Kusanabha's wisdom turns daughters' misfortune to destiny
Balakanda - Sarga 33
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Balakanda - Sarga 33
Discover how King Kusanabha's daughters defy Vayu, leading to their marriage with Brahmadatta, born of sage Chuli and Somada's union. An epic tale of virtue and destiny.
After hearing the wise words of their father Kusanabha, the hundred daughters of Kusanabha bowed their heads to touch his feet and spoke:
"O King, the all-pervading Wind god (Vayu) desires to violate us, taking a sinful path without regard for morality. We have you as our father, and we are not free to act independently. If you wish to give us away, please make that decision yourself."
As they spoke these words, Vayu, disregarding their pleas, struck them forcefully.
The virtuous and powerful King Kusanabha, upon hearing his daughters' words, replied:
"Daughters, you have shown great forbearance, which is the duty of the tolerant. By standing united, you have protected the honor of our dynasty. Forgiveness is an ornament for both women and men, though it is difficult even for the gods to practice.
Forgiveness possesses many virtues:
It is charity
It is sacrifice
It is truth
It is glory
It is virtue itself
The universe is sustained by forgiveness."
After dismissing his daughters, King Kusanabha, skilled in counseling, consulted with his ministers about finding suitable husbands for his daughters at the right time and place.
During this time, a great ascetic named Chuli, who lived in celibacy and followed virtuous practices, was performing austerities in pursuit of divine knowledge. A Gandharva (celestial musician) maiden named Somada, daughter of Urmila, served him devotedly.
Pleased with her service, Chuli offered her a boon. Somada, skilled in speech, requested a son endowed with brahminical virtues (qualities associated with spiritual wisdom and moral conduct). She said, "I am unmarried and not anyone's wife. Since I have taken refuge in you, please grant me a son through your ascetic power."
The sage Chuli, pleased with her request, granted her an excellent son named Brahmadatta, born through his mental power.
Brahmadatta, son of Somada, ruled the city of Kampilya with great prosperity, like Indra (king of gods) in heaven. The righteous King Kusanabha decided to give his hundred daughters in marriage to Brahmadatta.
Subsequently, Kusanabha invited Brahmadatta and joyfully gave him his hundred daughters in marriage. As Brahmadatta touched their hands during the ceremony, the daughters were immediately cured of their deformities caused by Vayu. They regained their beauty and splendor.
Seeing his daughters freed from Vayu's curse, Kusanabha was overjoyed. After the wedding, Kusanabha sent Brahmadatta and his wives back to their kingdom, accompanied by priests.
Finally, Somada, the Gandharva woman, was delighted with her son's actions and praised her new daughters-in-law.
Thus ends the thirty third sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.