MAHABHARATA SERIES BOOK#1: The Forest of Stories (Mba) by Ashok K. Banker & AKB eBOOKS

Author:Ashok K. Banker & AKB eBOOKS [Banker, Ashok K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Epic
Publisher: AKB eBOOKS
Published: 2012-03-22T04:00:00+00:00

||Seven||

Meanwhile, back at the ashram of Kashyapa, the sisters Kadru and Vinata saw the great steed Ucchaihshrava approach. The celestial stallion had only just then emerged from the Amrit Manthan and its route took it past that site where the wives of Kashyapa lived. But the great horse’s aura glowed so radiantly, it was not visible in the manner of an ordinary horse. Observing its supernatural brilliance, Kadru asked her sister, ‘Sister dearest, what colour is the horse Ucchaihshrava? Tell me at once!’ Vinata replied graciously, ‘Blessed sister, there is no question about it. The celestial horse is white from nose tip to tail tip, of course. Why? Do you believe it is another colour? Come then, my pretty one, let’s have a wager!’ Kadru said with exaggerated politeness, ‘My sweet-smiling sister, you are quite wrong. I say the horse has a black tail. But you are the prettiest one, are you not? Don’t spoil your beauty with a sour look. If it’s a wager you wish, I am game for it. I bet you that the one who is mistaken about the horse’s colour will become the other one’s slave. What say?’ To which her sibling Vinata replied at once, ‘Agreed!’ Then, as it was late in the day and the light insufficient, both sisters agreed to return the next day to examine the horse by the clear light of day.

Back home, Kadru was determined to win the wager by any means necessary. She commanded her one thousand sons: ‘Turn yourself into horse hairs as black as kohl and cover the celestial horse’s tail completely.’ When they refused, she urged them again, saying, ‘If you do not do as I say, I shall lose the bet and become her slave!’ But still they would not agree to deceive their aunt. Finally, frustrated with their non-compliance, she cursed her own sons: ‘You shall all perish in the sarpa satra of the Kuru, Raja Janamajaya!’ This terrible curse resounded as far away as Brahmaloka, where the great Father heard Kadru’s words and mused on the cruel utterance. But after consultation with the other devas, he agreed to let the curse stand, for the sons of Kadru had multiplied manifold and were increasing in numbers at an unprecedented rate, and were moreover virulently poisonous in their venom, fearsome creatures, and rapidly exceeding all bounds of his control. They bit anyone they chose, intimidating with their lethal venom and running rampant where they pleased. But, out of his love for all living creatures, he countered the curse by bestowing upon Kadru’s own husband and the father of these same snakes the knowledge of how to neutralize their venom.

The next morning, the sisters rose with the sun, driven by their mutual jealousy and each eager to better her sibling, and set out to view the horse Ucchaihshrava who had taken shelter in a certain grove. Their route took them first to the ocean. Arriving at the shore, they gazed out upon that vast watery expanse.

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