MOTHER MAHALAKSHMI OF KOLHAPUR

THE SILHARA'S LEGEND

It was the, capital of Silharas reputed to be the descendants of Vidvadharas for over three long centuries. Though this historical evidence is preserved in the archives, certain events that took place are so imbued with mystery that they appear mythological. It appears that the illustrious prince Jeemutavahana while rambling near the hill heard by chance the heart-rending wails of Sankhachuda, sitting draped in red dress on the alter to be eaten away by Garuda. When enquired, he learnt that according to the agreement reached between the Nagas and Garuda, every day one Naga was to he offered to Garuda for food to saving the race from total extinction. And that day it was his family's turn to send one to Garuda. He being the only male member, the grief become infinite, but unavoidable. Taking pity on Sankhachuda, Jeemuthavahava volunteered to substitute himself for the comfort of Sankhachuda's parents, although he had married only on the previous day. Much against the protests, he allowed himself to be eaten away by Garuda. Malayavati, his chaste, young wife who came running with retinue, found her lord dead. The sorrow of the two families needless to say was soul-stirring. Then Malayavati prayed to Mother Mahalakshmi for Mangalyabiksha. Would the Mother quash such streaming petitions? Would the chastitiy go unrewarded? Mother Mahalakshmi blessed the new weds with the request, along with several boons. Moved by the Mother's compassionate act, Garuda not only terminated the agreement with instant effect. but stopped once for all that inhuman practice. Above all, he sprinkled nectar over the heaps of bones of the Nagas he had killed for food previously. All the dead were revived to life. This happened here and it was immortalised by Sri Harsha in his famous Sanskrit play Naganandam.

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