THE CURSE ON AGNI

We are very well aware of the quality of Fire, the nature of destroying whatever it comes into contact with.There is nothing that can withstand the onslaught of fire! It eats away everything in its uncontrollable blaze! Buildings are reduced to rubble, bodies are reduced to ashes and even forests are destroyed by forest fires which are mostly uncontrollable! What is the reason for this quality of fire? Because of this all consuming nature of Agni or Fire it is called “ Sarva bakshaka”. There is an interesting story in the Mahabharatha which describes how Agni was cursed by the renowned sage Bhrugu to eat everything that comes into his contact! Sage Bhrugu’s son was sage Chyavana whose birth was the prime reason for the curse on Agni!

Puloma, the famous damsel was the wife of sage Bhrugu. She was exceedingly beautiful and the sage was very fond of her. They lived happily according to the righteous ways of sastras. As a result of their happy conjugal life, Puloma conceived. Both Brughu and Puloma were extremely delighted at the prospect of the birth of their child. It was at that time that Bhrugu had to leave his dear wife Puloma and go to perform abhisheka and other religious rituals. Soon after the departure of Bhrugu, there came to his house an Asura! As per the traditions of the time, Puloma welcomed him warmly, treated him like an honorable guest and offered fruits, water and other eatables. But the Asura had evil intentions! Her bewitching beauty tempted him and he loved her! He wanted to take her away and the situation was very favorable since Bhrugu was also away! The Asura had earlier loved her but she was given away in marriage to  sage Bhrugu! He had that grudge in his heart. Now was the best time to kidnap the lady of his heart thought the Asura!

The Asura looked at the sacrificial fire in the yaga Sala and addressed Agni thus: “ Tell me,  whose wife is this woman, first? You carry havis to all Devas! You purify everything that you touch! Have I not loved this Divine beauty earlier? How can I tolerate my first love being given away to sage Bhrugu? I do not accept what Bhrugu has done. Please tell me the truth if I am right. I am angry and want to take my lady love with me! “ Agni was in a dilemma! He did not know what to do. He was in a tight corner. If he were to speak the truth sage Bhrugu would be angry and curse him. If he lied he would go to hell! Coming to a decision, Agni said in a low voice that what the Asura said was right. “You loved her but she was given away to Bhrugu with proper Vedic rites and mantras! You have not done so. Hence she is the rightful wife of Bhrugu”

The words of Agni infuriated the Asura! He took the form of a boar, caught Puloma and sped with the velocity of the mind and wind! Tormented by the Asura and unable to withstand his supersonic speed, the child in the womb of Puloma fell down! The child came to be called  “Chyavana” as he was discharged from the womb of his mother! The child Chyavana was dazzling brilliantly like the Sun! The Asura was reduced to ashes and  left his hold on Puloma! She was shocked at what had happened and burst into tears. Seeing her pathetic situation, creator Brahma came to her rescue and pacified her. Meanwhile sage Bhrugu returned home and saw his new born child Chyavana. Puloma narrated to her husband what had happened in detail in his absence.

Bhrugu raged into anger! He knew that the Asura didn't know her. Someone should have informed him about his wife, Puloma. Otherwise he wouldn't have known her. He demanded the name of the person who had informed the Asura so that he can curse him for what he had done! Puloma said it was Agni who had informed the Asura. It was Chyavana’s  power that destroyed the Asura and liberated her! Burning with anger, Bhrigu, looking at Agni, cursed that he would henceforth would ‘swallow everything!’ Agni was shocked at the curse and said what Bhrugu had done was wrong since he didn't think properly! He too has the power to curse Bhrugu but he wouldn't do that out of respect! So saying Agni withdrew himself from all his activities! There was  total cessation of all religious activities! Creator Brahma pacified Agni, praised him and said that whatever he touches will be purified and he should normally do his duties. Agni was satisfied at this reassurance and came out of his shell! All activities, religious rituals, and yagas continued as usual!