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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. 

Savitri-with-yama

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. 

savitri-with-satyavan

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-with-yama

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.

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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

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. 

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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. 

Ramayana-Rama-Sita

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. 

sita

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.

rama-hanuman

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.

rama-in-war

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. 

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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-with-Durvasa

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. 

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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.

types-of-agni

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. 

types-of-agni

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.
types-of-agni

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. 

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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. 

Skanda-as-Indras-commander

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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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. 

birth-of-skanda

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. 

birth-of-skanda

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. 

birth-of-skanda

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. 

Read about Skanda as Indra’s general and how he dealt with the asuras. 

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Kaushika Learns from a Woman and a Butcher – Stories from Aranyaka Parva

Yudhistira asked Rishi Markandeya about the greatness of women. The rishi replied that, unlike men, women don’t need to fast or perform sacrifices to obtain heaven. Taking care of her family with a true heart is enough. Markandeya shared the story of how a woman taught an arrogant Brahmin named Kaushika about true dharma. 

Kaushika-and-hunter

Once upon a time, there lived a Brahmin, Kaushika, who studied the Vedas and performed many austerities. When he was sitting under a tree, a female crane on one of the branches pooped. Unfortunately, this excrement fell on Kaushika. He lost his temper and glared at the crane. The poor bird dropped dead. Then, the Brahmin felt sad and guilty for his act. He went into the nearby village to beg for alms. He wandered through the lanes and collected food. Kaushika reached the last house. The woman asked him to wait as she was cleaning the vessel used to give alms. 

However, her husband arrived for lunch, so she stopped doing the dishes and went to take care of him. She gave him water to clean himself and served him food. Midway through, she noticed Kaushika still waiting and rushed outside to give him alms. But Kaushika was angry again since she had made him wait too long and questioned her. She tried to pacify him, but he said she insulted a Brahmin. 

The woman replied that she did not insult him and she was more than aware of the power of those who performed austerities. She said she was following her dharma of taking care of her family. She also added that it was Kaushika who didn’t know much about dharma and asked him to go and meet a hunter in Mithila who knew all about it. 

Kaushika was curious and said that he would do so. He thought about it for a while and decided it was the right course of action to go and meet this hunter from Mithila. Kaushika set forth on his journey and, after many days of traveling, reached the city. Mithila was beautiful and decorated as if there was a festival. The city flourished with chariots, shops, etc. He inquired about the hunter and was pointed in the direction of a slaughterhouse. 

The hunter was selling the meat of buffalo and deer. Kaushika waited at the side as the hunter handled the customers and gave them what they wanted. The hunter noticed him and went to speak. He asked Kaushika what he could do for a great ascetic like him. He also said that he knew about the pious woman and the reason for the Brahmin’s arrival in Mithila. Before Kaushika could respond, the hunter invited him to his home and said his shop wasn’t the right place for their conversation. 

When they reached the hunter’s house, he treated Kaushika with respect and offered him water and a comfortable seat. Kaushika said that being a butcher didn’t seem like an appropriate livelihood for such a good man like the hunter. 

The hunter said it was his family occupation and he was simply following it. He said he didn’t feel it was wrong or incorrect for him. He lived within his means, was respectful to everyone, sold meat only to satisfy the needs of his customers, and didn’t indulge in anything inappropriate. Moreover, he didn’t kill the animals but sourced the dead ones from hunters who went into the forests. He purchased what was necessary, cleaned it, and chopped it up for his customers. He was doing his duty and following his dharma without causing harm to anyone. 

Kaushika was so impressed that he asked the hunter many questions about following the right conduct, living a pious life despite the clash with his profession, and so on. The hunter spoke about how King Usinara obtained eternal fame by offering his flesh as food for Indra and about King Rantideva, who served meat to thousands of people every day. The hunter said that even Brahmins kill animals during sacrifices. He gave many more examples to show that being a butcher didn’t automatically affect his life or his adherence to dharma. 

The hunter introduced Kaushika to his old parents. Kaushika was surprised and delighted to see how much the hunter cared for his parents and ensured they were comfortable at all times. After all, it was the dharma of a householder to keep his family fed, happy, and healthy. 

Pleased with everything, Kaushika said that the hunter was the greatest rishi. The hunter thanked him and said that the Brahmin had made a few mistakes in his past, which he needed to correct. Kaushika has slighted his aging mother and father and left home to study Vedas. His parents were suffering from old age. The hunter advised Kaushika to go and take care of them. This would strengthen the power of his austerities. Kaushika said he would do so. He then wondered why he was born in the hunter community when he had such immense knowledge obtained only through intense tapasya and years of training. 

The hunter shared the story of his past life. 

He was a Brahmin, learned in Vedas and Vedangas. He had a friend who was a king and skilled in weaponry. This made the Brahmin also skilled at using arms. One day, the king went on a hunt and killed many deer. The Brahmin also aimed and shot a deer. However, since they were close to an ashram, the arrow mistakenly hit a rishi. The Brahmin pleaded ignorance and asked for forgiveness. But the dying rishi was angry and cursed him to be born as a hunter. The Brahmin requested the rishi once again. This time, he relented and said that though he would be born a hunter, he would retain his knowledge from his birth and live a dharmic life, thus allowing him to attain a place a heaven. 

The Brahmin then removed the arrow from the rishi’s body and carried him to his ashram. He even saved the rishi’s life. The rishi assured the Brahmin that he would lead a worthy and noble life and shouldn’t feel bad about his hunter birth. 

Hence, the hunter had no worries or doubts and continued to follow his dharma dutifully. He was confident that by fulfilling his family occupation and taking care of his dear ones, he would achieve the desired status and be reborn as a Brahmin in his next life. He said there was no reason for him to wallow in misery. He was content and happy. 

Kaushika was impressed by the hunter and bowed to him. He then took leave to go back to the parents he had abandoned and began to care for them. 

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The Greatness of Rajarishi Indradyumna – Stories from Aranyaka Parva

Rishi Markandeya was a very old man who lived for thousands of years. Yudhistira wondered if he was the oldest man ever living or if anyone else had a longer life than him. The rishi then shared the story of a king named Indradyumna. 

Here is how it goes!

Rajarishi-Indradyumna

There was once a Rajarishi Indradyumna. He performed many meritorious deeds when alive and gained a place in heaven after his demise. However, once his merits were exhausted, he fell from heaven. He could regain his place if someone knew of him and had good words to say. So, Indradyumna went to Rishi Markandeya and asked if he knew him. The rishi replied that he didn’t since he didn’t live his life collecting wealth. However, Markandeya suggested that the king visit an old owl somewhere deep inside the Himalayas. 

Indradyumna followed the advice and went to find the owl. When he met it, he asked if the owl knew him. Unfortunately, even this old owl didn’t know the king. The owl said his friend, a crane, might know him. The crane was named Nadijangha and was older than the owl. Indradyumna and the owl went to the crane, who also said it didn’t know him. Then, they asked if there was anyone even older than the crane. 

Nadijangha said Akupura, a tortoise that lived in the lake, was super old. The crane asked the tortoise if it knew of anyone named Indradyumna. The tortoise thought for a few minutes and had tears in its eyes. It recognized the name and said it knew of him. Akupura spoke about how the king had erected the sacrificial stakes a thousand times. The lake was created by the hooves of the cattle he gave away as gifts, and the tortoise had been living there ever since. 

As soon as Akupura said the words, a celestial chariot descended from heaven to take Indradyumna back. The charioteer said heaven was ready for him and pointed out how the good deeds of a person can keep their name and fame alive for generations afterward. The king asked the charioteer to wait until he returned his friends (the owl and rishi Markandeya) back to their homes since they traveled a distance for him. Once done, he stepped into the chariot and went back to heaven. 

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Parikshit of the Ikshvaku Lineage – Stories from Aranyaka Parva

Yudhistira continued to ask Rishi Markandeya to tell them more stories. This time, the rishi spoke about a king named Parikshit of the Ikshvaku lineage from the older days. 

vamadeva-from-story-of-parikshit-of-ikshvaku

One day, King Parikshit went on a hunt in a forest. He found some deer and pursued them on his horse. The herd scattered, and the king was exhausted. Seeing a dark cluster of trees, he went to explore the region and found a beautiful pond in the center. He jumped inside to take a bath and washed his horse. He played with the lotus flowers and stems for a while, relaxing in the refreshing space. 

Just then, he heard a melodious voice singing a song. Parikshit looked around, wondering who that voice belonged to. A beautiful woman walked that way, singing and picking flowers. The king called out to her and asked who she was, and said he was in love with her. She replied that she could be his only if he made a promise. The king asked what it was. The woman told him he should never show her water. He agreed. They sat there for a while when his soldiers arrived. 

The king returned to his city with the woman and married her. Parikshit then ordered his prime minister to build a place where water wouldn’t reach. The prime minister got a grove constructed with flowers, plants, and trees, but without water. Once it was ready, the king and his wife spent their time there. 

However, one day, the king saw a pond hidden in the grove and sat beside it with his queen. Forgetting her previous words, he suggested that they get into the pond and have some fun. The woman agreed. The king realized that he couldn’t find his wife anywhere in the pond. There were only a bunch of frogs. The angry king ordered all frogs to be killed and said anyone who wished to see him should bring a dead frog as tribute. 

As people began killing the frogs, the king of the frogs went to Parikshit in the guise of an ascetic. He recited two shlokas and asked him not to kill innocent animals in anger, and asked what purpose the killing served. 

The king replied that he could not forgive the frogs since they killed his beloved queen and deserved to die. The Brahmin said that he was Ayu, the king of frogs, and Parikshit’s wife was his daughter Sushobana. He explained that his daughter had a habit of deceiving kings this way, and Parikshit wasn’t her first victim. 

Parikshit said that he still wanted her. So, Ayu brought his daughter to him and handed her over to her husband. He then cursed her for her falsehood and deceit that her sons would be the haters of Brahmins. Parikshit was happy to get back the woman he loved and thanked Ayu. 

Sometime later, they had three sons – Shala, Dala, and Bala. When the king became old, he installed his oldest, Shala, on the throne and went into the forest to spend the rest of his life. 

Shala ruled for a few years. 

One day, he went on a hunt and was pursuing a deer. His charioteer said they should stop since the horses on the chariot weren’t capable of catching the deer, and only the Vamya horses could do that. Shala asked the charioteer to tell him about the Vamya horses and threatened to kill him otherwise. The charioteer replied that the Vamya horses belonged to Vamadeva. Shala ordered him to drive to Vamadeva’s ashram. The charioteer did so. 

Shala asked Vamadeva for the Vamya horses to chase the deer he hit with the arrow. Vamadeva agreed, but on the condition that the horses should be returned after catching the deer. Shala accepted the terms to take the horses but didn’t want to return them. So, he rode back to the kingdom with the Vamya horses. 

Vamadeva realized the truth and sent his disciple to Shala, who said rich kings should possess such horses and not Brahmins, so he wouldn’t give them back. Vamadeva was furious. He personally went to Shala, who refused to return the horses and instead offered bulls, donkeys, and another breed of horses. Vamadeva finally decided he had enough. He announced that his tapasya powers would create a rakshasa that would pierce the king with long spears and kill him. Shala didn’t yield. Even when a rakshasa appeared out of nowhere and rushed at him, Shala yelled that he wouldn’t return the horses, not even if all his ancestors ordered him to do so. However, the rakshasa lunged and killed him. 

With Shala dead, they made Dala the king. Vamadeva went to Dala to get back his horses. However, he was no different from his brother. In fact, he was worse. Dala ordered his men to bring poisoned arrows to kill Vamadeva for asking him to return the horses. Vamadeva told Dala that he would end up killing his own ten-year-old son with those arrows. As cursed, the men bringing the arrows tried it inside the palace and accidentally killed the king’s son. Dala asked for more arrows as he was determined to kill Vamadeva. 

Vamadeva calmly said that Dala wouldn’t be able to release the arrow, though he had it aimed. No matter how much he tried, Dala couldn’t release the arrow. At last, he gave up. Satisfied, Vamadeva told the king to touch his queen with the arrow to revive his son. The queen rushed to Vamadeva to take his blessings. He offered her a boon. She asked for her husband to be freed from the sin and for them to have many children and grandchildren. 

Vamadeva gave her the boon. Thankful for this gesture, Dala returned the Vamya horses to their rightful owner and learned his lesson.

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Life in Kali Yuga – Stories from Aranyaka Parva

After the story of Manu and the fish, Yudhistira asked Rishi Markandeya to provide insights into the lives during the yugas, especially kali yuga. The rishi started with a small prayer to Narayana and shared the details. 

kali-yuga

Krita yuga began after the universe’s destruction and lasted four thousand years. A sandhya period of four hundred years preceded the yuga, and another sandhya of three hundred years succeeded it. Then, the dwapara yuga had two thousand years with a sandhya of two hundred years each before and after. Next was kali yuga of a thousand years with a sandhya of a hundred years each before and after. At the end of kali yuga, krita yuga would start again. This total period of twelve thousand years is a yuga, and one thousand such cycles form one day of Brahma. When the universe retreats into the Brahma day, it’s considered the beginning of destruction.

Towards the end of the yuga, all men would resort to speaking falsehood. They used representatives for sacrifices and donations. The roles and responsibilities of the varnas got reversed. The Brahmins didn’t study or perform austerities. Decay started everywhere, and things got perverse. Rulers used evil and falsehood as their means to control the citizens. The men would not use their dharma to make a living. They would have weak bodies with low energy and less valor. The country would be empty and infested with predators. 

The trees no longer produce consumable fruits or fragrant flowers. Cows would give less milk. People would kill each other for little things, and become addicted to drinking and gambling. Indra would no longer shower rain at the right time. The crops would suffer. People would resort to adharmic means to achieve their goals and break the trust of others. They would become old at sixteen years and have a short lifespan. At the end of the yuga, there would be a drought for many years. Everything would become weak and useless. People would die in large numbers. The sun would blaze stronger than ever, and the water bodies would dry up. Fire would burn down whatever it can. Weird-shaped clouds would fill the sky and cause extensive rains, leading to floods. The mountains would splinter and everything would be destroyed. Nothing would be visible except the floodwater. 

Rishi Markandeya said that at this point of chaos, he wandered around aimlessly and saw a tall banyan tree with a child seated on it. The child’s face was like that of a lotus or a moon. His eyes were large and beautiful. His complex was like a flax flower (blue) and he had a srivatsa mark on the chest. The child spoke to the rishi and asked him to rest since he was exhausted. When asked where he should rest, the child opened his mouth and asked the rishi to step inside. He did so and saw the entire universe inside the child and roamed everywhere.

Finally, the rishi prayed to Narayana and was let out of the mouth and back to the banyan tree. Rishi Markandeya worshipped him. The child answered the questions he asked and assured the rishi that evolution would begin again soon.

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The Account of Vaivasvata Manu and the Fish – Stories from Aranyaka Parva

Yudhistira asked Rishi Markandeya to share the story of Manu and the fish. Krishna, Satyabhama, and Narada were also present in the audience (along with the Pandavas, Draupadi, and Purohit Dhaumya). 

Markandeya obliged.

Manu-and-the-Fish

Vivasvat (sun god) had a son named Manu, who was radiant and powerful like his father and Prajapati. He surpassed his father and grandfather in performing austerities. He did tapasya by standing on a single foot in Vishala Badari for many, many years. One day, a tiny fish swam to the banks and spoke to the rishi. The little fish said it was afraid of the larger fish in the ocean and asked the rishi to save its life, and that it would return the favor when the time came. 

Manu gently scooped the fish in his hands and placed it inside a water pot. He took care of the fish as if it were his child. In a while, the fish grew bigger and could no longer move in the pot. It asked Manu to find a bigger home. Manu transferred the fish to a nearby pond and continued to care for it. After some time, the fish got even bigger and wanted more space. Manu took it to the River Ganga and released it into her waters. 

Yet again, after a few days, the fish greeted Manu with a request for a bigger home. He took the fish to the ocean. Satisfied, it told Manu that the destruction of the earth was near and he should be prepared when it came. The fish asked Manu to build a sturdy boat and find a strong rope to tether it. Manu was to get into the boat with the saptarishis and make sure to carry all the seeds from the plants he collected. The fish said it would come for him. 

Manu followed the fish’s instructions and collected seeds from the trees and plants. He built a boat capable of withstanding turbulent waves and tied it to a rope at one end. Once done, he thought about the fish. It visited him immediately. The fish was as big as a whale and even larger with a horn on its head. It looped the rope around the horn and dragged the boat across the ocean. Meanwhile, the destruction of the Earth had begun. 

The fish pulled the boat with Manu and the saptarishis to the Himalayas, which were also sinking. It asked Manu to tie the boat to the top of the mountain. The highest peak has since then been called Nau-bandhana. 

The fish then told the rishis that it was actually Brahma who saved them to ensure recreation. Manu was to play a vital role in creation (hence the seeds). The fish disappeared. Manu resumed his tapasya, and when the time was right, he began to create all the beings on the earth. 

Rishi Markandeya said that anyone who listened to the account of Manu and the fish every day would be happy and successful in their endeavors and go to heaven.

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