Nilanjana continues with the tale of Pradyumna from the Bhagavatam. A Different Truths exclusive.

Sukha continued, “…the child, Pradyumna, did not die. A large fish thought it was a morsel of food and swallowed it whole. This fish was caught by a group of fishermen. The fish was so large and unusual that they decided to gift it to the king. The king who happened to be Shambara, sent it to the kitchen to be cooked.

Heart full of compassion at the sight of the little boy, Mayavati took him home and brought him up as her own son.

When they cut the fish and found a child inside, they handed him over to Mayavati, the kitchen in-charge. Heart full of compassion at the sight of the little boy, Mayavati took him home and brought him up as her own son. In course of time, he was growing up into a handsome boy. One day Sage Narada, came to see Mayavati. He asked her who the handsome boy was. She narrated the whole story. The sage then asked her if she remembered anything about her past life. Since she confessed that she did not remember anything. Narada informed her that she is Rati, the wife of Kama. He narrated the entire unfortunate story of Kama being burnt into ashes and being reborn as Krishna’s son.

The situation was a bit complex for Kama’s wife Rati, who was born as Mayavati, was now the foster mother of Pradyumna (Kama reborn). Mayavati began to wait for the boy to grow up.

When Pradyumna grew up, Mayavati, hesitatingly but surely narrated the entire episode of their past birth to him. It was most certainly not an easy situation. Mayavati also taught him the mantra ‘Mahamaya’ that would help him kill Shambara.

Pradyumna challenged Shambara to a fight and after a fierce battle overpowered him.

Mayavati, who could fly carried Pradyumna to Dwaraka, to the palace of Krishna.

Mayavati, who could fly carried Pradyumna to Dwaraka, to the palace of Krishna. Everybody was astounded by the similarity of the young boy and Krishna. Rukmini herself was taken aback. Krishna, who knew everything about the past, present and future feigned ignorance as he arrived with Devaki and Vasudev. It was now Sage Narada’s job to make a timely arrival, explain the whole incident and clear all doubts.

There was great excitement at Dwaraka and everybody was celebrating, yet again. The news of the lost prince found again was music to everybody’s ears as they participated in the ongoing revelry.

The news of the lost prince found again was music to everybody’s ears as they participated in the ongoing revelry.

What have you been thinking?” Suka asked Parikshit who was deeply engrossed in thoughts.

Pariskhit wondered aloud, “Strange are the ways of life. We don’t even know where and what is being continued…”

(To be continued)

Footnote: Srimad Bhagavatam is often called the Bhagavad Purana. Authored by Ved Vyasa, the stories are about the various avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu, also known as Narayana. These stories are narrated by Ved Vyasa’s son Sukhadeva to King Parikshit.

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