Brotherly Love

King Madhavvarma ruled over Madanga, with his two sons, Induvarma and Nandavarma. Kalavathi, the daughter of the chief minister, was engaged to the elder prince.

One day, while strolling through the palace grounds, Induvarma was bitten by a poisonous snake. Although the doctors managed to save him, some poison remained, causing him to gradually lose the use of his limbs. His condition worsened, becoming so dire that a foul odor surrounded him. Many doctors from around the land tried to cure him but to no avail. They all agreed, “The prince will live if someone can bring back a herb called Amruthavalli, found only in the wild forests bordering the sacred lake, Manasarovar in the Himalayas. The herb must be brought here within three months and made into a juice. Only then will the prince survive.”

The court was stunned by this news. To journey to Lake Manasarovar and return in such a short time seemed impossible. Yet, young Nandavarma volunteered to search for the herb. However, while he was away, someone was needed to care for the ailing Induvarma. No one was willing due to the prince’s deteriorated state, until Kalavathi stepped forward, saying, “I have been betrothed to Prince Induvarma. Therefore, he is my husband. I shall look after him.”

Even the king and queen tried to dissuade Kalavathi, saying, “Look here, girl, don’t worry yourself. We are going to lose our son in the end, because no one can bring back the sacred herb. Even the servants are afraid to go near his rotting body. Why should you care?”

But Kalavathi was resolute in her decision. She began to nurse Induvarma back to health. Though his sight was failing, through the haze covering his eyes, he recognized Kalavathi and said, “Kalavathi, why are you nursing me? Everyone knows that I’ll die soon. Forget me, marry someone else and be happy.” Kalavathi did not reply but continued her tasks silently.

Meanwhile, Nandavarma rode his faithful steed to the banks of Lake Manasarovar. As he pondered how to cross the water, he overheard two eagles conversing. Nandavarma, who understood their language, listened to their talk about a black cobra that had swallowed their eggs this was the snake that had bitten the prince. The eagles revealed, “As long as the black cobra and its companions guard the herbs, how can he hope to pluck it?”

Nandavarma addressed the eagles, “Oh, mighty eagle, I’ve heard all that you have been saying. Tell me how I can slay the black cobra, so I can take the herb back and save my brother.”

The birds responded, “If the snake consumes our droppings, it will die. That’s why it’s been swallowing our eggs.” Nandavarma thought over this, then went to a nearby hermitage to collect a bowl full of milk. He mixed the bird droppings with the milk and placed it at the base of a tree, waiting for the snake.

Soon, the black cobra slithered out, drank the mixture, and perished immediately. The grateful birds advised Nandavarma, “Oh, Prince, take the precious jewel from this snake’s head. Then, with reeds, fashion a boat. Tie one end of the string to the prow of the boat. We will hold the other end in our beaks and guide you. Upon reaching the other bank, flash the jewel to light the forest. The snakes guarding the herb will lose their power and you can pluck the herb.”

And so it happened. Nandavarma accomplished his task and returned swiftly to Madanga. The birds urged him, “Oh, Prince, delay not. Heal your brother. Remember, if you fail in your duty, the jewel will lose its lustre and turn black. Place the jewel on the sick man’s body, he will become hale and healthy.”

Nandavarma returned in time to give the sacred herb to the doctors, who prepared the potions to heal Prince Induvarma. Through Kalavathi’s devoted nursing, the prince recovered rapidly. However, Kalavathi, having neglected herself, lost her beauty and became thin. Believing Induvarma would not marry her now, she quietly left and became a nun, living by a temple by the river.

When Induvarma recovered, he sought out Kalavathi, but no one knew her whereabouts. One day, the temple priest brought Induvarma a ring he had found the ring Induvarma had given Kalavathi as a token of their betrothal. Consumed with sorrow, Induvarma thought she had drowned in the river. In desperation, he went to the temple but did not recognize Kalavathi sitting there. He declared he would end his life and prepared to leap into the river.

Kalavathi caught him round the waist, pulling him back. She revealed herself, “Sire, I am Kalavathi, though you do not recognize me now. I have lost my beauty and thought you’d not want to marry me. That is why I became a nun.”

Induvarma replied, “Listen to me, Kalavathi. I love only you. I don’t want to rule anymore. I shall stay here with you.”

Nandavarma, who had accompanied his brother, stood nearby holding the jewel. Observing its dullness, he understood what he must do. He placed the jewel in Induvarma’s hand, but it remained dim. Then he handed it to Kalavathi, who was instantly restored to her original beauty and health. When she returned the jewel to Nandavarma, it shone brightly once more.

Nandavarma had fulfilled his duty by uniting his brother and Kalavathi. Induvarma married Kalavathi, and together with Nandavarma, they ruled the land of Madanga wisely and well.