Indian Myths by J.K. Jackson

Author:J.K. Jackson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Flame Tree Publishing
Published: 2018-12-03T17:18:51+00:00

More Tales of the Mahabharata

Embedded in the narrative of the Great Bharata War between the Pandavas and the Kauravas is the tale of King Samvarana and the fairy-like Tapati, a daughter of the sun god, Surya. This charming story was told to Arjuna, the Pandava prince, by a Gandharva whom he had defeated in single combat. Its message tells of how in Indian mythology the folk of the spirit world might woo or be wooed by impressionable mortals.

It is also within the Vana Parva book of the Mahabharata that we discover the enchanting love story of Nala, king of the Nishadha kingdom, and Damayanti, the beautiful daughter of King Bhima. Essentially, this is a tale of two lovers who strive to overcome numerous obstacles in their quest to marry and live happily together. In it we find bright examples of masculine morality, purity, loyalty, constancy and love.

Samvarana and Tapati

Tapati was of all nymphs the most beautiful; she was perfectly symmetrical and exquisitely attired; she had faultless features, and black, large eyes; she was chaste and exceedingly well behaved. For a time the sun god considered that no husband could be found who was worthy of his daughter; and therefore knew no peace of mind, always thinking of the person he should choose.

One day, however, King Samvarana worshipped the sun, and made offerings of flowers and sweet perfumes, and Surya resolved to bestow his daughter upon this ideal man.

It came to pass that Samvarana went hunting deer on the mountains. He rode swiftly in pursuit of a nimble-footed stag, leaving his companions behind, until his horse expired with exhaustion. Then he wandered around alone. In a secluded wood he came across a maiden of exquisite beauty; he gazed at her for a while, thinking she was a goddess or the embodiment of the rays emanating from the sun. Her body was as radiant as fire and as spotless as the crescent moon; she stood motionless like a golden statue. The flowers and the creepers round about partook of her beauty, and seemed to be converted into gold. She was Tapati, daughter of the sun.

The king’s eyes were captivated, his heart was wounded by the arrows of the love god Kama; he lost his peace of mind. Eventually he spoke and said: “Who are you, fair one? Maiden of sweet smiles, why do you linger in these lonely woods? I have never seen or heard of one so beautiful as you…. The love god tortures me.”

That lotus-eyed maiden made no answer; she vanished from sight like lightning in the clouds.

The king rushed through the forest, mourning for her: he searched in vain; he stood motionless in grief; he fell down on the earth and fainted.

Then, smiling sweetly, the maiden appeared again. In honeyed words she said: “Arise, you tiger among kings. It is not proper that you should lose your reason in this manner.”

Samvarana opened his eyes and saw Tapati. Weak with emotion he uttered: “I am burning with love for you, you black-eyed beauty.

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