Mandalam Musings Day 18- The curse of Sage Durvasa

 

Mandalam Musings Day 18-

The curse of Sage Durvasa

 Our scriptures are replete with inspirational stories of Gods and Goddesses (Devatas) acting out their mystic leelas (plays) to convey great ideas, teach lessons, or to fulfill the wishes of their devotees. These Devatas are also subject to karma – the consequence of their actions. So, in some cases, they are acting out their prescribed karmas in performing in such ‘plays’, as it were. We know that Lord Indra is the king of the heavens and the nether worlds are ruled by Asuras – or they are sometimes called demons. 

Interestingly Indra is not a person per se. It is a temporary position such as the President or a Prime Minister of a country. They have the position only for a certain period and they have to part with their status when the next person in line is ready to take on the role. These role changes are also influenced by their karmic balance sheet. Devas and Asuras take turns in ruling the three worlds and the most coveted post is that of Indra’s.

The story goes back eons when the Gods were in heaven and Lord Indra was in charge. Indra is known for his extravaganza and he is a bit of a show-off at times. Sages have a free pass to any royal abodes in the three worlds and Sage Durvasa came to the palace to see Indra. Indra hurried down from his white elephant, Iravatha, and prostrated in front of the Rishi. Sage Duravasa is known for his short temper and Indra was particularly careful to please him whichever way possible. He was given the due respect and finally, the Sage was pleased. He blessed Indra and gifted him with a fresh garland of flowers.  He had received it as a gift on his way to heaven.

The garland was so fresh that it smelled sweet even from a distance. After the Sage left the palace, Indra again climbed up the elephant and kept the garland on its head as he moved, and started to fix his hair make-up. Suddenly fruit flies and honeybees started thronging around the flower garland and with their buzzing noise, the elephant got irritated. The beast could not keep his cool and took the garland by the trunk and threw it on the ground. He then stamped on it to kill the annoying insects.

The sage watched the scene from a distance, and he got furious. “How audacious is Indra to insult me like this! I gave him the most precious gift, but the fool had the nerve to put it on the elephant’s head. I gave him to wear it as a symbol of auspiciousness. He doesn’t deserve the gift I gave him as a special blessing!”.

The sage is known to be easily pleased and easily irritated as well.  He cursed Indra and his retinue of Gods in heaven “may you all fall prey to old age, decay and end up weak in power and prosperity, just as the citizens of the earth.”