Stories from Mahabharata
Story of Ekalavya
Stories from Mahabharata
Near the ashrama of Drona, where Arjuna and his brothers used to take lessons in various arts, there lived a small bright boy, shudra by caste (lower caste). His name was Eklavya. He had great desire to learn the art of archery from Dronacharya. But his mother had told him that as a shudra, Acharya Drona would not accept Eklavya as his disciple. It was futile to dream of such a privilege.
But the boy was not be put off, his determination knew no bounds. Near his house, under a tree Eklavya installed a clay idol of Dronacharya that he worshiped as his Guru! Daily, morning and evening, this devotee put flower and natural perfumes in front of this image and took Self-Lessons in the art of bow and arrow. The talented young Eklavya soon acquired high knowledge in archery. He attributed his success to his Guru Dronacharya.
One day, as it happened, Acharya Drona and Arjuna were passing near the hut of Eklavya. It was pleasant and peaceful afternoon and people were taking rest. But the tranquility and silence was broken by constant barking of a dog. Eklavya did not like this, and therefore, he shut the mouth of the dog with an arrow! Dronacharya and Arjuna were surprised to see the dog with his mouth sealed with an arrow!
Naturally the curious Arjuna asked his Gurudev as to who could have done this delicate job. Even Dronacharya was amazed and knew the archer must be exceptionally skilled artist. They decided to trace this skillful fellow and reached the spot where Eklavya was practicing wonders with his bow and arrow in front of the clay image of Drona. It took no time for Dronacharya to understand the situation. He realized that Eklavya was superior to Arjuna in some respects. Dronacharya loved Arjuna very much and had declared him to be the best archer on the earth. Hence the Guru thought for awhile and came to a decision to remove Eklavya as a competitor to Arjuna.
Dronacharya went to Eklavya and said, "O young man, who has taught you such wonderful skills in archery! Who is your Guru?"
Seeing the Guru in front of him, the boy Eklavya was more that overjoyed and said, "Why, O Gurudev, this all is your grace! I worship you as my Guru. Look you are there in that image!"
Dronacharya was pleased with the dedication of Eklavya, and said, "I bless you my son. But as is customary, won't you give me my fees - Guru-Dakshina!"
[It is customary in India to give to the Guru whatever he demands as his fees - Guru-Dakshina for the knowledge the Guru has given to the disciple.]
Eklavya was overwhelmed to see Dronacharya had accepted him as his disciple! Out he said, "O Honorable Teacher, whatever you ask, this humble disciple of yours will try his utmost to offer you as Guru-Dakshina! I am blessed."
And now comes a very touching and pathetic incidence in Mahabharata.
Guru Drona said, "O Eklavya, I am pleased with your respect for Guru. I want the thumb of your right hand as my fees – Guru-Dakshina."
The trees and atmosphere around stood still for a minute! Even Arjuna was stunned on listening to the unusual and almost cruel demand of his Guru. To ask for the thumb of an archer was equivalent to almost kill him! How could Dronacharya demand such a heavy prize from one disciple to protect the honor of the other!
But Eklavya had no such remorse. Unruffled and with due humility, cheerfully and without protest, he cut his right thumb and placed at the feet of Dronacharya. Gods in the heaven silently praised the greatness of Eklavya's sacrifice.
Story of Savithri and Satyavan
Stories from Mahabharata
The myth occurs as a multiply embedded narrative in the Mahabharata told, most immediately, by Markandeya. When Yudhisthira asks Markandeya whether there has ever been a woman whose devotion matched Draupadi’s, Markandeya replies by relating this myth. The childless king of Madras, Asvapati, lives ascetically for many years and offers oblations with the savitri manthra. Finally the Goddess Savitri appears to him and grants him a boon, cautioning him not to complain: he will have a daughter. She is born and named Savitri in honor of the Goddess. Savitri is born out of devotion and asceticism, traits she will herself practice. We learn that the king is joyful at the prospect of a child, but the story hides his internal thoughts from the audience, allowing them to provide their own interpretation.
When Savitri reaches the age of marriage, no man asks for her hand, so her father tells her to find a husband on her own. She sets out on a pilgrimage for this purpose and finds Satyavan, the son of a blind king named Dyumatsena, living in exile as a forest-dweller. Savitri returns to find her father speaking with Narada who announces that Savitri has made a bad choice: although perfect in every way, Satyavan is irretrievably destined to die one year from that day. In response to her father’s pleas to choose a more suitable husband, Savitri insists that she will choose her husband but once. After Narada announces his agreement with Savitri, Asvapati acquiesces. This is Savitri’s first conflict with a powerful male figure: her father the king. Savitri’s argument rests on the authority of her mind. She says, “Having made the decision with my mind, I am stating it with my speech, and shall accomplish it with my actions later. My mind is my authority.” Savitri overcomes worldly power by appealing to the spiritual authority of her family’s guru and her own interior self.
Savitri and Satyavan are married, and she goes to live in the forest. Immediately after the marriage, Savitri takes on the clothing of a hermit and lives in perfect obedience and respect to her new parents-in-law and husband. She goes beyond all expectations of proper behavior.
Three days before the foreseen death of Satyavan, Savitri takes a vow of fasting and vigil. Her father-in-law tells her she has taken on too harsh of a regime, but Savitri replies that she has taken an oath to perform these austerities, at which Dyumatsena offers his support. This is her second conflict with a powerful man, and she again appeals to a higher, spiritual commitment that he must recognize.
The morning of Satyavan’s predicted death, Savitri asks for her father-in-law’s permission to accompany her husband into the forest. Since she has never asked for anything during the entire year she has spent at the hermitage, Dyumatsena grants her wish. The story juxtaposes the devotion of Savitri to her father, parents-in-law, and husband with several critical moments where she defies their wishes. She justifies her defiance, which takes the form of devotion and asceticism, through an appeal to a higher authority. She is being even more self-sacrificing and more devoted than the people around her expect, but she simultaneously demonstrates her strength and independence.
While Satyavan is splitting wood, he suddenly becomes weak and lays his head in Savitri’s lap. Yama himself comes to claim the soul of Satyavan. Savitri follows Yama as he carries the soul away. When he tries to convince her to turn back, she offers successive formulas of wisdom. First she praises obedience to the Law, then friendship with the strict, then Yama himself for his just rule, then Yama as King of the Law, and finally noble conduct with no expectation of return. Impressed at each speech, Yama praises both the content and style of her words and offers any boon except the life of Satyavan. She first asks for eyesight and a return to the throne for her father-in-law, then sons for her father, and then sons for herself and Satyavan. Finally Yama offers any boon without exception, and Savitri chooses Satyavan’s life. This is Savitri’s final and most dramatic conflict with a powerful male figure: Yama, the god of death. Yama clearly occupies the position of strength, but Savitri manages to overcome even death. Her argument lies in appealing to the Law, above even Yama.
Savitri returns to Satyavan’s body who awakens as though he has been in a deep sleep. In order to console his parents who they fear must be worried, they set out to return that evening, Satyavan assisted by his wife. Meanwhile at their home, Dyumatsena regains his eyesight and searches with his wife for Satyavan and Savitri. As the ascetics comfort and counsel the distraught parents, Savitri and Satyavan return. Since Satyavan still does not know what happened, Savitri relays the story to her parents-in-law, husband, and the gathered ascetics. As they praise her, Dyumatsena’s ministers arrive with news of the death of his usurper. Joyfully, the king and his entourage return to his kingdom. Likewise, all the other boons happen. Markandeya assures Yudhisthira and the other exiles that Draupadi will also sa
Stories from Mahabharata
Story of Kacha and Devyani
Stories from Mahabharata
A long time ago, when the Gods and Demons were still fighting for supremacy over the three worlds - Heaven (Aakash), Earth (Prithvi) and the Netherworld (Pataal) - they appointed their priests (Gurus) who would pray for them and advice them in matters concerning the war.
The gods appointed Angiras Vrihaspati as their priest and the demons (Asuras), not to be left behind, appointed Bhargav Shukracharya to be their guru. Now both these brahmin priests were stalwarts in their fields and enjoyed a healthy rivalry too. They respected each other immensely but also indulged in a game of one-up man ship.
The war between the gods and asuras had started in earnest and both the priests were busy with their Yajnas and prayers to make their sides more powerful. Shukracharya, the priest of the demons, would breathe life into the demons who died in the battle and make them healthy again. He could do so because he was an expert in the knowledge of Sanjeevani (the art of breathing life in a dead being). This Sanjeevani Vidya (knowledge) was making the asuras stronger and they were the obvious leaders in the fight, as they were not facing any casualties.
The gods on the other hand were suffering great losses, as Vrihaspati, their guru, did not possess the Sanjeevani Vidya. The gods and their guru deliberated on this drawback and decided that someone would have to go and learn this art of breathing life into a dead body from the guru of the demons.
It was decided that Kacha, the son of guru Vrihaspati, would go to the land of the demons to learn the Sanjeevani Vidya. Kacha went to Vrishparva, where Shukracharya had his Ashram (hermitage). He introduced himself to the great priest, "Sire, I am the grandson of Maharishi Angira and the son of Vrihaspati, the priest of gods. I implore you to accept me as your pupil. I promise to live the celibate life of a Brahmachari (student) and serve you for one thousand years."
Shukracharya was pleased with the humility of Kacha and accepted him as his pupil. He said, "I will treat you as if I am treating my friend Vrihaspati and I will be honoured to accept you as my pupil."
Kacha started his studies and would keep the guru happy with his behaviour. He would also take good care of the daughter of his guru, Devyani. Time passed and Kacha became Shukracharya's favourite pupil. After 500 years had passed, the demons learnt of the real purpose of Kacha's visit. They were incensed and feared that with the Sanjeevani Vidya, the gods would become more powerful. So they plotted to kill Kacha.
One day, when Kacha was grazing the cattle in the jungle, the demons killed him, cut him into small pieces and fed him to the wolves. In the evening the animals returned without Kacha. Devyani, who was by now deeply in love with Kacha, was worried and went to her father. She told him that Kacha was missing and that he must do something to get him back. She said, "I fear that someone has killed him or he is dead somewhere in the forest. Please use your knowledge to bring back my Kacha. I cannot live without him and shall die if he is not brought back from the dead." Shukracharya, who himself was fond of Kacha, used his powers and breathed life into Kacha. All the pieces of Kacha tore open the stomachs of the wolves and joined together and Kacha came alive. He returned to the hermitage and thanked his guru.
After a few days, the asuras again killed Kacha and on Devyani's request, Shukracharya again breathed life into him. The third time, the asuras killed Kacha, and burnt his body. They then took his ashes and mixed it with wine and requested Shukracharya to drink the wine. Shukracharya, who was unaware of the vile machinations of the asuras, drank the wine. When Kacha didn't return to the hermitage, Devyani again went to her father and requested him to bring Kacha back to life. Shukracharya started chanting the mantras which would bring Kacha to life. Kacha, who was inside the stomach of Shukracharya, revealed his dilemma from inside in a quiet voice. He said that he would not come out of the stomach of his guru, as that would mean killing his guru.
Shukracharya said, "Son, you are a great ascetic and very dear to me and my daughter. If you are not Indra, and if you are a Brahmin, then I shall teach you the Sanjeevani Vidya. And I know that you are not Indra, because only a brahmin could stay alive in my stomach for so long. Now, I shall teach you the secret knowledge of Sanjeevani so that you can come out of my stomach and then breathe life into me."
Kacha said, "I have lived in your stomach, so I am your son. You have breathed life into me and have taught me the art of Sanjeevani which is like the flow of Amrit (the divine ambrosia which gives eternal life) in my veins. I shall behave as a good son should do because those who do not respect their guru, who is like a god for a pupil, deserves to rot in hell."
Shukracharya, who was displeased with himself for drinking wine, which caused him to be irrational so that he could not see through the machinations of the asuras promised never to touch a drop of any intoxicants. He also laid out a rule for all the brahmins, that if they drink alcohol, they would be breaking divine rules and would deserve to rot in hell. They would not only spoil the good deeds of this life, they would also ruin their next birth, if they touched even a drop of wine.
After this, he asked Kacha to tear open his stomach and come out. Kacha did as he was told and when he came out the guru died. Kacha used his knowledge of Sanjeevani and breathed life into his guru, like a dutiful son should do. He then stayed with Shukracharya till the completion of his one thousand years and soon it was time for him to leave.
Devyani then approached him and told him of her love for him. She requested him to marry her according to the norms and take her with him. Kacha was now in a dilemma as he considered the daughter of his guru as his sister, as was the correct conduct for a rishikumar (son of a guru). He said, "Sister, as I have lived in the same stomach from which you were born too, I am your brother. Therefore, due to this reason, I am your brother, besides, you are the daughter of my guru, who is like a father to me. So I cannot marry you as you are my sister."
Devyani was hurt and angry at Kacha's refusal and she cursed him. She said that all the knowledge that he had acquired from her father would be of no use to him. Kacha replied that he accepted her curses as inadvertently he had hurt her, but he would teach others what he had learnt and then they would use it to the benefit of others. He also said that she had not considered that he was bound by the rules of conduct and had cursed him, therefore no Brahmin would marry her. He then took leave from his guru and went to the gods and his father where he used his knowledge for the benefit of others.
Story of King Yayati
Stories from Mahabharata
This story, from the Mahabharata, conveys the timeless message of self control and restraint.
Sukracharya was the preceptor of Asuras (demons). The Asura king Vrishaparva greatly respected Sukracharya as he knew the secret of Mritasanjibani, a drug that brings the dead back to life. Devayani was Sukracharya's only daughter and spoiled by her father's indulgence.
One morning, Sharmishtha, the Asura princess, daughter of Vrishaparva, came to Sukracharya's hermitage with her friends. She asked Sukracharya to allow Devayani to accompany them for a bath in a nearby lake. Sukracharya agreed. They soon reached the lake and left their clothes on the bank to go into the water. Suddenly a storm blew up and scattered their clothes. The girls hurriedly came out of the lake and got dressed. It so happened that the princess Sharmishtha, by mistake, clad herself in Devayani's clothes. Angered by this, Devayani insulted Sharmishtha, the Asura princess. Argument began and Sharmishtha pushed Devayani into a dry well and left Devayani in the well.
It so happened that Yayati, the king of a nearby state, came hunting in the forest and was looking for water to drink. When he came near the well he was surprised to find Devayani lying at the bottom. Devayani introduced herself and said that she fell into the well. She then requested the king to pull her out. Yayati helped her out. Devayani demanded that Yayati marry her as he has held her by the right hand. Yayati was alarmed and turned down her request on the ground that he belonged to lower Khatriya (or warrior) caste, and Devayani was a Brahmin (priestly) maid. Yayati then left and Devayani continued to sit under a tree.
When she did not return, Sukracharya set out in search of her. He found Devayani under a tree, her eyes filled with tears of anger and grief. When Sukracharya inquired, Devayani told her father every thing, carefully hiding her own faults. She refused to return to the kingdom of Vrishaparva as she was badly insulted by the Asura princess, Sharmishtha. Failing to change her mind, Sukracharya returned to Vrishaparva and announced that he was leaving the Asura kingdom because of his daughter Devayani's unhappy conflict with princess Sharmishtha. Vrishaparva begged Sukracharya to stay. Sukracharya left the decision with his daughter Devayani.
Vrishaparva wasted no time and went to Devayani taking his daughter Sharmishtha along. He begged forgiveness for his daughter. Devayani agreed to return on one condition that Sharmishtha be her handmaiden for the rest of her life. Sharmishtha agreed for the sake of her father, the king. Devayani was pacified and returned to her father's hermitage. But Devayani was vindictive and humiliated Sharmishtha by asking to massage her legs and run errands.
One day, king Yayati passed that way. Devayani introduced Sharmishtha as her maid and reminded Yayati that he should marry her. Yayati repeated that he could not marry a Brahmin maid. Devayani then took Yayati to her father. Sukrachaya gave his blessing on their marriage. They were soon married and led a happy life. Devayani had two sons.
Sharmishtha continued to stay as Devayani's handmaid. Yayati made a palace for Shramishtha at the request of Devayani. One day Sharmishtha secretly met Yayati and told him what happened between her and Devayani. Yayati was sympathetic. Sharmishtha begged Yayati to take her as the second wife. Yayati agreed and married her but without the knowledge of Devayani. Sharmishtha had three sons.
One day, Devayani met the three sons of Sharmishtha. She asked the boys the name of their father. They pointed to Yayati. Devayani was shocked. She felt deceived and ran to her father's hermitage. Sukracharya was enraged and cursed Yayati with premature old age. Yayati begged for forgiveness. Sukracharya and Devayani felt sorry for him. Sukracharya then said, "I cannot take back my curse, but if any of your sons is ready to exchange his youth for your old age, you will be young again as long as you wish."
Yayati, now an old man, quickly returned to his kingdom and called for his eldest son. "My dutiful son, take my old age and give me your youth, at least for a while, until I am ready to embrace my old age." The eldest son turned down his father's request and so also the next three older brothers. Then came the youngest, Puru. He agreed and immediately turned old. Yayati rushed out as a young man to enjoy his life. After years spent in vain effort to quench his desires by indulgence, Yayati finally came into senses. He returned to Puru and said, "Dear son, sensual desire is never quenched by indulgence any more than fire is extinguished by pouring oil on it. Take back your youth and rule the kingdom wisely and well."
Yayati then returned to the forest and spent the rest of his days in austerities, meditating upon Brahman, the ultimate reality. In due course, he attained heaven.
Stories from Mahabharata
Story of Banasura
Stories from Mahabharata
Banasura, a mighty demon once ruled over a large kingdom. So strong and fierce was his influence that all the kings and even some of the gods shuddered in front of his might. An ardent devotee of lord Shiva, Banasura once worshipped Shiva with great devotion. The god was so pleased with him that he promised to grant Banasura a boon. Banasura, in turn asked Shiva to come and guard the gates of his city.
Shiva was furious but he had to give in to Banasura's wish, as he had already given his word to him. Bana was not only pleased with his achievement, but with Shiva at his service, he became all the more arrogant. One day Banasura told Lord Shiva that he wanted to fight with somebody who was as strong and as mighty as him. "Yes, yes," replied Shiva. "You will certainly get the chance to fight. Whenever you see your flag-staff broken and the flag fallen down then you will know that the chance for a fight is coming." But Shiva also warned him, that he would be a great warrior who will curb Banasura's pride.
Banasura had a beautiful daughter named Usha, who had received many proposals for marriage but Bana had refused to get him married to anyone of them. Usha had a very clever and talented friend, Chitralekha, who was the daughter of Bana's minister. One night Usha dreamt of a handsome prince. She fell in love with him instantly. But on not finding the prince on waking up, she started crying for him and said that she would die without him. Chitralekha thought deeply over the matter. She knew that her friend had only been dreaming, but decided to help her on seeing Usha's pathetic condition.
She wrote down the names of all the gods, kings and princes whom Usha might have seen in her dream and started drawing portraits of each one of them. She drew Indira, Brahma and many other devas. But Usha refused them all. It was only when she drew the picture of Krishna's grandson Anirudha that Usha smiled and said that he was the prince who had come in her dreams.
At midnight, Chitralekha, then set out on her mission to search for the prince. With her magical powers she carried the sleeping Anirudha, out of Krishna's palace and brought him to Bana's city. The next morning, when Anirudha woke up in Usha's palace, he was surprised but at the same time enamored by the princess' beauty and expressed the desire to marry her. Usha immediately agreed to it, but when they went for Bana's consent, he not only refused but also put Anirudha in the prison.
Narada, meanwhile went and told Krishna about the whole event. When Krishna came to know about it, he knew that the only way to free his grandson was by waging a war against Banasura. So, Krishna gathered a large army and declared war on him by breaking his flagstaff.
Seeing the flagstaff broken Bana was overjoyed, as he knew the time for a fight had come. A terrible fight then ensued between the two till they met in a one to one battle. Krishna proved to be much more powerful and as he was about to kill Bana, Shiva came forward and requested Krishna to spare his live. Krishna accepted the request only on the condition that Bana would mend his ways and apologise to Shiva for his wrong doings. Bana realising his mistake apologized to both Shiva and Krishna. Krishna then graciously accepted Usha as his grand daughter-in-law and married Anirudha to her.
Story of Uttanka
Stories from Mahabharata
The third disciple of Saint Ayodhdhaumya was Ved. One day his guru said to him, "Son, you stay in my house for a few days and take care of us, and you shall be blessed." Ved stayed with his guru for a long time and took good care of him and his family. His guru, to test his patience, would give him a lot of work to do and treat him like a beast of burden. But Ved went on serving him without being perturbed. He never once disobeyed his guru and did all that he was told. After many days his guru was pleased with him and blessed him and told him that he would be all-knowledgeable.
Ved then returned from the hermitage and left the stage of Brahmacharya (student life) and entered the stage of Grihastya (married life). He too had three disciples studying at his hermitage. But he would never ask any of his disciples to work for him or run errands for him because he realised the pains that a student has to face in the Gurukul (the school). Ved had to go out when he was appointed as a priest to do something for the king. Whenever he went out he would assign one of his disciples to look after the hermitage and his family. Once, when he was appointed as the priest to serve King Paushya, he appointed Uttank, his favourite disciple to be the caretaker in his absence.
When he came back after finishing his obligations at the palace he heard great things about the genteel behaviour of Uttank. Ved was very pleased and he blessed Uttank. He said, "Son, you have taken good care in my absence. May all your wishes be fulfilled. Now you may go and start a new life." Uttank asked his guru what he should present him as fee. The guru at first refused to accept anything, but when Uttank insisted he told him to ask his wife. Then Uttank went to the wife of his Guru and asked her what she would like as a present. The wife said that he should bring her the earrings of the queen as she wanted to wear them four days from that day and serve food to the brahmins. She told him that if he fulfilled her wishes he would be blessed.
Uttank took leave and started on his journey to the palace of King Paushya. On his way he saw a huge man sitting on a giant bull. He addressed Uttank and asked him to eat the dung of the bull. Uttank refused. But the man said that he should not hesitate as his guru, Ved, had also eaten the dung. Hearing this Uttank ate a little of the dung and started on his journey as he was in a hurry. He washed his mouth as he was moving. When he reached the palace of Paushya he blessed the king and told him that he had come to ask him for something. When Paushya learnt what Uttank wanted he sent him to the antahpur (the queen's residence). When Uttank reached the living quarters of the queen he did not find her there. So he came back to the king and told him that his queen was not to be found. To this the king replied that his wife was a pious women and very faithful and no man who was impure could see her.
Uttank remembered that he had not washed himself properly after he had eaten and performing ablutions while one is moving is not permitted. So Uttank performed his ablutions according to rituals with pure water, mantras and foam and when he finished he went to the queen again. This time he was able to see her and she gave him the earrings. She also warned him that Takshak, the snake wanted these earrings and would do anything to get them. She asked him to be careful, as Takshak would steal it from him if he was careless.
Uttank started on his journey home. On his way he noticed that there was a snake called Kshapnak following him. This snake would sometimes appear and then disappear. Uttank was thirsty and he put down the earrings to drink some water. As soon as he did that the snake Kshapnak disappeared with the earrings. It was Takshak disguised as Kshapnak who had come to steal the earrings from Uttank. Uttank summoned the Vajra (the weapon of Indra, the god of Thunder and Lightening) and with its help followed Takshak to the heavens. Takshak was scared of the power of Uttank and returned the earrings to Uttank.
Uttank reached the hermitage of his guru on time and presented the earrings to his guru's wife. He then took leave and reached Hastinapur. Uttank was very angry with Takshak and wanted to take revenge on him. By that time King Janmejaya (the great grandson of the Pandavas) had returned to Hastinapur after having conquered Takshila. Uttank went to him and said to him, "O King, Takshak killed your father by biting him. You must avenge your father's death. Please perform a yajna so that Takshak can be killed. A brahmin called Kashyap was coming to revive your father from the poison but Takshak tricked him into going back from where he had come. You perform the Snake Yajna and burn the sinner Takshak in the pure fires of the Yajna. He has troubled me a lot and if you perform the snake Yajna then you will be avenged and I shall be happy too." Saying this Uttank returned home and Janmejaya started to find out the real cause of his father's death, which led him to perform the Snake Yajna in which many snakes were burnt.
Stories from Mahabharata
Lineage of Daksha Prajapati
Stories from Mahabharata
Daksha Prajapati was born out of the right thumb of Brahma and all the people were his descendants. He had one thousand sons and fifty daughters. He married thirteen of his daughters to Rishi Kashyap. Kashyap, by his first wife had sons like Indra and Vivaswan.
When Vivaswan got married, he had two sons-- Manu, the father of mankind and Yamraj, the god of death. All the dynasties on the earth descended from Manu's sons. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Shudras, were his descendents. Manu had ten sons --- Ven, Dhrishnu, Narishyant, Naabhag, Ikshwaku, Kaarush, Sharyati, Ila Kanya, Prishadhra and Nabhagarishti.
Ila Kanya had a son called Pururava. She was both the father and the mother of Pururava. Pururava became the ruler of thirteen islands and even though he was a human being he indulged in hedonistic and animalistic pleasures. Intoxicated with his power and strength he looted the brahmins and took away their wealth. The sages became angry with him and their curses destroyed him.
Pururava had six sons by Urvashi whom he had brought from heaven. They were called Aayu, Dheeman, Amavasu, Dridhayu, Vanayu and Shatayu. Aayu's wife was called Swarbhanavi. She had five sons --- Nahush, Vridhasharma, Raji, Gaya and Anena. Aayu's eldest son Nahush was a great scholar and a very brave king.
He ruled his kingdom according to the Dharma. Once due to his immense arrogance he made the seven celestial saints, the Saptrishi, carry him in a palanquin. He insulted them and that ultimately became the cause of his downfall. He had six sons --- Yati, Yayati, Sanyati, Aayaati, Ayati and Dhruva. Yati became an ascetic and Yayati became the king.
Story of Upanamyu
Stories from Mahabharata
Upmanyu was another favourite disciple of Saint Ayodhdhaumya. He was assigned the task of looking after the cows. One day when he returned after his days work, the Guru called him and said, "Son, you look very healthy and radiant. What do you eat while you are working?" Upmanyu replied with all humility, "Sire, I eat whatever I get in alms." The saint who wanted to test Upmanyu said that from now on he would not eat anything that he received as alms without first asking him. Upmanyu agreed and from then on offered all that he received to his guru. The Guru would take everything and give Upmanyu nothing.
A few days later, the Guru again asked Upmanyu, "I take away all that you beg for, so what do you eat?" Upmanyu replied that whatever he received by begging the first time, he offered it to his Guru and then went out and begged again a second time. The guru said, "Son, this conduct is inappropriate for a resident of the hermitage. By begging twice you hinder the earnings of other pupils as you cut into their share of alms. Besides this also proves your greed."
Upmanyu listened to the guru and agreed not to do so again. A few days later, the guru again asked Upmanyu how he still looked so robust when he had stooped him from eating anything. To which Upmanyu replied that he drank a little of the cow's milk while he took them out to graze. The guru forbade him to do that without his permission. A few days later, on seeing Upmanyu still looking healthy, the guru again called him and asked how he was surviving. This time Upmanyu said that he drank the foam that the calves drooled while feeding on their mother's milk. The guru again forbade Upmanyu to do so and said that this would affect the health of the calves as they would drop more and more foam for Upmanyu to feed out of the kindness of their heart.
Upmanyu agreed to this too and went back to graze the cows as was his duty. Now that all avenues of getting food were closed, Upmanyu felt really hungry. When he could not tolerate the intensity of hunger he went and ate the leaves of a plant called `Aak', the leaves of which produce a bitter, sour, acidic and poisonous juice. Due to the effect of this juice Upmanyu was instantly blinded. He kept wandering in the woods and fell into a dry well.
After sunset, when Upmanyu did not return to the hermitage, the saint started worrying about him. He said to his other pupils, "I have closed all avenues for Upmanyu to get food. He is probably angry at this and hence has not returned, so let us all go and look for him." So they went to the woods to look for Upmanyu. They called out for him and heard a feeble voice from the well. They hurries to the well and when they peeped inside they saw Upmanyu. They asked Upmanyu how he fell inside the well. Upmanyu said, "I was so hungry that I ate the leaves of the Aak plant. I then became blind and while I was trying to find my way home I fell into the the well." After hearing his story they pulled him out of the well and his Guru told him to pray to the physicians of the Gods, Ashwini Kumar, so that his eyes would be healed. Upmanyu did as he was told and and Ashwini Kumars (twins who are the Physicians of Gods) appeared before him. They said, "Upmanyu, eat this sweet that we have brought you and you shall be healed." Upmanyu declined and said that he cannot eat anything without the permission of his guru. The gods then told him that they had offered his guru some sweet and he ate it without asking the permission of his own Guru. So if it is okay for your Guru to eat without first asking permission from his own guru then it is okay for you too.
But Upmanyu again declined and this devotion and obedience of Upmanyu towards his guru pleased the gods. They blessed him and Upamnyu's eyes were healed and all his teeth turned into gold. Upmanyu then went to his guru and was blessed by him. His guru was so pleased with him that he blessed him with instant memory and told him that he will know the Vedas and Dharamshashtras (other religious texts) automatically without any effort.
Stories from Mahabharata
Story of Nahusha
Stories from Mahabharata
THE sin of the unrighteous slaughter of Vritra pulled Indra down from his high estate and made him a fugitive. Nahusha became the king of the gods in his stead. Nahusha started well, assisted by the merit and the fame earned by him while he was a king on earth. Thereafter, he fell on evil days.
The assumption of the kingship of the gods filled him with arrogance, He lost his humility and became filled with lawless desires.
Nahusha indulged freely in the pleasures of heaven and gave him up to untamed and lecherous thoughts. One day, he saw Indra's wife and became enamored of her. Possessed by evil thoughts, he spoke in tones of command to the assembled gods:
"Why has not Sachidevi, the wife of the king of the gods, come to me? Am I not the king of the gods now? Send her to my house soon."
When she learnt this, Indra's wife was indignant. In fear and distress, she went to Brihaspati and cried out: "Preceptor, save me from this wicked person."
Brihaspati offered her protection. "Fear not " he said, "Indra will soon be back. Stay here with me. You will regain your husband." When Nahusha learnt that Sachidevi did not agree to fall in with his wishes and that she sought and obtained shelter under Brihaspati's roof, he became exceedingly angry.
The king's displeasure frightened the gods. They protested: "King of the gods, be not angry. Your anger will make the world sad. Sachidevi is another's wife, do not covet her. Do not swerve from the path of righteousness."
But, the infatuated Nahusha would not listen to them. Tauntingly, he said to them: "When Indra lusted for Ahalya, where were your principles of righteousness and good conduct? Why did you not prevent him then and why do you stop me now? What did you do when he so shamelessly murdered Visvarupa when the latter was in penance and where was your virtuous horror when he killed Vritra through deceit? Sachidevi's only course is to come and live with me and it will be for your good to get her reconciled to my proposal and leave her in my charge. So, now set about it," ordered Nahusha.
The affrighted gods decided to talk the matter over with Brihaspati and somehow contrive to bring Sachidevi to Nahusha. They all went to Brihaspati and related to him what Nahusha had said and pleaded that Sachidevi should submit to Nahusha’s desires.
At which, the chaste Sachidevi shook with shame and fear and cried out: "My God! I cannot do it. I sought refuge in you. Oh brahmana, do protect me."
Brihaspati consoled her and said: "He, who betrays one who has sought refuge, will meet with destruction. The very earth will not let the seed, that he sows, sprout. I will not give you up. Nahusha's end is approaching. Be not afraid."
He indicated a way of escape from her difficult situation by hinting that she should pray for time, and the shrewd Sachidevi took the hint and bravely went to Nahusha's palace.
As soon as Nahusha saw her, pride and lust having deprived him of his senses, he was beside himself with joy and said: "O fair one, do not tremble. I am the lord of the three regions. There can be no sin in your becoming my wife."
Hearing the wicked man's words, the virtuous Indrani, Indra's wife, trembled for a moment. Soon regaining composure she replied: "King of the gods, before I become yours, I have a request to make. Is Indra alive or is he dead? If he is alive, where is he? If, after making enquiries and searching for him, I do not find him, then no sin will attach to me and I could become your wife with a clear conscience."
Nahusha said: "What you say is right. Go and search for him and be sure to return. Remember the plighted word." Saying this, he sent her back to Brihaspati's house.
The gods went to the great Vishnu and complained to him of Nahusha. They said: "Lord, it was your might that killed Vritra but Indra bears, the sin of it, and ashamed and afraid to show himself in his unclean state, he has hidden himself.
Pray indicate a way of deliverance for him." Narayana said in reply: "Let him worship me. He will be cleansed of sin and the evil-minded Nahusha will meet with destruction."
Sachidevi prayed to the goddess of chastity, and, by her grace, reached where Indra was in hiding. Indra had reduced himself to the size of an atom and hid himself in a fibre of the stem of a lotus plant growing in Manasarovara. He was doing penance in that state waiting for better days. Sachidevi could not contain herself for sorrow at her husband's plight and burst into tears. She acquainted him with her troubles.
Indra spoke words of courage to her. "Nahusha's end is drawing near," he said. "Go to him by yourself and tell him that you consent to his proposal. Ask him to come to your residence in a palanquin carried by ascetics. Then Nahusha will be destroyed."
Sachidevi went and pretended to agree to Nahusha's proposal as Indra had asked her to do. Overjoyed that she had returned to him in this complaisant mood, the foolish Nahusha burst out: "Blessed one, I am your slave and ready to do you’re every bidding. You have been true to your word."
"Yes, I have come back. You will be my husband. I want you to do something, which I very much desire. Are you not the lord of the world? It is my wish that you should come majestically to my house in a grander style than the great Vishnu or Rudra or the asuras. Let the palanquin be borne by the seven rishis. I shall then be glad and receive you and bid you welcome," she said.
Nahusha fell into the trap. "What a grand idea! Your imagination is wonderful. It pleases me exceedingly. It is but proper that the great rishis should carry me, who am blessed with the powers of absorbing the energy of those on whom my eyes fall. I shall do exactly as you have wished,"said he, and sent her back home. The infatuated Nahusha called the rishis and bade them carry him on their shoulders.
At this sacrilege, the three worlds were aghast and trembled. But worse was to come as the palanquin was carried along. Inflamed with thoughts of the beautiful Sachidevi waiting for him, Nahusha was impatient to reach her soon. So he began goading the rishi-bearers of his palanquin to go faster. And he went so far in his mad wickedness as to kick Agastya, one of the bearers, saying "sarpa, sarpa." (Sarpa means to move and also a serpent.) The insanity of lust and arrogance had reached its culmination. Nahusha's cup of iniquity was full.
"Meanest of the mean, do thou fall from heaven and become a sarpa on earth," cursed the rishi in his wrath. Immediately Nahusha fell headlong, down from heaven, and became a python in the jungle and had to wait for several thousand years for his deliverance. Indra was restored to his state. He became the king of the gods and Sachidevi's grief ended.
Relating this story of the sufferings of Indra and his wife to Yudhishthira and Draupadi at Upaplavya, their uncle Salya tried to comfort them.
"Victory awaits the patient. Those, whom prosperity makes arrogant, meet with destruction. You, your brothers and Draupadi have gone through untold sufferings like Indra and his wife. Your trials will soon be over and you will regain your kingdom. The evil-minded Karna and Duryodhana will be destroyed even as Nahusha was," said Salya.
Stories from Mahabharata
Story of Killing of Vritra
Stories from Mahabharata
INDRA, the Lord of the three regions, was once so drunk with pride that he quite forgot the courteous manners and forms that the gods had hitherto observed.
When Brihaspati, preceptor of the gods, foremost in all branches of learning, and venerated alike by the gods and the asuras, came to his court, Indra did not rise from his seat to receive the acharya or ask him to be seated and failed to do the customary honors.
In his great conceit, Indra persuaded himself to believe that the sastras allowed him as a king in court the prerogative of receiving guests seated. Brihaspati was hurt by Indra's discourtesy and, attributing it to the arrogance of prosperity, silently left the assembly.
Without the high priest of the gods, the court lost in splendor and dignity and became an unimpressive gathering.
Indra soon realized the foolishness of his conduct and, sensing trouble for himself from the acharya's displeasure, he thought to make up with him by falling at his feet and asking for forgiveness.
But this he could not do, because Brihaspati had, in his anger, made himself invisible. This preyed on Indra's mind.
With Brihaspati gone, Indra's strength began to decline, while that of the asuras increased, which encouraged the latter to attack the gods. Then Brahma, taking pity on the beleaguered gods, advised them to take unto themselves a new acharya.
Said he to them: "You have, through Indra's folly, lost Brihaspati. Go now to Twashta's son Visvarupa and request that noble spirit to be your preceptor and all will be well with you."
Heartened by these words, the gods sought the youthful anchorite Visvarupa and made their request to him saying: "Though young in years, you are well versed in the Vedas. Do us the honor of being our teacher."
Visvarupa agreed, to the great advantage of the gods for, as a result of his guidance and teaching, they were saved from the tormenting asuras.
Visvarupa's, mother was of the asura clan of daityas, which caused Indra to regard Visvarupa with suspicion. He feared that because of his birth, Visvarupa might not be quite loyal and his suspicion gradually deepened.
Apprehending danger to himself from this descendent of the enemies of the gods, Indra sought to entice him into error with the temptresses of his court and so weaken him spiritually. But Visvarupa did not succumb.
The artful and seductive blandishments of Indra's glamour girls had no effect on the young ascetic. He held fast to his vow of celibacy. When Indra found that his plan of seduction failed, he gave way to murderous thoughts and one day killed Visvarupa with the Vajrayudha.
The story goes that the world suffers vicariously for this great sin of Indra. And, as a result of it, parts of the earth turned alkaline and became unsuitable for cultivation and women came to be afflicted with the physical troubles and uncleanness peculiar to them. The frothing of water is also attributed to this.
Twashta in his great rage and grief at Indra's cruel killing of his son and, desirous of avenging his death, performed a great sacrifice. And out of the sacrificial flames sprang Indra's mortal enemy Vritra.
Twashta sent him against the chief of the gods, saying: "Enemy of Indra, may you be strong and may you kill Indra." A great battle raged between the two in which Vritra was gaining the upper hand.
When the battle was going against Indra, the rishis and the gods sought refuge in great Vishnu who offered them protection and said to them: "Be not afraid. I shall enter Indra's Vajrayudha and he will win the battle in the end." And they returned in good heart.
They went to Vritra and said to him: "Please make friends with Indra. You are both equal in strength and valor."
Vritra respectfully answered: "O blameless ones, how can Indra, and I become friends? Forgive me. There cannot be friendship between rivals for supremacy. Two great powers cannot coexist as you know."
The rishis said in reply: "Do not entertain such doubts. Two good souls can be friends and their friendship is often after hostility."
Vritra yielded saying: "Well, then, I shall cease fighting. But I have no faith in Indra. He might take me unawares. So I seek this boon of you, namely, that neither by day nor by night, neither with dry weapons nor with wet ones, neither with stone nor with wood, nor with metals, nor with arrows shall Indra be able to take my life."
"So be it," said the rishis and the gods.
Hostilities ceased. But soon Vritra's fears were confirmed. Indra only feigned friendship for Vritra but was, all the time, waiting for a suitable opportunity to slay him.
One evening, he met Vritra on the beach and began to attack him in the twilight. The battle had raged for a long while when Vritra praising the Lord Vishnu, said to Indra: "Meanest of the mean, why do you not use the unfailing Vajrayudha? Hallowed by Hari, use it against me and I shall attain blessedness through Hari."
Indra maimed Vritra by chopping off his right arm but, undaunted, the latter hurled with his left band, his iron mace at his assailant who thereupon cut down his other arm also. When Indra disappeared into the mouth of Vritra, great was the consternation of the gods.
But Indra was not dead. He ripped Vritra's belly open and issuing forth went to the nearby beach. And directing his thunderbolt at the water hurled it so that the surf flew and hit Vritra. Vishnu having entered the foam, it became a deadly weapon and the mighty Vritra lay dead. The long battle thus ended and the afflicted world heaved a sigh of relief. But to Indra himself, the end of the war brought only ignominy because his victory was secured through sin and deceit and is went into hiding for sheer shame.
Indra's disappearance caused the gods and the rishis great distress. For a people without a king or a council of state to govern them cannot prosper. So they went to the good and mighty king Nahusha and offered him the crown.
"Forgive me, I cannot be your king. Who am I to aspire to the seat of Indra? How can I protect you? It is impossible," he humbly objected. But they insisted, saying: "Do not hesitate. Be anointed our king. All the merit and potency of our penance will be yours and be an addition to your strength. The power and the energy of everyone you set your eyes on shall be transferred to you and you will be invincible." Thus over-powered, he agreed. Revolution is no new thing. This story shows that, even in the world of the gods, there was a revolution leading to Indra's dethronement and Nahusha's installation as king in his stead. The story of Nahusha's fall is also instructive.
Stories from Mahabharata
Birth of Sage Ashtavakra
Stories from Mahabharata
Long ago, there was a learned Rishi of the name of Uddalaka, who was famous for his knowledge of the Vedas and scriptures. Many students learned under him. One of this disciples was Kahoda, who pleased his Guru exceedingly with his devotion. So much impressed was Uddalaka, that upon Kahoda finishing his studies, he gave him is only daugter Sujata in marriage. Even after the marriage, the couple continued to reside in the hermitage of of Uddalaka, where Kahoda assisted his father-in-law in teaching.
In due course of time, Sujata became pregnant. She was in the habbit of sitting near her father and husband while they were teaching. Her unborn child attained mastery over the Vedas by listening to his grandfather expound them. Kahoda was not equally skilled as his Guru, however, and made a number of mistakes while reciting the scriptures. Unable to bear these errors, the child started correcting them from his mother's womb! Humiliated before his disciples, Kahoda cursed his son, saying, "As you insulted your father, may you be born with eight bends in your body!". Accordingly, the child was born with his body crooked in eight places, and was named Ashtavakra (one with eight deformations).
Vasus are Cursed by Vasishta
Stories from Mahabharata
Vasishta, the son of Varuna was a great sage. (This account is different from the one that makes him the wish-born son of Lord Brahma). He had his hermitage on Mount Meru, and this spot was very beautiful and secluded. He possessed a cow called Nandini, which was the daughter of Surabhi, by the sage Kashyapa. (Here, Surabhi is probably Kamadhenu). This cow, like her mother, was capable of yielding great riches to its possessor. It was in the habit of roaming the woods near the hermitage of the Rishi.
One day, the celestial Vasus came to this spot, accompanied by their wives. They were eight brothers, who normally lived in the heaven. When one of the ladies beheld Nandini, the cow of plenty, she became desirous of possessing it. She said to her husband Dyu, "My Lord, I wish to obtain this cow for my friend. My friend Jitavati, the daughter of the sage Usinara, is mortal. By drinking the milk from this cow regularly, she will be free from disease and decrepitude. Get this cow for me."
Now the Vasu knew that the cow belonged to the Rishi. So he tried to persuade his wife to forget about the cow, for the Rishi would not part with it under any circumstances. However, unable to bear the nagging of his wife, he ultimately decided to carry the cow away by force. Assisted by his brothers, he took the cow away to his home.
Rishi Vasishta had been away from his hermitage at this time. When he got back, he was surprised to see that his cow had not returned, long past its usual time. He searched the nearby woods and saw no sign of the cow. He then used his Yogic power and divined all that had taken place. He then cursed the Vasus, saying, "Since in their arrogance the Vasus have committed the sin of stealing a Brahmana's property, may they be born on earth and suffer a mortal's fate!".
When the Vasu's came to know of the Rishi's curse, they became penitent, and begged the Rishi to save them from his curse. At last, the sage relented. He said, "My curse cannot be completely stayed. The seven of you who have merely obeyed your brother's orders, shall not have to suffer the mortal fate for long. However, Dyu, who is really the author of this mischief, will have to suffer his curse for a long time. However, he shall be an illustrious warrior, and will not have any children."
Later, when King Mahabhishak was cursed by Lord Brahma to be born as King Shantanu, and it became known that the Goddess Ganga will be his wife, the Vasu's begged her to be their mother in their mortal incarnation. They were the seven children drowned by Ganga when she was the wife of King Shantanu. The eighth child was the incarnation of Dyu, and he came to be known as Bhishma. After a long life, full of sorrows towards its end, he returned to heaven after his death at the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Story of Urvashi and Pururava
Stories from Mahabharata
Apsaras are the celestial maidens of Indian mythology. They are not to be confused with angels. They are extremely beautiful immortals who live in heaven and entertain the demi-Gods with their dancing and singing. Urvashi is one such apsara. There are many legends about her birth but the following one is most prevalent.
Once the revered sage Narnarayan was meditating in the holy shrine of Badrinath situated in the Himalayas. Indra, the king of the demi-Gods, did not want the sage to acquire divine powers through the meditation and sent two apsaras to distract him. The sage struck his thigh and created a woman so beautiful that Indra’s apsaras were left matchless. This was Urvashi, named from ur, the Sanskrit word for thigh. After his meditation was complete the sage gifted Urvashi to Indra, and she occupied the pride of place in Indra’s court.
Atri was one of Brahma’s seven sons who married Bhadra. He later went on to conceive a son named Som or the Moon. Som was a very attractive young man and eloped with Sage Brahaspati's wife, Tara. Som and Tara gave birth to Buddh during the absence of Brahaspati. Vaivasvata Manu's daughter Ila fell in love with Buddh. They together conceived a son named Pururuva. Pururuva became a great king and established the Lunar Dynasty named after his grandfather. Ages later, in his incarnation as Krishna, Vishnu took birth in this dynasty.
Urvashi found the atmosphere in heaven stifling. Everything was cold and synthetic including the colours and the fragrances of the flowers. Urvashi often stole to the Earth at night with her friends to feel the wet dew under her feet and the soft breeze against her body. On the other hand Pururava envied the Gods. He was a regular invitee to Indra's court and was haunted at night by the grandeur he saw there. He would then take his chariot above the clouds and hurtle through the skies at break-neck speed. It was on such an occasion that the two met.
Urvashi was returning to heaven just before dawn with the other apsaras, when she was abducted by a demon. Pururava saw this and chased the demon on his chariot and freed Urvashi from his clutches. The brief period their bodies touched changed their lives forever. For the first time Urvasi experienced the warm flesh of a mortal, for the first time she heard blood pounding in veins and for the first time she heard the inhalation and exhalation of breath. Pururava had seen Urvashi in Indra’s court before and to actually be close to the most beautiful woman in heaven gave him a high. Pururava left Urvashi with her friends but when they parted each was madly in love with the other but unsure whether the love was being reciprocated.
Urvashi was a woman in a man’s world and in keeping with the tradition of the times expected the man to make the first move. Pururava on the other hand feared rejection because he did not expect the pride of heaven to come and live with a mortal, and hence did not approach Urvashi. So both pined for each other. Urvashi was giving a dance performance in which she was portraying Vishnu’s consort, Laxmi. Her concentration was with Pururava and she called out her lover’s name instead of saying “Vishnu”. Her teacher, the sage Bharat, got offended and cursed Urvashi. “You will get to live with the person you are thinking about,” he said, “And you will also give birth to his son. But you will have to choose between the father and son, because the day they see each other you will have to leave them both and return to heaven.”
The curse actually emboldened Urvashi. She wasn’t even thinking about children, she was sure to get her love. She sent a friend to earth to find out about Pururava. The friend located the king in the garden of Gandhmadan (meaning intoxicating fragrance), whining away for his ladylove. The sage was set. Urvashi left heaven and went to the waiting arms of Pururava.
