In the Krita Yuga, the first age in the Hindu cycle of time, a fascinating legend unfolds: all the mountains on Earth were endowed with wings and the power of flight. These flying mountains would soar through the skies like massive birds, their shadows stretching across vast lands below. Their movements, however, caused widespread chaos. They often collided with one another in playful frolics, disrupting natural harmony and causing destruction to the earth below—damaging crops, settlements, and the lives of humans and animals.
The Crisis and the Plea to Indra
Terrified by this chaos, humans, saints, and other celestial beings appealed to Indra, the king of the Devas (gods), for a solution. They feared that these erratic flying mountains might cause even greater calamities if left unchecked. Indra, known for his role as a protector of cosmic order, took their grievances seriously and convened a grand assembly of the Devas to deliberate on the matter.
Indra's Intervention
It was decided that the only way to restore balance was to clip the wings of these unruly mountains. Indra, wielding his powerful weapon Vajra (a thunderbolt-like weapon forged from the bones of Sage Dadhichi), set out to execute this task. One by one, Indra struck the wings of the mountains with his Vajra, grounding them permanently. From then on, the mountains stood firmly rooted to the Earth, their flying days a mere memory.
However, according to some interpretations of the legend, certain sacred mountains, like Meru, Mainaka and Kailasa, were spared, retaining their divine status and significance.
Meaning and Symbolism
Cosmic Order Over Chaos:
- The story symbolizes the victory of order (dharma) over chaos (adharma). The unrestrained freedom of the mountains caused imbalance and suffering, highlighting the need for structure in the natural world.
The Role of Indra:
- Indra's act reflects the duty of rulers and protectors to intervene when harmony is disrupted. His decisive action represents the role of authority in maintaining balance.
Symbolism of Mountains:
- Mountains often represent stability, permanence, and spiritual ascension. The loss of their wings may signify their transformation into unshakable pillars of the Earth, serving as anchors of life.
Vajra as a Symbol:
- The Vajra symbolizes divine power, discipline, and the ability to strike down disruptive forces.
Relevance in Modern Times
Balancing Freedom and Responsibility:
- The tale can be seen as a metaphor for the need to balance freedom with responsibility. Just as the mountains' unchecked freedom caused destruction, human actions without restraint (such as environmental exploitation) can have catastrophic consequences.
Environmental Preservation:
- The legend emphasizes the harmony between nature and life. Today, mountains are vital ecosystems that sustain biodiversity and regulate climate. Their protection is critical for ecological balance.
Cultural Lessons:
- The story reminds us that natural forces must be respected and managed wisely to ensure the survival of humanity and other life forms.
Similar Legends
Garuda’s Flight and Mountains:
- In another Hindu story, Garuda, the celestial bird, is said to have carried entire mountains to obtain nectar for his mother. This reflects the animistic view of mountains as living entities.
Himalayas and Mythology:
- The Himalayas are often personified in Hinduism, symbolizing the abode of gods and the ultimate goal of spiritual ascension.
Govardhan Hill:
- In the story of Lord Krishna, he lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains, showing the sacredness of mountains.
Lesser-Known Facts
Why Were Mountains Given Wings?
- Some interpretations suggest that in the Krita Yuga, the Earth was far more dynamic and alive, with mountains having divine powers. Their wings symbolized freedom and vitality, fitting the "golden age" of Krita Yuga.
Connection to Airavat (Indra’s Elephant):
- It is said that the act of clipping the mountains' wings created valleys and gorges, shaping the Earth’s geography. Indra’s celestial elephant, Airavat, is believed to have participated in stabilizing the terrain.
Mountains as Guardians:
- After losing their wings, mountains are often depicted as guardians of the Earth, holding treasures, water reservoirs, and sacred herbs essential for life.
The story of the flying mountains is not just a tale of mythological fancy but also a profound reflection on the relationship between humanity, nature, and the divine. It inspires us to seek balance, respect natural forces, and recognize the importance of groundedness—whether in life or in the natural world.