Harishchandra literally suffered agonies meanwhile for Varuna was not amused by these delaying tactics and inflicted the most hideous stomach-ache on Harishchandra as a fine for defaulting.Īt last, Rohitasva stumbled across Ajigarta, a priest whose belly ached from the punishment of hunger. Rohitasva wandered for six years looking for a victim. But when Rohitasva grew up, Varuna testily reminded the king of his promise just to see him run around for under his goody-goody airs, Harishchandra was guilty of vanity, the “I’m such a decent person” kind that the gods seem to find particularly irritating. Soon enough, Prince Rohitasva was born to gladden Raja Harishchandra’s heart and the old bargain was conveniently forgotten. Him, in which case Harishchandra had spectacularly failed. Harishchandra would get his son but at some point he had to offer a human life in exchange to Varuna. But he came out having made a dreadful bargain-a life for a life. He went to Devarishi Narada for counsel, and as advised, prayed to the ancient god Varuna. This King Harishchandra married many wives but had the usual problem. This nasty but moving tale goes back to antiquity to a “King Harishchandra”. They shall be called ‘Utanka clouds’ always.” And they are, even today.Īnother stark story which tells us that every life is precious is from the Aitareya Brahmana section of the Rig Veda. Sudden clouds will shower water in the desert. “Your fault has been great,” he says to the weeping Utanka. Alas, it is none other than Indra, lord of the celestials, who, when asked by Krishna to give Utanka a drink of amrita, the nectar of immortality, insisted that Utanka be first put to test. Despite many pleas and protestations by the Chandala, Utanka furiously says no, and so the apparition shrugs and vanishes. Instead, a Chandala or so-called ‘outcast’ appears who invites Utanka to quench his thirst. Desperately thirsty soon after, Utanka calls to Krishna, but no sparkling fountain manifests. Krishna grants Utanka a boon that he will find water whenever thirsty if he but thinks of him. O parent of all things, You fill the firmament.” Overwhelmed, Utanka says, “O You whose handiwork is the universe, I bow to You. So besides Arjuna at Kurukshetra and Yashoda, when she looked into Baby Krishna’s open mouth and saw the cosmos, it’s Utanka who beholds “Vasudeva’s universal form, endowed with mighty arms, blazing with the fire of a thousand suns, filling all space, with faces on every side”. Krishna patiently explains his avatar’s purpose of restoring dharmic balance and Utanka is pacified. He is devastated to hear about Kurukshetra and wants to curse Krishna for letting it happen. Sri Krishna and Utanka exchange fond greetings.
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