| After sometime, a
seventh son was born to Chand Sadagar and Soneka and was named Lakhindara. When he grew
up, Lakhindara was married to a very accomplished girl named Behula or Beula. As it was
predicted by the astrologers that Lakhindara would be bitten to death by a snake on the
very marriage night, his father got erected a house of iron (called Meraghara) without a
hole in it and made the couple to live.There in, In spite of all these precautions,
Lakhindara was bitten to death by a snake on the bridal night. The snake was no doubt
commissioned to do this ghastly act by Manasa. Beula,
however, re solved to bring her husband back to life at all risks and would not part with
his body. In the next morning, she got a raft made, and set it afloat on the river with
the body of her husband. The raft went on and on for many days and nights and men,
animals, spirits and goblins attempted on the way to frighten and dissuade her from her
resolution. Nothing could however move her and alone she drifted in the midstream till the
raft stopped on the shore. Near the place where the raft stood was Neta, a washerwoman of
the gods. Beula got down on the bank and collected a pile of wood to burn herself on a
pyre with the skeleton of her husband.
Neta saw it and prevented the woman from the act of immolation.
Thereupon, Beula narrated the story of her misfortune hearing, which Neta promised to take
her into the presence of Siva. Beula was taken to Siva, and she propitiated the great god
with dance and music. Siva was pleased and restored to life Lakhindara and his six
brothers. Beula, with her husband and brothers-in-law, returned happily to Campakanagara.
On her return, Beula entreated Chand Sadagar to pay offerings to Manasa. Chand Sadagar
agreed to do so only with his left hand. |
