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Page 2
An ascetic by the name of Ashtavakra was sent on a mission by his prospective father-in-law. On route he was the guest of King Vaisravana. Vaisravana was instructed to keep Ashtavakra as his guest for as long as he cold. Hence he called the apsaras from heaven who entertained Ashtavakra for a full year. Ghritachi was among the apsaras.
Once upon a time there lived two Demon brothers named Sunda and Upasunda. They were given a boon that each could die only at the other's hands. However these brothers loved each other so much that it was inconceivable that they would even harm each other. The two brothers had made life terrible for everyone on earth. They inflicted terrible atrocities on the people, especially the sages. Ultimately the sages approached Brahma and begged for salvation from Sunda and Upasunda. Brahma assured them that he would think of a plan. Brahma then summoned Viswakarma, the celestial architect, and ordered him to create a woman that no one could resist, whether man or God or Demon. Viswakarma was a master of his craft. He created a woman who was a real traffic topper. She was more resplendent than a thousand gems. Because her body contained small amounts of every gem, Brahma named her Tilottama and breathed life into her. The apsara then touched the feet of Brahma and asked for instructions. But Brahma wanted to test her out first. He asked her to seek the blessings of all the Gods and demi-Gods. When even the ascetic Shiva could not take his eyes of her, Brahma knew that his troubles were over. He sent Tilottama to the kingdom of Sunda and Upasunda. By this time the Demon brothers had subjugated the three worlds and taken custody of all its wealth. They spent their time drinking and womanizing. When, in the captivating landscape of the Vindhya mountain range the duo were being entertained by a bevy of willing damsels, Tilottama made her entry. She sashayed towards Sunda and Upasunda, scantily clad and leaving nothing to the imagination. Each brother claimed her as his, immediately proposed marriage and demanded that the other treat her as his sister-in-law. Ridden with lust they grappled with the hapless apsara, trying to free her from the grasp of the other. When they were unsuccessful they let her go and came to grips with each other. Words turned to fists and fists to weapons. Each Demon lifted his mighty mace and at the same time brought it down on the head of his brother. Seeing the two huge masses of flesh and blood and broken bones the demon attendants vanished. The rule of the demi-Gods was soon established again.
The copyright of the article Apsaras - II - Page 2 in Indian Mythology is owned by Harsh Nevatia. Permission to republish Apsaras - II - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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