A celestial theft, a sage’s fury, and the high price of blind love.
Curators note: A mythological tale from the Mahabharata tradition about greed, loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of interfering with what belongs to another. A moment of greed leads to a celestial catastrophe. When the eight Vasus cross the Great Sage Vasishta, they are met with a sentence that bridges the gap between heaven and earth. One among them must face a destiny unlike any other, a life of immortal virtue and haunting solitude.
( This is 2nd part a series. The link of Part 1.)
The Theft of Kamadhenu
Dhyeya, the wife of the eighth Vasu, Prabhas, shouted, pointing toward the horizon. “Look! Sage Vashishtha’s hermitage is a marvel!” They all looked down. The small thatched hut was nestled amid lush greenery — vegetable patches, fruit trees, and flowering plants in full bloom.
A small clearing had been carved out of the thick forest on the banks of the River Saraswati for the hermitage. The scene was serene, peaceful, and beautiful.
“We should visit and seek the blessings of the great sage. Vashishtha was the teacher of many illustrious souls, like Lord Rama and Lakshmana. He devoted his life to the welfare of the world and is so kind-hearted that he even forgave the demon who killed his sons,” Prabhas suggested.
The eight Vasus and their wives, who had been flying through the skies, descended to the earth and walked toward the ashram.
The Guardians of Ancestry
Sage Vashishtha was one of the seven sages identified with the Ursa Major, the seven-star constellation, and his wife Arundhati’s star shines close to his. They extended a gracious welcome to the eight Vasus and their wives.
The eight Vasus were highly respected celestial beings. Hinduism has several hundreds of Gods governing the nine planets, wind, fire, water, and all elements of existence. One such sacred activity is conveying the offerings made by human beings to the souls of their departed parents and ancestors. The Vasus were entrusted with this task; their role was pivotal in ensuring humans received the blessings of their lineage.
Hinduism is a unique religion. It does not issue rigid commands or diktats. It does not dictate that people must worship a particular God or visit temples. A Hindu may be an atheist, an agnostic, or a devotee. There are no punishments for not following traditions.
The only duty imposed is the performance of yearly death ceremonies for parents, carried out with devotion and love. Hindus believe these offerings help souls attain Moksha — release from the cycle of rebirth. The eight Vasus were the Gods responsible for these offerings, placing them high in the hierarchy of celestial beings.
The Miracle of Kamadhenu
After discussing the Vedas and other topics, the Vasus prepared to leave. Arundhati insisted they partake of food; she would not let them leave without enjoying her hospitality.
The Vasus hesitated. Finally, one of the wives spoke. “Devi Arundhati, it is an honor, but we are reluctant to impose. You and the Sage live alone; you have no disciples to assist you. We are sixteen in number. It would be a strain to prepare food for us all. Please forgive us.”
Arundhati laughed. “It is no trouble at all. By the time you wash your hands and feet and are seated, the food will be ready.”
The eight Vasus followed her instructions. To their amazement, by the time the last Vasu sat down, Arundhati was already serving hot dishes on banana leaves.
After the meal, as they took their leave, Dhyeya asked, “Devi Arundhati, we are curious. How did you manage to prepare so many dishes in just minutes? What is your secret?”
Arundhati led them to the backyard. There stood a cow with her calf. Even from a distance, the Vasus were struck by the beauty of the sacred cow. Her white coat seemed luminous, and as they approached, she looked at them with large, gentle eyes. Love and compassion flowed from her gaze.
Arundhati said, “This is Kamadhenu, and her calf, Nandini. She possesses immense powers and grants any wish. I requested her to provide food for my guests, and she obliged.”
The Seed of Greed
The calf panicked at the crowd and snuggled closer to its mother. Kamadhenu licked the calf’s forehead. The Vasus bowed to Kamadhenu, thanked the Sage and his wife, and departed.
After walking for a few minutes, Dhyeya spoke. “I want Kamadhenu.”
Her husband, Prabhas, was puzzled. “Why? We are celestial beings. We are immortal. We have no fears or greed like human beings. Why do you need her?”
Dhyeya waved her hand. “It is not for me. My friend, Princess Jitavati, worries about her beauty and old age. If I gift Kamadhenu to her, her milk will grant immortality, and the cow will fulfill her desires.”
The group fell silent when Dhyeya’s look made it clear she was serious.
“The Sage loves Kamadhenu like his own child,” one wife warned. “He will find out and could banish us from heaven. Drop this idea.”
Dhyeya turned to Prabhas. He adored his wife, and his love blinded him. “How will he know?” Prabhas argued. “The hermitage is deserted. We shall wait for Vashishtha to leave for his rituals. We can sneak in and lead Kamadhenu away. Nothing could be easier.”
A heated discussion broke out. Some favored the theft; others opposed it. Finally, the seven Vasus agreed to assist Prabhas, though they set a strict condition: they would not touch Kamadhenu. They would serve only as lookouts, signaling if any threat emerged.
The Vasus took elaborate precautions. They shadowed Sage Vashishtha to the River Saraswati, positioning themselves at strategic points to monitor his rituals. If he cut his prayers short, the signal would pass down the line. Their wives formed a similar perimeter around Arundhati.
There was no cause for concern. Prabhas walked to the cow, untied the rope, and led her away. Kamadhenu and her calf followed without protest.
The mission appeared easy — a cakewalk. Yet, despite his outward calm, Prabhas felt the weight of the deed. He was jumpy, his senses heightened by the risk. With each step away from the hermitage, the tension eased. After a few hundred yards, the group heaved a collective sigh of relief.
The Interception
With each step, their tension eased. But unknown to them, Kamadhenu had sent a message. As Vashishtha was taking his third dip in the Saraswati, an image flashed in his mind, Kamadhenu shedding tears as she was led away.
Vashishtha strode through the forest. He took a shortcut to intercept them. His fury grew. He was enraged that the Vasus had betrayed his trust and acted like common thieves.
The Vasus were chatting when they turned a corner and froze. Standing before them was Vashishtha. Water dripped from his clothes, and the intensity of his gaze scorched them. Prabhas’s grip on the rope slackened, and Kamadhenu walked across.
Contd.
To read the full story, please see The Legend of Bhishma Part 2
To read all parts, please see The Legend of Bhishma
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