Two Strong Men
In a certain village, there lived a man who was constantly boasting of his strength. He proclaimed to his wife, “Do you know who I am? I am the reincarnation of the legendary strong man, Bhima!”
The Boaster’s Claim
His wife skeptically replied, “You claim that you’re the reincarnation of the great Bhima. What would you do if Bhima himself challenged you?”
Without hesitation, the boastful man answered, “What would I do? I shall fell him with a single blow of my fist.”
An Unexpected Challenger
After a while, his wife proposed, “Why don’t you establish your claim as the strongest man here in this village? Prove your strength”. “Is there anyone stronger than me in these parts? Show me, and I shall gladly accept the challenge.” he retorted.
Setting a stage for her husband’s claim, she told him about a legendary giant living in the nearby forest. “Go, find him, and win if you can”, she dared him.
Unexpected Encounter
Some days later, while at the well, she encountered a demonstration of remarkable strength. Another woman’s child, after observing her fruitless efforts to draw water from the well, effortlessly pulled the bucket up, astonishing the boaster’s wife.
This child was Mahasakthi’s son. Deeply impressed, she returned home and narrated her experience to her husband.
The Challenge Begins
The boaster, riled by his wife’s words, challenged Mahasakthi to a fight, not heeding to his wife’s warnings. In his haste, he made his way to the forest.
On the route, he stopped at the well, inspired by his wife’s story. He decided to retrieve a bucket of water, but despite his efforts, failed to do so. Suddenly, Mahasakthi’s wife and son arrived and the water was effortlessly drawn from the well once again.
The Boaster’s Unwavering Resolve
The boaster resolved to confront Mahasakthi in person despite repeated warnings from both his wife and Mahasakthi’s wife. As a disguise, he hid in a large jar at Mahasakthi’s home. Later, however, prompted by Mahasakthi’s wife, he fled from the home just as Mahasakthi returned.
Caught Between Deadly Dangers
After noticing the boaster fleeing, Mahasakthi gave chase, terrifying the boaster. In his flight, he stumbled upon an immense troll feasting on human flesh and bones. Stuck between Mahasakthi and the troll, the boaster saw his life flash before his eyes. The troll and Mahasakthi, misunderstanding each other’s intentions, launched into a fierce battle, giving the boaster a moment to escape and hide in a tree.
The Aftermath
The duel lasted the entire night and carried over into the dawn. The memory of their thunderous battle remained echoing in the sky, giving no clear victor. Since that battle, the boaster returned home a humbled man, vowing to quit his senseless bravado and live with humility. Whenever the sky rumbled, he’d tell his neighbours that it was the sound of Mahasakthi and the troll, still in a fierce duel in the heavens.