This story relates how Gunanidhi took
several rebirth and was eventually blessed by Shiva and his consort Parvati to
become Kuber, the God of treasure Kubera.
Pleased with
Gunanidhi, Shiva blessed him for a virtuous rebirth.
Gunanidhi was
born as Dama (Damana) to King Arindam who ruled Kalinga (also known as
Utakala). This happened during Meghavahan Kalpa. His father died at an early age, so
Dama succeeded the throne in his early years. As King of Kalinga, Dama
propagated the cult of worshiping Shiva. He renovated the Shiva Temple
Dama lived a
pious life, dedicated to Shiva. He got more endear to Shiva.
In this next
birth, Gunanidhi was born to Sage Vishrawa (grandson of Brahman) as Vishravan.
This happened during Meghavahan Kalpa.
As Vishravan,
Gunanidhi did severe penance for one million years due to which body was
reduced to a mere skeleton.
Shiva and
Parvati were immensely pleased by Vishravan’s penance. When they appeared
before him, their radiance blinded him. Using his yogic vision, Vishravan saw
Shiva with Parvati. He asked Shiva to restore his vision.
Due to years of
penance and unparallel devotion, Vishravan became possessive of Shiva. He even
envied Parvati standing near Shiva.
Shiva restored
his vision, but as stated earlier Vishravan envied Parvati who stood on the
left side of Shiva. He angrily looked at Parvati due to which he lost his left
eye. Parvati told him, ‘since you looked at me with enmity, you will be known
as Kuber (ber in Hindi
means enmity)’.
However, Shiva
blessed and enlightened him. He blessed him to become the king of the kings and
ensured that he would stay near him. Shiva blessed him with the most
beautifully embellished city which was known as Lankapuri, which was architected
by Visvakarma. Shiva also asked Visvakarma to build his residence (abode) on Mount Kailash which stood near the city of Lankapuri
No comments :
Post a Comment