Glimpses of The Devi Bhagavatam: 07. A BRIDE’S CONDITIONS

 

INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

Glimpses of The Devi Bhagavatam: 07. A BRIDE’S CONDITIONS

One day the eight Vasus–belonging to the order of the gods–went to meet Sage Vasishtha. One of the Vasus was Prabhas. His wife was charmed to see Vasishtha’s wonderful cow Nandini.

Prabhas told her that whoever drank Nandini’s milk would be free from ailments.

“If that is so, let us take this cow to our home. I would consider my life to be in vain if I don’t own this cow.” Thus pleaded Prabhas’s wife with her husband and the other Vasus.

The Vasus, instead of rejecting her suggestion, agreed to her request and stole the cow.

Their mischief did not remain hidden from Vasishtha. He cursed them saying, since their conduct was not different from that of human beings, they be born as human beings.

The Vasus were now repentant. They apologised to the great sage. “I cannot withdraw my curse. You have to be born as human beings. But, excepting Prabhas who has to live a long life, the others can return to heaven soon after their birth,” said Vasishtha.

The Vasus met Ganga on their way to earth. They greeted her with folded hands. “Mother Ganga, we are doomed to be born as human beings. We understand that you, too, are going to lead the life of a human being. Grant that we should be born as your sons. And please liberate us as soon as we are born.” Ganga nodded assent.

One evening Ganga, assuming a human form, was strolling along the river-bank. She saw a man seated in deep meditation. From his features she could guess that he was a great man. Ganga came and sat down on his right thigh. The man opened his eyes and said politely, “Who are you? Whoever you might be, you chose to sit on my right thigh. That is a privilege which one’s own children can enjoy. Hence you are like my daughter. Should you agree, I would like my son to marry you.”

The man was none other that King Pratip. He had realised that the young woman was some goddess who was under a curse. Pratip’s son was Shantanu who, in his previous life, was King Mahavisa.

King Pratip abdicated his throne in favour of his son Shantanu and left for the forest, to do tapas.

One day Shantanu met Ganga in the forest. She at once guessed who he was. She looked at him and smiled.

“I’m delighted to see you. Strangely I feel that I’ve known you for long. I would be grateful if you agree to marry me,” said King Shantanu.

“I believe you’re the son of King Pratip. Your father had already decided in favour of our marriage. I’ve no objection to marry you. But I have some conditions,” said Ganga.

“May I know what those conditions are?” asked the king. “You must not question or interfere in my actions, even when they seem very unusual or disagreeable to you. Secondly, you must not speak even one harsh word to me,” answered Ganga.

Shantanu agreed to these conditions. Their marriage was performed, and Ganga came to reside in Shantanu’s palace as his queen.

After a year, Ganga gave birth to a son. King Shantanu was delighted. But his joy was short- lived. Ganga carried the child to the river-bank and hurled him into the waters. The king was shocked, but he kept quiet remembering the conditions stipulated by Ganga.

Seven years passed. Ganga consigned seven of her sons to the river. Needless to say, they were seven of the eight Vasus. As they were sacrificed in the river, they were instantly liberated and they went back to heaven.

Then was born the eighth son. King Shantanu could not check himself any longer. When the queen began moving out of her room with the newborn child held to her bosom, the king said, “Stop, O Queen! Don’t be so cruel again!”

Ganga stopped and cast a stern look at Shantanu. She walked out of the palace. The king got annoyed. “Don’t be so cruel! I am not going to let you destroy this child, you heartless woman!” the king said in great anger.

Ganga slowly turned towards the king. “You’ve violated both conditions. You’ve interfered with my action and you have also spoken harshly to me. I can no longer to live with you. “But know that I am not going to throw this child into the river. This one is destined to live long. I shall nurture the child in the forest. When it grows up, I shall deliver him into your hands.

“Those who have departed earlier were his brothers, the Vasus. It was on account of their prayer to me that I liberated them as soon as they were born as human beings,” she said.

The king stood helpless. Ganga left with her eighth son.