Kardama and Devahuti

In a time when the universe was nothing but a swirling void, Lord Brahma, the creator, received a divine mandate from Lord Narayan to create the world. With the weight of this celestial command, Lord Brahma fashioned the world from nothing.

Brahma's Creation

Lord Brahma started the process of creation. Many entities emanated from his body, Kardama Prajapati was born from his shadow. Lord Brahma instructed his son to procreate. Kardama said, "Yes, father."

Kardama's Spiritual Practice

Kardama journeyed to the mystical banks of the sacred river Saraswati. There, he immersed himself in years of intense tapas, a gruelling spiritual practice that tests the very limits of human endurance and devotion. His dedication caught the attention of the majestic Lord Narayan, who, moved by Kardama's unwavering faith, descended from his abode, illuminating the surroundings with His divine presence. 

Overcome with awe and devotion, Kardama threw himself at the Lord’s feet, tears of joy flowing down his cheeks as he washed the lotus feet of his beloved Lord with his heartfelt devotion.

A Divine Boon

Lord Narayan looked at his devotee with compassionate eyes and said, "I am pleased with your devotion. Ask me for a boon." 

In that moment, Kardama, filled with reverence, exclaimed, "Oh, how truly fortunate I am to stand before You. In Your divine presence, all worldly desires fade into oblivion. But alas! My father, Brahma, has given me a task— to procreate.

O Lord! I seek an ideal wife, one who embodies perfection and will be my steadfast partner in this sacred duty, a companion who will uplift my spirit rather than hinder my quest for enlightenment. I am not different from other men of this world and have asked you for the boon of a material nature. But then, please, I beg you to also grant me the boon of detachment from the objects of this world.

Please ensure that I can perform my duties in this world that were imposed by my father, Brahma, dispassionately. Also, make it possible for me to abandon the world for You, as per my will. Please, grant me this boon."

As Lord Narayana gazed upon his devotee, a radiant smile illuminated his face, and He said:

"You shall live in this world like a single drop of water shimmering upon a lotus leaf, untouched and gleaming. In just two days, the mighty King Manu, ruler of this world, will arrive with his beautiful queen, Shatarupa, along with their daughter Devahuti, who is destined to be your perfect wife.

Devahuti will bear you nine splendid daughters, each destined to marry the venerable sages and bring forth new generations of wisdom and power. Thus, your father, Brahma's wishes shall be fulfilled.

And, I shall take birth from Devahuti’s womb, descending upon this earth to be your beloved son."

With a dazzling flash of light, Lord Narayana vanished into thin air.

A Royal Proposal and a Sage's Condition

Two days later, King Manu made his grand entrance into Kardama's hermitage, accompanied by his radiant wife and daughter. The royal entourage was a sight to behold, with servants carrying an array of exquisite gifts, each more precious than the last.

Upon arriving, King Manu approached Kardama with heartfelt reverence and prostrated himself at the feet of the wise Sage. Kardama welcomed them not just with respect but with a warmth that enveloped the entire hermitage.

Kardama, the revered Sage, bestowed blessings upon the mighty King, whose presence radiated authority and grace. King Manu, seated humbly at the Sage's sacred feet, with his hands clapsed in prayer, said,

"I have come here with a purpose, and I hope you can assist in fulfilling the purpose of my coming."

Kardama smiled at the King and said, "Please disclose your purpose, and I will try my level best to assist you. "

King Manu said, “My daughter, Devahuti, has been captivated by tales of your valour and wisdom, shared by none other than Sage Narad. It is said that her heart has been ensnared by your glory, and she has chosen you as her beloved. With all humility, I stand before you to seek your acceptance of her as your wife. Furthermore, I have been guided by Lord Narayan Himself to present this request to you. Thus, fulfil her heartfelt desire.”

Kardama replied, "I accept your beautiful daughter as my wife, but a pact must be forged. Once our children have been born, I will embrace a different path that leads me away from family ties. My heart yearns for the solitude of tapas, a deep meditation on my ultimate quest for God-realization."

King Manu and his wife Shatarupa spoke to their daughter about the condition laid down by Sage Kardama.

King Manu informed Kardama that they agreed to his condition and gave their daughter Devahuti in marriage to Kardama. The King and Queen left their daughter behind with her husband and returned to their kingdom.

Devahuti devoted herself to her husband with unwavering dedication, serving him tirelessly day and night. Time slipped through her fingers like sand—days turned into months, and months morphed into years. Her body, once vibrant, had become fragile and worn from the rigorous fasts and austere practices she embraced. Yet, amidst the trials, her spirit was uncrushed.

Years of Devotion and a Divine Transformation

One day, Kardama turned to his wife, his voice dripping with tenderness, "My beloved Devahuti, you fill my heart with joy. Your unwavering sincerity and devotion amaze me. I wish to grant you any wish you desire."

Devahuti, her heart swelling with emotion, lowered her gaze, a spark of longing igniting in her eyes. "I wish for children," her voice a whisper full of hope. 

A radiant smile spread across Kardama's face. With a voice filled with love, he said, "So be it."

Kardama encouraged his wife, Devahuti, to immerse herself in the sacred waters of the river Bindusaras. As she stepped into the shimmering depths, a wave of magic surrounded her, transforming her delicate form into that of a radiant princess, embodying the very essence of beauty.

But the adventure didn’t stop there. Kardama transformed himself and regained his youth. Then he unveiled a magnificent aerial vehicle, a celestial chariot that sparkled like the stars, whispering promises of thrills and delights from every corner of the world. With eyes wide with wonder, Devahuti climbed aboard with him, and together they soared through the skies, tasting the exhilaration of freedom as they embraced a life filled with joy.

Return to the Hermitage

During their extraordinary journey, they drifted through the clouds for a hundred years. During this journey, Devahuti gave birth to nine beautiful daughters.

But as the winds of time carried them forward, it was time to return to their hermitage.

To be continued.............

What do you think happens next? Will Kardama fulfil his pact? And what about Lord Narayan’s promised arrival? Stay tuned for the next instalment of this incredible saga.

Summary

The story beautifully illustrates the beginning of creation, highlighting Lord Brahma's directive to create and the actions of Kardama Prajapati. Tasked with procreation, Kardama engages in intense spiritual practices, earning a boon from Lord Narayan. This boon included an ideal wife, Devahuti, along with nine daughters and a boon that Lord Narayan would descend as the son of Kardama and his wife. Additionally, Lord Narayan assures Kardama that after fulfilling his role as a father, he would be able to seek spiritual solitude. Ultimately, through divine intervention, Devahuti and Kardama embark on a century-long celestial journey during which their daughters are born.

Let's Reflect

1. Have you ever pursued something with unwavering dedication? Share your experiences in the comments below.
2. If you had a celestial chariot, where would you go first? Share your thoughts!