CHAPTER 36: Curse for Asuras

As Mrutyunjay looked at his mother thoughtfully, she made his head rest on her lap and intoned, “My son, the asuras had once been cursed by the guru of the Devas, Brihaspati.  It so happened that years ago a young asura Prince learnt some maya tactics from his father.  He, thereby, went to Devaloka in the guise of a Deva and took education under the great sage with a false identification. 

When the time came for the Prince to leave the ashram after twelve years of education, the sage addressed him thus, “Pulochana, it is the duty of every disciple to grant his guru gurudakshina.  I know who you really are.  Still, I taught you everything under the belief that my teachings will help to transform you into a noble soul and you in turn can be the cause for a radical change of attitude in your Dhanava clan. 

If you do this, you would have given me my gurudakshina.”

However, Pulochana had all this while only imbibed that knowledge from his guru, which would make him militarily stronger than the Devas while comfortably ignoring the rest! 

Pulochana declined to do the sage’s bidding who then cursed him that he and his descendants would continue to perform such ignoble acts for which they would always face stringent punishment from the Devas.

 Mrutyunjay, it could be that our current actions are a result of that curse.  However, a new beginning has to dawn someday!  I am of the firm belief that if we have the will power and determination, we can even render a curse redundant!  

When I, who belongs to the Dhanava clan, can think in these terms why cannot you or anyone for that matter do the same?”

Mrutyunjay did not utter a word in response.  He silently thought over what his mother had said but could not make up his mind to support her thoughts. 

At times, the little boy still felt like supporting his father.  Besides, Sage Brihaspati’s curse did not make matters easy for him. 

Still, the Prince made it a point to spend time with his mother and learn more of her conscientious thoughts.  Mandira used to tell him stories that contained moral values. 

The stories of Prahlad, whose father Hiranyakashipu, was slain by Lord Vishnu as Narasimha, and Ghatotkach, the son of the great Pandava Bheema from the Mahabharata, were very inspiring for the young boy.  The former, for his thoughts resembled to that of his mother and the latter for his commendable move of sacrificing his life for the victory of Dharma. 

The striking features of both these characters were their virtuous qualities despite being asuras.   

Just when Mrutyunjay was growing much attached to his mother following the recent developments, tragedy struck his life where he lost her to a severe stomach infection. 

While Rajaveera came out of his mourning in a few days, Mrutyunjay sat alone in his chamber in depression.  His mother’s thoughts and the various stories she narrated to him came flashing back to his mind, causing him untold melancholy. 

It was at that time came a Sage called Prathameshwar from Devaloka.  Although he appeared calm, there was a conspicuous nous of receiving recognition, which reflected on his face.  This was owing to his persistent impression that the Devas had sidelined him and only glorified Brihaspati. 

Finally, unable to bear this step-motherly treatment the sage decided to shift loyalties!  Rajaveera welcomed him to his fold and as a reward made him the Rajguru.  As he wanted the best of teachers as his son’s guru, he asked Prathameshwar if he would accept this responsibility.