RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 36

                                                                            UMA’S CURSE

The brothers listened to the story with pleasure. When the Master had ended, Rama asked, “Now, will you tell us, sir, the story of the elder daughter of the Monarch of Mountains. Tell us in detail. For you know best her birth in Heaven and Earth. How did she come to take three courses? And thus she purified the three worlds? And tell us how she came to bear her name Tripathaga.”

Visvamitra started to tell the story: “In those times, Mahadeva took Uma as His wife. His throat was black and he was of boundless energy. He was overpowered with desire. He began to disport himself with her. Hundreds of years passed away. Mahadeva did not know it. But there was no issue born of them. At which Brahma and the Devas trembled with fear. If a son should be born to them who could bear him? So they approached the Divine One. “Supreme Lord!” they spoke, “you are always intent upon the welfare of the worlds. Please heed our prayers. The worlds are unable to bear the energy of yours. Restrain your energy in your own body. Engage with the Great Mother in Brahma Tapas. Have pity on the worlds. Protect all beings. It behoves you not to annihilate them.”

“Be it so” replied Mahadeva. “I and Uma shall retain our respective energies within our own bodies. Let the worlds rest in peace. But my energy has moved out of its receptacle. And it must break out. Who among you shall receive it?”

“The earth, O Lord, will take to her your energy.”

Then Mahadeva let out His energy on the earth. And he enveloped her entirely with her mountains and forests. Thereafter the Gods spoke to Agni, “You enter the energy of Siva. It is terrible to approach and so let Vayu assist you.”

The energy of Shiva was permeated by Agni. It was transformed into a white mountain. And in course of time, a clump of holy reeds sprang thereupon. And from it was born Karthikeya. He was of great energy. He was the son of Agni.

At which Gods and sages praised Siva and Uma. Their hearts were filled with joy at the great danger being averted. But Uma spoke bitter words to the assembled Gods. “You reap the fruit of your crooked ways. You have caused me grief and disappointment. And for your pains take my curse upon you.”  Suddenly she took up water and her whole frame started to glow. Her eyes became red with the fire of wrath. “You have interfered with my pleasures. You who have come between me and my son shall never have sons born to you of your own wives. From this moment, your wifes will be childless.”

Next, she returned to the frightened earth. “Vile creatures, many shall be your forms and many your Lords. Evil-minded one, you envied me a son. And succeeded in depriving me one. But my wrath has the power to deny you any comfort from a child.”

Rudra glanced an eye of pity a the Devas. They hung their heads in shame. And He proceeded to the North-west. There he engaged in stern Tapas in the dark woods.

Thus you have heard from me the narrative of Uma. Now I shall relate to you the origin of Ganga, the elder sister.”