2023-11AbsolutionOfSins

Dhivakar lived in Mahadhanapuram with his daughter Kala and wife Prabha. Although he tried to marry her off numerous times, various impediments came in his way. His wife Prabha sought the help of her brother, Gopi. Gopi took the horoscope to Kausikan, a close friend of his who was famous for his expertise. When he examined Kala’s horoscope, he concluded that her horoscope was similar to that of Sita Devi, the consort of Lord Rama. This meant that the marriage would face many difficulties. Kausikan offered a solution, suggesting that they take his sister Prabha, Dhivakar, and Kala to Ramar Koil (temple) in Jaipuri. Kala should offer the temple Prasadam to a virtuous man in the town, and this act would result in Kala's wedding. The family took Gopi, the maternal uncle of Kala, to Jaipuri, the temple town, as the uncle would help them locate a virtuous person. At the temple, Kala took the prasadam (sacrament/temple food), and they all went street by street in search of a virtuous man. Kausikan stopped the vehicle in front of a house and asked Kala, the prospective bride, to go into the house and serve the sacrament to the man of the house. As Kala entered the house, a handsome youth emerged and looked at her intently, taken aback by her beauty. Kala announced that she was there to serve the sacrament to the man of the house. The youth brought his parents out, impressed by her beauty, and invited Dhivakar's family into the house. Kausikan examined the horoscope of the handsome youth and declared it a perfect match. The wedding date was set. The boy's name was Virabhadra, his father's name was Sivaraman, and his mother's name was Kamini. The next day, as they were on their way home and night fell, they stayed in a traveler's inn. The following morning, Kausikan, the maternal uncle, went to a nearby river to bathe. A Rakshasa jumped out of a tree, accosted him, and declared that he would kill him unless he answered his question. Kausikan, being a knowledgeable and well-rounded person, was not afraid of the Rakshasa and addressed him, saying, "O Rakshasa! You are under the spell of a curse. What you need is relief from this curse. I can show you the way to freedom. Do not waste time asking me questions." The Rakshasa anxiously and expectantly asked Kausikan to tell him how to become human again and be freed from his predicament. Kausikan replied, "You possess a rare power that you should use for a beneficial purpose. By placing a fruit on the palm of your hand and reciting a mantra, the fruit becomes empowered and blesses a woman with a baby when she eats it." The Rakshasa said, "I don't know how to distinguish a virtuous woman from a sinful woman. You must show me one." Kausikan pondered the offer for a while and said, "Your time will come. Wait for a few years." Later, the family returned home. A few days later, Kala and Virabhadra's wedding took place. Kala went to her husband's place and led a happy life. One year passed, but Kala did not bear a child. The in-laws blamed her for not having borne a child, and her husband did not come to her rescue. Three years went by without a child for Kala. Ramanathan, a friend of the family, offered his daughter in marriage to Virabhadra as his second wife. Ramanathan encouraged a horoscopist to go to Sivaraman, obtain Kala's horoscope, pretend to study it, and falsely declare that Kala would never have a child. If Virabhadra married his daughter, a child would be born. Ramanathan promised to reward the horoscopist with plenty of money if he could convince Virabhadra. Sitaraman went to Virabhadra and, as coached, announced that the family had decided to marry Subhadra as Virabhadra's second wife. Upon hearing the bad news, Kala's parents approached the polymath Kausikan. Kausikan assured them, saying, "Certainly, Kala will have a child. The delay is caused by your sins. The time is ripe for the auspicious birth of a baby for Kala." Sivaraman informed Kausikan about Sitaraman's disruptive forecast. Kausikan invited Sitaraman and proposed a contest between them, saying, "I claim that my horoscope predictions will come true. If my forecast fails, I admit defeat. However, if Kala becomes pregnant, I will make you ride a donkey around town wearing a garland of footwear. Do you agree?" Nervous and lying, Sitaraman ran out of town. Immediately, Kausikan met with the Rakshasa and said, "An auspicious time favors you now. Give me that powerful fruit." The Rakshasa gave Kausikan the Mantra-infused fruit. As a result, the Rakshasa fell down dead. Kausikan took the fruit and made Kala eat it. Two months later, she was two months pregnant, and she eventually gave birth to a male child. The Vedalam interrupted Vikraman from continuing the story. Vedalam said, "O king! Kausikan could have given the fruit soon after the wedding, and not three years later." Vikraman replied, "The horoscope predicted that Kala would become pregnant only three years after marriage. Kausikan, being human, could not intervene with fate and the three-year delay. Kala's horoscope stated that the first three years after marriage would be full of hardship. Kausikan waited until the auspicious time arrived before giving her the powerful fruit." Since Vikraman's correct reply broke the silence, Vedalam returned to the moringa tree.