JOIN USVery few people realise that one-upmanship can upset the ship of life, sometimes irrevocably. A story in our Puranas illustrates how we tend to weave a web of deceit and illusion in our lives which prove detrimental to us in the long run.
Vinatha and Kadru were the warring wives of sage Kashyapa. Each one wanted to prove her superiority and strength and have an edge over the other despite being sisters.
They requested their spiritually sound spouse to help them mother powerful offspring. Kadru opted to mother vicious and poisonous snakes which instilled terror in the minds of those who sighted them.
Vinatha sought to mother children who would make the sons of Kadru live in constant fear. She was blessed with Aruna and Garuda who went on to become the most formidable eagles ever.
Kadru felt extremely belittled and depressed by Vinatha’s obvious good fortune. She was constantly in search of ways and means that would quell the pride and smug nature of her co-wife. One day, they went for a walk in the twilight hour.
They saw a beautiful white horse grazing on the banks of the river. They commented on its attractiveness and flawless colour. Kadru said the black tail of the horse contrasted very well with its milky complexion.
Vinatha was very sure that the tail was also white and said so. Kadru pointed out that the fading light was playing truant with her sibling’s eyes.
Soon the conversation metamorphosed into an argument which ended in a bet. The sisters agreed that they would examine the horse’s tail by daylight the following day. The one who was proved wrong would become the hand maiden of the other. The rivals retired for the day.
Kadru sent for her sons. She asked them to inspect the horse for its colour. They did her bidding and told her that the animal was Uchchaishravas, the celestial stallion who belonged to Lord Indra. By now, Kadru knew that Vinatha was right. However, her ego would not permit her to accept the truth. She bid some of her serpentine sons to coil around the horse’s tail during the period of scrutiny.
The sun dawned. The women went to see the steed. Vinatha could see that the tail was indeed black even before Kadru pointed it out to her. Unsuspectingly, she agreed to become the handmaiden of Kadru and experienced humiliation beyond description till she was finally redeemed by her son Garuda who fetched the Amrutha for Kadru’s sons at her behest. Both the women could have buried the hatchet and lived in harmony, since each of them wanted to score over the other neither of them could live in peace.