada described the beauty of the place and praised Varuna and his qualities. Varuna’s son Pushkara was married to Soma’s daughter Jyotsnakali, who chose him as her husband.
Narada and Matali walk by Varuna’s lake, where the divine weapons, including Krishna’s Chakra and Arjuna’s Gandiva, were created. They moved on and went to Patala, a city located in the center of the earth (underground) and frequented by daityas and danavas. Narada praised the region and listed the good qualities of the place. He told Matali to look around and see if anyone caught his eye.
Matali didn’t see anyone worthy of his daughter and told Narada the same. They proceeded to Hiranyapura of the daityas, a city known for its maya. In fact, one could find hundreds of types of maya in this city. Hiranyapura was designed by Maya in his mind, and Vishwamarka executed the plan to build it. The city was located in the nether regions of Patala. Narada described its advantages and told Matali to see if he could find someone who might be suited as his son-in-law.
Once again, Matali said no one caught his eye and he wanted to visit another city. Moreover, the danavas and devas were constantly fighting each other, so he didn’t want a groom from the other side. So, Narada took Matali to Surparna, the city of Garudas. The lineage of these citizens came from Vinata’s six sons – Sumukha, Sunamna, Sunetra, Suvarchasa, Surupa, and Subala. Narada said they bore the Srivatsa sign and were loyal to Vishnu. Being fearsome birds, they feasted on the nagas. Narada also listed a few famous descendants of Garuda to nudge Matali into choosing a groom from one of them.
However, Matali wasn’t impressed. Seeing this, Narada finally took him to the seventh kingdom of Patala. It was called Rasatala and belonged to Surabhi (the mother of cows). The supreme sages lived in this city alongside Surabbi’s descendants and other celestial animals. Narada said living in Rasatala gave more happiness than living in the world of garudas or nagas. Yet, Matali wanted to see more.
Narada then took the charioteer to the city of Bhogavati, owned by Vasuki, the naga. He said the city was as beautiful as Amaravathi and was the same place where Sesha (the naga who performed austerities and carried the earth on his hood) resided. As with other cities, Narada highlighted the beauty of Bhogavati and listed the names of famous nagas.
This time, Matali was attentive (he wanted a naga son-in-law, after all!) and was observing a particular young naga. When Narada asked if he had found anyone, Matali pointed out the naga standing in front of Aryaka. Matali wanted to know who that young naga was and who his parents were. Matali said the naga had the right age, build, and energy to suit his daughter.
Narada replied that the young naga was Sumukha, the king of nagas, belonging to the Airavata lineage. He was the grandson of Aryaka and took Matali to meet Aryaka so they could discuss the match right away. Matali was satisfied and went along. He was sure he had found the perfect match for Gunakeshi.
Narada and Matali greeted Aryaka with respect. They exchanged introductions and pleasantries. Narada got down to business by listing the positives of Matali and his daughter. Then, he shared their intentions of asking for Sumukha as a groom for Gunakeshi. However, Aryaka was saddened by the developments. Though he was delighted to get a match from Indra’s charioteer, he also knew things were complex.
He sighed with a heavy heart and explained that Sumukha indeed had all the qualities of a worthy groom but was destined to die soon. Garuda killed and ate Sumukha’s father (Aryaka’s son). Garuda had threatened to eat Sumuhka in a month, which was almost over. Aryaka asked how he could agree to the match knowing his grandson was bound to die in a few days.
Matali was determined. He said that he decided Sumukha would be his son-in-law, and he would do everything to make it happen. Matali promised to speak to Indra and seek his protection to save Sumukha from Garuda. He said he wanted his daughter to live with her life partner for a long time and would do anything for it. Arayaka trusted Matali’s words and gave his acceptance to the match. He said that if Sumukha’s life wasn’t under threat, he had no objection to the wedding and would happily accept Gunakshi as his granddaughter-in-law.
Thus settled, Narada and Matali went straight to heaven to meet Indra, taking Sumukha with them. Indra was with Vishnu, so Narada told them about Matali’s desire to make Sumukha his son-in-law and the threat on the young naga’s life from Garuda. Vishnu told Indra to make Sumukha immortal by giving him amrita. Indra asked Vishnu to do the honors and give Sumukha a boon to live a long life. However, Vishnu told Indra that he too had the power to grant such a boon and said no one would stop him from doing so. Indra took Vishnu’s advice and blessed Sumukha to have a healthy and long life. The young naga glowed from Indra’s boon. He was no longer worried about the impending doom.
The matter settled, Indra and Vishnu blessed Sumukha and Gunakeshi when they got married in a happy ceremony. Everyone was satisfied with the results. However, Garuda was furious. After all, he couldn’t keep his vow of eating Sumukha. Garuda went to Indra (who was his friend) and said it was unfair of him to protect Sumukha. He said that it was Indra himself who gave Garuda a boon to eat as many snakes has e wanted to satisfy his hunger, and now Indra countered that boon by blessing the young naga with a long lifespan. Garuda first said he would give up his life and then reminded Indra that he could carry the king of heaven on a single feather (and subtly threatened that he was the stronger of the two).
Vishnu reached the spot and overheard Garuda’s boasts. He told the bird not to be proud of his strength and said he was actually weak. To demonstrate, Vishnu asked Garuda to bear the weight of his right arm. Garuda thought he could hold it easily. However, Vishnu’s arm was so heavy that the mighty bird fell faint from the weight on his wings. When he woke up, he bowed to Vishnu and apologized for his actions.
Vishnu smiled affectionately at Garuda and pardoned him. He advised that Garuda didn’t have to eat all the nagas and should spare Sumukha. Vishnu made Garuda and Smukuha become friends with each other.
Matali found a groom he wanted, Sumukha’s life was spared, Garuda was humbled, and no one had to die.
Concluding the story, Rishi Kanva advised Duryodhana not to act like Garuda but to realize that Krishna was Vishnu and do the right thing by adhering to the terms of the dice game (and returning Indraprastha to the Pandavas).
The Story of King Dambhodbhava – Stories from Udyoga Parva
Find out how King Dambhodbhava was defeated by Nara and Narayana.
Yudhistira asked Krishna to visit Hastinapura with a peace message as one last attempt before the war. Krishna agreed, saying he would rather try everything he could so that no one would blame him (yet, Gandhari did).
When Krishna was at the sabha in Hastinapura, various rishis, namely Narada, Parasurama, etc., arrived to witness the peace talks. They did their best to make Duryodhana understand why the war with the Pandavas was not advisable.
Parasurama narrated the story of King Dambhodbhava to explain that Krishna and Arjuna were none other than Narayana and Nara and that the lust for war would eventually lead to defeat and destruction.
A long time ago, there lived a mighty king named Dambhodbhava. He was a powerful ruler who enjoyed conquering other kingdoms. Thanks to his massive and capable army, he became an emperor. However, King Dambhodbhava wasn’t satisfied and craved more. He would wake up every day and ask if there was anyone more valorous and mighty than him so that he could defeat that person.
Over time, the Brahmins, his ministers, and other noblemen cautioned him to rein in his arrogance. They advised that he shouldn’t be so proud of his strength. However, Dambhodbhava continued to be haughty. So, one day, the Brahmins told him about two ascetics, Nara and Narayana, living in Gandhamadana. They said the two ascetics had fought many wars and defeated everyone and were currently residing in the Himalayan region in their hermitage and doing tapasya.
Dambhodbhava immediately gathered his army with six divisions and marched to Gandhamadana. He wanted to fight with the ascetics and prove himself as an unequalled warrior on earth. When he reached the ashram, the king left his army outside and went to meet the ascetics.
Nara and Narayana welcomed him respectfully and gave him water and fruits. They honored him like an esteemed guest and inquired about his kingdom’s and citizens’ welfare. Dambhodbhava looked at their thin and frail bodies and thought it would be an easy fight. He told them about his intention to face them in a duel. The ascetics didn’t like it. They replied that the hermitage was a place devoid of anger, pride, hatred, and other such feelings.
No matter how much they tried to convince him, Dambhodbhava didn’t budge. He was determined to fight them. He loved a good fight more than anything else since he was never defeated.
The two ascetics agreed at last and said they would cure him of his war lust once and for all. Dambhodbhava was elated when they accepted his challenge. He ordered his army to be ready, but wondered how the two ascetics would fight him when they had no weapons. Nara and Narayana told him not to worry about it. They didn’t need weapons. Nor would any of the king’s weapons harm them.
The king ordered his army to launch an attack by raining arrows on them. He too joined them by quickly firing multiple arrows at the ascetics. Nara took a blade of grass, charged it with a powerful mantra, and flung it at the king. The single blade of grass became an endless shower of sharp arrows that killed his army and injured the king. No matter how much Dambhodbhava tried, he couldn’t face the onslaught or defeat the ascetics.
At last, he gave up and sought mercy by accepting defeat. He fell at Nara’s feet to seek his forgiveness. Nara blessed the king and warned him to cultivate humility. He told Dambhodbhava that a good king was someone who knew when to fight a war and when to keep peace and focus on his kingdom.
Taking their advice, King Dambhodbhava returned to his kingdom and corrected his ways. He discarded his arrogance and became a competent ruler loved by his subjects.
Parasurama told Duryodhana that he, too, should discard his arrogance and realize that he was eager to fight a losing war with Nara and Narayana.
The Secret of Karna’s Birth – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
In the last part of the Aranyaka Parva, Rishi Vaisampayana narrated how Indra planned to take Karna’s golden armor. Surya Deva appeared in Karna’s dreams to warn him. When Karna didn’t listen, Surya Deva told him to ask Indra for the shakti missile in exchange for the armor. At this point, King Janamejaya asked Vaisampayana about the armor, the earrings, and the secret of Karna’s birth.
In the earlier times, a Brahmin visited the kingdom of Kuntibhoja. He was a powerful and radiant rishi with matted hair and a long staff in his hands. He approached the king and asked for hospitality, saying he would dwell in the house if no one disturbed or insulted him. Kuntibhoja immediately agreed as he knew saying no to the rishi would be risky. He then called his (adopted) daughter, Pritha, a young teen, and tasked her with the responsibility of taking care of their guest throughout his stay. He said he trusted no one except her to ensure the rishi’s well-being in the kingdom.
Young Pritha accepted the task and was diligent in her actions. She made the arrangements herself and supervised everything personally. From serving food whenever the rishi asked to providing supplies for his rituals and sitting silently when he was in tapasya, she gave him no reason to find fault. In fact, the rishi was so pleased with her dedication that he wanted to give her a boon. When it was time for him to leave the kingdom and resume his journey, the rishi named Durvasa, called Pritha (Kunti) to him and blessed her. He told her to ask for a boon.
Kunti replied that she was happy that her devotion pleased him and wanted nothing else. However, the rishi gave her a mantra that would summon any god. With the mantra, she could control the god after summoning him/ her to the earth. Though Kunti wasn’t sure she needed such a mantra, she accepted it, fearing the rishi would be offended by her refusal. After teaching her the secret mantra, Rishi Durvasa resumed his travels.
Kunti returned to her routine, but a tiny part of her wondered about the mantra. She thought to test it someday. One morning, Kunti was in her chamber as the sun rose in the sky. Mesmerized by its beauty, she wanted to see more of the sun. Impulsively, she recited the mantra and saw what would happen. In the next instant, Surya Deva appeared in her chamber, blazing with glory. He had a honey-colored complexion and was mighty-armed. He was powerfully built and filled the room with his aura. Using yogic powers, he divided himself into two parts – the sun in the sky and the god in front of her.
He told her he was under her control since she had invited him and asked what she wanted. By then, Kunti was borderline terrified. She said she used the mantra due to curiosity, and since she had seen him, he could go back.
However, Surya Deva said he couldn’t return without giving her something in return and said he would give her a powerful son who would be as radiant as himself. Kunti was truly afraid. After all, she was an unmarried teenager. He added that sending him away without accepting his gift would be an insult, and he would curse her kingdom for it. It was a matter of pride that a human who summoned him didn’t take anything from him. He even gave her the divine eyesight to see how the gods in heaven were amused and laughing at him.
Kunti said it wasn’t proper of him to say such words to an unmarried person and that only her parents had the right to give her away (in marriage). Surya Deva replied that he made the offer as she was young, otherwise, anyone else wouldn’t have gotten the same (he would have been furious instead). Kunti thought about it and saw no way out. She said she would agree to have a son if he thought it was according to dharma.
Surya Deva said that men and women had the right to be with anyone they wanted, and her parents didn’t need to give her away, and that they had no right to do so. He also accepted her request and assured her that she would remain a virgin even after having his son.
Then, Kunti asked if her son could have armor and earrings for protection and be as mighty and strong as the sun god. He promised her that her son would indeed have all that she asked for. He said the boy would be born with flesh armor and golden earrings gifted by Aditi.
When Kunti accepted, Surya Deva touched her navel with his yogic powers. His energy was so fierce that it overwhelmed her. Kunti fainted as he assured her that she would give birth to a mighty son and become a virgin afterward. He then departed to heaven. Kunti was distressed and didn’t know what to do. She took a nurse into confidence and managed to hide her pregnancy. Ten months later, she gave birth to a radiant boy in the suklapaksha. As promised, he was born with flesh armor and golden earrings. Though a newborn, he showed all signs of becoming a well-built warrior.
Kunti quickly wrapped in a blanket and paced the newborn in a basket lined with beeswax and insulated against water and cold. When it was twilight, she crept out of the palace and left the basket in the River Ashva. She prayed over the basket and said words of protection to ensure the child would be safe and protected by the gods themselves. She hoped a loving woman would adopt him. Kunti said the armor would help her recognize him later.
The basket floated from Ashva to Charmanvati to Yamuna and finally drifted into the Ganga. In Ganga, it reached the city of Champa, where charioteers lived.
Adhiratha, Dhritarashta’s friend and charioteer, also lived in the Champa with his wife Radha. The couple had everything they wanted except children, which made Radha sad. One day, they went for a picnic alongside the riverbank and saw a basket floating their way. Adhiratha went into the river to check the basket and was stunned to find a baby inside.
He brought the basket to his wife, who immediately picked up the radiant child and hugged him to her chest. She decided they would adopt him as their own. Adhiratha was more than happy to do so. They consulted the Brahmins and conducted the required rituals. The Brahmins named him Vasusena. He was also known as Vrisha. As he grew, the armor on his breast grew to cover him and glittered. Adhiratha and Radha had children of their own after adopting the baby. However, they loved him just the same.
The Story of Sati Savitri – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
After Rishi Markandeya finished narrating Ramayana, Yudhistira said he didn’t grieve for himself but for his brothers and Draupadi. He then asked if the rishi knew of any woman who was as devoted to her husbands as Draupadi was. Rishi Markandeya shared the story of Savitri and how she convinced Yama Dharmaraja to return her husband’s life.
King Ashvapti of Madra was a generous ruler who followed his dharma and gained a good name for his actions. But he didn’t have any children. So, the king performed penance and severe rites like fasting and continued to follow the same for eighteen years. He worshipped Savitri (Gayatri mantra or the feminine form of the sun god).
Pleased with his dedication, Savitri herself rose from the yagna fire and asked what boon he wanted. He asked for sons as he needed offspring. Savitri replied that she had already spoken to Brahma Deva about it, and Ashvapati would soon have a daughter.
The king thanked the goddess and returned to his kingdom, hoping the child would be born soon. His first wife, the princess of Malava, soon conceived and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl with eyes like a lotus. Because she was born after praying to Savitri, the king gave his daughter the same name.
Years passed, and the baby grew into a lovely maiden of marriageable age. She looked like a celestial maiden and thought they weren’t deserving of someone like her. The king was unhappy as he couldn’t find a worthy husband for his daughter. One day, he told her she should search for a husband since no one was coming forward to make an offer. Assigning ministers to accompany her, the king watched his young daughter get into a chariot to find a man who wanted to marry.
Savitri traveled to many hermitages and across the forest lands. She stopped whenever she found older families and took their blessings. She went to sacred sites and gave donations to the Brahmins. Finishing her travels, Savitri returned home. She saw that Narada was also in the court at that moment and took his blessings.
When Narada asked where she went, the king explained that he sent her to search for her husband. Turning to her, Ashvapati asked to share the details of her travels and if she had found a man worthy of being her spouse.
Savitri recounted everything and mentioned the king of Salva, named Dyumatsena. The king lost his eyesight when he was still young, and the neighboring king used this opportunity to attack the Slava and conquer it. Dyumatsena, his wife, and his son were forced to relocate to a forest and have been living there ever since. His son, Satyavan, now a grown-up man, captured her attention. Savitri said she wanted to marry him.
Narada spoke. He told the king that Savitri committed a grave mistake by choosing Satyavan. There was no denying that the young man followed dharma and spoke only the truth. His parents were also pious. When young, he loved horses and would make them out of clay and paint horse dolls. Hence, he was also called Chitrashva. The king asked if he was a handsome man and was generous. Narada assured him that Satyavan was handsome and had all the worthy qualities. He was knowledgeable, humble, respectful, generous, kind, and loving.
The king asked if he had any faults. Narada said Satyavan had only one fault, which was really big. The young man had a short life span. He would die in a year. Ashvapati told Savitri to go and find another husband, as this was too much of a flaw to ignore.
However, Savitri was adamant. She said she already considered Satyavan her husband and would never wed another man. She didn’t care how long he lived. She wanted to be his wife for the year left in his life. Narada told the king that there was no use convincing Savitri, and he should contact Satyavan’s parents to finalize the wedding.
The king had no choice, so he ordered the arrangements to be made. On an auspicious day, he went to Dyumatsena’s hermitage and found the blind king sitting on a mat made of kusa grass. He introduced himself. After the initial pleasantries, Ashvapati explained the matter and asked Dyumatsena to accept Savitri as his daughter-in-law. The blind king said they had no riches and were worried that the princess might not be able to live in a forest like a peasant. Ashvapati assured him that Savitri would happily do so.
Dyumatsena confessed that many years ago, he had hoped to have an alliance with the Madra kingdom, but he let go of the idea when he lost his throne. He said his dream had come true and would give his blessings for the wedding. Savitri and Satyavan were married quickly.
Savitri left her riches in her father’s home and dressed like an ascetic to join her husband and in-laws in her new home. Very soon, her pleasant nature and devotion won their hearts. She took care of the blind king and his wife as if they were her parents, and they loved her just as much. Savitri and Satyavan also had a loving and warm marriage.
The year passed too soon. The day of Satyavan’s death was approaching. A worried Savitri planned in advance. Four days before the marked date, she fasted for three whole days and stood still in the same spot throughout. Though her in-laws tried to convince her otherwise, she didn’t budge. Her father-in-law gave her his blessings.
On the day Satyavan was to die, Savitri woke up early and finished her prayers. Dyumatsena asked her to break her fast and eat something as she was weak. However, Savitri said she would eat in the evening. She took the blessings of her in-laws and the other rishis living nearby. Then, she accompanied Satyavan into the forest as he went to chop firewood.
Satyavan also tried to dissuade her, saying the path would be rough and she was already weak from fasting. Savitri was determined to join him that day. Unable to win, Satyavan led her into the forest, carrying an axe on his shoulder. She reminded him to take blessings from the elders before their journey.
Satyavan showed her many delightful sights on the way. They heard the birds and peacocks cry, saw the stream gushing nearby, and the trees in full blossom. However, her heart was heavy with fear. Satyavan continued to collect fruits and berries in his basket. When they reached a spot, Satyavan said he suddenly felt ill as if his head was swimming. Savitri sat down and urged him to rest with his head in her lap. He did so and closed his eyes in relief. Remembering Narada’s words, Savitri calculated the time of her husband’s demise and sat still.
Soon, she saw a celestial man in yellow garments walking their way. He had a smooth and dark complexion and held a noose in one hand. Seeing him, Savitri lowered her husband’s head onto the ground and stood up. She bowed to Yama Dharmaraja, who personally came to collect Satyavan’s soul. She said she could see he was a god and asked if he could share his name.
Yama introduced himself and said he had come to collect Satyavan’s soul, and since the young man was good and truthful at all times, he decided to do the task himself instead of sending his servants (Yama dutas) as he normally did. Then, he pulled the life force out of Satyavan’s body (it was the size of a thumb) and used the noose to bind it. Satyavan’s lifeless body lay on the forest ground. His job done, Yama proceeded to walk in the southern direction (since it is the direction of death).
A distressed Savitri followed Yama as he left the forest. Yama realized this and turned back to stop her. He told her to go back and perform the last rites for her husband and that hell wasn’t a place for the living.
Savitri replied that she would like to say something to him. She said it was her dharma to follow her husband even if he was being taken somewhere by others, and as his wife, she must abide by the rules of dharma no matter what.
Impressed by her words, Yama said he would give her a boon, anything except her husband’s life, and after that, she should go back. Savitri asked for her father-in-law’s eyesight to be returned and for him to become strong again. Yama granted her the boon. He said she was tired from following him and urged her to go back.
Savitri placed forth another argument. She asked how she could be exhausted when she was with her husband and repeated that she must go wherever he was being taken. Savitri then said that friendship with the virtuous was never fruitless, and one should always associate with such people. Yama was again impressed with her words and told her to ask for another boon, insisting that she should ask for anything except her husband’s life. This time, Savitri asked her father-in-law should recover his lost kingdom and continue to follow the path of dharma. Yama granted her the boon and told her to go back once again.
He walked ahead, with Savitri still following behind. She requested him to listen to her. This time, Savitri talked about Yama himself and said he was the one who controlled all the rules and that even those with compassion could show it only to a certain point. Yama told her to ask for another boon and repeated the same exception. Savitri said her father didn’t have any sons and requested that he have a hundred sons who would be her brothers and continue their lineage. Yama granted her the third boon as well. He asked her to return since she had already travelled too far.
Savitri said it didn’t feel like much distance since she undertook the journey with her husband (even if it was his soul) and said her mind traveled a much greater distance. She asked Yama to listen to her once more. She said he was the son of Vivasvat (sun god) and was equally virtuous. She said he was the king of dharma since no one trusts anyone more than a virtuous person, and making friends with such people is always a blessing, and people would always look up to virtuous people.
Yama yet again said he was pleased by her words and granted her a fourth boon with the same exception. This time, Savitri asked for a hundred sons for herself to be born through Satyavan, and that the sons be dutiful to their parents and extend their lineage. Yama didn’t think much about her request and granted the boon right away.
Savitri didn’t give up yet. She further spoke about dharma, virtue, and how the virtuous ones would never be fruitless nor do they destroy anything, so they are also the protectors. Yama said her knowledge delighted him much and that his respect for her had increased. He told her to ask for an unmatched boon. Now, Savitri took her chance and asked for Satyavan’s life. She said she was as good as dead if he wasn’t alive and with her. She reminded Yama that he had already granted her a hundred sons, and this would be possible only when Satyavan was alive. She asked him to make his words come true by releasing her husband’s soul back into his body.
Yama was impressed by her determination and wit. He happily freed Satyavan’s soul and showed it to her, saying he was returning it to her husband’s body. He blessed her to have a hundred sons like her mother would, and that all the boons he gave her would happen one after another.
He finally made her return to the forest and went back to his abode. She rushed to where Satyavan’s body lay and raised his head to place it back in her lap. Satyavan slowly stirred and opened his eyes. He was bewildered and asked what had happened. Savitri said he rested for many hours, and it was evening by then. He said his head hurt terribly, and he wanted to rest for a while, but didn’t remember anything after that. He looked around at the approaching darkness and urged his wife they leave quickly.
Savitri was more than happy to do so or stay back, depending on how his health was. He said he felt a lot better and had no pain in any part of his body. He also wanted to go and see his parents since they were often worried when he stayed for too long in the forest.
Savitri assured him that his parents were safe and everything was wonderful. They slowly made their way back home in the northern direction, leaving the basket under the tree to collect the next day.
Meanwhile, old Dyumatsena regained his eyesight. Though he marveled at the sudden development, he was too worried about Satyavan and Savitri to wonder about the details. He and his wife, Shaibya, rushed to all the nearby hermitages to ask if their children had come that way. They feared Satyavan had died as it was predicted, and Savitri was distraught or in some trouble. The rishis tried to assure them that their children were safe, but the old couple was restless and repeatedly called out the names of Satyavan and Savitri. The rishis like Suvarcha and Gautama said they saw the events using their tapasya powers and were confident that the young couple was safe and alive.
Soon, Satyavan and Savitri returned to their home and found the rishis around the old couple. Satyavan told them he had slept a long time due to severe pain in the head and which caused the delay. The rishis then revealed that his father, Dyumatsena, had suddenly regained his eyesight.
Rishi Gautama asked Savitri to explain everything, as he knew she was responsible for it. Savitri did so by narrating the events that took place throughout the day and her pleading with Yama, which got them four boons and Satyavan’s life. All the rishis blessed Savitri for bearing the sacred dharma so beautifully and raising the value of her lineage with her actions.
The next day, the news spread far and wide. People from the surrounding regions arrived at their doorstep to see and talk to Savitri, who had achieved the impossible. Meanwhile, a few men from the kingdom arrived to inform Dyumatsena that the current king had been killed by his own advisors and that he should once again be their ruler. After a meeting with the advisors, the old king and his family returned to the city in a royal procession. An auspicious day was chosen to crown Dyumatsena as the king of Shalva with Satyavan as the heir apparent.
Over the years, Savitri and her mother gave birth to a hundred sons each. With her determination, dedication, and love, Savitri not only saved her husband but also brought much happiness to her family.
Ravana Birth and Background – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
Surprisingly, the Mahabharata provides us with the details of the birth and family relationships of Ravana. Rishi Markandeya shared this information with Yudhistira when consoling him that a great many women had to face hardships, and Sita was one of them. He continued to narrate the Ramayana.
Ravana’s great-grandfather was Prajapati, the self-creating ascetic. One of Prajapati’s mind-born sons was Pulastya, who had a son called Vaishravana (Kubera). However, Vaishravana preferred Prajapati over his father, which angered Pulastya.
Pulastya collected his anger to create another version (a darker version) of himself called Vishrava (think of him as Pulastya’s evil twin) to counter Vaishravana. However, Prajapati made Vaishravana immortal since he liked his devotion. He also made him the king of riches and the guardian of the worlds. Furthermore, Vaishravana gained friendship with Ishana (Shiva) and got a son, Nalakubera, as a boon. He was gifted Lanka as his kingdom. Vaishravana ruled the land of the rakshasas and lived happily with his son and others.
However, Vaishravana didn’t forget that his father’s other self, Vishrava, was angry at him. In an attempt to appease him, he sent three rakshashis to serve his father (Vishrava). The three rakshasis – Pushpotkata, Raka, and Malini were dutiful and talented. They spent all their time trying to please Vishrava and eventually succeeded.
Vishrava granted them each a boon. All three wanted children of their own. Pushpotkata gave birth to two sons – Kumbhakarna and Dashagriva (Ravana). Raka gave birth to Vibhishana. Raka had twin children – Khara and Surpanaka.
Khara hated Brahmins and carried a powerful bow to kill and eat raw flesh. Surpanaka loved to obstruct religious rites and sacrifices. While Kumbhakarna and Ravana had super strength, Vibhishana was the most handsome man and followed dhrama since his childhood.
They lived on Mount Gandhamadana with their father. Once, they saw Vaishravana and his wealth and decided to perform austerities to become like him.
The three siblings (Kumbhakarna, Ravana, and Vibhishana) spent several years in intense austerities for various reasons. Khara and Surpanaka took care of their older brothers and ensured no one disturbed them.
Finally, Brahma Deva appeared to grant each of them their boons. He told them to ask for anything except immortality.
Ravana asked for a boon where he would never be defeated by gandharvas, devas, asuras, yakshas, rakshasas, nagas, kinnaras, and demons (that’s why he was defeated by humans and vanaras). Kumbhakarna asked for a long period of sleep since his mind was clouded with fatigue after the tapasya. Brahma Deva granted it.
Vibhishana asked that his mind shouldn’t turn to adharma even during extremely difficult situations. He also asked for the Brahmastra to be manifested in him. Brahma Deva was pleased with the requests and granted him both as well as immortality.
Once he obtained the boon, Ravana attacked Lanka and won it from Vaishravana. He also stole the Pushpaka chariot from Vaishravana. Vaishravana was so angry that he cursed Ravana that the Pushpaka wouldn’t carry him. Instead, it would carry the one who would lead to Ravana’s demise. Then, Vaishravana, with the yakshas, gandharvas, guhyakas, and others, went to reside on Mount Gandhamanada and soon converted it into his kingdom.
Ravana and his siblings relocated to Lanka. Heady with power, Ravana attacked many kingdoms, including the gods. Over time, the gods began to fear him and asked for help to defeat Ravana. They went to Brahma Deva and said that his boon made Ravana near-invincible, and he was terrorizing everyone.
Eventually, when the time was right, Narayana was born as Rama to kill Ravana. The devas also arrived on the earth to incarnate as various people who would support Rama in his mission (just like how it happened in the Mahabharata). As Vaishravana cursed, the Pushpaka carried Rama to Ayodhya after Ravana’s death.
Rishi Markandeya Narrated the Ramayana – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
After Draupadi had been rescued from Jayadratha and the king of Sindhu had been let off with a warning and a shaved head, Yudhistira went into depression once again. Rishi Markandeya arrived to console the Pandavas and help them adjust to the situation. Yudhistira said he felt sad for Draupadi for having to face such atrocities and being kidnapped more than once. He asked the rishi if any other women suffered as much as she did. Rishi Markandeya then took this chance to narrate a short summary of Ramayana (his version) to share that Sita also had to face many trials throughout her life.
Naturally, Yudhistira wanted more details. The rishi obliged.
Here, Rishi Markandeya listed the lineage of Rama as well as the story of how Ravana was born.
In the Ikshvaku lineage, there was a king named Aja. His son was Dasaratha, who had four sons – Rama, Lakshmana, Shatrughna, and Bharata. Rama was Kaushalya’s son, Lakshmana and Shatrughna were Sumitra’s twins, and Bharata was Kaikeyi’s son.
The king of Videha, Janaka, had a daughter named Sita. Tvashtra (Vishwakarma) created her to be Rama’s queen and consort.
Yudhistira asked why Rama had to go into exile and what happened afterward. Rishi Markandeya explained.
King Dasaratha was delighted when his sons were born. They grew up to be learned men with good manners and great warrior skills. Soon, the sons were married. Dasaratha was pleased with the developments.
Rama, the eldest son, had a pleasant nature and was a favorite of the subjects. He was also his father’s favorite. Dasaratha thought he was growing old and decided to crown Rama as the king of Ayodhya. His advisors and the council of ministers agreed with the decision. They even fixed the time for the coronation. Rama was dark-skinned, long-limbed, broad-chested, radiant, handsome, and brave. He had curly hair, was learned in dharma, and was as powerful as Indra. He protected those who needed it and punished the guilty. He was never defeated or vanquished by anyone.
Dasarartha made an announcement that Rama would be crowned the king on the day of Pushya nakshatra. The preparations began in earnest.
The news reached Manthara, who went to Kaikeyi and told her that she (Kaikeyi) was unfortunate while Kaushalya was fortunate since her son was becoming the king. Manthara asked what good fortune Kaikeyi had if her son wasn’t a king? Kaikeyi thought about it, dressed in stylish clothes, and went to meet the king. She sweetly reminded him that he had promised to grant her a boon, and she wanted it now. Dasaratha agreed and asked what she wanted. He said he would give her anything she asked for.
Kaikeyi asked Bharata to be crowned the king and for Rama to go into exile in the forest. Dasaratha was distraught and unable to say anything. Rama got the news of Kaikeyi’s wish and his father’s promise, so he chose to honor it by going to the forest. His wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshmana, followed him.
After Rama left, Dasaratha gave up his body and departed to the other world. Kaikeyi said to Bharata that he should accept the throne since all the thorns in his path had been removed. However, Bharata was furious and said she had brought him a bad name with her actions and was responsible for her husband’s death. He then went to find Rama and was accompanied by his three mothers. Shatrughna, Rishi Vasishtha, and many other ministers etc. followed Bharata on his quest.
Bharata found Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in the Chitrakuta forest. However, Rama told him to go back and rule the kingdom. Bharata dutifully did so by placing Rama’s sandals on the throne and taking up the role of an administrator.
Meanwhile, Rama decided they should move elsewhere so that the citizens wouldn’t come to meet him again. The trio traveled to a forest near the ashram of Sharabhanga. Taking blessings from him, they went to stay in the Dandakaranya forest along the banks of the River Godavari. Here, Rama fought Khara due to Surpanaka’s actions and protected the ascetics residing in the region. He also killed fourteen thousand rakshasas, as well as Khara and Dushana (Khara’s younger brother). Later, when Surpanaka’s nose and lips were sliced off by Lakshmana, she went to her older brother in Lanka and shared her distress.
An angry Ravana asked who did that to her. Surpanaka told him everything about Rama’s valor and the death of her (their) brothers. Ravana got into his Pushpaka and flew to Gokarna to meet Maricha, his former advisor.
Maricha had turned an ascetic as he was afraid of Rama. He welcomed Ravana and offered him fruits and water. After inquiring about his health and subjects, Maricha wanted to know the reason for Ravana’s visit. When he explained, Marciha advised Ravana to stay away and not provoke Rama. However, an angry and arrogant Ravana threatened to kill Maricha if he didn’t do as ordered. Ravana planned to use Maricha to distract Rama and kidnap Sita. He said separation from Sita would make Rama distraught and lose interest in his life.
Knowing death was inevitable, Maricha performed his own funeral rites and set off with Ravana to Dandakaranya. He transformed into a golden deer and walked in front of the ashram where Rama and Sita lived. Sita sent Rama to chase the deer, and Lakshmana stayed back to ensure her safety. When Rama realized the deer was a rakshasa, he shot an arrow at it. Maricha called out for Sita and Lakshmana in Rama’s voice. This made Sita anxious even as Lakshmana tried to assure her. Nevertheless, he set off, following Rama’s footsteps.
Ravana took the chance he had been waiting for and approached Sita in the guise of a traveling Brahmin and begged for alms. She offered him fruits. Ravana revealed his true self and tried to entice her to go away with him by talking about the beauty and riches of Lanka. When Sita got angry and asked him to leave, he used force to restrain her. Sita fell unconscious. Ravana quickly grabbed her by her hair and got into his Pushpaka.
Jatayu, a vulture, saw this and tried to free Sita, but lost the fight to Ravana, who cut off the wing. An injured Jatayu fell to the earth in agony and cried for Rama. Jatayu was the son of Aruni. His brother was Sampati, a friend of King Dasaratha.
Meanwhile, Rama was rushing back to the ashram and met Lakshmana on the way. He was concerned for Sita’s safety and rebuked Lakshmana for leaving her alone. They ran back to the ashram to find Sita missing. They saw Jatayu, who told them what happened. The vulture took his last breath in Rama’s arms. After doing the needful, Rama and Lakshmana began their search for Sita.
They faced Kadanbha, a rakshasa who grasped Lakshmana in his arms. Rama told Lakshmana to slice off the rakshasa’s right arm while he attacked, and chopped the left arm. Together, the brothers killed Kadanbha. A divine being emerged from the dead body. It was Gandharva Vishvavasu who was cursed by Brahma to be born to a rakshasi. Being killed by Rama and Lakshmana freed him from the curse. Vishvavasu advised them to go and meet Sugriva, living near Lake Pampa around Mount Rishyamukha. The gandharva assured Rama that he would soon reunite with his wife with the help of Sugriva and his advisors.
Following the gandharva’s advice, Rama and Lakshmana went to Lake Pampa. It was a beautiful place with pink and blue lotus flowers, a scented breeze, and lovely plants. This made Rama miss Sita even more, and he cried for her. Lakshmana tried to cheer him up and said they would find Sugriva and bring back Sita from Lanka. They bathed in the lake, offering oblations to their ancestors, and went to Mount Rishyamukha. There, they saw five vanaras in a discussion. One was Sugriva, one was Hanuman, well-built and tall as a mountain, Jambavan, Mainda, and Dvivida.
After the introductions, Sugriva showed the jewels they collected (the ones that fell from the sky) to Rama. Positive that these belonged to Sita, Rama and the Vanaras made a deal. Rama would kill Vali, Sugriva’s brother, and crown Sugriva the king of Kishkinda. In return, Sugriva would help Rama find Sita (and fight the war if necessary).
They proceeded to Kishkinda, where Sugriva challenged Vali to a hand-to-hand combat. Tara, Vali’s wife, cautioned him not to go and said that Sugriva had the support of Hanuman, Jambavan, and Rama. However, Vali was confident of his strength and skills. He went to fight Sugriva.
Sugriva lost the first round since Rama couldn’t distinguish between him and his twin brother. Hanuman placed a garland around Sugriva’s neck, which allowed Rama to aim at Vali from behind a tree. After Vali’s death, Sugriva was made the king of Kishkinda and got back his wife. Tara also stayed with him since her husband had died. Rama stayed with them in Malyavan for four months.
Meanwhile, Ravana was mesmerized by Sita’s beauty and wanted to possess her. He made her a prisoner in a garden with ashoka trees and ordered several rakshasis to guard her. Sita spent all her time thinking about Rama. The raksashis tried to terrify her, but she asked them to eat her if they wanted. Sita said she had no will to live with Rama, so she would become their meal. This annoyed the rakshasis since she refused to accept or acknowledge Ravana.
However, when the rakshasis weren’t around, Trijata spoke to Sita. She was a pious woman despite being a rakshasi. Trijata said that Avindhya had told her a secret she would share with Sita. Rama and Lakshmana were searching for her and knew where she was. They were well and would come to free her soon. Trijata also said that Ravana wouldn’t dare to violate a woman due to a curse. A long time ago, he raped Rambha, Nalakubera’s wife, and was cursed by him to face death if he forced himself on another woman. Trijata assured Sita that she had seen Ravana’s destruction in her dreams, along with Kumbhakarna’s death and Vibhishana being alive. There was nothing to worry about since Rama and Lakshmana would come and take her back home.
Ravana, dressed in rich clothes and jewels, went to meet Sita. He boasted of his riches and powers. He listed the various women who served him and asked Sita to marry him and become his wife, like Mandodari. Sita simply turned away and ignored him. She held a blade of grass between them and spoke to the grass (indicating that Ravana was equal to that little piece of grass). She said she was unfortunate to have to listen to him talk and asked if he was such a great man and why he wasn’t following his dharma.
Ravana said she was still yearning for a human, and he couldn’t touch her against her wishes (due to the curse which would shatter his head into a thousand pieces if he did). He left her crying.
After waiting for Sugriva, Rama finally sent Lakshmana to remind him of the promise. He said Sugriva was happily enjoying himself in Kishkinda and might have forgotten the promise. Lakshmana went to Kishkinda and was welcomed by Sugriva. He gave Rama’s message to the vanara king. Sugriva said that he didn’t forget, nor was he ungrateful. He had sent many of his best vanaras in different directions to find the trace of Sita. They were to return to him in a month and give an update. He asked Lakshmana to wait for five days as they would get the news.
Lakhsmana and Sugriva went to Malyavan to meet Rama and share the news with him. Most spies had arrived but couldn’t find Sita anywhere. They said the ones who went southward were yet to return, so there was hope.
Rama was sad but determined to be hopeful. They had to wait for another two months before news arrived that Angada and Hanuman, who went southward, had some good news to share. Rama rushed to meet Hanuman and asked if he knew where Sita was.
Hanuman said he had good news and described his journey. The search party didn’t find Sita anywhere and finally reached a cave that belonged to a daitya named Maya. There, they saw a lady ascetic named Prabhavati who gave them directions. They ascended Malaya and saw the vast expanse of the ocean in front of them. They were discussing Jatayu when another similar vulture approached them and demanded how they knew his brother. This was Sampati who was agonized about his brother’s death. However, he knew that Ravana lived in Lanka and that Sita was possibly held captive there.
After a brief meeting, Hanuman invoked his father, Vayu, and flew across the ocean to reach Lanka. There, he had to kill a rakshasi who lived in water, Surasa, who tried to block his path. Reaching Lanka, Hanuman said he saw Sita inside and that she was fasting and looked tired and weak. He said he approached Sita and assured her that he wasn’t a rakshasa and informed her about Rama. Sita replied that Avindhya had said he would come, so she knew he was Hanuman. Sita gave him a jewel to show Rama and sent him back. She also sent a message and reminded Rama about an incident that happened in Chitrakuta (Rama hurled a straw at a crow for troubling Sita). Hanuman concluded his tale, saying that he had burnt the city before returning.
Rama was relieved to finally find the trace of Sita and know she was safe enough. Upon Sugriva’s instructions, his vanara army assembled there.
Many others came with more armies, all of them ready to help Rama fight Ravana.
They practiced and trained for a while. On an auspicious day, Sugriva arranged them into different battle formations. Hanuman led from the front, while Lakshmana guarded the rear. They were ready to march ahead for Rama’s cause. Nala, Nila, Angada, Kratha, Mainda, and Dvivida were also made the protectors and heads of different divisions of the army. They passed through the forests, plain lands, mountains, etc., to reach the seashore.
Rama asked Sugriva for his opinion about the best way to cross the ocean to reach Lanka. After discussing the odds, Rama said he would ask the ocean for help, and if he didn’t get a response, he would dry it up for them to march ahead. Rama touched the water and invoked the god of the ocean, who appeared in his dreams to provide a solution. The god of the ocean said that Nala was the son of Vishwakarma, and the ocean would bear whatever Nala threw into it and convert it into a bridge. So, Rama asked Nala to build a bridge of stones from the shore to Lanka. As the construction continued, they moved ahead toward their destination. Vibhishana heard of Rama’s arrival and went to meet him and extended his support, saying he would always be on the side of dharma. With Vibhishana’s help, Rama and the vanara army crossed the bridge and camped outside Lanka.
Ravana’s two rakshasi guards, Shuka and Sarana, disguised as vanaras to spy on them, but Vibhishana caught them. Rama exposed them to his army so that they wouldn’t be tricked again and freed the rakshasis. Then, Rama sent Angada as a messenger to Ravana.
Entering or penetrating Lanka wasn’t going to be easy for the vanaras. Ravana had fortified the city as per the sacred texts. The walls were big and strong, there were moats with crocodiles. There were watchtowers and catapults used to detect and attack enemies. The soldiers had pots filled with resin and venomous snakes. They were also armed with many weapons like clubs, spears, lances, axes, fireworks, spiked clubs, etc. They had shataghanis (a weapon that could kill hundreds at a time) and other weapons dipped in poisonous beeswax. All gates of the city were guarded.
Angada reached one of the gates and announced his presence. He entered the city fearlessly and walked into the court. Angada delivered Rama’s message to Paulastya (Ravana, Pulastya’s son) that there would be a war if he didn’t respectfully return Sita.
The message made Ravana angry. His guards, the night prowling rakshasas, grabbed Angada. He nimbly jumped up to the terrace, and this movement dislodged the rakshasas. Before they could react, he leaped from there and went back to Rama.
Upon Rama’s orders, the vanara army got to work and breached the walls of Lanka. With Lakshmana leading them, Jambhavan, Vibhishana, and others successfully destroyed the south gate and entered the city. Rama invaded Lanka with over a hundred thousand crore of vanaras. They raised such dust that the sun was invisible. The rakshasas and their families came out to watch and were amazed. Some travelers ran away, seeing the mayhem caused by the vanara army.
With orders from the king (Ravana), the rakshasas rushed out to tackle the invasion. They got onto the walls to attack the enemies. However, the vanaras were quick. Both sets fought and killed each other. Rama rained a relentless shower of arrows with Lakshmana. Once they successfully invaded Lanka and breached the defenses, the army withdrew for the day.
Parvana, Putana, Jambha, Khara, Krodhavasha, Hari, Praruja, Aruja, Praghhasa, and others, Ravana’s piscaha and rakshasa followers launched an attack. Vibhishana used his powers to remove the invisibility capability of the rakshasas. This made them easier targets, and the vanaras killed them all. Hearing about their death made Ravana so angry that he personally marched out with his army.
He arranged his army in a Ushana battle formation. Rama also stepped out and used a battle formation recommended by Brihaspati. Lakshmana fought with Indrajit, Sugriva with Virupaksha, Nikharvata with Tara, Nala with Tunda, and Patusha with Panasa, as Rama faced Ravana. It was a terrible and terrifying battle.
Suddenly, Prahasta rushed at Vibhishana, who faced him with ease and killed him soon. Dhumraksha attacked the vanaras, but Hanuman stepped in and killed him. As the war continued, both sides killed each other. When the sky turned dark, they retreated to their camps. Taking stock of the situation, Ravana decided to send Kumbhakarna into the battle. Since Kumbhakarna was asleep, the guards took musical instruments, food, and other items to wake him up from his deep and long sleep. Eventually, they succeeded. Ravana sent Kumbhakarna to fight Rama and his army the next morning. He also sent Vajravega and Pramathi with extra instructions.
The massive Kumbhakarna wreaked havoc on the vanara army. The monkeys were terrified but continued to fight him. He was laughing and killing them in spades. Surgriva tried to fight Kumbhakarna but couldn’t. Lakshmana shot an arrow that penetrated the rakshasa’s body and made him let go of Sugriva. However, Kumbhakarna threw a rock at Lakshmana, which he destroyed, and used the brahmastra to kill him. Seeing the mighty rakshasa fall, the smaller ones fled. However, Dushana’s brothers, Vajravega and Pramathi, targeted Lakshmana. Hanuman killed Vajravega, while Nila tackled Pramathi and ended his life. The day’s battle ended with many deaths on both sides.
When Ravana heard of Kumbhakarna and Dhumraksha’s deaths, he asked his older son, Indrajit, to kill his enemies and bring him victory. Indrajit entered the war the next day and challenged Lakshmana, who accepted it right away. They had a gruesome battle, trying to outdo each other at every opportunity. Angada also joined the fight at times. Indrajit began using his maya to disappear, so Rama stepped in to help his brother. However, Indrajit managed to injure Rama and Lakshmana and make them unconscious. The vanara army stood around them. Vibhishana too reached the spot and used an herb named Vishalya with divine mantras to revive the brothers.
When they woke up, Vibhishana said to Rama that a guhyaka arrived from Mount Shveta with miracle water from Kubera so that he could see invisible beings as well. Rama accepted the water and touched his eyes with it. Lakshmana, Sugriva, Angada, and other key warriors also did the same.
Meanwhile, Indrajit went to Ravana and gave him an update. He returned to find Rama and Lakshmana healthy again. Lakshmana launched an attack on Indrajit. After another ferocious fight, Lakshmana killed Indrajit. This angered Ravana so much that he went to kill Sita.
Avindhya stopped him and reminded him that he shouldn’t kill a woman. He said that as a captive, she was already considered dead, and the best way to kill her was to kill her husband. Ravana agreed and decided to fight Rama himself. He ordered his chariot to be prepared.
Ravana marched out with his rakshasa army, scattering the varanas in his path. Mainda, Nila, Nala, Angada, Hanuman, and Jambavan blocked his path. With his army being killed, Ravana resorted to maya. However, Rama killed the rakshasas. Seeing this, Ravana created lookalikes of Rama and Lakshmana and sent them to fight the brothers. Rama quickly killed his lookalike upon Lakshmana’s request.
Just then, Matali arrived in Indra’s chariot. He said Indra sent the chariot (named Jaitra) for Rama so that he could face Ravana and kill him that day. Rama first thought it was another maya of Ravana, but Vibhishana assured him that it was real and he should use the chariot sent by Indra.
When Rama mounted the chariot and rode toward Ravana, the god cheered from heaven. An angry Ravana unleashed thousands of arrows at Rama. Rama calmly invoked the Brahmastra and killed Ravana. The flames burnt him, his chariot, and the horses. The vanara army cheered.
The gods and rishis from heaven praised and blessed Rama for achieving their objective. Rama then handed over Lanka to Vibhishana. Avindhya emerged from the city with Sita and asked Rama to accept his wife.
Rama descended the chariot to see his wife crying, wearing dirty clothes, and with matted hair. He said to her that she was free to go wherever she wanted. He said he was freed from the rakshasa since she was his wife, but he wouldn’t accept her now. Sita was so distraught that she collapsed. Lakshmana and others stood still in shock. They didn’t know how to react.
Brahma, Indra, Vayu, Agni, and others descended from heaven to meet Rama. Even King Dasaratha arrived in his heavenly form.
Sita said to Rama that she didn’t blame him for his words. She continued that if she had committed an evil act, the air (breath) would be free of her (as in she would die). Vayu, Agni, Varuna, and Brahma told him that Sita was taintless and that Rama should take her back. Brahma said Sita was protected through Nalakubera’s curse, and everything that happened was set in motion for Rama to kill Ravana (due to the boon).
Dasaratha said he was proud of Rama and approved him as the king. Rama replied that he would go back to Ayodhya and rule the kingdom. He took his father’s blessings. He reunited with Sita, gave a boon to Avindhya, and many riches to Trijata.
Indra asked Rama what boon he wanted. Rama asked for victory over his enemies and to revive all the dead vanaras. Indra agreed. The dead vanaras rose to life as if they woke up from slumber. Sita gave a boon to Hanuman that he would live for as long as Rama’s fame lasted.
The gods went back to heaven. Matali told Rama that his fame would be sung for eternity for removing the rakshasa who troubled every creature on the earth. After arranging protection for Lanka, everyone crossed the stone bridge to return to the shore. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Kishkinda with Vibhishana and Sugriva. Rama made Angada the heir apparent to Sugriva and resumed his journey to Ayodhya. He sent Hanuman as a messenger to Bharata to inform him of their return. Hanuman went to Nandigrama and saw Bharata wearing tree bark as a dress and ruling the kingdom with Rama’s sandals on the throne.
Rama and Lakshmana met their brothers Bharata and Shatrughna happily. After he was crowned the king, he gave Sugriva, Vibhishana, Jambhavan, and others permission to get back to their kingdoms. He returned the Pushpaka to Vibhishana, who flew to Lanka in it. Eventually, the Pushpaka returned to its original owner, Kubera.
Later, Rama performed ten Ashwamedha yagnas on the banks of the River Gomati. The kingdom flourished.
The Greatness of Mudgala – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
Vyasa visited the Pandavas, and as always, Yudhistira saw this as his chance to ask a few questions and expand his knowledge. When asked about whether the dharma of giving was more difficult or the dharma of austerities, Vyasa shared the story of Mudgala as an example and said the dharma of giving was the most difficult one.
Mudgala was a common man who lived in Kurukshetra a long time ago. He followed his dharma and led a simple yet contented life without feeling jealous of others. He was observing a sacrifice called ishtikrita (where one sacrifices one’s wishes). He, his wife, and his son ate for a fortnight. For the next fortnight, he lived like a pigeon by collecting one drona of vrihi (one drone = 1/16th of a khári). He dutifully observed the full moon and new moon rituals and happily served whoever visited his home as guests. Since he was such a pious man, the rice stocked in his house never ran empty. No matter how much he donated, the quantity remained the same. This allowed him to serve hundreds of Brahmins.
One day, Rishi Durvasa went to Mudgala’s house wearing nothing but air (naked). He transformed into a lunatic with a temper and demanded food from Mudgala, who welcomed him with respect and treated him as he would treat everyone.
Mudgala continued to serve food, and the lunatic continued to eat. This went on until he had nothing left in his house. Then the lunatic smeared the leftover bits on his body and left. On the next auspicious lunar day, the lunatic arrived again to eat everything in Mudgala’s house. Mudgala had to go out to gather more food to feed the lunatic. However, he wasn’t irritated or worried. He took it in stride and did what he had to do.
Rishi Durvasa repeated the same six times. Not once did Mudgala resent the lunatic or feel any negative emotion. He was happy to collect more food to feed his guests, even if he himself had nothing to eat. Durvasa then said to him that controlling the fickle mind wasn’t an easy task, but he (Mudgala) had mastered it. He had conquered the world with his selfless deeds and had obtained a place in heaven.
Even as he spoke, the golden chariot from heaven descended to carry Mudgala to heaven. It was yoked to swans and cranes and had bells tied to it. Mudgala asked the messenger to tell him more about people who resided in heaven, what divine happiness meant, and if there were any shortcomings so that he could act accordingly.
The messenger said Mudgala had obtained a place in heaven, so he didn’t have to do anything for it. He described it as where the Vasus, Maruts, Sadhyas, Vishwas, and others resided. It was where rishis who performed severe austerities went after discarding their bodies. Heaven had no sorrow, no old age, no repentance, etc. However, the place was not permanent, and one could fall from heaven for various reasons.
After listening to the various descriptions of heaven, Mudgala thought about it and bowed to the messenger. He asked the messenger to leave since he didn’t want to go to heaven. He didn’t want to experience the unhappiness of a fall. Mudgala said he would find a region with no sorrow or dislodging once he entered. Then, he returned to his routine of collecting rice grains and feeding his guests. As years passed, he attained moksha.
Vyasa assured Yudhistira that happiness and unhappiness were cyclic and would come and go. He asked him to be confident of regaining his lost kingdom.
Types of Agni (Fires) – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
Rishi Markandeya narrated one story after another to the Pandavas, Draupadi, Krishna, Satyabhama, and Narada. This time, Yudhistira asked why Agni went into the forest and how new types of Agni (fires) were created.
The rishi explained.
A long time ago, Agni was angry and stalked into a forest to perform austerities. With no Agni to offer oblations, everyone requested Rishi Angiras to become the second Agni to eliminate darkness. His energy was so fierce that it illuminated the world and reached Agni, who was in the forest. Agni thought Brahma created another Agni, so his services were no longer required. He went to Angiras and told him to continue being Agni.
However, Angiras replied that Agni was the first one created by Brahma, and he should get back to his previous position. Agni declined. He didn’t want to do that. It had been so many years that people now knew Angiras as their Agni. The real Agni was more than content to be a second Agni named Prajapatyaka.
Angiras told Agni to perform good deeds and obtain a place in heaven. He also asked Agni to have his first son through Angiras. Agni agreed. Angiras’s son Brihaspati became Agni’s son.
Then came many types of Agnis, each of them used for different purposes.
Angiras’s wife was Subha (he had more wives). Their offspring were Brihajjyoti, Brihatkirti, Brihadbrahma, Brihanmana, Brihanmantra, Brihadbhasa, and Brihaspati. His first daughter was Bhanumati, his second daughter was Raga, the third was Sinivali, the fourth was Archismati, and the fifth was Havismati, with her oblations. Angiras’s sixth daughter was Mahishmati, and the seventh daughter was Mahamati. She was radiant and was honored at great sacrifice. The eighth daughter was Kuhu (new moon), the one that cannot be divided.
Brihaspati and his wife Chandramasi gave birth to six sacred fires and a daughter. Their first son was Shyamu, a fire with many-hued flames. He was offered clarified butter (ghee) as oblations and got the first offering at horse sacrifices (Ashwamedha) and chaturmasya.
Shamyu and his wife Satya (daughter of Dharma) had Agni as their son, along with three daughters. Their first Agni son was Bharadwaja, and their second son was Bharata. The first share of offerings went to the older son, while the offerings of sacrifices performed at full moon went to Bharata.
Bharata had three wives, a son named Bharata, and a daughter named Bhavati. The son Bharata had a son named Prajapati Bharata.
Bharadwaja’s wife was Viraa, and their daughter was named Vira. Brahmins said that like Soma, Bharadwaja was worshipped with ghee. He was also called Rathaprabhu, Rathadhvana, and Kumbhareta when he received the second offering of Soma. Bharadwaja and another wife, Sarayu, had a son called Siddhi, who was celebrated in the ritual chant as the presiding deity.
The Nishchyavana fire praised the earth and was a symbol of creativity. It never lost luster, fame, or prosperity. His son is Vipapa, pure, untainted, and without sin, also called Satya.
The fire Nishkriti freed beings from lamentations and brought good fortune. His son was Svana, the creator of suffering.
The fire called Vishvajit illuminates the minds of the universe. His son, Vishvabhuj, was an internal fire that digested the food. He was a brahmachari and self-controlled in vows. Cooked food is offered as oblations to this fire.
The fire Vadava (also called Urdhvabhaj) would drink up all the water and rise high (the flames are bigger). Established in prana, the fire was worshipped by those who lived in houses facing the northward direction.
Svishtakrit was another fire, and his daughter was Manyati, the fire of anger in calm people. She was the essence of anger. Svaha is a cruel and terrible fire. There was another fire named Kama, the one with unmatched beauty.
The fire named Amogha destroyed enemies in a battle by being a bow and sitting on a chariot (and wearing a garland).
Uktha was another fire and the creator of speech, thus called Sakamashva.
Kashyapa, Vasishtha, Prana’s son Prana, Agni Angiras, and Chyavana Trishuvarchaka performed severe austerities to obtain a son equal to Brahma. They created a fire with five colors. The son’s head was made of kindling fire, and his arms were like the sun. His feet were black, but his complexion was golden. This son is called the Panchajanya in the Vedas and was the origin of five lineages. After performing austerities for ten thousand years, he created various creatures and beings. He also created Brihat and Rathantara from his head and mouth, Shiva from his navel, Indra from his strength, Vayu and Agni from his life breath, the two accents from his arms, and the entire universe.
The five ancestors he created were – Pranidhi (Brihadurjas’ son), Brihattara (Kashyapa’s son), Bhanu (Angiras’s son), Saubhara (Varcha’s son), and Anudatta (Prana’s son). These five went on to create five lineages.
Additionally, he created the following –
These three categories of gods were placed on the earth to cause obstructions in sacrifices. However, if the yagna fire was built skillfully, they could not go near it or cause trouble. They don’t steal the offerings if pacified with mantras.
Brihaduktha is another son learned in adhvaryus, and his offerings were meant for Mitravinda.
The fire named Bharata had severe restrictions. Pushtimati fire offered prosperity when satisfied with the offerings. The fire Shiva was always engaged in worshipping Shakti. He was called Shiva since he removed suffering and purified people/ things.
Tapas performed many austerities to have a son named Purandara. Ushma was another son and could be seen in all beings. Manu was another fire son who officiated Prajapati. Shambhu was a fire spoken about by the Brahmins learned in the Vedas. They also talk of Avasathya.
Tapas created two more sons – Urjaskara and Havyavahana, who shone like gold in their radiance.
The sun gave birth to asuras and terrible creatures when he was exhausted (nighttime).
Manu and Bhanu (also called Brihadbhanu), Tapas’s son, were created by Angiras.
Bhanu’s wives were Supraja, Brihadbhasa, and Somaja. They had six sons – Balada (the fire that gave strength to all beings), Manyumat (the terrible wrath in calm beings), Vishnu aka Dhritiman Angiras (offered oblations) during a full moon or new moon. Agrayana (got the first oblations along with Indra), Niragraha (for chaturmasya oblations), and another.
Manu’s wife, Nisha, gave birth to two Agnishomas, one daughter, and five other fires – Vaishvanara (received first oblations with Indra for chaturmasya sacrifices), Vishvapati (the lord of all beings), Svishtakrit (the supreme fire).
Hiranyakashipu’s daughter Rohini was married to Prajapati. Their children were –
These four correct the defects in yagna fires.
Saha Apa had a wife named Mudita. He was the lord of bhuh and bhuvah and had a fire son who was the lord of all beings. This fire (termed garhapatya) always circulated and was worshipped at sacrifices. He was also known as Apamgarbha and was the lord of bhuh, bhuva,h, and mahah. His son was Bharata, the fire who consumed dead bodies. Niyata/ Kratu was the best fire at agnishtoma sacrifices (and compared to Bharata).
Seeing Niyata, Agni went to hide in the ocean. The gods searched for him everywhere but couldn’t find him. Agni met Angiras and asked him to continue being the new Agni since he was too weak. He went into hiding again, but the fish revealed his location. An angry Agni cursed them to become food for others. The gods tried to convince Agni to return, but he refused. In fact, he gave up his body and entered the earth. Inside the earth, he interacted with various elements to create metals, minerals, etc. He created energy and fragrances from his mouth, the devadarus (Deodar Cedar Trees) from his bones, crystals from his phlegm, emeralds from his bile, black iron from his liver, mica from nails, and coral from arteries.
Agni continued to be immersed in austerities despite the lack ofa body. His fire flourished again and grew radiant. However, seeing the rishis, he was frightened again and got back to hide in the ocean. The universe and the gods were afraid of this pattern and sought help from Angiras (also called Atharva). He created the world and churned the ocean. He restored Agni to his earlier position and made him accept all oblations. Atharva then travelled to many countries and created sacrificial hearths in different locations. The following rivers became the sacrificial hearths established by him –
Sindhu, Devika, Sarasvati, Ganga, Shatakumba, Sarayu, Gandaki, Charmanvati, Mahi, Medhya, Medhatithi, Tamravati, Vetravati, Koushiki, Tamasa, Narmada, Godavari, Venna, Praveni, Bhima, Medratha, Bharati, Suprayoga, Kaveri, Murmura, Krishna, Krishnavenna, Kapila, and Shona.
Adbutha and his wife Priya had a son named Viduratha. The soma rites equal the number of fires mentioned by Rishi Markandeya. All of them were born in Atri’s lineage and the offspring of Brahma (his mind-born children). Atri created his own body.
Despite the various number of fires mentioned, these were all the same. There was only one illustrious fire, the one generated from Angrias’s body in many forms.
Skanda, the General of Indra’s Army – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
We read about the birth of Skanda in the previous story.
Rishi Markandeya continued his story of how Skanda was gifted the necessary weapons and items to become the general of Indra’s army and tackled the asuras who attacked the devas.
Airavata, Indra’s white celestial elephant, had two bells named Vaijayanti. Indra gave one bell to Skanda and another to Vishaka. The pennants of both were red in color. Skanda (Mahasena) played with these objects as he sat surrounded by his various companions.
After Skanda was made the general of Indra’s army, a happy Shiva went to Bhadravata (located to the east of Kailasa) with Parvati (Uma). Their chariot was pulled by a thousand lions. The navagrahas, Kubera, and the guhyakas walked in front of the chariot while Vrishadhvaja and Indra followed behind. A yaksha named Amogha was on the right side with other yakshas, rakshasas, and jambhakas (demons), as well as Maruts, Vasus, Rudras, and other devas. Yama and Mrithyu followed behind but surrounded the group from all sides. Behind them was Shiva’s bow, Vijaya (this was gifted to Parasurama, who later gave it to Karna).
Varuna too followed them. Shiva’s other weapons, like the spear, maces, clubs, etc., trailed behind Vijaya alongside his umbrella and kamandalu (water pot). Shiva’s staff, Sri, Brighu, Angiras, and other gods followed as well while worshipping the staff. The rivers, trees, rishis, gandharvas, nagas, and women too joined the traveling group. The women sprinkled flowers. Paranjaya also followed. The moon held an umbrella over Shiva as Agni and Vayu held the whisks on either side. Gouri, Vidya, Gandhari, Keshini, and Mitrasahrya followed Parvati with Savitri in the rear. The rakshasas were at the front, controlled by Pingala, Shiva’s yaksha friend.
Shiva traveled accompanied by such a large troop. Though they knew the destination, the path was erratic. Shiva would move from one end of the group to another at random. Mahasena (Skanda) was also a part of this troop. Shiva went to where Mahasena was and told him to always protect the seven corps of the Maruts. Skanda asked what else he should do.
Shiva said that Skanda should see him (Shiva) in every task he undertook so that it would ensure his (Skanda’s) welfare. Hugging him, Shiva told Skanda he could go (to where he was required). Skanda left.
The next instant, a blazing portal kind of thing opened up. Everyone was bewildered when an army came out of it like a huge mass of clouds. Weapons were hurled at the gods and Shiva by the approaching army. The devas began to scatter and were being killed by the army of asuras. Indra encouraged his army to fight and be courageous. He charged ahead at the asuras. The Maruts, Vasus, Sadhyas, and other devas banded together to fight the asura army. However, the asura army was powerful and soon gained the upper hand over the gods.
Mahisha rushed to the chariot and grabbed it. The maharishis fainted. Despite the chaos around him, Shiva didn’t kill Mahisha since he knew it was Skanda’s job. Mahisha was sure of his win when Shiva didn’t react.
Then, Skanda arrived, dressed in red clothes and golden armor, and fury raging in his eyes. Seeing his aura, the asura army wavered. They began to grow doubtful of their win. Mahasena hurled a spear at Mahisha. It killed the asura in an instant. He hurled the spear again and again. It would kill a bunch of asuras and return to him every time. Soon, he alone destroyed the entire asura army that attacked the gods.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and worshipped Skanda for saving their lives. Satisfied, Shiva and Parvati resumed their journey. Indra embraced Skanda and said that he killed Mahisha, a powerful asura who had been harassing them after receiving a boon from Brahma. He said that he would be Skanda’s famous first deed, and his glory would be eternal. Indra then went to Shiva and took his blessings. Shiva told Indra to treat Skanda as he would treat him (Shiva, as a powerful god, not just the general of his army). Thus, Agni’s son became the mighty general of Indra’s army and was worshipped by everyone.
Rishi Markandeya concluded by saying that those who heard this story would obtain prosperity and a place in Skanda’s world afterward.
The Birth of Kumara (Skanda) – Stories from Aranyaka Parva
After Rishi Markandeya narrated the genealogy of the different types of Agnis, he told Yudhistira to listen to the story of the birth of Karthikeya/ Kumara/ Skanda. The rishi called him the son of Adbutha, born from the wives of the seven rishis.
Once upon a time, the devas and asuras were constantly fighting each other. Indra was worried and wanted a general, someone who was extremely powerful and had the valor to protect the gods’ army. Thinking about it, he went to Mount Manasa, where he heard a young woman asking for a protector or a husband, someone who would help her.
Indra rushed towards the sound and assured her of her safety. Then, he saw Keshi, an asura, grabbing the maiden’s hand. Indra told Keshi to leave, but he said he had come to become the woman’s husband and threw his club at Indra.
Indra sliced the club with his vajra. When Keshi threw a mountain peak at him, Indra managed to destroy that too. Keshi was hurt in the process, so he left the woman and fled to save his life. Indra asked her who she was. The woman replied that she was Prajapati’s daughter, Devasena. Her sister Daityasena was already abducted by Keshi. The sisters often visited Mount Manasa to play. Keshi would come for the sisters. While Daityasena liked Keshi, Devasena didn’t. She said that her sister didn’t mind being abducted by the asura, but she wanted a powerful husband like Indra.
Indra replied that his mother was Dakshayani, which made Devasena his mother’s sister’s daughter (his sister). He asked her to tell him more about herself. Devasena said she was weak but wanted a powerful husband, as it was a boon her father got from the gods. So, Indra asked her to define the types of powers she wanted in her husband. Devasena said he should be immensely strong and vanquish gods, gandharvas, yakshas, kinnaras, nagas, asuras, and rakshasas. He should have the traits of a learned Brahmin and perform good deeds.
Indra sadly realized there wasn’t anyone he knew with all these traits. They needed to create someone for her. Just then, a strange astronomical event occurred in the sky.
The sun rose on Udaya Mountain. The moon entered the sun. The new moon set at the same instant. The gods and asuras were fighting on the same mountain. Dawn arrived with red clouds. The ocean below was red. Agni entered the sun carrying the oblations of Bhrigu, Angiras, and other rishis. The twenty-four parvas (parts of the day, possibly) surrounded the sun. Seeing the union of the sun and the moon, Indra got an idea. He thought that if the moon or Agni had a son, the boy would be powerful enough to meet Devasena’s checklist.
Indra took Devasena to Brahma Deva and asked for a brave husband for her who would also become the general of his army. He might as well get both wishes granted through the same person. Brahma Deva granted Indra and Devasena a boon that he would create a powerful young man to be the general of the devas’ army and the maiden’s husband. Thanking him, Indra took Devasena to meet the devarishis. Vasishtha and others helped Indra perform a great sacrifice. The Adbuta fire rose from the yagna site to accept the oblations and carry them to heaven.
As he rose, Agni saw the wives of the devarishis glowing golden in the light and desired them. However, he realized it was improper of him to do so. He made a plan to enter the household fire so that he could look at the women daily. Agni spent the next few days doing just that. However, he wanted more but knew he couldn’t have it. So, he went into the forest with a plan to discard his body.
Meanwhile, Daksha’s daughter, Svaha, saw Agni and desired him. When he left for the forest, she decided to do something about it and came up with a plan to disguise herself as the seven rishi patnis and seduce Agni.
Svaha first took the form of Shivaa, the wife of Angiras. She went to Agni and said she desired him and went to meet him after consulting her friends. Agni asked how she knew about his feelings for them. Svaha, as Shivaa, replied that they always thought he was their beloved, and since he had been showing signs of reciprocation, they decided to act on it.
Agni was happy to spend time with her, not knowing the truth. Svaha caught Agni’s semen in her hands and decided to transform into Garudi so that her actions wouldn’t affect the wives of the rishis. She flew over the forest towards Mount Shveta. This place was filled with rakshasas. Flying to the peak of the mountain, she threw the collected semen into a well. Svaha repeated the same by assuming the forms of the other five rishi patnis. However, she couldn’t transform into Arundhati, the wife of Vasishtha, as the lady was known for her immense tapasya powers.
On the first day of the lunar fortnight, the collected semen in the well turned into a boy. Since Svaha flung the semen six times, the boy had six heads and twelve arms attached to a single body. With each passing day, the boy grew bigger. By the fourth lunar day, his limbs were formed. Red clouds surrounded him and lightning flashed. He held a giant bow in one hand (given by Shiva). The boy roared so loudly that it shook the three worlds. The two nagas, Chitra and Airavata, jumped in fright. He saw and grabbed them in his hands. In his other hands, he held a spear, a red cock (tamrachuda), and a conch shell. He blew the conch and pounded on the sky with two other arms.
Sitting on the mountain peak, he looked like a blazing sun that wanted to devour the world. He aimed an arrow at Mount Shveta and shattered it. The vultures flew to Mount Meru for safety. He then threw his spear at Mount Shveta. The mountains were all afraid and began to worship him. They prayed to him throughout the fifth day.
The destruction caused by this boy was immense. The rishis and other people living in and around the Chitraratha forest were agitated. Even as the rishis tried to perform rituals to pacify him, people began to talk. They gossiped that this calamity was because of the rishi patnis sleeping with Agni. Some of them had seen Garudi fly from the forest. However, no one knew it was Svaha responsible for everything. Still, the news reached her. She flew to the boy and said she was his mother. Meanwhile, the rishis abandoned their wives due to the rumor, though Svaha told them she was the boy’s mother.
Vishwamitra followed Agni and was the only other person who knew everything. He went to seek refuge with Skanda and wrote a hymn to praise him. Vishwamitra performed the birth-relevant rites for Kumara and the world. Naturally, Kumara liked Vishwamitra. The rishi informed the other rishis about Svaha, but they refused to get back with their wives.
Up in heaven, the devas went to Indra and asked him to kill Skanda as he was too powerful and would want to become another Indra. He replied that the boy was too strong and could defeat even the creator in a battle. He suggested sending the mothers of the world to him as they had the power to do it. However, when the mothers saw the boy, their maternal instincts made them adopt him as their own. Kumara accepted them as his mothers and worshipped them. Then, Agni went to meet his son. Kumara worshipped his father as he stayed there with the boy. One of the mothers (Krura) was created out of anger. She was the one who nursed the boy. Agni transformed himself into Naigameya (a goat/ ram), something for the boy to play with.
The gods surrounded Kumara, and soon, Indra arrived on his Airavata. Seeing him ready for an attack, Kumara was angry. The gods cheered, rooting for Indra. Kumara opened his mouth and released a stream of fire that fried the god’s army. They quickly rushed to him to make peace. Indra hurled his vajra at Kumara. The weapon split open his right side.
Another young boy came out of his body. This boy was dressed in gold and held a spear in one hand. He was known as Vishaka. Seeing this frightened Indra. He, too, joined his hands in prayer and surrendered to Skanda. Now, all the gods and the army were Skanda’s.
Many more minor Kumaras and daughters were born when the vajra struck Skanda. They all thought of Vishaka as their father.
The mothers asked Skanda to make them the supreme mothers of the world. He agreed. Thus, Kaki, Halima, Rudra, Brihali, Arya, Palala, and Mitra became the seven mothers of the children who were born. They also had a son each (Sishu). The children born to Skanda’s mothers were known as the eight great ones. The sixth head of Skanda has the face of a goat and was worshipped by the mothers. Bhadrashakha is the chief among the heads. After all this happened on the fifth day, the war took place on day six.
The young man, Skanda, sat wearing golden armor and a crown. His eyes were gold. His clothes had a tinge of red. He was handsome and radiant. Even Shri worshipped him in the form of a lotus. The maharishis bowed to him and sought refuge. They asked him to become Indra.
Skanda asked what Indra did and how he protected everyone. They explained the roles and responsibilities of being Indra. However, Skanda replied that he had no desire to become an Indra and said he was happy to work for Indra instead. Indra insisted that Skanda was more powerful. and hence, the right person to rule the three worlds. Skanda didn’t budge. He asked to be made the general of his army so that he could fight the asuras and keep the devas and humans safe.
Indra happily agreed. The celebration began. Rudra (Shiva) arrived with Uma. Since the Brahmins sometimes referred to Agni as Rudra, Skanda became Shiva’s son as well. In short, the boy was born after Rudra’s energy entered Agni’s. This was combined with Svaha’s energy as well as that of the six mothers.
Agni gave Skanda a cock (rooster) that became his emblem. The rites were performed to install Kumara as the general of Indra’s army. Once done, Indra remembered Devasena. He fetched her to the mountain. When Devasena arrived, Indra introduced her to Skanda and said they were destined to be married even before he (Skanda) was born. Brihaspati recited the mantras as their wedding took place immediately. Devasena became his wife. The Brahmins also addressed her as Shashthi, Lakshmi, Asha, Sukhaprada, Sinivali, Kuhu, Sadvritti, and Aparajita.
After the celebrations were over, the six rishi patnis came to Skanda to share their plight and asked him to save them by granting them a place in heaven. They asked to be his mothers to be freed of the debt. Skanda replied that he was their son, and they were his mothers, so they would get what they wanted.
Meanwhile, there was more work for Skanda.
Indra said that Abhijit, Rohini’s younger sister, was feeling proud and went into the forest to perform austerities to become the first (while Rohini is the fourth star, she is Chandra’s first wife since he loved her the most, but had to marry all the twenty-eight stars, including Abhijit). A star had been dislodged from the sky due to this. Brahma Deva had determined the time for each star, but this new development had disturbed it. Considering Indra’s worry, the Krithikas went to heaven and became a star (the constellation appears like a cart).
When this was done, Svaha (Garudi) said to Skanda that he should offer her funeral oblation since she was his mother and said she wanted to live with him always. He granted her the boon. Then the group of mothers also wanted to be his mothers. He said they were his mothers and he was their son. They asked for a boon where only they would be worshipped as the mothers of the world and no one else. Also, by becoming his mothers, they were deprived of having offspring, so they wanted the children to be returned to them.
Skanda said they couldn’t wish for an offspring they already gave away, but he could give them other children. So they asked for children from natural mothers to devour them. He said he could give them that, but it would be extremely painful. Skanda suggested they take care of the children instead, as long as they are good. The mothers agreed and said they would do so while living with him. He said that they could afflict the children in different ways until they (the kids) reached sixteen years of age. Skanda promised to give them undecaying and terrible souls. They would live in happiness and be worshipped. When he said this, a new, strong being with a golden complex appeared out of Skanda’s body and went to devour the offspring. This being became a graha (loosely translated to a planet but here it defines an evil spirit or a disease), they named Skandapasmara. The extremely terrible version of Svaha (Garudi) was known as Shakuni and the rakshasi Putana became a graham with the same name. Pichasi women who roam at night in terrible forms were called Shitaputana. Aditi was also known as Revati, and her graham was called Raivata, which affects children.
Diti (the mother of daityas) was known as Mukhamandika in graham form and devoured the flesh of children. The Kumaras and Kumaris were also graha born from Skanda and devoured embryos. The Kumaras were the husbands of Kumaris and snatched children.
Shakuni rode Surabhi, the wish-fulfilling cow, to eat the children of the earth. Sarama, the goddess of dogs, robbed women of their embryos. The mother of trees resided in a karanja tree (Millettia pinnata or Panigrahi). Men who want sons worship this tree.
The eighteen grahas were fond of meat and liquor. They spend ten nights around the pregnant women during delivery time. Kadru graha would enter the womb to eat the embryo, so the mother would deliver a serpent instead. The mother of gandharvas would steal the embryo and run away. The mother of apsaras sits on the embryo (presumably to kill it). Skanda’s nurse was the daughter of the ocean of blood. She would be worshipped as Lohitayani in the kadamba tree (burflower tree). Arya, the mother worshipped for the fulfillment of desire,s dwelt among women.
Once the child turned sixteen, these mothers were no longer inauspicious to them and didn’t cause any trouble. Performing rites and prayers to Skanda would also appease these grahas.
However, different grahas would afflict young adults aged over sixteen. Rishi Markandeya listed them as follows –
The grahas could be classified into three types – gluttons, frolicsome, and lustful. They afflict men until they attain seventy years. Post that age, the fever that affects men would be considered a graha (old age-related illness). However, the grahas avoid men who control their senses and have pure thoughts. They also don’t harass those who worship Skanda.
Rishi Markandeya went back to narrating about the other requests Skanda had to handle.
Svaha appeared in front of Skanda again with another request. She said that since she was a child, she had desired to be with Agni, but he hadn’t loved her as much as she loved him. She wanted to reside eternally in Agni. Skanda set a mandate that all fire sacrifices had to be performed with the word ‘svaha’ after each offering. Thus, Svaha would always be a part of Agni. This made her very happy.
Then, Brahma Deva told Skanda (Mahasena) to go and meet Shiva. She said that Shiva entered Agni and Uma entered Svaha so that they could help in the conception of a powerful god (Skanda). During this process, Manjika and Manjikaa were also born, and the remaining semen flowed into the red river (Lohita/ Brahmaputra). A few bits stuck to the trees and some fell on the earth, while a little went into the sun’s rays. Thus, the semen fell in five ways, which led to the birth of companions (of Skanda) in different forms. Mahasena went to Shiva and worshipped him.
Read about Skanda as Indra’s general and how he dealt with the asuras.