Uṣā’s Dream and Longing
In the grand city of Śoṇitapura, ruled by the mighty and proud demon king Bāṇāsura, lived his beautiful daughter Uṣā. She was radiant like a goddess, refined in culture and virtue, and dear to her father.
One night, Uṣā had a vivid dream: she beheld a young prince of celestial beauty, who embraced her lovingly. Awaking, her heart burned with longing. She couldn’t rest, eat, or focus on anything but the memory of that mysterious divine youth.
She confided in her close companion and confidante, Citralekhā, a powerful mystic and artist.
Citralekhā Identifies the Prince
Citralekhā, determined to help her dear friend, painted portraits of kings and princes from every land. As Uṣā saw each painting, she shook her head in rejection—until she saw the image of Aniruddha, the grandson of Kṛṣṇa.
With a sigh of ecstasy and recognition, Uṣā whispered:
“Yes, this is Him—the one from my dream, the one my heart belongs to.”
Using her mystic powers, Citralekhā flew to Dvārakā, found Aniruddha sleeping, and secretly carried him across the sky to Uṣā’s chamber in Śoṇitapura.
The Secret Union
Uṣā and Aniruddha were united in love. For many days they lived in secret joy, bound by affection and divine destiny. Aniruddha, enchanted by her devotion, stayed with her willingly, never trying to escape.
But eventually, palace guards discovered their presence and reported to Bāṇāsura. Enraged, Bāṇa stormed into his daughter’s chamber with armed guards. A fierce battle erupted between him and Aniruddha.
Though valiant, Aniruddha was ultimately outnumbered and bound with mystic serpent ropes. Bāṇāsura imprisoned him deep within the palace.
Kṛṣṇa and the War with Bāṇa
News of Aniruddha’s capture reached Dvārakā. Kṛṣṇa, accompanied by Balarāma and the Yādava army, stormed toward Śoṇitapura in divine fury.
A terrible war broke out.
- Śiva, a dear protector of Bāṇāsura, came to Bāṇa’s aid.
- Kṛṣṇa and Śiva, though eternal friends and devotees of each other, appeared to be opposing forces in this lila for the sake of cosmic balance.
- Skanda (Kārttikeya) led Śiva’s armies; Pradyumna led the Yādavas.
- Kṛṣṇa and Bāṇa finally clashed in a monumental duel.
Despite Bāṇa’s thousand arms and immense strength, Kṛṣṇa severed his arms, leaving only four, sparing his life by the request of Lord Śiva.
Aniruddha’s Liberation and Marriage
After Bāṇa’s defeat, Kṛṣṇa liberated Aniruddha and honored the love between him and Uṣā. Their marriage was celebrated in full grandeur, with both families reconciled.
Aniruddha and Uṣā returned to Dvārakā, and Uṣā was welcomed as a noble princess and devotee.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Love, when pure and divinely ordained, is protected by the Lord at all costs.
- Devotion can manifest in dreams, as Uṣā’s dream was a real glimpse into her spiritual destiny.
- Even Lord Śiva, though appearing as an opponent, is ultimately Kṛṣṇa’s eternal servant and well-wisher.
- Kṛṣṇa’s battles are transcendental pastimes, meant to uphold dharma and deepen divine relationships.
- The Lord protects His devotees from all dangers, whether through mystic intervention or divine warfare.
Origin of the Story: Harivamsa Purana 3 – Chapters 133–135: The Love of Uṣā and Aniruddha, and the War with Bāṇa
