Stories lesser told; from Indian Mythology

The unique marriage proposition of Revati

In the ancient age of Treta Yug (Indian mythology depict four periods viz; Satya, Treta, Dwapar and Kali), there was a pious king ‘Raivat Kukunmi’. Kushasthali was his capital. Princess Revati; a combination of astounding beauty, refinement and charm was the only daughter of king Raivat. All the eligible princes and kings of that time aspired to marry Revati. But, no one could attain king’s approval as a son in law. Raivat grew anxious to get his daughter married and finally decided to meet Lord Brahma for assistance.

King along with his daughter reached the court of the Creator, Lord Brahma. Gandharva ‘Ha Ha’ & ‘Hu Hu’ were singing in presence of the Lord that enchanted the entire court. King himself was instantly captivated by the divine music. Time passed, songs continued; King forgot about the time and his purpose of visit. At last, Gandharvas stopped singing, curtseyed to Lord Brahma and left. King realized the urgency to approach the Lord without further delay.

Raivat addressed Brahma and requested to suggest a bridegroom for his daughter. Lord listened carefully and then smiled. “It is a pleasure to find a match for dear Revati, but there is a small problem.” said Brahma. King was surprised and requested for further explanation. “Raivat you came to me in Treta yug; then thousand of years passed. We are now in Dwapar Yug. All the kingdoms of your time, including yours have vanished.” The astounded king asked “Lord, we have spent hardly few hours in your court, how that could be a yug? Moreover, we have not even aged!” Brahma explained “Heaven is a place of eternity, nobody dies here nor ages; years pass in minutes, Yug in hours. However, I have someone in mind worthy of Revati in the present time. In Dwarka, Lord Krishna’s brother Balaram is a perfect match for your daughter. He is courageous enough to marry a princess from a different era”. This proposition comforted Raivat greatly.

Balaram tied the knot with Revati with blessing of Lord Brahma; everyone was happy to witness such a wonderful wedding.

There was only a small inconvenience; Balaram (being in Dwapar Yug) was only seven feet tall where as Revati’s height (as common in Treta) was fourteen feet. Balaram solved the problem by pulling her down at his shoulder length with his plough (Balaram’s plough was his weapon and symbol of power). Then they lived happily ever after.

Note: This is an adaptation of a story written by legendary writer ‘Upendra kishore Roy Chowdhury’. This is my tribute to the great writer, instrumental in raising my interest in Indian Mythology in early years.

Sri Hanuman’s resolution to Bachelorhood

In Ramayan we know that Sri Ram reigned for many years in Ayodhya subsequent to fourteen years of exile. Sri Hanuman continued to serve Sri Ram & Sita Devi there.

One day, Hanuman worried and disturbed confided to Sita about repeated dreams of his ancestors. In his dreams they were apprehensive about receiving offerings in future. Sita was surprised as; Hanuman was regular in his prayers and offerings. “But, they are worried about the future after my death. I am already old and past marriageable age!” Sita smiled and assured that a great persona of his stature is always eligible for marriage. “Tell me your preference and I shall arrange for a bride in no time”, said Sita. “I would like to find one myself in my own tribe” was his answer. Sita wished him luck and encouraged to initiate journey immediately. Hanuman traveled through Dandakaranya on his way to Kishkindhya (his earlier habitation in the kingdom of Sugreeb). While passing, deep in to the forest he noticed a delightful hut. He became curious and entered in it to find out at his surprise, plentiful storage of choicest fruits and invitingly soft bed. Hanuman concluded these were arranged by his ancestors for his comfort.

Hanuman was resting while a handsome young man with a king’s bearing entered. Hanuman realized his mistake and introduced himself to the entrant. The hut owner welcomed Hanuman in his humble lodging and disclosed his identity as Chanchareek the king of Tumba. It surprised Hanuman to know that the king is residing deep in forest without companion. “I am dejected, hence, preferred self imposed exile”, said Chanchareek. “Then you must get married instead” suggested Hanuman. “But that is the cause of my exile! It is to escape her anger I am here”. Hanuman looked confused and decided to proceed to his destination.

Reaching Kishkindhya, he appeared in the private court of Sugreeb. After exchanging pleasantries Hanuman explained his purpose of visit.

-         “It is great news and I know some one befitting your caliber. Our neighboring kingdom Kicchat is currently under the reign of Vanara Queen Chilimpa. She is charming and intelligent; though a little self conscious to reject all marriage proposals including mine. But she can not refuse great Hanuman for sure!” suggested Sugreeb.

Hanuman was a bit apprehensive but, decided to try his luck.

He reached Kicchat and requested for an audience with the queen. Hearing about his intention, the minister guided him to a forest resort and quickly disappeared. Hanuman found the queen exceedingly charming and presented his marriage proposal at once. Chilimpa with her mesmerizing smile requested Hanuman to elaborate his qualities.

  

-         “I am at service of Lord Sri Ram, the savior of earth.”

-         “That is hardly a qualification to be a husband!”

-         “World know me for bravery and power.”

-         “What use that would be to me! Any knowledge of dance and music?”

-         “Of course not, those are for cowards.” Hanuman replied confidently.

-         “Then how could you delight me Pawan Nandan?”

-         “I need to consult Sugreeb on that” answered Hanuman desperately.

-         “Brave Hanuman, the greatest of all hero;  then I shall prefer Sugreeb instead.” Answered Chilimpa.

Outraged by her audacity, Hanuman grabbed her by hair and took a great leap in the sky. Chilimpa regretted her buoyancy and immediately expressed willingness to marry Hanuman. Paying no heed to her appeal he took her to Sugreeb and disappeared.

Sita was surprised to find him returning alone and enquired about the bride. “Devi, I was imbecile enough to go for such complication in order to satisfy my ancestors. Now I have a far better idea. Bless me with immortality, so that I can serve them for ever.”

Note:  It is my unworthy attempt to adapt a story of ‘Parashuram’ (pseudonym), a master story teller with great sense of wit. His original name was Raj Shekhar Basu.

Menaka’s welcome to her Son in law

Devi Uma, daughter of Himalaya and Menaka decided to marry Lord Shiva and won over him with deep meditation and hardship. Lord Shiva; an omniscient meditator lived an ascetic life in Mount Kailash along with his associates of ghosts.

Himalaya being the king of mountains arranged a grand wedding for his daughter. All the Gods, Demi Gods, Kings and sages were invited to attend the wedding. The entire capital was decorated with garlands and roads were covered with bed of flower. Music and dance filled the air with enchantment; ladies were eagerly waiting to have a glimpse of the groom, the Great Lord.

Menaka with bated breath had been waiting with her consorts in the Royal balcony to welcome her to be son in law. A long procession of entourage of the groom started entering the palace, each one surpassing the other in terms of attire and looks.

-         That must be him with such good look!

-         No, your highness that is only a Gandarva.

-         Then the one with great jewels all over must be him!

-         He is Kuber, the treasurer of Heaven.

-         The handsome God with king’s bearing, is he not Shiva?

-         He is Lord Indra the King of Gods.

-         Oh! If others are so gorgeous, I wonder how striking the Lord of Lord would be…

Menaka’s expectations rose with time when at last entry of the honorable groom was announced. She was confused to see some hideous creatures dancing with madness followed by an imposing figure riding a gigantic bull dressed in tiger skin, ashes all over face and a snake garlanding his neck. Her lady in waiting quietly disclosed the identity of her to be son in law; Menaka fainted.

Himalaya was immediately informed of the catastrophe, to avoid further embarrassment his ministers advised him to talk to lord Shiva.

-         My lord, the preserver of the Universe; I have a small request to you.

-         Please feel free to say

-         My wife is a sensitive lady with weak heart, hence, could not appreciate your great bearing. Would you be kind enough to allow us to present you to my wife in a more conventional manner?

Lord Shiva obliged. Menaka was astounded to discover how handsome her son in law was, once the ashes and snake removed. Finally she welcomed him with open heart and cried with happiness.