The Descent of Ganga - II


While Sagara's sons were involved in merry-making at night Indra stole the sacrificial horse and hid it in the hermitage of Sage Kapila. Next day the princes found that the horse was missing and a massive search was initiated. Ultimately the horse was found in the hermitage of Kapila. Since no king had stopped the horse from entering his domain the princes had no occasion to fight and were itching for a brawl. They vented their fury on the innocent sage. They accused him of being a thief and demanded an answer. But the sage was in his meditation and refused even to open his eyes. The princes tied him up but the sage continued to meditate. This angered the princes who then began to kick and beat him. This compelled the sage to break his meditation and see who his offenders were. When he saw the princes he was furious. "You have received the best of education and training and hence your offence deserves a greater punishment," he said. Dazzling rays of fire emerged from his eyes and in seconds Asamanjasa and his sixty thousand stepbrothers were burnt completely to ashes.

The messengers hesitantly approached Sagara and informed him of the tragedy that had struck his sons. But the king was neither angry nor upset. In fact he was glad that an evil burden had been removed from his kingdom. But this created a problem for him. He needed a son and heir in order to complete the sacrifice. After deliberation with the royal priest, Sagara decided to adopt Asamanjasa's son Anshuman. Anshuman was unlike his father in every way and was most suited to carry on the Solar Dynasty.

Anshuman's first task as heir was to retrieve the horse from Kapila's hermitage. He went there and waited patiently for the sage to complete his meditation. He then apologized profusely for the actions of his father and uncles and offered to accept punishment on their behalf. The sage informed him that the miscreants had received due punishment and that matter was closed. Anshuman then put forward a request from his father that the horse be released since the sacrifice had to be completed. Kapila gave him permission. As Anshuman was leaving Kapila granted him a boon. Anshuman said that he desired that the souls of his departed father and uncles ascend to heaven. Kapila replied that for his wish to be granted the

The copyright of the article The Descent of Ganga - II in Indian Mythology is owned by Harsh Nevatia. Permission to republish The Descent of Ganga - II in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic