1. The Legend of Keshari and Anjana
Long, long ago, in the hilly region of Suvarnagiri, there lived a vanara hero named Keshari. He ruled over sixty thousand vanaras—beings with monkey-like physiques—who resided in the region.
The hero was aptly named Keshari, which means “lion,” because he had slain two ferocious elephants named Samkha and Shavala, who were terrorizing the sages of Prabhas, a holy place. Keshari was not only a hero but also possessed a commendable character. He practiced celibacy and asceticism, cultivating many rare virtues.
The Rise of Shamvasadhan
A demon named Shamvasadhan succeeded in pleasing Brahma and obtained a rare boon from the great God, which enabled him to conquer all three realms of creation—the heaven, the earth, and the netherworld. However, his newfound power made him proud and arrogant, leading him to create troubles for both sages and gods.
When the gods complained to Brahma about the menace posed by the demon, He advised them to approach Keshari. The gods accordingly traveled to Suvarnagiri, where they met Keshari and requested him to put an end to Shamvasadhan’s tyranny.
The Confrontation
Meanwhile, the sage Narada appeared before Shamvasadhan. The demon received him with respect and asked, “O illustrious sage! What is the purpose of your visit? Are you on some important mission?”
“Well, I happened to pass through Suvarnagiri. I was amazed to see several gods requesting a vanara hero to kill you. I thought it proper to inform you about it!” said Narada, revealing the gods’ intentions.
Terribly agitated at this news, Shamvasadhan screamed, “If the gods are able to live, it is because I have spared their lives! But since they have the audacity to conspire against me, I will destroy them in no time. That will serve as a memorable lesson for others.”
The demon took up his dazzling sword and, still screaming, set out for Suvarnagiri.
A Battle Ensues
At Suvarnagiri, the gods panicked at the sight of the fast-approaching demon. They ran helter-skelter, seeking shelter in caves and crevices.
The demon roared, “You can’t escape, no matter how hard you try! I have come here determined to finish you all!” He was immediately confronted by Keshari.
“Fight with me if you are so eager for a battle!” challenged Keshari. Shamvasadhan shouted back, “What! A mere vanara dares to challenge me?” The demon raised his sword, while Keshari hurled a giant rock at him. The demon retaliated with a mace that struck Keshari’s chest but shattered into pieces upon impact. Without losing any time, he then threw a trident at Keshari, who caught it in mid-air and snapped it over his knee.
Next, the demon attempted to leap upon Keshari with his sword. However, Keshari dealt a lightning blow with his tail to the demon’s wrist, causing the sword to slip from his grip.
Embarrassed, Shamvasadhan refused to pick up his sword and advanced barehanded to wrestle with Keshari. But the wrestling match was short-lived, as Keshari quickly threw the demon flat on the ground—Shamvasadhan was dead. The gods rejoiced in celebration.
The Blessing and the Proposal
The gods blessed Keshari, saying, “You will be fortunate in your marriage!” This inspired Keshari to seek a suitable bride.
Ahalya, created by Brahma, had married the sage Gautama, and they had a charming daughter named Anjana. In her previous life, Anjana was a heavenly singer named Sukanthi. While wandering in the Himalayas, she had once laughed at a passing sage, who, angered, cursed her to give birth to a vanara child in her next incarnation.
Meanwhile, a childless vanara named Kunjara performed intense prayers to Lord Shiva for a child. When Shiva appeared, he granted Kunjara a daughter who would eventually give birth to a son of marvelous prowess and qualities.
Seeking Love
Years passed, and when Anjana came of age, her foster parents began searching for a suitable groom. Keshari heard of Anjana’s beauty and virtues and ventured into the forest to get a glimpse of her. Entranced by her golden aura, he felt fortunate at the thought of marrying her.
Anjana, in turn, admired Keshari but felt too modest to express her feelings. Upon returning home, Keshari confided in his friends about his desire to marry Anjana. They suggested they propose his marriage to her father, Kunjara. Excited by the prospect of having such a hero as a son-in-law, Kunjara joyfully accepted their proposal.
The Birth of a Hero
Keshari and Anjana were married, but after a long time, they had no children. Desperate to conceive, Anjana chose to pray to the god of the wind for a child. Keshari supported her decision and advised her to invoke the god at a place called Punjak. Anjana meditated deeply there.
Pleased with her devotion, the god of the wind left a divine fruit before her. Anjana ate the fruit, soon realizing she was with child. A heavenly voice assured her, “The child you will bear will be a hero of unparalleled gifts, possessing the strength of Shiva.” After receiving the message, Anjana returned to Keshari to share the miraculous news, and Keshari was immensely happy.
A Celestial Incident
A few months later, Anjana gave birth to a son, and the heavens rejoiced. Keshari organized a festival in celebration.
One day, as Anjana left her child on a bed of leaves to run an errand, the infant crawled out of their hut, captivated by the rising sun. Mistaking the sun for a wondrous fruit, the infant made a leap toward it. The gods, angels, and Yakshas near the sun panicked, fearing disaster.
But the sun reassured them, saying, “This infant is Anjaneya, the child of Anjana, destined for greatness. Though he thinks I am a fruit, there is no danger.” When the infant approached, the sun felt a deep affection and reduced his heat. Anjaneya attempted to swallow the sun, but finding it too hot, he brought it out repeatedly, engaging in playful antics.
This event caused an eclipse, as Rahu aimed to swallow the sun but was frightened away by Anjaneya’s loud shriek.
A Call to Indra
Rahu rushed to the court of Indra, where Apsaras danced, and the atmosphere was vibrant with music. He shouted, “You are so engrossed in merriment that you fail to see the unprecedented events unfolding in the universe!”
Confused, Indra asked, “What do you mean?” Rahu explained that he had intended to swallow the sun but was thwarted by a rival doing his job.
Indra, taken aback, set out with Rahu, armed with his thunder, to investigate the matter himself.
Thus unfolded the legendary tale of Keshari and the divine destiny of his son, Anjaneya.