The Mahabharata not just the saga of war, but the hidden stories in it show the depth of Indian society, culture and life values. One such unheard, but very important story is related to Arjuna’s eunuch son Aravan and Shri Krishna. In this story, Shri Krishna did such an act, which still challenges many stereotypes of the society. Let’s know – why Shri Krishna himself married Arjuna’s eunuch son?
Who was Aravan?
According to the Mahabharata, Aravan was the son of Arjuna and Nag Kanya Ulupi. Ulupi was the princess of the Nag dynasty, and she married Arjuna when Arjun went to the north direction during exile. Aravan was born from this marriage. Aravan was a very powerful, courageous and policy warrior. He was raised in Naglok, but hearing the call of war, he came to help the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war.
Settlement sought before war
While preparations for the Mahabharata war were going on, both the Kauravas and the Pandavas performed many deities and performed yajna. Meanwhile, a sacrifice was required to please Goddess Kali, in which a superior and fearless warrior had to give his life.
No warrior was ready for this, as this sacrifice was a certain invitation to death. At such a time, Aravan himself went ahead and announced this sacrifice, so that the goddess can be pleased and the Pandavas can be conquered.
Unique condition of marriage
Although Aravan approved the sacrifice, he laid a condition. He said, “I will definitely give my sacrifice, but before that I wish I get married, so that I too get that experience of life like a normal human.”
It became a major problem. No girl was willing to get married for a day and become a widow. All kings and princesses turned down the proposal. The thinking was deep in the society that why a woman became a widow as a day’s wife?
Sri Krishna played the role of wife
When no girl approved the marriage, Shri Krishna broke the boundaries of the society and took the form of a mohini himself. Mohini is known as a woman with a wonderful beauty – the female form of Shri Krishna.
Sri Krishna married Aravan in Mohini form, gave him the value and love that a wife gives to her husband. The next day of marriage, Aravan sacrificed for Goddess Kali. The goddess was pleased with her sacrifice and the Pandavas were blessed with victory in the war.
Aravan is still worshiped today
This saga of Aravan is still alive in many parts of India, especially in Kovagam, Tamil Nadu. Every year the Kinnar community (Hijade community) marries the symbol of Aravan and mourns as a widow the next day. It has become a sacred festival to recognize the rights, respect and existence of the Kinnar community.
Message of Shri Krishna
Shri Krishna did not marry this marriage only to fulfill the wish of Aravan, but to show that love, respect and rights are the birthright of any person – whether it is a woman, a man or a eunuch. His task also teaches us that God accepts in any form – with devotion, dedication and truth.
conclusion
This story of Aravan and Shri Krishna is a mirror for today’s society. It states that in our traditions also the roots of inclusion, equality and humanity have been deep. Sri Krishna not only completed a yajna by marrying Aravan, but also taught the human society that no one’s existence can be judged. This is the divinity of Shri Krishna and this is the unmatched depth of Mahabharata.
