The Upside-Down King

by Sudha Murty

  When Raghu awoke the next morning, he saw the tree covered with gold coins. He understood that it was Kubera’s magic at work. He said to his soldiers, ‘Our mission is already complete, and there is no need to go to war. Let’s take down ten lakh gold coins from the tree and leave the rest as is. The life of a king must be like that of a sage—with minimal to no attachments.’

  Raghu headed back to his kingdom after gathering ten lakh gold coins and sent word to Koustheya to come and collect the money.

  Meanwhile, the gods had been watching, and seeing Raghu’s good intentions, they blessed him and his kingdom with prosperity.

  Koustheya collected the coins and handed them to his teacher, who was pleasantly surprised and blessed his student. ‘Your gurudakshina is complete. Go and prosper in this world, my child.’

  The guru then donated all the gold coins to the poor that very day. It was the tenth day of the month of Ashwayuja, and from that day on, distributing wealth on this day became a custom. Today, if a person doesn’t have gold to donate, they distribute the leaves of the shami tree instead. Later, Rama is believed to have defeated Ravana on this day, and the tenth day of this month came to be known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

  Since then, the shami (Prosopis cineraria) is considered an auspicious tree and is also called the tree of gold.

  Legend also has it that when the Pandavas were in exile for a year, they were afraid that people would recognize them if they carried their weapons along. So they collected the weapons together, tied them with a cloth to a shami tree and entered the city of Viratnagar unarmed. The tree, thus, became a great source of help during their exile.

  Today, people all over the country celebrate Vijayadashami after nine days of Navratri and the worship of Goddess Durga. On the tenth day, leaves from a shami tree are kept in a box and distributed to friends and relatives. People touch the feet of elders and say, ‘Please accept these shami leaves and bless us so that we prosper in our lives.’

  Ravana, the Complex Asura

  The Story of Vaisravana

  The great sage Pulastya was a very learned man who was performing a strict penance in a forest near Mount Mahameru. He ate only what was required for survival, and led an austere and disciplined life. The king of the gods, Indra, thought that Pulastya was praying to usurp his throne and sent a few celestial beauties with exquisite flowers and delicious fruits to disrupt Pulastya’s tapasya.

  Pulastya, however, remained detached from the distractions around him. The sage understood that Indra had instructed the women to disturb him. The apsaras began playing music and dancing with joy. Finally, fed up, he cursed them. ‘Any woman who sets eyes on me is sure to have a baby within a year.’

  When the apsaras heard these words, they immediately ran away, and Pulastya continued his penance in peace.

  Days passed.

  King Thrinabindu, who ruled the land, had a beautiful daughter. One day, she went to the forest nearby with her friends but lost her way. She wandered around and suddenly found herself in Pulastya’s ashram, where she saw the sage meditating. Without disturbing him and unaware of the curse, she prostrated before him and then left the ashram. Soon after, she found her friends, and they returned to the palace.

  After a few days, the princess felt her body changing. Thinking that she might be about to fall sick, she visited the royal physician, who examined her and declared, ‘You are pregnant.’

  The princess was alarmed. When her father, Thrinabindu, learnt of this, he was surprised. But he was an understanding man and a wise philosopher. He knew that his daughter was incapable of doing anything that might interfere with her royal duties or harm their reputation. So he quizzed his daughter about the sequence of events in the near past. Finally, the king realized that the change could have come along only after the princess’s visit to Pulastya’s ashram and immediately left with his daughter to meet the sage in the forest.

  When they reached the ashram, the sage was not in meditation and welcomed his visitors. The king explained the situation to the sage, who said, ‘King, I will marry the princess. She will give birth to a child who will become very famous in the world.’

  The king agreed, and the princess and the sage were married. They were a happy couple. Months later, the princess gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, whom they named Vishrava.

  Vishrava grew up to be a great sage because of his knowledge and yogic powers. He was much like his father—a learned and calm man. First, he married Ilavada and had a son named Vaisravana. Later, he also wed Kaikesi, who bore him Ravana.

  Vaisravana grew up in the ashram and performed many yagnas like his father and grandfather.

  One day, Brahma appeared before him. ‘I am pleased with your penance and knowledge. Tell me, Vaisravana, what can I give you? What do you desire?’

  Vaisravana replied, ‘I want to manage the finances and all related matters of the celestial treasury, and have the same elite status of the gods of the directions. There are only three gods of the directions, and I would like to be the fourth.’

  Lord Brahma smiled and agreed. ‘So be it. From this day on, you will be known as Kubera and will equal the likes of Indra, who is the king of the gods and the east; Varuna, who is the god of water and the west; and Yama, the god of death and the south. You, my child, will be the god of wealth and the north. I also bless you with the Pushpaka Vimana, a chariot that can fly in any direction you wish. May you handle your blessings with wisdom and grace.’

  Kubera approached his father, Vishrava, and said, ‘Father, Lord Brahma has been very kind to me. He gave me more than I asked for. But he did not identify a place for me to stay. Please advise me where I can live so that I do not cause harm to any living being—human or animal. That will make me very happy.’

  Vishrava liked his son’s humble request and replied, ‘Go to the southern ocean and keep travelling south until you come upon an island. That island is Lanka Pradesha. Look for a mountain known as Trikuta, near which lies a beautiful city called Lanka. The city has a strong moat and fort and a palace made of gold. Lanka was built by Vishwakarma, the architect of the heavens, for the asuras, but the asuras ran away to Patala Loka (the lower world) out of the fear of Lord Vishnu. So the city now lies abandoned. You can take residence there and rule.’

  Kubera smiled and thanked his father.

  Soon, he made his way to Lanka and settled there. As time passed, many asuras also came and resided in his kingdom. Kubera ruled the city wisely and respected and cared for his subjects.

  The Boons of Brahma

  Sage Kashyapa had many wives. The children born of his wife Aditi became devas, the children borne by Dwiti became asuras and those of Kadru came to be known as the nagas. In the same manner, the yakshas and kimpurushas were also borne by Sage Kashyapa’s different wives.

  The asuras who built Lanka for themselves were behaving very arrogantly and causing problems for others. Vishnu went to Lanka and punished them, so they ran away to Patala Loka.

  Over the generations in the asura lineage, Malyavan, Sumali and Mali were born. The three brothers had many children.

  Sumali’s daughter Kaikesi was extraordinarily beautiful and intelligent. One day, when Sumali saw the famed sage Vishrava (Kubera’s father), he decided to marry his daughter to this sage. Through scheming and planning, Sumali became successful in his mission, and Vishrava was married to Kaikesi. Together, they had three sons, named Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana, and a daughter named Shurpanakha.

  Ravana’s grandfather Pulastya could predict the future. He told Kaikesi, ‘Your first two sons will bring a bad name to your lineage, but the last one will be remembered forever as a good man.’

  Kaikesi raised her children with the ideals of two cultures—the Vedic culture of her father’s dynasty and the warrior ideology of her mother’s family.

  Ravana, Kaikesi’s eldest son, was a handsome prince who possessed the qualities of sages as well as of asuras. He was also known as Dashagreeva, Dashana
na and Dashamukha—‘the man with ten heads’. It wasn’t that Ravana really had ten heads; he had ten-fold knowledge. Through his knowledge and learning, Ravana was aware of what was happening at all times in six directions: north, south, east, west, up in the sky and down below the earth. He possessed deep knowledge and insight into the four Vedas.

  However, as an asura, Ravana had a weakness for women, a vice he could not rein in, and which eventually led to his downfall.

  Kumbhakarna, the second son, was born with predominantly asura traits. But he was good at heart and obedient to his brother Ravana, and followed his orders without question. His strength worried Indra, who was afraid that if Ravana focused his attention on defeating the gods and took Kumbhakarna’s assistance, it would become difficult for the gods to survive the war.

  However, Vibhishana, the youngest prince, was from the beginning inclined towards piety and peace, and did not exhibit any demonic traits.

  One day, Kubera came to see his father, Vishrava, and meet his half-brothers and sister. The sight of his Pushpaka Vimana made Kaikesi very jealous. She said to her three sons, ‘When you grow up, you must be more successful than your half-brother, Kubera. Just look at him—he is ruling our kingdom. The asuras should have been the true rulers. You are all strong. You must plan to take Lanka Pradesha back from him. Worship Brahma and obtain boons that will help you achieve this mission. I have faith in the kind-hearted and pure Brahma. He will bless you. Pray to him.’

  So the three brothers began praying to Brahma and did so for many, many years. Finally, the lord appeared before the three of them. ‘I am impressed by your ardent devotion. You may ask me for whatever you want.’

  Ravana said, ‘O Lord, I want immortality.’

  ‘Child, you know I can’t grant you that,’ said Brahma with a smile.

  Ravana looked down upon the strength of humans. They were easily crushed—like ants in front of an elephant. So he said, ‘In that case, please bless me so that I do not die at the hands of any god.’

  ‘So may it be,’ replied Brahma. Ravana had no inkling that Lord Vishnu would take an avatar in the human form of Rama and be the harbinger of his death. ‘In addition, I give you two more boons. In case you lose one head in a war, you will get another in its place. Also, you can take the form of whatever you desire.’

  Ravana thanked the lord with joined hands.

  Now, Brahma turned towards the mighty Kumbhakarna.

  When Kumbhakarna had begun praying to Brahma, Indra had requested Saraswati, ‘O Goddess, you can influence the speech of any individual. When Brahma makes his appearance in front of Kumbhakarna, I am afraid that he may ask for my throne or something that will end in my loss of control over the heavens. I request you to kindly guide his words appropriately at the right time.’

  Brahma asked Kumbhakarna, ‘What do you desire?’

  Kumbhakarna wanted to ask for Indrasana, the throne of Indra, the king of the gods. However, Saraswati used her powers to twist his tongue, and instead of saying Indrasana, Kumbhakarna said, ‘I want nidrasana (sleep).’

  ‘So it may be,’ blessed Brahma. Kumbhakarna instantly fell to the ground and went to sleep.

  Finally, it was Vibhishana’s turn.

  When Brahma asked what he sought, Vibhishana said, ‘Please bless me to always be steady and never stray from the path of dharma, irrespective of the circumstances I might find myself in.’

  Brahma was very pleased. ‘Now that is a very unusual request for a boon. You will forever be known as Dharmista and remembered for your righteousness in the world.’

  The three brothers came back and informed their mother, Kaikesi, about their respective boons.

  In time, Ravana learnt how Indra had tricked Kumbhakarna to save his throne. Furious, he marched towards Indra’s kingdom, defeated Indra and imprisoned him. Ravana then approached Brahma to reverse the boon.

  ‘I can’t reverse a boon already granted,’ said Brahma. ‘However, I can modify it. From now on, Kumbhakarna will sleep for half the year and stay awake for the other half.’

  Satisfied that there was at least some relief for his brother, Ravana thanked Brahma and returned home.

  Knowing that he was now invincible, Ravana prepared to invade Lanka as per his mother’s wishes.

  Ravana sent word to Kubera. ‘Lanka belongs to the asuras, and you are an outsider. Vacate the city of your own volition. If you do not, I will have to wage war against you and take what is rightfully mine.’

  Kubera replied, ‘I occupied Lanka when it was empty and without hurting anyone. If you really think that the city is yours, then take it. I will leave in peace.’

  Kubera then went to his father, Sage Vishrava, with the news.

  ‘Ravana can be very cruel, especially to his enemies,’ the sage mused. ‘He has been blessed by Brahma with three boons that have made him very powerful. I suggest you go north and build your kingdom there, and continue to rule it wisely, as you have all these years. The yakshas and the kimpurushas will be your subjects. Be assured that Ravana will meet his fate in due time.’

  Kubera took his father’s advice and set up his kingdom and the capital city of Alkavati after travelling north.

  Meanwhile, Ravana was crowned the king of Lanka. Asuras from different parts of the world migrated to Lanka and settled there.

  Time passed and Ravana decided to expand his kingdom. He thought of invading Yamaloka, Suryaloka, Chandraloka and Varunaloka—the kingdoms of Yama, Surya, Chandra and Varuna. To move about to these places, which were far and in different directions, Ravana now developed a desire to possess the Pushpaka Vimana, and marched to Alkavati. When Kubera tried to reason with him, Ravana became livid and forcefully took away the Pushpaka Vimana.

  Ravana’s Curses

  Ravana, like his mother, was a great devotee of Shiva. He had deep knowledge of the Vedas, astrology and music, and also played the veena. He composed many hymns in praise of Lord Shiva.

  One day, he went to Mount Kailash to visit Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. There, he saw Shiva’s primary vehicle, Nandi the bull, while he was leaving. Ravana remarked, ‘Look at my vehicle, the Pushpaka Vimana. It is unique and magical. I look at the bull and wonder how such a weak animal can be Shiva’s steed.’

  Now, Nandi was no ordinary bull, and when Ravana didn’t stop his insulting comments, Nandi cursed him. ‘You have no respect for the animal species. May your clan be destroyed with the assistance of a mere monkey.’

  An arrogant Ravana simply walked away, ignoring Nandi, not realizing that the bull’s words would come true one day.

  This was the first curse Ravana took upon his head.

  King Anaranya, the king of Ayodhya at the time, was a Suryavamshi and a just leader. During his rule, Ravana began conquering kingdoms and killing whoever came in his way.

  When Ravana encountered Anaranya, he ordered him to surrender and hand over the kingdom. Anaranya refused. This escalated into a fierce battle between the two armies, but Anaranya was no match for Ravana. The mighty Ravana attacked Anaranya with such strength that Anaranya was fatally wounded and fell from his chariot. Ravana ridiculed him. ‘O foolish king, don’t you know how powerful I am? No one in the three realms can defeat me. You can never win against me.’

  ‘You are cruel, Ravana, and as I lie here taking my last breaths, I curse you with all my heart. If I am a true and just king, then the heavens will ensure that a person from my lineage will be responsible for your death.’

  The curse would reach its fruition with Rama’s birth. This was the second curse.

  One day, when Ravana was travelling in the Pushpaka Vimana, he came across an exquisite woman performing a penance. Ravana, who had a weakness for beauty, set down his vehicle and approached the maiden. He didn’t want to wait for her to finish meditating, so he asked her in a loud voice, ‘Who are you, beautiful maiden? I am the great Ravana. I would like to get married to you and take you to live in my home in Lanka.’

  The woman slowly opene
d her eyes. ‘I am Vedavati, the granddaughter of Sage Brihaspati, the guru of the gods. I am not interested in your proposition. Leave me alone.’

  That did not deter Ravana. He persisted until Vedavati was visibly furious. She cursed him. ‘Since you consistently refuse to respect my words, I will ensure that I become the cause of your death in my next birth.’ Saying thus, Vedavati vanished from sight. She would be born as Sita in her next life.

  This was the third curse.

  Time passed and Ravana married Mandodari, the daughter of Mayasura and a celestial dancer named Hema. Ravana is also believed to have created a game called chaturanga, known as the ancestor of chess, and taught Mandodari how to play it.

  Mandodari was a pious woman. She was aware of her husband’s vices but loved him very much and prayed for his soul. Mandodari bore Ravana three sons, of whom the first was a boy called Meghanada. He was named so because his birth was heralded by extraordinary thundering in the sky—almost as if the clouds were fighting. The boy grew up to be such a fine warrior that Indra, the king of the gods, became afraid of his strength. Meghanada learnt mayavi vidya (the magic of illusion) from his father. In time, Meghanada marched to Indra’s abode, used the trick of disappearance and defeated Indra, thus earning the name Indrajit (conqueror of Indra). Later, he used the trick again during his battle with Rama and Lakshmana.

  One day, Ravana went to the heavens and encountered the beautiful celestial dancer Rambha. Rambha was in love with Nalakubera, Ravana’s nephew and son of Kubera. Ravana was aware of this, but he still tried to take Rambha away with him.

  Nalakubera chanced upon the scene and cursed him. ‘From this day on, if you insist on marrying any woman who doesn’t love you or want your attention, you will die instantly!’

  This was the fourth curse.

  Despite Ravana’s massive knowledge and expertise, his weakness for women would later cost him his life.