Story of Bhasmasura
Part 2 of 3
Panic arose in Shiva's heart. He knew that if he complied with Bhasmasura's request he would surely turn to ashes. And if he was no more, the world would come to a chaotic end. Yet, once having granted a boon, how could he take it back? There was only one way out of his sticky situation - he would have to run!
And run he did. Clutching his trident, he ran as fast as his legs would carry him. He ran over mountain and down valleys, he crossed rivers and lakes, he ran across vast plains and fields, he passed peaceful ashramas and huts, he ran through dark, dense forests and light, cheerful woods-with Bhasmasura never far behind! "Shiva-Shiva."
What a strange sight it was! The Lord of the Universe running for his life! Pursued by an evil-minded Rakshasa! The hearts of the birds fluttered as they twittered away from tree-tops. The animals stared with huge startled eyes as they scampered away out of the way. And the chase went on - Shiva, panic stricken, panting ahead; Bhasmasura, thirsting to test his unintelligent boon, close on his heels!
Shiva was now getting out of breath. The chase had been long and tiring. Yet, what could he do? He had to press on. But he was beginning to feel that unless something happened soon, Bhasmasura would have his way.
At this time Vishnu was in Vaikuntha watching this unusual occurence with amused interest. He thought that Shiva had been sufficiently punished for carelessly granting such a boon. It was time now to go and help him. After all, were they not the very best of friends? " "Shiva-Shiva, Shiva-Shiva, Shiva-Shiva."
Shiva had just turned round the shoulder of a mountain and Bhasmasura had not yet reached the bend. Vishnu transformed himself into a delightful maiden, soft, shy and beautiful and stood at the bend. As Bhasmasura came panting up, hot in Shiva's pursuit, this girl Mohini, gently caught his hand and said, "Maharaj! You look very tired indeed. Why are you running so fast? Come, my father's ashrama is not far away. Come and rest there a bit. Take some refreshment. Then you will feel fresh enough to start with renewed vigour."
Bhasmasura shook off her hand impatiently and said, "O, let me go. That wretched Shiva will get away. I want to touch his head with my right hand so he will be burnt to ashes and I can then become Lord of the three worlds."
He was about to run ahead when he saw, really saw, Mohini for the first time. The image soon filled his eyes. Her lovely black tresses, her smooth fair brow, her large, soft, doe-like eyes and her small delicate mouth-he looked at the shapely wrist and fingers resting lightly on his arm, her lissom body, her fair feet with tinkling anklets and he forgot all about Shiva and his boon. He looked Mohini up and down, not twice, but over and over again. Desire was planted in his heart. "Shiva-Shiva."
(to be continued...)
Part 2 of 3
Panic arose in Shiva's heart. He knew that if he complied with Bhasmasura's request he would surely turn to ashes. And if he was no more, the world would come to a chaotic end. Yet, once having granted a boon, how could he take it back? There was only one way out of his sticky situation - he would have to run!
And run he did. Clutching his trident, he ran as fast as his legs would carry him. He ran over mountain and down valleys, he crossed rivers and lakes, he ran across vast plains and fields, he passed peaceful ashramas and huts, he ran through dark, dense forests and light, cheerful woods-with Bhasmasura never far behind! "Shiva-Shiva."
What a strange sight it was! The Lord of the Universe running for his life! Pursued by an evil-minded Rakshasa! The hearts of the birds fluttered as they twittered away from tree-tops. The animals stared with huge startled eyes as they scampered away out of the way. And the chase went on - Shiva, panic stricken, panting ahead; Bhasmasura, thirsting to test his unintelligent boon, close on his heels!
Shiva was now getting out of breath. The chase had been long and tiring. Yet, what could he do? He had to press on. But he was beginning to feel that unless something happened soon, Bhasmasura would have his way.
At this time Vishnu was in Vaikuntha watching this unusual occurence with amused interest. He thought that Shiva had been sufficiently punished for carelessly granting such a boon. It was time now to go and help him. After all, were they not the very best of friends? " "Shiva-Shiva, Shiva-Shiva, Shiva-Shiva."
Shiva had just turned round the shoulder of a mountain and Bhasmasura had not yet reached the bend. Vishnu transformed himself into a delightful maiden, soft, shy and beautiful and stood at the bend. As Bhasmasura came panting up, hot in Shiva's pursuit, this girl Mohini, gently caught his hand and said, "Maharaj! You look very tired indeed. Why are you running so fast? Come, my father's ashrama is not far away. Come and rest there a bit. Take some refreshment. Then you will feel fresh enough to start with renewed vigour."
Bhasmasura shook off her hand impatiently and said, "O, let me go. That wretched Shiva will get away. I want to touch his head with my right hand so he will be burnt to ashes and I can then become Lord of the three worlds."
He was about to run ahead when he saw, really saw, Mohini for the first time. The image soon filled his eyes. Her lovely black tresses, her smooth fair brow, her large, soft, doe-like eyes and her small delicate mouth-he looked at the shapely wrist and fingers resting lightly on his arm, her lissom body, her fair feet with tinkling anklets and he forgot all about Shiva and his boon. He looked Mohini up and down, not twice, but over and over again. Desire was planted in his heart. "Shiva-Shiva."
(to be continued...)
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