Gajasura seeks vengeance, gets mercy

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The legend of Gajasura

By Manju Gupta

 

Legend has it that Goddess Amba killed the great asura named

Mahishasura to save the devas from his tyranny. Since that day, his

son Gajasura waited for the day when he could take revenge of the

devas for killing his father.

 

So, one day, Gajasura decided to undertake a long penance in an

isolated cave in the Himalayas. His sacrifices were so severe that

his body began to generate intense heat. As a result, rivers began to

dry and forests fires became widespread. The devas became worried and

reached Brahmaloka to persuade Brahmaji to grant Gajasura's wish so

that the latter would stop observing penance.

 

So, Brahma appeared before Gajasura to ask what the asura desired.

Gajasura replied that he should not be killed by anyone who had ever

entertained a feeling of desire in his whole life. Brahma granted

this impossible-sounding wish to him.

 

Gajasura, convinced that there could never be anyone who would not

have harboured a wish or desire, began to saunter around with pride,

considering himself to be immortal. By and by, he conquered the three

worlds, subjugated the devas and took up residence in the palace of

King Mahendra. His cruelty spread to such an extent that he began to

trouble the saints and sages too.

 

Once, on a visit to Kashi, the dwelling place of Lord Shiva, Gajasura

beat up the guards and many innocent citizens of the city. Unable to

withstand the terror, Lord Indra and other devas rushed to Lord Shiva

to save his devotees. Shiva took up his trident and engaged the asura

in battle. Gajasura used every possible weapon to throw at Lord

Shiva, but the latter broke them all in mid air, well before they

could reach their target. Finally, after a prolonged battle, Lord

Shiva impaled him on his trident and held it up for all to see.

 

Gajasura then implored Lord Shiva, "I consider it an honour to die at

your hands as you have never entertained any wish or desire."

 

Pleased at this, Lord Shiva asked Gajasura what he wanted. To this,

he replied that after his death he wanted Lord Shiva to wear his hide

as it had been blessed by Lord Shiva's trident.

 

Here it may be mentioned that when Gajasura had been in penance, his

hide had got charred and emitted a stench because of the heat

generated by his devotion. He, therefore, requested Lord Shiva to

make his hide emit a pleasant fragrance and he be allowed to be

called Krutivasa. Lord Shiva agreed, saying, "Okay, your body will

remain in the form of a linga and will be known as Krutivaseshwara.

Devotees will worship you to atone for their sins and receive

salvation."