Mahabharata : The Fishermaiden
Hi All,
Last time we ended with the blessing given to Devratha by the Gods as a mark of respect to his selflessness. But, question tugs at our consciousness, asking us who was Satyavati? Why did Shantanu want to marry her so deeply?
Unlike what most people say, Satyavati was no ordinary fisher-maiden. As the story goes, there once lived an Apsara by the name Girika. She had been cursed by Brahma to live as a fish as long as she did not bear human children. Although this seemed impossible, destiny has its own consciousness by which it turns the wheels of time. So, by luck, once she did bear two children, a boy, and a girl. However, when they were in her womb, she was caught by a couple of fishermen who discovered twin children were in the belly of this she-fish. They presented these twins before their King, Uparichara. He adopted the boy child but allowed the fisher-folk to raise her. The chief of the fisher-folk adopted the girl child as his own daughter and brought her up to be a charming young maiden. She was named by his family as Satyavati...
However, since she had been born from a fish she had a terrible smell of fishes and was teased as Matsya-Gandha. One day she found herself ferrying Sage Parasara. He felt pity for her and decided to help her. He told her that he could bless her with a fragrance that would be irresistible for men. However, the catch was that she would have to bear a child. However, Parasara said he could help her in that, and using his powers could make her bear a child before they even reached the other shore of the river and again regain her chastity. She readily agreed for any consequences for getting rid of the disgusting smell that hung over her.
So, exactly according to his words, Parasara blessed her with the fragrant smell he had promised. And, the child born was named Krishna Dwaipayana, later to be named Vyasa - he who compiled the scriptures.
And soon, the fragrant Matsya-Gandha had come under the gaze of Shantanu, who after the sacrifice of his son married her and made her the Queen of Hastinapura.
Also, as I discreetly believe: "there is always a story behind the story", I Gave this tale of Satyavati a considerable thought. And so with the intention of pulling out this "behind" story, I think that Satyavati's insistence about her children being kings stems from the realization of being kicked out by her royal father, Uparichara.
...do share your views on this "Behind the Scenes" story or any which you would like to propose in the comments below.
#HeartCODE - signing out for today...
Do follow my Blogspot on Mahabharat at http://www.hridaycode.blogspot.com/ and also read by other Blogspot by name @WePeople from the below link...
Last time we ended with the blessing given to Devratha by the Gods as a mark of respect to his selflessness. But, question tugs at our consciousness, asking us who was Satyavati? Why did Shantanu want to marry her so deeply?
Unlike what most people say, Satyavati was no ordinary fisher-maiden. As the story goes, there once lived an Apsara by the name Girika. She had been cursed by Brahma to live as a fish as long as she did not bear human children. Although this seemed impossible, destiny has its own consciousness by which it turns the wheels of time. So, by luck, once she did bear two children, a boy, and a girl. However, when they were in her womb, she was caught by a couple of fishermen who discovered twin children were in the belly of this she-fish. They presented these twins before their King, Uparichara. He adopted the boy child but allowed the fisher-folk to raise her. The chief of the fisher-folk adopted the girl child as his own daughter and brought her up to be a charming young maiden. She was named by his family as Satyavati...
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| Matsya-Gandha Image courtesy - www.google.com |
So, exactly according to his words, Parasara blessed her with the fragrant smell he had promised. And, the child born was named Krishna Dwaipayana, later to be named Vyasa - he who compiled the scriptures.
And soon, the fragrant Matsya-Gandha had come under the gaze of Shantanu, who after the sacrifice of his son married her and made her the Queen of Hastinapura.
Also, as I discreetly believe: "there is always a story behind the story", I Gave this tale of Satyavati a considerable thought. And so with the intention of pulling out this "behind" story, I think that Satyavati's insistence about her children being kings stems from the realization of being kicked out by her royal father, Uparichara.
...do share your views on this "Behind the Scenes" story or any which you would like to propose in the comments below.
#HeartCODE - signing out for today...
Do follow my Blogspot on Mahabharat at http://www.hridaycode.blogspot.com/ and also read by other Blogspot by name @WePeople from the below link...
https://hridaywithpeople.blogspot.com/
And do stay safe in these days of UnLockdown...till then, goodbye.
And do stay safe in these days of UnLockdown...till then, goodbye.
Too good👍🏻
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