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The Story of Devayani

 


1. Devayani and Sharmishtha

In the ancient kingdom of the Asuras, there lived a wise and powerful sage named Shukracharya. He was the guru (teacher) of the Asuras and possessed great knowledge, including the ability to revive the dead. Shukracharya had a daughter named Devayani, who was beautiful and cherished by her father.

Devayani had a close friend named Sharmishtha, the daughter of the Asura king Vrishaparva. Despite their different social standings, Devayani and Sharmishtha were inseparable and enjoyed spending time together.

2. The Incident at the Forest Pool

One day, Devayani, Sharmishtha, and their attendants went to a forest pool to bathe. They left their clothes on the shore and entered the cool water. As they were having fun, a sudden breeze blew Sharmishtha’s clothes into the water. In the confusion, Sharmishtha mistakenly put on Devayani’s clothes.

When Devayani saw this, she was furious. She accused Sharmishtha of disrespecting her and her father. The argument escalated, and in a fit of anger, Sharmishtha pushed Devayani into a dry well and left her there.

3. King Yayati’s Rescue

As Devayani sat crying at the bottom of the well, fate intervened. King Yayati, a noble monarch from the Chandravamsha (Lunar Dynasty), happened to pass by. He heard Devayani’s cries and, looking into the well, saw her in distress. Moved by her plight, he helped her out of the well.

Devayani was grateful and impressed by Yayati’s kindness and bravery. She introduced herself and expressed her desire to marry him. Yayati, struck by her beauty and grace, agreed.

4. Shukracharya’s Intervention

Devayani went to her father, Shukracharya, and narrated the entire incident, including how Sharmishtha had pushed her into the well. Shukracharya was furious and went to King Vrishaparva, demanding justice for his daughter. He insisted that Sharmishtha become Devayani’s servant as a punishment.

King Vrishaparva, fearing Shukracharya’s wrath and the loss of his invaluable knowledge, agreed to the demand. Sharmishtha was made Devayani’s maid, and she accepted her fate with a heavy heart.

5. Life in Yayati’s Kingdom

Devayani married King Yayati, and they lived happily for some time. However, Devayani’s happiness was short-lived. Despite her marriage to Yayati, Sharmishtha still harbored feelings for the king. One day, Yayati encountered Sharmishtha and was captivated by her beauty and sorrow. He found it difficult to resist her, and eventually, they fell in love and got married in secret.

Sharmishtha bore Yayati three sons, while Devayani had two sons, Yadu and Turvasu. Devayani was unaware of this secret marriage for a while, but when she discovered the truth, she was heartbroken and felt deeply betrayed.

6. Yayati’s Curse

Devayani, devastated by the betrayal, went to her father once again. Shukracharya, enraged by what had transpired, cursed King Yayati. He cursed him to old age and decrepitude, stripping him of his youth and vitality.

Yayati, desperate to maintain his youth, begged Shukracharya for mercy. Shukracharya relented slightly and said that if one of Yayati’s sons agreed to take on his old age, Yayati could remain young. Yayati’s eldest son, Yadu, refused, as did his other sons, except for his youngest son, Puru. Puru, out of love and respect for his father, agreed to take on his old age.

With his youth restored, Yayati continued to enjoy life’s pleasures for many years. However, he eventually realized the futility of worldly desires and returned his youth to Puru, accepting his old age. He retired to the forest to live a life of penance and spirituality.

Conclusion

Devayani’s story is one of love, betrayal, and the consequences of one’s actions. It highlights the complexities of human relationships and the importance of forgiveness and acceptance. Despite the hardships she faced, Devayani’s tale is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for justice and redemption.

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