Aruni, the obedient disciple - - adapted from the lesser known tales from within the Mahabharata

Aruni, the obedient disciple 

In the heart of ancient India, amidst the towering Himalayas, lived a renowned sage named Ayoda-Dhoumya. His ashram was a serene sanctuary of spiritual learning. Among his many disciples, three were particularly dedicated: Upamanyu, Aruni, and Veda. Each possessed unique qualities, but all shared a deep reverence for their teacher and a thirst for sacred knowledge.



One day, a crisis struck the nearby kingdom of Uttraya. A devastating breach had occurred in the vital dike that protected their fields from the wrath of the river. The people faced the imminent threat of flooding, their livelihoods hanging by a thread. The dike was located in the mountain slopes above the ashram. The shepherds who moved about in those hills came to the ashram in the evening and informed the sage Ayoda-Dhoumya. They were worried that if the flow of the water increased to the lower slopes and plains, the poor farmers would lose their crops. 



Ayoda-Dhoumya, with his understanding of the strength of the mountain rivers, recognized the gravity of the situation. He turned to Aruni, a disciple known for his courage and selflessness, and entrusted him with a perilous task. "Aruni," he said, "the people of Uttraya are in dire need. Journey to upper mountains and locate the rock and earthen dam and identify the threat to the dike. You will need to stop the breach in the dike. Your bravery and devotion will be tested. Your intelligence and innovation is the most crucial in this effort. In the meanwhile, Upamanyu will travel to the lower slopes and to the army outpost in the plains and will inform them about the threat. The King needs to know."

Aruni, eager to serve his teacher and to prove himself, set off on his journey. The path to the upper mountain slopes was arduous, leading through dense forests, slippery slopes that had become impossible to walk on with the heavy rainstorm, and the raging mountain river streams. But Aruni's determination was unwavering. He arrived at the rock and earthen dam, his heart heavy, and searched for the dike and tried to locate the breach.

It was almost impossible to locate the threatening breach. The rock and earthen dam was completely soaked in the rainstorm and the sandy dike had changed its appearance. The dike had become extremely slippery and the breach could not be located easily. Aruni walked alongside the dike, trying to understand the earthen slope, his palm placed on it to get a feel for the breach. At one particular location, the surface smoothness of the dike changed, and Aruni could feel the split in the structure. He examined it closely and realised that there was an additional water stream coming out of the dike. 

The breach could widen suddenly and it would allow the waters collected in the dam to rush out with great strength and flow down to the lower slopes within the hour. In front of his own eyes, the breach was widening. Aruni thought of every method he knew to stop the flow of water - building sandbags, diverting the current, even offering prayers to the river gods. He could not think of an efficient way of closing the dike without having to return to the ashram to get materials and men. He had to think of another way. The water, relentless and powerful, continued to erode the dike, threatening to engulf the lower slopes and the farms on the plains in the valley.

Despair began to creep into Aruni's heart. He felt a deep sense of failure, unable to fulfill his teacher's trust. He had to try or he would have to kill himself. He could not return to the ashram and confess his failure. But then, a realization from one of the early teachings from his gurudev struck him. He remembered a legend, a tale of a hero who had sacrificed himself to save his people. Inspired by this legend, Aruni made a decision.

He squeezed himself into the breach, entering it, the water swirling around him, threatening to consume him. With a deep breath, he placed himself as a block in the gap, his body forming a human dam. The water, encountering the obstacle, slowed and eventually stopped. The water stream from the breach had stopped. All he had to do now was to wait for the rainstorm to end. 

Meanwhile, back at the ashram, by mid-morning of the next day, Ayoda-Dhoumya grew concerned. He had not heard from Aruni for the entire night and the early morning. Worried, he asked his other disciples about his whereabouts and if anyone had seen him moving about in the ashrama. The rainstorm had stopped and there was bright sunlight all around and the warmth of the day was beginning to get pleasant. 

"O Bhagavan," the senior disciples replied, "Aruni went to the upper slopes of the great mountains above our ashrama to stop the breach in the dike as you instructed. We have not seem him since."

Ayoda-Dhoumya, sensing something amiss, decided to climb the upper slopes and examine the rock and earthen dam himself. He asked his disciples to accompany him and to carry soil digging equipment, rock breaking chisels and some food. He traveled with a large group of disciples and shepherds, their hearts filled with both hope and fear. When they arrived at the dike, they were greeted by a sight that could not be explained. The breach was sealed, the water no longer posed a threat.

Ayoda-Dhoumya called out for Aruni, his voice filled with relief and pride. Aruni, exhausted but triumphant, called out from within the breach. He explained what had happened and that he had stepped into the breach to block the waters. The great sage, happy with the dedication and innovation shown by Aruni asked for him to step out of the breach. 

Aruni explained, “O Gurudev, O Bhagavan, I am unable to do so. The soil in the dike and in the breach had been extremely wet and smooth during the rainstorm. Now it has hardened and compressed as the sun came out at dawn and the warmth of the mid morning has narrowed the breach and I am now unable to step out. Someone would need to dig in for me and allow me to come out to seek your blessings.”

The sage asked for his disciples to help Aruni by opening up the dike to allow for him to step out. The disciples were also instructed to immediately work with their tools and equipment to seal the breach and fill in the gaps with the smooth soil from the nearby ditches that had not been exposed to the sun and its warmth. 

Aruni was soon able to step out of the breach and he stood before his teacher, his clothes soaked and his body weary, but his spirit unbroken.

"You have saved the people of Uttraya, Aruni," Ayoda-Dhoumya said, his voice trembling with emotion. "Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. From now on, you shall be known as Uddalaka, the savior."

Ayoda-Dhoumya blessed Uddalaka with divine knowledge and wisdom, recognizing his extraordinary courage and selflessness. He prophesied that Uddalaka would become a great teacher and inspire countless others.

With a heart filled with gratitude and a sense of purpose, Uddalaka returned to the ashram. His sacrifice had not only saved the people but had also elevated him to a higher spiritual plane. He continued to serve his teacher and his fellow beings, his obedience to his gurudev becoming a legend that would be passed down through generations. Adapted from the Mahabharata

Bharat Bhushan

17 October 2024


The birth of Aruni, who was Rishabha

The Village and the Temple

High in the upper Himalayas, along the sacred pilgrimage path to Mount Kailash and the pristine Lake Manasarovar, there was a small village, Devakula, quiet and timeless. Perched on the slopes of jagged mountains, it overlooked vast valleys, and its stone houses, built to withstand the cold winds, clung to the earth as if seeking warmth from the gods. Above the village, near a high ridge, stood a small temple, Devakuleshwara, dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, where the villagers worshipped and pilgrims rested on their long journey to the abode of the gods.

In this temple lived Rishada, a priest and his wife, Dhanya, who helped clean and maintain the premises, their lives bound by service to the divine. For years, they had tended to the sacred fire and offered prayers, ensuring the temple was a place of peace for all who sought solace. Their days were simple, filled with early morning prayers, tending to the temple garden, and chanting Vedic hymns as the golden sunlight bathed the temple walls.

Rishada, with his very humble demeanour and gentle eyes, was known for his devotion and wisdom. His wife, Dhanya, possessed quiet strength, her gentle determination mirroring the serene mountains surrounding their home. Together, they had served the temple faithfully for years, but there was a quiet sorrow they carried with them. For despite their deep prayers and pious lives, the gods had not blessed them with a child.

Each day, Dhanya would offer flowers at the feet of Parvati, whispering her wish for a child, hoping that her prayers might one day be answered. Rishada, though outwardly calm, felt the weight of their childlessness too, but he never questioned the gods' will. "The gods know best," he would tell Dhanya each night as they sat together under the star-filled sky. "We must trust their plan."

The visit of Vamadeva, the mendicant sage

One evening, as a cold mountain storm swept through the village, Vamadeva, an elderly mendicant sage arrived at the temple gates. He was quite well known from earlier visits while travelling to the upper mountain ranges and to the lower slopes in different months. His robes were worn from years of travel, and his hair was matted like the roots of an ancient tree. Yet his eyes shone with a light that seemed to pierce through the darkness of the storm.

Rishada and Dhanya welcomed him into the temple, offering him warm food and a place to rest. They requested him to stay the night and bless them with being able to offer their hospitality to the sage as there was a possibility of an impending rainstorm. As the fire crackled in the hut, Vamadeva spoke to them about the ashrama of the great Sage Kashyapa, and of having wandered through the mountains in search of spiritual solitude in all his living years.

“You are kind,” Vamadeva said in a soft, yet commanding voice. “The gods favour you both.”

“We are humble servants of the gods,” Rishada replied, bowing his head. “We do what is asked of us.”

As they sat together that evening, the storm raging outside, Vamadeva watched Rishada and Dhanya carefully, sensing the quiet sorrow that lay behind their words. When they were about to retire for the night, the sage, his eyes thoughtful, approached them.

“You have served this temple with great devotion,” he said. “I have known the two of you for many years. But there is a question that burdens your hearts. Speak it, and I shall listen.”

Dhanya glanced at Rishada, and for the first time in many years, tears welled in her eyes. “We have no children, O Sage. It has been years since our marriage, but we remain childless. We are born of this village, both of us, and we pray each day, but the gods remain silent. We want to have the joy of being blessed with a child.”

The sage closed his eyes in deep contemplation. After a long moment, he spoke again. “Your prayers have not been in vain. The gods have heard you. You need to take the decision and today, by speaking of it to me, you have begun to permit Mahadeva’s most mysterious game of time, Mahakaal, to begin. I have come to offer you a choice.”

The Blessing

The storm outside seemed to grow quieter as the sage’s voice filled the temple. “You may have four daughters, each representing one of the sacred directions—Uttara, Purva, Dakshina, Paschima—and they shall bring great joy and peace to your household. They will remain in this village, serving it with kindness and devotion, and your family will prosper.”

Dhanya and Rishada looked at each other with hope in their eyes. Not one, but four daughters, a gift from the gods, would be a blessing indeed.

But the sage was not finished. “Or,” he continued, “you may have one son. After his infant and youth years, he will not remain here with you, but his name will be spoken of far beyond this village. He will seek knowledge in the great ashramas of the Himalayas, study the Vedas, and walk the path of the gods. His wisdom will surpass many, and he will be remembered for generations.”

The couple sat in silence, considering the offer. They had always dreamed of a family, children who would care for them in their old age. But the idea of a son who would carry forth their devotion into the wider world was a blessing beyond measure. Rishada and Dhanya looked at one another, worried about the choice that may be voiced by the other. Rishada hugged Dhanya and understood her silence. It would be painful for them, but the blessing would make them stronger in their service to Mahadeva and Parvati. 

Finally, Rishada spoke. “We are grateful for any blessing, but we would wish for the son who would walk away from this village. If it is the will of the gods, let him be a light to the world, even if we must watch him from afar.”

Vamadeva smiled, his eyes glinting in the firelight. “So be it. The gods have decreed it. You shall have a son, and he shall be as brilliant as the rising sun. His name shall carry wisdom, and he will walk the path of righteousness. But, this was a test, and Devi Parvati would not permit me to walk away by denying you the joy of a daughter. Thus, you would be blessed, for the twin children, the brilliant son who would leave you, and the daughter who would stay back, in service to the temple.”

The Birth of Rishabha

True to the sage’s words, Dhanya soon gave birth to a healthy son, whom they named Rishabha and to a beautiful daughter, Girija. The village rejoiced, for it was known that the children carried the blessings of the gods. Their birth brought great joy, but from the very beginning, it was clear that Rishabha was no ordinary child while Girija always radiated the aura of a spiritual being. 

Rishabha was a quiet infant, with large, watchful eyes that seemed to understand the world around him in ways others could not. As he grew, Rishabha became known for his curiosity and devotion to learning. Even before he could walk, he would sit at his father’s feet during the daily prayers, mimicking the sacred chants.

By the time he was ten, Rishabha had mastered many of the prayer hymns that even the elders in the village struggled with. His parents marveled at his intelligence, but deep within their hearts, they knew that their son’s destiny lay beyond the village. The day was fast approaching when he would leave to seek the higher knowledge that had been promised by the sage.

Rishabha Becomes Aruni

When Rishabha turned twelve, a group of wandering scholars visited the village, on their way to the great ashrama of Kashyapa in the upper Himalayas. They were to attend a significant sacrifice that would take months of preparation and several other months of consecration to the Gods in the remote upper ranges of the inner Himalayas. Among them was a learned sage, Ayoda-Dhoumya, whose wisdom was revered across the land.

Sensing Rishabha’s potential, Ayoda-Dhoumya approached Rishada and Dhanya. “Your son is destined for greatness,” he said. “Send him with me, and I will guide him to the path of enlightenment.”

Though it pained them to see their only son leave, Rishada and Dhanya remembered the blessing conveyed by Vamadeva all those years ago. With heavy hearts but full of hope, they gave their blessings, knowing that Rishabha’s destiny was not theirs to hold.

Before he left, Rishabha sought the blessings of his parents. “Remember where you came from,” Rishada told him, placing his hand on his son’s head. “You are a child of the mountains, but your wisdom will soar beyond these peaks.”

With those words in his heart, Rishabha journeyed to Ayoda-Dhoumya’s ashrama, where he was initiated into the path of learning. Upon taking diksha, Rishabha was renamed Aruni, a name that symbolized the rising sun and the dawn of wisdom.

The Journey Ahead

Under the guidance of Sage Ayoda-Dhoumya, Aruni blossomed into a disciplined and obedient disciple. He absorbed knowledge like the sacred rivers absorbed the prayers of the pilgrims. His reputation as a devoted student grew, and his teacher’s faith in him never wavered.

The child born from faith, blessed by the gods, had begun his journey. And though his parents no longer saw him each day, they took comfort in knowing that their son was walking the path of righteousness, one that would forever be remembered in the annals of history.

Aruni’s story had only just begun.


Bharat Bhushan

18 October 2024


The tale of Somashrava - adapted from the lesser known tales from within the Mahabharata

 The Cursed King and the Serpent's Son

Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, the young king of Hastinapura, was worried about a curse that had been received during a sacrifice being conducted recently. It threatened to consume his life and those of his loved ones and the kingdom. Desperate for redemption, he embarked on a quest to find a priest who could counteract the curse and guide him towards salvation.

His search led him to a secluded hermitage, where he met Shrutashrava, a wise sage. His son, Somashrava, was renowned for his ascetic lifestyle and deep knowledge of the scriptures. Janamejaya, recognizing Somashrava's potential, pleaded with Shrutashrava to allow his son to become his priest.

Shrutashrava agreed, but with a caveat. "Somashrava is a great ascetic, but he was born from a serpent that had swallowed my life-giving liquids," he explained. "He can absolve you of all sins except those committed against Mahadeva. However, he has a secret vow: if a Brahmana asks for anything from him, he always gives it away."  

Janamejaya, determined to overcome his curse, accepted Somashrava's condition. He returned to Hastinapura with his new priest and instructed his brothers to follow Somashrava's guidance without question.

Under Somashrava's tutelage, Janamejaya's kingdom flourished. His brothers, inspired by the priest's wisdom and selflessness, underwent a transformation. Together, they embarked on a campaign to conquer the neighbouring kingdom of Takshashila, which they successfully achieved.

The tale of Somashrava: The Serpent’s embrace 


In the heart of a dense, ancient forest, nestled amidst towering trees and winding rivers, lived a sage named Shrutashrava. Renowned for his wisdom and asceticism, he spent his days meditating in a secluded hermitage. One evening, as he sat in deep contemplation, a celestial serpent, shimmering with iridescent scales, slithered into his abode.


The celestial serpent, a guardian of the forest, had been watching Shrutashrava for a long time, drawn to his purity of heart and spiritual devotion. She revealed to him that she was destined to become his wife and bear him a child. Shrutashrava, though surprised, accepted her proposal with reverence.





The serpent, named Tryasti, transformed into a beautiful woman and lived with Shrutashrava for many years. They were filled with love and harmony, and their child, Somashrava, was born under the watchful gaze of the forest spirits.


From the moment of his birth, Somashrava was different. He had a peculiar affinity for nature, and the animals of the forest seemed to recognize him as one of their own. As he grew older, he developed a deep connection with the serpent realm, often spending hours conversing with the snakes that slithered through the undergrowth.






When Somashrava learned of his unusual parentage, he was both intrigued and a little apprehensive. He wondered how the other villagers would react to a boy born of a serpent. But his parents reassured him, teaching him to embrace his unique heritage.


One day, while exploring the forest, Somashrava stumbled upon a cave in which he discovered a group of celestial serpents who had come to visit his mother. 


The serpents welcomed Somashrava as one of their own, sharing their knowledge and wisdom with him. They revealed to him the true nature of his birth, explaining that he was destined to become a powerful mediator between humans and serpents.


With this newfound understanding, Somashrava returned to his village, determined to use his abilities to protect both humans and serpents. He became a respected sage, known for his compassion and his ability to resolve conflicts peacefully. And though he never forgot his serpent mother, he lived a life of harmony and fulfilment, bridging the gap between two worlds.


As Somashrava grew into a young man, his serpent mother, Tryasti, felt it was time for her to return to the Nagaloka, the realm of the serpents. Before she left, she summoned her son to her.

"My beloved Somashrava," she said, her voice filled with love and a touch of sadness, "the time has come for me to depart. But know that I will always watch over you."


Tryasti then placed her hands on Somashrava's head and bestowed upon him a celestial blessing. A shimmering light enveloped him, and he felt a surge of power and serenity.


"This blessing," Tryasti said, "will ensure that you lead an ascetic life, free from worldly desires. It will also grant you the ability to absolve the sins of humans, no matter how grave they may be."


With a final embrace, Tryasti vanished, leaving Somashrava with a profound sense of purpose. He knew that his mother's blessing was a sacred trust, and he vowed to use his abilities to help others.


As Somashrava continued his spiritual journey, he became known for his wisdom and compassion. People from far and wide sought his guidance, seeking solace and absolution for their sins. And though he missed his mother dearly, he found comfort in knowing that her blessing was always with him.

A Tale of Reincarnation and Divine Purpose

In a previous life, Tryasti, a celestial serpent of immense power, had been deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. Her devotion was so profound that she was granted a boon: to be reborn as a human and fulfill a sacred mission.

Tryasti chose to be reborn as the wife of the sage Shrutashrava. In this incarnation, she would give birth to Somashrava, a son destined to play a crucial role in the cosmic drama of Mahadeva.

Unknown to Somashrava, his soul carried the memories of his celestial past. As he grew, he felt an inexplicable connection to the serpent realm and a deep reverence for Lord Shiva. This connection was not merely a coincidence but a manifestation of his divine purpose.

Mahadeva, the cosmic dancer and destroyer of ignorance, had orchestrated Somashrava's rebirth to serve a higher purpose. He wanted Somashrava to become a bridge between the human and divine realms, a mediator who could help humanity overcome its spiritual darkness.

As Somashrava's story unfolded, he became increasingly aware of his celestial past and his connection to Tryasti. He realised that his ability to absolve sins was not merely a gift but a divine responsibility.

One day, while meditating in the Himalayas, Somashrava had a vision of Tryasti, her serpent form shimmering with celestial light. She revealed to him that the truth of his origins and the cosmic plan that had brought them together required him to step away from the confines of his father’s ashram and step outside into the real world of human beings. This was his future. Someone would come in search of him and would ask for his help and guidance. 

"You are not merely a human, Somashrava," Tryasti said. "You are a divine spark, a messenger of Mahadeva. Your mission is to help humanity find its way back to the light."

With a newfound understanding of his purpose, Somashrava dedicated himself to his spiritual journey. He became a beacon of hope for countless souls, guiding them towards enlightenment and liberation.

And so, the tale of Somashrava, the boy born of a celestial serpent, became a testament to the interconnectedness of all things and the divine plan that governs the universe.

Bharat Bhushan

Sourced and adapted from the lesser known tales within the Mahabharata

16 October 2024


Nara and Narayana - the battle with Sahasra Kavacha - adi parva 0:6

(There are variations to this story, but the flow of events is similar. This is the most commonly known version. Other versions will be presented in other stories.)



The twin form of Nara-Narayana at the Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad
[From - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/NarNarayan-Kalupur.jpg]


Long before the beginning of the earliest events that led to the Mahabharata, actually thousands of years earlier, and just after the events of the Ramayana, there was an asura king, Dambhodbhava. He was Sugreeva, in his earlier birth. Sugreeva had been cursed for being the cause of the death of his brother, Vali, by betrayal and the subversive help of Rama.

Dambhodbhava had his own destiny worked out for him from his previous life as Sugreeva and had to answer for his wrongful and not-so-wrongful actions. In time, his actions as Dambhodbhava also led him to his next life as Karna. He does seem to be the most blessed asura king with continuity as a central figure as Sugreeva in the Ramayana and later, in his battles with Nara and Narayana and subsequently, as Karna in the Mahabharata.

Dambodbhava was a powerful asura king, and was extremely devotional in his prayers to his chosen god, Surya. He immersed himself in meditation and practiced austerities in the region to the north of the high Himalayas near Gangotri. As he continued in his meditation, he became more determined and his efforts became more intensive. In his persistence, Dambhodbhava became totally focused on Surya, the Sun God, and eliminated all other thoughts.

Pleased with his prayers, the Sun God appeared before Dambhodbhava and blessed him and said, "Arise, my son, I am pleased with your determination. You have been totally dedicated in your prayers and austerities. I am happy to grant you a boon as a sign of my blessing. Do ask for what you may want to."

While not entirely grateful, Dambhodbhava was keen to seize the opportunity. He replied to Surya, the Sun God, and said, "My Lord, I am grateful for your blessing. I am completely immersed in my austerities and rituals, in devotion to you, and I would like to continue to do so. You are forever, and the devas, asuras and mortals are going to see you rise in the east, for millions of years in the future. Pray grant me the boon to worship you, every day, for millions of years, as Dambhodbhava, your devotee, as long as you would continue to exist, and as long as the three worlds continue to exist."

Surya replied, "Dambhodbhava, my son, what you are asking for, is immortality. It is against the rules of creation and nature. Even I cannot break that, and similarly, Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva cannot grant immortality. Ask for something else, for I have granted you a boon, and I cannot take it back. Ask me something, other than immortality."

Dambhodbhava smiled, for he was ready with his request and said, "My Lord, I did want to continue to be dedicated to you and worship you forever. So, if I cannot be immortal, grant me this, grant me the protection of Sahasra Kavacha, a thousand armors, that will protect me, one at a time, specially strong armors that can only be broken by someone in combat against me, only if he has performed penance for a thousand years. Even if he succeeds, he should be able to destroy only one armor at a time."

"After destroying one armor, the opponent can continue to battle me for removing the next armor only after meditation for a thousand years. I can only be killed by a mortal, and it can be so, only if a single mortal comes into combat against me, and the same mortal destroys all the thousand armors, one after the other, and commits to meditation of thousand years during the time span between destroying each armor."

"And finally, if he breaks any of the armors, he must die. And I would start again, in living the years of my life in dedication to you, and I would once again have a thousand armors to protect me."

Surya, the Sun God, blessed Dambhodbhava, and said, "So be it. I bless you with agreement to your prayer, my son! With the power of a thousand armors, you will now be known as Sahasra Kavacha."

And thus, did Dambhodbhava come to be recognised as Sahasra Kavacha. And Surya, the Sun God, come to appreciate his devotion to him and accepted him as one of his own sons. This is why in the Ramayana too, is Sugreeva recognised as a son of Surya.

As a result of the boon from the Sun God, Sahasra Kavacha became a powerful asura king. His atrocities kept growing and there was no one to defeat him. He crushed all the kings on earth and began to wage war on the gods. All the asuras united under him, and it was soon obvious that he would defeat Indra and take over the lands of the gods. But there was no answer to defeating Sahasra Kavacha. Indra and Brahma and the gods went up to Vishnu as he was resting on Adi Sesha, the thousand headed snake and his divine companion, along with his consort, Mahalakshmi.

Indra said to Vishnu, thus, "I come to thee, but you know very well why we have come. You are the cause of all actions. You must be aware of the boon granted by Surya to Dambhodbhava, the asura king, now known as Sahasra Kavacha, because of the power given to him by the protection of a thousand armors. The boon given to him says that he can only be defeated by a human combatant, and the time duration between each armor has to be devoted by the warrior in meditation for a thousand years. The armor must not be broken and if there is damage, the warrior combatant would die, and Sahasra Kavacha would once again have a thousand armors."

Brahma, the source of all creation, smiled and said to Vishnu, "It is time for you to fight Sahasra Kavacha, and defeat him as only you can. Since it has to be a mortal combatant, you would need to go into the lands of the asuras and humans and destroy him. It is time, and I can suggest the best couple to be blessed by your birth and presence. Daksha's daughter, Murti, has just been wed to one of my sons, born of my mind and thought, Dharma. It is my son's responsibility to spread righteousness in the three worlds and he will need your support, guidance and strength. You will be born unto Dharma and Murti, and you will be born as a mortal to them."

Vishnu nodded in agreement, and said, "It is time, and it would be correct to be born unto Dharma and Murti. There is one another matter to plan for, in the battle to be fought with Sahasra Kavacha, as a mortal. If the armor were to be broken, the mortal combatant would be dead, and I would be back here, as Vishnu. Sahasra Kavacha would once again begin with a thousand armors. If we need to be able to defeat death as a mortal, we would need to know how to do so. Whom can we ask for help and guidance, if not Rudra himself? Who else would be able to guide a mortal on defeating death?"

Saying thus, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, Mahalakshmi, Adi Sesha and all the gods assembled, meditated and focused on Shiva and requested him to grant them his blessings with his presence. Recognising their needand their prayers, Mahadeva appeared in front of them and blessed all the assembled gods. Brahma spoke, thus, "O Eswara, O Conqueror of death! We need your help and guidance. You are aware that due to Surya's boon, blessings and love for Dambhodbhava, the asura king, his atrocities in the three worlds are growing with the protection of a thousand armors. As Sahasra Kavacha, he is intent on taking control over the lands of devas and perhaps later, he would wage war against Indra also. He would be strong enough to destroy righteousness in the three worlds."

Shiva smiled and nodded in agreement, and said, "Yes. I am aware of Sahasra Kavacha. The boon does require that he can only be defeated by a mortal, who would die, if even a single armor is broken. You cannot remove an armor without breaking it. So, the boon is quite clever. The mortal should also meditate for a period of thousand years between the battle against each armor. It is not possible for any mortal to stay alive for such a long period, and yet be powerful in a war against one so capable as Sahasra Kavacha. Nothing can prevent the asura king from killing the mortal while in meditation. If Sahasra Kavacha does not abide by Dharma, he would not be bound by ethical rules about battle."

Indra, listening to the discussion, spoke disturbedly, "O Tridevaa! The three of you are supreme! I am sure that you would come to a proper understanding and that you will be able to destroy Sahasra Kavacha. I am however worried about how would you be able to defeat time? It requires a thousand years of meditation between the removal of each armor and that means he is going to be active with his atrocities during the time between each armor, for a thousand armors."

Vishnu smiled at Indra in agreement, and said, "Indra is entirely correct. It is necessary to conquer time in this battle. Maheshwara has the ability to show us the path ahead. He has the power to journey through time without disturbing the events of the universe. Defeating or conquering time is to challenge the aspect of creation. Let us listen to Maheshwara. He will show us the correct solution."

Shiva bowed to Vishnu, and replied, "It is true, that one should not disturb the aspects of creation and time in the universe. If we journey through time back and forth in the past and in the future, correcting wrongs or preventing unrighteousness, then there would be no purpose to creation, and there would be no value to Karma. But, there is a way. Let me recollect, that it is enough to recite the name of Rama, the son of Dasaratha, even once with devotion to equal a thousand recitations of the Sahasranamam.

Raama Raama Rameti, Rame Raame Manorame,
Sahasranaama Tatulyam, Rama Naama Varaanane!

What was done by Rama as a mortal equals a thousand achievements of Vishnu as a deity. This is true only if Rama's name is taken with devotion and in those places where Rama himself had gone to and moved about."

"You have gone to the world of the mortals earlier too, O Vishnu, but this time, your actions have to be a lot more clever. There can be no obvious war, and yet you need to fight. While you meditate for a thousand years, you need to make sure that you can defend yourself and be able to fight. Each time that you remove the armor, it is bound to break, and you are bound to die. So, you need to be ready to die, while you make sure that you do not die. This would indeed be a worthy puzzle, even for you. None other is worthy enough to unravel this."

Brahma, Vishnu and Indra and the other gods assembled were pleased at the puzzle being painted by Shiva to outline the strategy to defeat Sahasra Kavacha. Vishnu queries, "O Maheshwara, it was you who said to Devi Parvati, that it is at Kedara that one must meditate. It was you who said that meditation at Kedara is the most fulfilling, for one day of dhyana in the upper hills of the region is equal to one thousand years of meditation elsewhere. This has been known and accepted for many thousands of years before Surya blessed Dambhodbhava. Thus, we are not cheating Dambhodbhava from the specific time span in his boon. After being born to Dharma and Murti, the meditation would need to be conducted on the upper mountains of the Kedar region."

Brahma nodded in agreement and said, "It is true about the sanctity of the mountains of Kedara. We also need to determine how would you not die even if you would have to. We cannot avoid death, for that would mean that Sahasra Kavacha was fighting an immortal. O Hari! We cannot lose this battle. O Maheshwara! Only you can defeat death. Only you can guide us in the battle against Sahasra Kavacha!"

Shiva replied, "If it is to conquer death, I will bless Vishnu with the secret. But how can Hari use the secret blessing to conquer death if he would be dead as a mortal? He will have to be able to use the secret even if he is dead, and before he would return to the heavens as a god after being killed by Sahasra Kavacha. So, in fact, the person who would fight Sahasra Kavacha, and the person who would be dead, and the person to use the secret to bring him back to life, all these persons, would need to be the same person. How would that be possible?"

Vishnu nodded in agreement, and said, thus, "This would be the best battle yet to be fought in the three worlds. I would need to be born as a mortal, but I would need to also manifest as one another, at the same moment, who would be myself, and yet would not be the same. My other self would need to be as powerful and a tremendous warrior. There can be only one solution. My eternal companion, Adi Sesha, is manifest from me, and is my own self, while existing separately with me. We are one and the same. We will be born together, to Dharma and Murti. We will grow up as sages, together, and as I would be Narayana, so, Adi Sesha would be born as Nara."

All the gods assembled, bowed in respect, and Brahma blessed Vishnu and Adi Sesha and said, "So be it. My son, born of my mind, Dharma, would be twice blessed. Even I, his own father, could not have blessed him in a better manner. Righteousness in the world, in this yuga would benefit and spread all over. Nara and Narayana, Vishnu himself, manifest as two mortals together, would be the best blessing to this world of humans. Let us all leave, and allow Hara to be alone with Hari and Adi Sesha, for them to learn the secret of how to escape death. For Shiva is not ready to allow the secret to be known by all, for now!"

The gods bowed to Hari and Hara, and left Vaikunta. Brahma and Mahalakshmi went into a meditative trance to prevent themselves from listening to Shiva impart the secret of escaping a mortal's death. Adi Sesha also bowed in respect to Shiva. The three of them, Vishnu, Shiva and Adi Sesha sat in meditation, silently, on the celestial ocean waters of Vaikunta. It was the most wonderous sight, and we are blessed, thought Brahma, as he closed his own eyes and went into his trance. Shiva invoked his splendid ability and created an aura that covered the three of them. Within that aura, Shiva conveyed through the power of his thought to Vishnu and Adi Sesha, the power, words and manner of use of the most sacred Maha Mryutyunjaya Mantra. He explained to them on its paraphrasing, the manner of recitation and the manner of meditation on the mantra to develop its strength and to give enormous power to the words.

The three gods came out of their trance, and Shiva removed the shield of aura around them. Brahma and Shiva blessed Vishnu and Adi Sesha and left Vaikunta. With permission of Mahalakshmi, Vishnu and Adi Sesha departed from Vaikunta and manifested themselves in the womb of Murti, Realising that something unique had occurred, Dharma and Murti looked forward to the birth of their child. They declared themselves indeed blessed by the grace of Brahma, when Murti gave birth to twin boys. The gods arrived at their house to witness the celestial birth, and Brahma, Shiva, Indra and the goddesses Saraswati, Parvati and Mahalakshmi accompanied them. Brahma and Shiva blessed the infants with long life while the three goddesses blessed Murti with good health. Indra blessed Dharma with wisdom.

As the years passed, the young Nara and Narayana were taught by Dharma and other celestial sages including Narada, Kashyapa, Bharadwaja and Brahma himself. Gifted as they were, and jnani from birth, while still in their youth, Nara and Narayana were ready to leave the house of Dharma and Murti. They received their permission and blessings and proceeded to Kedara and chose a good location to conduct their meditation and austerities. At first, the young aspirant sages walked in to the upper areas of Kedara and focused on Shiva who appeared before them. They offered their prayers to Shiva and requested him to accept them as his disciples. In agreement, Shiva bade them to sit in front of him while he conveyed the instructions of a teacher to his students.

On completion of the teaching, Shiva proceeded to teach the aspect, power and manner of recitation of the Maha Mryutyunjaya Mantra once again, as he done so, while at Vaikunta. Nara and Narayana were instructed to focus on the mantra, and recite the words constantly while immersing themselves in meditation. Shiva instructed the young disciples to immerse themselves in dhyana by offering the power of the mantra to each other, and make themselves strong enough for the battle that would be coming up with Sahasra Kavacha. Shiva instructed them to be ready to be tested for war before they could challenge Sahasra Kavacha. Blessing them, and declaring that the two young students were now accomplished sages, Shiva walked back into the upper peaks of Kedara.

Thus, HE is known as the Lord of Kedara, for he is Kedara himself, an the hills are thought to be the most favoured meditation places in the Himalayas, and are dear to Shiva and Parvati. It is said so, in the Sri Kedara Mahatmyam, that Shiva declared to Parvati that Kedara is his most favourite of places for dhyana. He said that it is not necessary that all pilgrims reach Kedara, and even if they merely begin with the thought of wanting to come to Kedara, they would be blessed by the grace of Eshwara.

Having been blessed for battle by Shiva and with his guidance, the two young sages began to meditate steadfastly on the aspect of life, death and protecting oneself against all the vagaries that accompany the truth of human life. They practised their austerities rigidly and soon came to be recognised by their brethren in the Badri-Kedara region. The sages belonging to the foremost asramas nearby began to journey into Kedara and seek the blessings of such rigid meditation. Badri and Kedara began to be recognised for the vibrations and energy emanating from Nara and Narayana.

As the years went by, the meditatin and austerities began to unfailingly become more rigid and difficult. The two sages would not come out of their trance for more than a year. With progress in their abilities, Nara and Narayana began to be recognised for not coming out of their ever continuing trance for a number of years. The energy of the mantras that they meditated upon, seemed to resound in its tenor throughout the mountains of the high Badri and Kedara regions. It seemed as though that their dhyana aura was directly in touch with Maheshwara himself.

The vibrations and the tremendous energy began to take over the Badri Kedara region, and as they grew in their intensity, mortals and junior sages began to find it difficult to enter Kedara or seek the blessings of Nara and Narayana. They consoled themselves by settling in at the lower slopes at Gaurikund when they found that they were unable to walk up the slopes of Kedara.

The word spread fast and the foremost sages from all over the lands south of the Ganges began to assemble at Badri and Kedara. Initially, the most senior and most accomplished sages were able to walk up into the higher slopes of Kedara, but as the years went by, the entire regin of Kedara began to get inaccessible. The wiser and most prominent sages determined that they would continue in the lower slopes with their disciples and seek to take blessings and the advantage of the meditation and the austerities of Nara and Narayana.

News about the powerful energy emanating from the meditation of the two unknown sages spread through the devas and the asuras. Indra came along with the devas to witness and experience the energy for themselves. Not knowing their identity, for it had been long since the discussion about Sahasra Kavacha, Indra was curious about the reason for the meditation being undertaken by these very unknown sages. Nobody seemed to know anything about them, including their origins, nativity, their guru, or their affiliation to any asrama. They did not have any disciples and they did not meet anyone. It had been years since they had gone into a trance and none of the sages had the courage to disturb their fearsome austerities.

None of the asuras knew about them. This was the most sanctified grounds of Shiva himself, and for someone unknown to be undisturbed in their meditation would only imply a threat to others. Perhaps they were Daanava sages or Naga sages who were seeking powerful weapons from Shiva. If they would be successful, they could threaten the devas and the asuras. Fearful, Indra decided that this would not do. They should stop the two sages in their meditation. They tried to disturb them with rain, snow, blazing sunlight, fire, wind, lightning and thunderstorms, and attacks by wild animals. None of the attempts were successful. The wild animals charged at the two sages and became docile as they came nearby.

These two unknown sages must have already acquired powerful boons from Shiva, thought Indra. In an united understanding, Indra decided to send a combined army of devas and asuras against the two sages. It would be best to attack them, and if it be so, to kill them before they would gain more power. Deciding thus, he gave the orders to attack. The combined armies of the devas and the asuras rushed to attack the two sages. They had however failed to understand the power and energy of the meditation of these two unknown sages and the protective aura that was around them due to their focus on the mantras endowed to them by Shiva.

The protective aura caused the grass all around the two sages to burn fiercely for great distances. The sages remained undisturbed in their meditation. The severe heat generated by the flames prevented the armies of the devas and the asuras from advancing towards the sages. The armies had to withdraw to the dismay of Indra. This was something very strange indeed, he thought. There was an obviously higher force present and he would not be able to oppose it. But, curious, Indra went to meet Brahma to ask about the identity of the two sages. Brahma smiled at the foolishness of Indra and informed him that he had challenged none other than Nara and Narayana who were intent on gaining the adequate strength and ability through meditation to be ready for battle with Sahasra Kavacha. It was Shiva himself who had given them their blessings for battle.

The news about the failed battle by the devas and the asuras against the two sages began to be known in the three worlds. All the asramas at Badri and Kedara started rejoicing in the power of meditation. The sages of some asramas met various asura and daanava kings and informed them of the inability of an army of devas and asuras to attack the meditating sages. In time, some ascetics and sages informed Sahasra Kavacha of the power and ability of the meditating sages.

Being triumphant in all his battles and unable to accept that there could be an unknown form of battle, Sahasra Kavacha was angry. How could anyone prevent a battle through the energy developed and spread by intensive meditation? He would have to check this out for himself and announce his intention to fight the two sages. Deciding thus, the asura king, resplendent in the glow of his kavacha, armor, arrived at the asramas of the foremost sages at the lower slopes at Kedara, below the Sundamadana mountains.

The sages informed Sahasra Kavacha that it was known from the words of Indra that these two sages were Nara and Narayana. Nobody knew anything else about them and there was no information about their asrama or links to any king or kingdom of the three worlds. On hearing of the manner of defeat of the armies of the devas and the asuras, Sahasra Kavacha was puzzled. How could two unknown sages be able to develop such abilities? Someone would have known, for sure. Yet, the upper mountains of Sundamadana, above the Badri-Kedar regions, were known to be the celestial grounds of Shiva. This would mean that these two sages had the blessings of Shiva and his permission to meditate for so many years in these sacred mountains.

Sahasra Kavacha was keen to know more about the two sages. If they were in Shiva's moutains and were engrossed in their meditation and austerities, it could only mean that they were seeking powerful weapons. Perhaps, at last, he would have worthy opponents. He asked the foremost of the sages at the foothills of Kedara, thus, "O worthy sages! Pray help me with answers. There has been none to defeat me in the three worlds for many hundreds of years. You are aware of my prowess and the blessings of Surya himself. Do you think that these two sages would be opponents who would give me a good battle? It has been long since I have had a strong warrior to fight against me."

The foremost of the sages at the foothills of Kedara replied, "O mighty king! We are aware of your strength and your victories. And yet, here are two sages who have defeated the combined armies of the devas and the asuras without any battle. They were undisturbed in their meditation. The energy of their austerities have created such a powerful aura that they could thwart the mighty armies of the devas and the asuras. How will you fight someone who does not fight? How will you defeat someone who cannot be defeated?"

"We have heard that they are known as Nara and Narayana. Even Indra has acknowledged them as extremely accomplished sages. We are all content to rest here, below the great mountains of Badri and Kedara. Our austerities, prayers and meditations get the benefit of the energy generated by them," said the foremost of their sages, and continued, "We have journeyed from several lands, from the south of the Ganges to arrive here and get strength in our prayers. They seem to be very noble souls without any evil in them, for otherwise, so many of us would not benefit. We do not know who they are! Whether they are Kshatriya or Brahmana, their meditation has taken them beyond every aspect. Go and meet them, O powerful king, but, go with humility, and without any intent on war. For otherwise, you will not be able to go within the force of energy that protects them and surrounds them."

Accepting their advice, Sahasra Kavacha assembled his army and journeyed up the mountains of Kedara and arrived at Sundamadana. He instructed his army to stay on guard while he went about the forested mountains and the grassy valleys to search for the two sages. He did not want to lose his army. For, while he was protected by the boon given by Surya, his warriors could be killed in battle. After a long search, Sahasra Kavacha was able to locate the two sages.

They looked totally unlike any warrior. They were extremely thin, and one could see all the bones of their bodies. They looked totally starved, and their blood vessels could be seen clearly. The chill and snow had covered them and they looked very puny and seemed entirely defenseless. However, remembering the advice of the foremost of the sages in the asrama below Kedara, Sahasra Kavacha drew upon all his humility and approached the meditating sages with respect and reverence. He came up to the two sages, sat below their meditation mound, touched their feet and effected a very humble stance.

Nara and Narayana opened their eyes and looked at Sahasra Kavacha without any anger or malice. Sahasra Kavacha enquired if the sages were comfortable and offered them some fruits, water and juices. The two sages politely declined the food and water but invited Sahasra Kavacha to sit comfortably and requested him, very politely, to state the reason for his visit and for disturbing them in their determined meditation and austerities.

Sahasra Kavacha bowed before the two sages and spoke about himself, introducing them to his victories and the manner of battles that he had fought. He told them that there was none in the three worlds to challenge him or fight a victorious battle against him. He had heard of how the armies of the devas and the asuras had been defeated. That was the reason for disturbing them. He said, very humbly, that he would like to take their permission to challenge them to a battle.

The two sages smiled, and Narayana said to Sahasra Kavacha, thus, "O mighty king! We are pleased with your humility, and we are pleased to bless you with good sense and well being. But, we do not wish to fight you, for we have no intention on waging war on anybody. We are only content with our meditation and austerities in order to strengthen our focus on the mantras taught to us by Maheshwara himself. We are determined in our objective because we want to spread righteousness in the three worlds. If you would go back to your kingdom, and be a righteous king, and ensure a just and proper rule, based on dharma, we would be happy for you. We do not wish to fight you."

This declaration by Narayana angered Sahasra Kavacha further. He was furious. But, retaining control over himself, he said, "O great sage! You may please not indulge in advising me about my kingdom and righteousness. I have come here to battle you. I have heard about the powers and abilities of the both of you. If I do battle you, I will vanquish you in an instant. But, it is unwise and wrong to battle a meditating sage and attack one when the ascetic is not intent on battle. It is for this reason that I request you to leave aside your meditation and enjoin battle with me. Let it not be said by one and all that Sahasra Kavacha, the mightiest warrior of all, killed two defenceless sages while they were deep in meditation."

Narayana smiled at the boast and said, "We are certain that we would not want to fight you. But, if you want to attack us, so be it. You would have to fight us, for we would continue in our meditation. You can only battle one of us at any time, for we would not wish to stop our meditation. Only one of us would battle with you. That would be our condition to indulge you in your whims. Is that OK with you?"

Sahasra Kavacha stepped back, bowed in agreement, brought up his mighty weapon and prepared to attack. Narayana sat calmly, while Nara continued to meditate. Picking up his arrow, reciting the best mantra to arm it, Sahasra Kavacha strung it to his bow. Narayana smiled and said, "O mighty king! You are indeed powerful, and you do have tremendously dangerous weapons. The two of us, we are merely two men intent on our own dhyana, in seeking truth and to spread righteousness in the world! What would you achieve in fighting us? We do not have weapons. We do not have an army. Have you brought your army with you?"

Sahasra Kavacha stood, tall, imposing, fearsome, with his mighty bow pulled back, tensed, and waiting with his arrow strung on the weapon. He replied, "O sage! You are truly gifted and intelligent. I have heard of the earlier battles lost by the devas and the asuras. You did not have any weapons in those battles with them. And yet, you did manage to defeat the devas and the asuras. You have the powers of battle and the powers of weaponry with you. I do not see any weapons with you. But, that is not going to stop me from fight you and attacking you. I know that you can battle me, with your powers, with your knowledge and with your skill and ability."

Nara lost patience at the boasts of Sahasra Kavacha. He reached out and plucked the grass growing nearby, and pointed them at the king, and said, "O king! You are so keen to have a battle, and you are intent on using your weapons. Let it be. We have only these grass shoots to defend us and use as weapons. Come ahead and fight. Have your battle. Why do you lift only one bow and one arrow? To frighten two impoverished sages? Bring all your weapons, all your powerful weapons. Call out for your army! Call out for your supreme warriors! Let us complete this battle as soon as we can, so that we are rid of your nuisance and presence that is disturbing us and keeping us away from our dhyana".

Sahasra Kavacha laughed out loud at Nara's proclamation. He called out to his army, and soon enough, the large horde of warriors came up and arrayed themselves in front of Nara and Narayana. Sahasra Kavacha roared in challenge, "There, my army is also here. The most fearsome of all warriors are in my army. They have been with me in many battles against the devas, asuras, daanavas, rakshasas and all other types of warriors. Without me, any one of my warriors are capable of defeating you. But, I am curious. How did you defeat the asuras and the devas? Oh, yes! I heard the stories of the battle from the sages at Kedara and at the villages below these tall mountains. They were defeated by the very grass that burnt fiercely. You are now threatening us with the same grass. O Sages! The grass are the weapons that you use. I am ready to fight the powers that you have to use the grass as weapons. Let us fight, for I am happy that I am not waging war against two defenceless sages."

Narayana smiled patiently, and said, "Forgive my companion, O great king and warrior, for he is impatient. I would like to stay focused. We are here, intent on our dhyana. So you can fight only one of us, at any time. You defeat one of us, and later, you can fight with the other. Do I have your word on this manner of battle, O great warrior?"

Sahasra Kavacha was puzzled. Why did these two sages not begin their battle? They had vanquished the devas and asuras in a matter of a very brief amount of time. But now, they kept insisting that only one of them would do battle. How could they be so confident? They were only two impoverished sages, but they seemed to think that one of them could battle the mighty army and the most powerful and most successful warrior of all the three worlds. How did they think that they would be victorious?

All these thoughts, as Maharishi Veda Vyasa said thus to Suta Maharishi, his accomplished son, and as Suta Maharishi said thus to the kings and sages at their ashrama, "O Bharata! O Mahamuni! Learn and understand from these doubts that Sahasra Kavacha had, at this moment. He knew that there was something wrong. He knew that it was not logical that two starving sages could defeat the mightiest army of the devas and the asuras. He was cautious and he planned properly. He did not rush into battle. He was curious and puzzled. He was polite, humble and respectful, because he knew that he was facing a very clever and very capable enemy, much unlike all the others that he had vanquished. But, at the moment when battle was to be fought, with his bow strung and the arrow taut, he was denied the fight. The war was being delayed. It was that moment that we should be careful about. He denied himself the consciousness that he could be defeated. He denied himself the opportunity of going away and remaining a successful king forever. But ego, arrogance and anger defeated him. Listen thus, now, to the story of his defeat at the hands of Nara and Narayana."