King Puranjana: The Mysterious World

Have you ever felt that deep, nagging urge for something more? A feeling that your current surroundings just aren't enough, prompting you to leave everything behind in search of a new beginning, a new belonging? If so, you may be able to relate to the story of King Puranjana.

The Friendship

Puranjana was a king, and he had a dear friend named Avigyat. Avigyat was a mysterious friend, as no one knew his whereabouts, and he did not appear in front of anyone unless he was asked to be with them. Only then would he make his presence known. Puranjana and he were considered "the inseparables" because they would be together all the time, irrespective of time and place.

As time passed, the two friends drifted apart because Puranjana had this urge to see the world, and he became restless. In contrast to his friend Puranjan, Avigyat was happy and content. Avigyat tried to explain to his friend and warned him about the dangers in the world. Puranjana ignored his friends' advice and left his home and everyone in search of a new belonging, a new home.

Restless Wanderer

He travelled far and wide in search of a kingdom that was fit to be ruled by him. He became disheartened that he could not find a place that was good enough for him to stay in. And so his search continued.

One day, the unexpected happened, and he stumbled upon a beautiful place to stay in at the southern slopes of the Himalayas. The city was beautiful and had nine gateways and a great wall that surrounded the entire city. It had lovely gardens, and the houses in the city were well designed. The building was constructed from gold and rare, expensive gems. The streets were wide, with bazaars and gambling places in abundance. The city's splendor rivalled Bhogavati.

Adjourning to the city was a heavenly garden, with chirping birds, lakes, and flowers with a sweet fragrance. Puranjana, a traveller, wandered around the city, drinking in the beauty and grand richness of this place.

The Enchanting Beauty

As Puranjana was wandering around, he saw this beautiful woman whose beauty was so captivating that he could not take his eyes off her. The woman was dark in complexion, wearing exquisite, regal clothes; she exuded command, and her golden and diamond earrings whispered secrets into her ears. Punjanana could not move and stood still, watching the beauty standing a few feet away from him, and then he noticed that she had many attendants - she had ten main attendants, and each attendant had hundreds of women as companions. There was a five-headed snake that was walking ahead of her as though guarding her.

Purjanana pulled his sight away from everyone and again looked at the beautiful woman. He had to speak to her; if not, he would die - so he thought.

He went close to the woman and asked her, "Oh! Beautiful lady, tell me who you are, whose daughter are you? Where have you come from? Where do you belong? Are you the woman from heaven or an earthly being? You have made me your slave with your captivating beauty. I have fallen in love with you. Please make me happy by becoming my wife. Tell me who these attendants are, and this deadly snake that guards you. I am completely puzzled. Please lift your eyes and look at me."

She smiled at him and spoke in a soft voice, " I do not know who I am, nor do I know who my creator is. All I know is that I belong to this city and that I live here. I do not even know who built this city either."

"These men you see around me are my companions, and these women are their attendants and my friends. This five-headed snake guards the city while I am asleep, and it is ever with me. I am glad you came to me. I will make you very happy, and you are the ideal man to become my husband. A man who is worried about tomorrow and death, such a man is not dear to me. Whereas, your thoughts are only of pleasure. You are different, you have no thought of tomorrow, and you are not scared of death. You want to enjoy all the pleasures of this world. You desire me, and I very much love you. We will live happily in this city."

The Union and Attachment

Puranjana married the beautiful lady, Puranjani. He was so attached to his wife that he would not leave her alone for even a second. He did everything she did. What she desired was what he wanted. If she wished to sip wine, he wanted to do the same. He felt hungry when she did. When she sang, he became the words. When she wept, he shed tears alongside her, and her smile was enough to make him smile. The words he spoke mirrored those she uttered, and the words he absorbed had to be the ones that reached her ears. What she found sweet-smelling was the same for him, too, and what she deemed ugly was abhorrent to him.

Puranjana lost all sense of time while enjoying the world's luxuries. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into years, as he became completely absorbed in his wife. Children were born to them and grew up quickly. Nevertheless, Puranjana felt youthful and vigorous. He did not realise that he was ageing; he was now fifty. His love for his wife multiplied tenfold, and his affection for his children also deepened. He was lost in thoughts of himself, his children, his wife, and their love for one another.

He was reveling in life's thrill, blissfully unaware that time was a thief, stealthily stealing his youth.

Old age, like an unwelcome guest with a malicious grin, crept into his bones. It settled in, and as he gazed into the mirror, he saw the years slipping by and his unfulfilled dreams. The vibrant energy he once had was now a distant memory.

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

Summary

This narrative tells the tale of King Puranjana, who leaves his friend Avignyat to explore the world. After a long search, he discovers an opulent city, a place filled with beauty and pleasure. He encounters and falls in love with a captivating woman, Puranjani, who is guarded by a five-headed serpent and attended by many companions.  Puranjana marries Puranjani, becoming completely devoted to her and her desires, losing himself in their life together and neglecting the passage of time and the reality of life.

Let's Reflect

Have you ever walked away from contentment or good advice because you felt an irresistible pull towards the unknown? What were you searching for?