The Sindhi community worships Varuna in his incarnation as Jhulelal, also known as Uderolal or Zinda Pir. He is their patron saint, associated with rivers, water and marine life and is therefore also depicted as being seated on the Pala fish. Jhulelal is celebrated during the Sindhi festival of Cheti Chand, which usually falls in March or April.
The story of Jhulelal is a fascinating tale which ultimately talks of communal harmony. It is believed that in 10th century C.E., a tyrannical Turkish ruler known as Mirk Shah or Makrab Khan was reigning the province of Thatta, in present day Sindh, Pakistan. He started to force Hindus in the region to convert to Islam. The people then prayed to their lifeline, the River Indus. They fasted and appealed to the river for forty days, after which a voice emerged from the river. The voice told the people that Varuna would be born among them and become their saviour.
Illustration: Bhavani Nadgonde
Soon, a couple – Ratanchand and Devaki Lohana – had a child they named Uderolal (The One Who Came from the Waters). A number of miracles took place during the boy’s childhood, which convinced his parents and the community that he was extraordinary. When he was but a baby, his parents looked in his open mouth and saw the mighty Indus. Similarly, it is said that his cradle would rock itself and put him to sleep. Thus, he began to be called Jhulelal or ‘Lord of the Swing’.
As news of this miraculous child reached Mirk Shah, he sent his soldiers to take the child captive. When the soldiers reached, Jhulelal transformed from a child to an old saintly man with a white beard, within a matter of seconds. Soon, Jhulelal and Mirk Shah came face to face. The saint preached a message of unity and harmony to the king. He is believed to have said, “He whom you call Allah, and my people call Krishna, are but one and the same!”
Mirk Shah, however, was bent on putting an end to Jhulelal. During his trial, it is said that the court flooded with water as the roof suddenly caught fire. Awed and terrified by this spectacle, Mirk Shah was reformed and begged for mercy. Immediately, the water receded and the fire extinguished and Jhulelal is said to have been swallowed by the earth.
After this incident, the Hindus built a temple to mark the holy spot, while the Muslims built a dargah right next to it. This rare phenomenon symbolises everything that Jhulelal preached to the people, namely unity, communal harmony and love for all.
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The terms asura and rakshasa are associated with destruction and violence throughout Indian mythology. In the epics, like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, they are seen as demonic figures – monstrous in form and nature. However, a closer look reveals that not all asuras were the same. A lot of the asuras were not only talented and skilled at various crafts and warfare, but they were also great devotees of gods and had virtues like loyalty, selflessness and even righteousness.
To delve into these ‘noble’ asuras, we must first dispel this mist and recognise their unique identity, not merely as ‘villains’, but as a distinct group with their own complex history, lineage, and qualities. Through the course of this article, we will see unexpected facets of these mythical beings, revealing many virtues hidden beneath the imposing faces and fearsome roars.
Illustration: Shobhana Rao
Kumbhakarna
Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of King Ravana, stood out not only for his immense size and insatiable appetite but also for being a virtuous and formidable warrior. While the Ramayana revolves around characters like Rama, Sita, Ravana, and Hanuman, Kumbhakarna holds a unique place in this epic.
According to the Bhagavad Purana, Kumbhakarna is believed to be the incarnation of Vijaya, a gatekeeper deity, along with his brother Jaya. The two brothers faced punishment for their misconduct while guarding Vishnu’s abode. They were granted three lifetimes as Vishnu’s adversaries, cursed to die at his hands before being welcomed back to Vaikuntha. In their second incarnation, Jaya became Ravana, and Vijaya took the form of Kumbhakarna.
Ravana, humiliated by Rama and his army, sought aid during the war from Kumbhakarna. However, a divine boon from Brahma made waking Kumbhakarna a daunting task. Legend has it that he was roused only when a thousand elephants trod upon his colossal frame. Upon awakening, Kumbhakarna learned of what Ravana had done and, despite his best efforts to persuade Ravana to reconsider, Kumbhakarna’s advice fell on deaf ears due to Ravana’s pride. Driven by loyalty, Kumbhakarna reluctantly joined Ravana’s army, demonstrating his prowess on the battlefield by single-handedly defeating thousands of Vanaras. Kumbhakarna’s dedication to his brother, even in the face of his own reservations, exemplifies his familial loyalty. Even though he had his arms severed by powerful divine weapons during the confrontation with Rama, he continued to fight valiantly. Some versions of the Ramayana even depict him recognizing the divinity of Rama.
Ultimately, this powerful warrior met his demise at the hands of Rama, while dutifully serving his brother. Additionally, his attempt to counsel Ravana against the impending conflict, showcases a deep understanding of divine truths and underscores his moral compass. All these qualities make Kumbhakarna a figure worthy of re-evaluation and respect, adding a nuanced layer to the epic narrative of the Ramayana.
Maya
Maya, the king of a demonic race called the Danavas, is renowned for his architectural prowess. Among his many creations, he is particularly known for building the Palace of Illusions in the Mahabharata.
Indraprastha, the kingdom established by the Pandavas, began as the untamed forest named Khandavaprastha, situated along the banks of the Yamuna river. When Arjuna set fire to the forest to clear the land, Mayasura, who was visiting a friend there, found himself trapped. It was in this dire moment that Arjuna extended a benevolent hand, rescuing Mayasura from the fiery inferno. This selfless act forged an unbreakable bond, and the grateful Mayasura pledged to build the Pandavas a beautiful home.
Illustration: Shobhana Rao
Thus, from the ashes of Khandava forest, rose the city of Indraprastha. Described by Veda Vyasa as a paradise, it became a model of organised governance. Constructed by Mayasura in just five years, the Indraprastha Palace, also known as the Maya Sabha, boasted sweeping lines, grand rooms made of crystal and gems, and an opulent design. The palace had floors made of reflective crystals, giving the illusion of pools, and clear still-water pools that resembled floors.
Unaware of this illusion, a visiting Duryodhana who was filled with envy over the luxurious palace, walked through it, mistaking one of the pools for the floor. As he fell into it, the mishap sparked laughter and ridicule from Draupadi and her maids. Enraged by the humiliation, Duryodhana’s anger flared, escalating the tension that paved the way for the infamous game of dice and, ultimately, the Kurukshetra war. Hence, Mayasura’s structures were not only renowned for their beauty, but also, settings that held narrative significance.
Ghatotkacha
Ghatotkacha, from the Mahabharata, is the son of Bheema and Hidimbi. When the Pandavas were living out their exile in the forest, a rakshasi named Hidimbi crossed paths with Bheema and they fell in love and got married later. Their son, Ghatotkacha, was half-human and half-demon. Despite her own brother seeing Bheema as an enemy, Hidimbi’s choice to marry him reflects a desire to take charge of her own destiny by gracefully assuming the role of a single mother and raising her son.
Ghatotkacha inherited both human and rakshasa qualities, making him a formidable warrior. During the Kurukshetra war, he readily came to help his father. His proficiency in magic turned the tide of the war in favour of the Pandavas during critical moments. He could change his form and size at will, growing to gigantic proportions that dwarfed even buildings, or shrink to become tiny and invisible. This ability often proved advantageous in battle, intimidating enemies and allowing him to navigate difficult terrain. He also had the power to levitate and soar through the air with ease, which he used while helping Vatsala, the daughter of Balarama, leave her palace to meet her husband, Abhimanyu.
He was also skilled at creating illusions to deceive his enemies. During the battle, he created a magical mountain from which came a stream of weapons. He could conjure up mirages, cast spells, and even made a dark cloud which rained down stones during the war. His immense strength could send trees flying at his enemies, and he could duplicate himself to confuse and tackle them. In the end, Ghatotkacha sacrificed his life to deploy the potent “Rakshasa Astra” against the Kaurava forces. This selfless act, born out of his commitment to the Pandavas’ cause, showcases his valour and willingness to prioritise the greater good.
The temple in Champawat, Uttarakhand, associated with the site where Ghatotkacha’s head is believed to have fallen, adds a local touch to the Mahabharata narrative. The presence of a Ghatotkacha Temple in the Dieng Temples complex in Central Java, Indonesia, further illustrates the spread of Hindu mythology beyond the Indian subcontinent. Also, nestled amidst a sacred cedar forest near the town of Dungri, at the lush base of the Himalayan mountains, the Hidimba Devi Temple stands as a sacred sanctuary to Ghatotkacha’s mother, Hidimbi, who is revered as a deity there. A short distance away from this temple, a shrine has been dedicated to Ghatotkacha as well.
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Varahi, the boar-headed consort of Varaha, was created from Vaishnavi, the consort of Vishnu. This goddess has several origins attributed to her depending on the text in which her story is told.
Illustration: Ritoparna Hazra
In the Devi Mahatmya, she is one of the seven Matrikas created out of Durga to fight the demon army of Shumbha and Nishumbha. Varahi is also believed to represent knowledge.
Did you know the legend behind how Lava and Kusha, Sita and Rama’s twin sons, were named?
Illustration: Sanjhiya Mayekar
The Uttara Kand in Valmiki’s Ramayana tells us the story of the twins’ naming. When Sita gave birth to her sons in Valmiki’s ashram, the other sages asked Valmiki to protect them from evil spirits, as was the custom in those days.
Valmiki then took Kusha grass and cut (lava) it into two parts. He then instructed that the elder child be cleaned with the upper part and be named Kusha, and the younger child be cleaned with the lower part and be called Lava. That is how Lava and Kusha got their names.
In Hinduism, the cycle of life and death is endless until one attains moksha (liberation from birth). However, there are some people who do not follow the same cycle. These are the Chiranjeevis. The Sanskrit word ‘chiranjeevi’ means immortal. Different texts mention either seven or eight such beings. This article explores how all of them attained immortality.
Parashurama
Illustration: Madhu Powle
Parashurama is the sixth reincarnation of Vishnu. After his family was mistreated by Kshatriyas, he made it his mission to rid the earth of them. Trained by Shiva himself, Parashurama was brave, knowledgeable and devoted. Shiva gave him his axe, the Parashu, which led to him being called Parusharama, meaning ‘Rama with an axe’. Parashurama was a skilled teacher who taught Bheeshma, Drona and Karna. In fact, it is said that he was granted immortality by Shiva in order to train Kalki, the last reincarnation of Vishnu. He has met both Rama and Krishna, making him one of the few Dashavatars who has interacted with the others.
Ashwatthama
Ashwatthama, the son of Drona, was born with a powerful gem on his forehead. This gem eliminated hunger, thirst, disease, and fear of any weapons, rakshasas, nagas and even gods, making Ashwatthama invincible. During the Kurukshetra War, Ashwatthama’s father, Drona, and his friend, Duryodhana, were killed. Full of rage and grief, he went to seek revenge on the Pandavas. In the darkness, believing Draupadi’s five sons to be the Pandavas, he killed them instead and as a result, a furious battle ensued. He then tried to kill the unborn child of Uttara (Abhimanyu’s wife and Arjuna’s daughter-in-law), to end the Pandava lineage. However, before that could happen, Krishna took away his gem, condemning him to a life of endless suffering. It is believed that he still wanders the earth, filled with sickness and misery, his immortality being a curse instead of a boon.
Vibhishana
Vibhishana was Ravana’s brother and an asura. However, during the war, he defected to Rama’s side because of his righteousness. Some legends say that after the war, Rama granted him immortality to oversee the asuras and guide them along the path of righteousness. Others believe that it was Brahma who granted him immortality. When Brahma allegedly appeared in front of Vibhishana to grant him a boon, the latter asked for his mind to never stray from his conscience and that he always stay truthful. Impressed by this, Brahma bestowed upon him the gift of immortality.
Mahabali
Mahabali was an asura king who captured the three worlds, defeating the devas. When they prayed to Vishnu, he took the form of a poor dwarf, Vamana, and asked the charitable king for three pieces of land measured by his stride. Mahabali agreed and suddenly, Vamana grew to an enormous size, covering the earth and heaven with his first two steps. When the humble Mahabali offered his own head for the third step, Vishnu, impressed by his gesture, crowned him the king of the underworld. Mahabali asked to be able to visit his subjects once every year, and so Vishnu made him immortal. Legends say that he might become the next king of heaven, taking Indra’s place. To this day, the festival of Onam in Kerala is a celebration of his annual return.
Hanuman
Illustration: Durgesh Velhal
Hanuman is the son of the wind god, Vayu, and his tales are recounted in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas. He is known for his devotion to Rama. According to some, when Rama was about to offer himself to River Sarayu, his last instruction was that Hanuman stay on earth till the end of this era to spread the Ramayana. This made him immortal. Other stories say that he was struck by Indra for trying to eat the sun as a child, and when revived, granted immortality by the devas. Some legends also speculate that he was granted immortality by Sita as a token of gratitude, and for his devotion.
Kripa
In the Mahabharata, Kripa was Drona’s brother-in-law and Ashwatthama’s uncle. He taught the Pandavas and the Kauravas, when they were growing up, and was considered a great teacher by all the princes. Unlike Drona, he was a fair and impartial guru, in whose eyes all his students were the same. Due to this nature, he was given the title ‘Acharya’ meaning ‘teacher’ or ‘guru’, and blessed with immortality.
Veda Vyasa
Illustration: TNP Nedungadi
Born as Krishna Dwaipayana, Veda Vyasa (literally translated as ‘splitter of the Vedas’) is a sage and scholar who compiled the Vedas into four books. He is also known for writing the Mahabharata, the Upanishads, and the Puranas, all of which are important scriptures in Hinduism. Guru Purnima, a festival dedicated to honour teachers, is also known as Vyasa Purnima because it falls on his birthday. Some legends say that Vyasa was granted immortality so he could share his vast knowledge with the world. Other legends say that he was born an adult and has been immortal since.
Markandeya
Some sources believe that Markandeya is the eighth Chiranjeevi. When his parents prayed to Shiva for a son, they were given the option of either having a pious child who would not live long, or a wicked child who would enjoy a long life. They chose the former and Markendeya was born — the ideal son, who destined to die at sixteen. He grew up to be a staunch devotee of Shiva, performing severe austerities and worshipping the Lingam. When the time came for Markandeya’s death, his devotion to Shiva protected him from dying. When Yama came to take his life, Shiva emerged from the Lingam, defeating Yama, and reviving Markandeya. He was then made immortal, remaining sixteen forever.
Open any journal or notebook in a Hindu household and you will probably observe the word ‘श्री’ or ‘Shri’ written at the top of the first page, before anything else gets noted down. The chances of this word appearing are even higher if the notebook in question is being used for book-keeping, accounts or similar work. Shri (Shriman or Shrimati) is also used as a prefix before someone’s name, like mister in English. For thousands of years, the word ‘Shri’ has been uttered or written down to invoke prosperity, auspiciousness and good fortune. Along with ‘Aum’, this word is perhaps one of the most commonly occurring and sacred words in Hindu tradition.
So, what does this word represent?
Shri is one of the many names of Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of wealth, good fortune and prosperity. The wife of Vishnu, Lakshmi is the personification of all material wealth and comfort that humans desire. As the goddess of youth and beauty, she is often represented seated on a lotus, dressed in red, the colour of fertility, with her palms showering gold on her devotees. Lakshmi is one of the three manifestations of the Mother-Goddess, along with Durga and Saraswati. Unlike the other two however, her domain is over tangible and material wealth and success.
Most cultures have a goddess that represents the aspects of fertility, beauty, abundance and wealth. Greeks and Romans worshipped Demeter, Egyptians had Isis, Babylonians had Ishtar and in India, we have Shri. She represents all resources which provide us with comfort and the means to live. She is the bestower of prosperity and fortune in the material realm.
The birth of Lakshmi
Like most myths, the one regarding the birth of Lakshmi has many variations. Different texts mention different circumstances describing how the goddess came into being.
The Vedas state that Lakshmi was born from the mouth of Prajapati, to provide food, clothing, shelter and material comfort to all beings. According to the Vishnu Purana, Lakshmi is the daughter of Sage Bhrigu and his wife, Khyati.
Illustration: Abhirami Ganesh
However, the most widely known and accepted story is that of Lakshmi being born out of the Samudra Manthan or churning of the cosmic ocean. Different versions of this myth appear in the Ramayana and few other Puranas. According to the most popular telling, Indra once invoked the wrath of Sage Durvasa and was cursed to lose his powers. Afraid of attacks by the asuras, the devas, led by Indra, approached Vishnu. He advised them to churn the cosmic ocean to obtain Amrit, the nectar of immortality, as well as other gifts that would restore their powers. However, the devas could not undertake this mammoth task alone. They then approached the asuras, promising them a share of the nectar, if they were to help with the churning. Following this agreement, the devas and asuras started churning the ocean, which resulted in various gifts, such as Surabhi the divine cow, Varuni the goddess of Wine, the magical Parijata Tree, Dhanvantari the god of Medicine, the Apsaras, etc., appearing from the ocean. The most important one, however, was Lakshmi herself. Decked in celestial finery and possessing divine beauty, Lakshmi appeared out of the ocean, seated on a lotus. Seeing her, many devas wished her for themselves, but only Vishnu himself was a worthy groom. They were married immediately, and she has lived as his loyal consort ever since.
Lakshmi, the other half of Vishnu
The union of Vishnu and Lakshmi, unlike that of Shiva-Parvati, is less spoken about and discussed. However, more often than not, they are represented as two halves of a whole. If Vishnu is the preserver and protector, then Lakshmi represents the subject of his protection. This is seen most clearly in the myth of Vishnu’s Varaha avatar. According to the story, Vishnu takes the form of a boar to rescue Bhoomi Devi or Goddess Earth from the clutches of an asura. And who is Bhoomi Devi or Prithvi if not a manifestation of Lakshmi herself?
Lakshmi accompanies Vishnu in most of his avatars. When he is Vamana, she appears as a lotus. When he is Parashurama, she is his wife, Dharani. When he is Rama, she is Sita and when he is Krishna, she is Rukmini. Thus, without Lakshmi, Vishnu’s purpose is incomplete. Without her, there is no earth, no prosperity, no cycle of life which he can preserve and maintain.
The love between Vishnu and Lakshmi is legendary. According to one myth, Lakshmi, once upset with Vishnu, left him and descended to the earth as a mortal called Padmavati. Unable to live without her, Vishnu took the form of Shrinivasa, a mortal and was reunited and married to her on earth as well. The name Shrinivasa itself literally translates to ‘the dwelling of Shri’, referring to the belief that Lakshmi resides in Vishnu’s chest. One of Lakshmi’s names is also Haripriya or ‘the darling of Hari’.
Illustration: Abhirami Ganesh
Mahalakshmi
While Lakshmi is worshipped as the consort of Vishnu, she is also seen as an independent deity. In this form, she is called Mahalakshmi. Communities that worship Mahalakshmi believe that she is the root of all creation. She represents Prakriti (nature) as well as Maya (illusion). According to one myth, she burst forth from Vishnu, as he was contemplating the creation of the universe. She then placed the seed of desire in his hand, unleashing the forces of creation which led to the universe being formed. Her association with desire and creation is further solidified in the Harivamsa, which names her the mother of Kama, the God of Love and Desire.
Lakshmi or Shri is ever-present. She is necessary for the sustenance of life itself. However, she is also characterised as ‘Chanchala’ or ‘the fickle one’, symbolising the transient nature of material wealth and difficulty in preserving it. Homes and business establishments are rarely seen without an image of Lakshmi, bestowing her generosity and driving away bad luck and loss. Perhaps the reason she is so ubiquitous and adored is because she is the one who turns dreams into reality and allows humans to work towards self-actualisation.
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Did you know this interesting tale from the Ramayana?
During his exile, Rama once saw Agni, the fire god, in his dream. Agni told him that Ravana would carry Sita away, and it was Rama’s destiny to kill the evil asura king. He had a plan to keep Sita safe by replacing her with a phantom Sita. Without anyone’s knowledge, Sita entered the fire and was replaced by Mayasita. The unsuspecting Ravana carried Mayasita away. When the war was over, Agni returned the real Sita to Rama.
Illustration: Prakash Sivan
Mayasita, now abandoned by Rama, was at a loss. Rama and Agni told her to practice penance. So, she prayed to Shiva and, pleased by her devotion, he appeared before her. In her desire for a husband, Mayasita said “give me a husband” five times. Shiva granted her a boon, and said that in her next birth she would have five husbands. Thus, emerging from the fire one more time, Mayasita, born as Draupadi, got the five Pandavas as her husband.
The Tinduka or Tendu tree, also known as Ebony, is recognisable because of its trademark black wood. There is a fascinating legend about how the tree got its characteristic colour.
Mythology is full of stories of complicated families. Some of the most interesting tales revolve around father-son relationships that often shape the course of the stories. Sons such as Rama, Bheeshma, and Puru, sacrificed a large part of their life and happiness, for a single reason — their fathers’ happiness. Read more to know more about these devoted sons and their fathers.
Rama and Dasharatha
Illustration: Sabu Sarasan and Sundarlal; Script: Harini Gopalswami Srinivasan
In the Ramayana, Rama was the first son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. Considering his eldest’s son’s capabilities and popularity among his people, Dasharatha decided to make Rama the king of Ayodhya. However, fate had other plans. Kaikeyi, one of Dasharatha’s three wives, became insecure about the future of her own son, Bharata. Under the influence of her handmaiden and advisor, Manthara, Kaikeyi took a drastic step. In their youth, Kaikeyi had once saved Dasharatha’s life and in exchange he had granted her two boons. Kaikeyi was reminded of these boons and asked Dasharatha to make Bharata the king instead. She also asked that Rama be exiled for fourteen years. Bound by his promise to his wife, Dasharatha had no choice but to make Bharata the king. However, Dasharatha pleaded with Rama to go against his wishes and not go into exile. Despite appeals from his father, brothers and other courtiers, Rama resolved to leave Ayodhya, all to uphold his father’s word and honour. His sacrifice for his father is why Rama is known foremost as a devoted son, and then as a dutiful king.
Puru and Yayati
Illustration: Souren Roy; Script: Subba Rao
Puru was the youngest son of King Yayati and his second wife, Sharmishtha. Yayati had married Sharmistha in secret, without informing his first wife, Devayani. When Devayani’s father, Sage Shukracharya, came to know about the king’s secret marriage, he cursed Yayati and caused him to lose his youth. The king was deeply distressed and refused to accept his punishment. He begged his sons to take on the effect of the curse, asking for their youth in return for his old age. All of them, except Puru, refused. Despite being a young and able prince with a shining future, Puru sacrificed his own youth for his father and Yayati ruled his kingdom for thousand years, while Puru lived as an old man. His supreme sacrifice proved Puru to be the most dutiful son and Yayati made him his heir. Puru then ruled the kingdom after his father retired to the forest with his wives. Puru went on to become the ancestor to both, the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
In the Mahabharata, Devavrata was the son of King Shantanu of Hastinapur and Ganga. He was raised alone by his mother, Ganga, after her separation from the king. After Devavrata reached adulthood, Ganga returned her son to King Shantanu, and he was proclaimed as the heir by the king. Soon, Shantanu fell in love with Satyavati, the daughter of a fisherman, and desired to marry her. However, Satyavati’s father put forward a condition for the marriage. He asked the king to proclaim the sons born to his daughter as heirs instead of Devavrata. Shantanu refused to accept this condition and left the place in anger and sadness. In the following days, Devavrata found out about all that had passed. Wanting his father’s happiness above all else, he took a drastic step. Devavrata met with Satyavati’s father and promised him that neither he nor his descendants would ever claim the throne of Hastinapur. To ensure that his promise is never broken, he further swore to never have children and remain unmarried all his life. As soon as he took this vow, the gods blessed Devavrata from above and declared that he should be known as ‘Bheeshma’ meaning ‘the one who took a terrible oath’. Those familiar with the Mahabharata would agree that Bheeshma’s extreme sacrifice for his father changed the course of the epic and had far-reaching consequences down the generations.
The Significance of the Sacrifice
Duty towards one’s parents, especially one’s father, is paramount in our culture. To the modern reader, Rama, Puru, and Bheeshma’s decisions might seem strange. The idea that a son could sacrifice his kingdom, his youth, or his future, without a second thought, only to please his father, is inconceivable. However, devoted sons are a common theme across most stories from our mythology. It is their supreme sacrifices for their fathers that have cemented these men as the most selfless and noble characters in Indian epics, making their stories immortal and memorable.
By Srinidhi Murthy
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It is a well-known fact that Surya was the father of Karna. But did you know that Surya also helped the Pandavas in their times of distress? Read more to know how the Sun God played a vital role in shaping the Mahabharata.
Princess Kunti was the adopted daughter of King Kuntibhoja. Upon her father’s orders, Kunti diligently served Sage Durvasa for a year. Pleased with her service, Durvasa gave Kunti a boon. According to that boon, Kunti could summon any god of her choice and would be blessed with a son from that god. As soon as Durvasa left, the young princess decided to test the boon and summoned Surya. But when Surya said she would get a son as she desired, Kunti panicked. She was unmarried and requested Surya to return to his abode. But Surya would bound by the power of the boon and could not return. He blessed Kunti with a son, Karna. The Sun God also gave divine gifts to Karna in the form of kavacha (armour) and kundala (earrings).
The Pandavas and their wife, Draupadi, were worried about feeding the sages who accompanied them during their twelve-year exile. Sage Dhaumya suggested to Yudhishthira that he pray to Surya, as he was the provider of food for all creatures. Heeding this advice, Yudhishthira stood in the waters of Ganga, facing the sun, and prayed to Surya, consuming nothing but air for several days. He prayed for Surya to bestow food upon them all. Pleased by his devotion, Surya appeared before him and gave Yudhishthira the Akshaya Patra. The Akshaya Patra, a copper plate, was an inexhaustible source of food. According to Surya’s boon, it would remain full of food until Draupadi ate from it. Surya also blessed Yudhishthira, assuring him that his kingdom would be restored to him at the end of his exile. With Surya’s gift, the Pandavas and Draupadi were able to provide food to their guests for years without any hurdles.
The Warning
During the exile of the Pandavas, Indra became worried about the safety of his son, Arjuna. If Duryodhana refused to give the Pandavas their kingdom after the exile, a war seemed inevitable. This meant that Arjuna would have to face Karna, who had protection from his divine armour and earrings. He devised a plan to deprive Karna of his protection. Surya came to know about Indra’s plan and warned his son, Karna about Indra’s intentions, in his dream. Surya cautioned Karna that Indra would try to take advantage of his generosity to try to get him to part with his gifts.
The next day, Indra approached Karna in disguise as a poor Brahmin. Indra told Karna that he had come to ask for the latter’s kavacha and kundalas, since he was known for never refusing someone in need. Despite Surya’s warning, Karna donated his kavacha and kundalas to Indra. However, he told Indra that he was aware of the god’s plan and disguise. But he would never refuse anyone even if it ended up costing him his life. Pleased by his generosity, Indra gifted Karna a powerful weapon, Shakti, but added that it could only be used once.
To the Rescue of Draupadi
During their thirteenth and last year of exile, the Pandavas and Draupadi secured places in the palace of King Virata, in their respective disguises. Draupadi, under the name Sairandhri, entered into the service of Queen Sudeshna. One day, Keechaka, the queen’s brother, saw Draupadi and was immediately smitten by her. He approached Draupadi and said that he would be her slave if she agreed to be with him. Draupadi rejected his proposal and replied that she was married to five mighty Gandharvas, who would kill him if they knew about his inappropriate proposal. Despite her rejection, Keechaka went to his sister and asked for her help in convincing Sairandhri. After a lot of persuasion, Sudeshna agreed to help him.
The next day, Sudeshna sent Draupadi to fetch wine from Keechaka, despite her protests. Draupadi prayed to Lord Surya for protection. Lord Surya immediately sent a rakshasa and ordered him to protect Draupadi invisibly all the time. When Draupadi entered Keechaka’s chambers, he tried to hold her hand by force. Draupadi pushed him to the ground and rushed to Virata’s court. Keechaka came after her and kicked Draupadi in anger in the presence of all. Immediately, the invisible rakshasa, appointed by Surya, gave Keechaka a mighty blow and he fell down unconscious. Surya thus protected Draupadi during her time of distress during her exile.
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