The Origins of the Curse
Sages Narada and Parvata were known for their close
friendship and their devotion to the divine. However, as with many celestial
beings, even the most devoted can be susceptible to pride and ego.
Narada and Parvata’s Journey to King Silanidhi’s Court:
The two sages once visited the court of King Silanidhi, a
pious ruler who was also deeply devoted to the divine. During their visit, the
king offered them the rarest of hospitality. The king had a daughter, a
beautiful and virtuous princess, and the sages, both celibates, found
themselves drawn to her beauty and grace. They harbored a silent desire to
marry her, though they did not express this to each other.
Narada’s Manipulation:
Narada, known for his wisdom and often mischievous ways, was
aware of Parvata's interest in the princess. Narada, however, wanted to test
the strength of Parvata's devotion and humility. He subtly manipulated events
to ensure that the king offered the princess in marriage to Narada. Parvata,
seeing that Narada had claimed the princess for himself, was consumed with
anger and jealousy. He felt betrayed by his friend, unaware of Narada's deeper
intentions.
The Curse
In a fit of rage, Parvata cursed Narada, wishing that
Narada, despite his divine status and wisdom, would suffer the pains of human
life. Specifically, he cursed Narada to experience the anguish of separation
from his beloved. Narada, realizing the gravity of Parvata's words, calmly
accepted the curse but declared that Parvata too would suffer from the same
fate. He cursed Parvata to be reborn in a human form where he too would endure
the suffering of separation and longing.