The Tragic Echoes of Shravan Kumar

In the Tretayuga, the kingdom of Kosala is ruled by Aja. A son is born to him. As years roll by, the prince grows up to be a handsome young man who masters the art of ‘Shabdabhedi’ - a listening skill where one can determine the location of an animal by hearing the sound and hit the target. The prince adept at riding ten chariots at a time is none other than Dashrath.

One day king Dashrath goes on a hunting expedition in the forest. From a distance, he hears the gurgling sound of an animal drinking water. Without a second thought, he aims his arrow at the quarry. Then he hears a cry of anguish. To his utter shock, he realizes that his arrow has pierced the heart of a young man who was collecting water in a pot from the Sarayu river.

Overcome by guilt, Dashrath approaches the young man and falls at his feet.

“Oh King. My name is Shravan Kumar. I was taking care of my old parents who are sightless. They felt thirsty and I was collecting water for them. Please take this pot and quench their thirst”.

As Shravan Kumar breaths his last, a guilt ridden Dashraratha approaches the old couple and offers them water. Then he tells them about the terrible tragedy that has befallen.

Totally crestfallen at the loss of their son, the inconsolable parents curse Dashrath;

‘Oh king. For no fault of his, you have killed our only son. May you suffer the same fate. You too will be separated from your son which will be the cause of your death’.

Rama is banished to the forest for fourteen long years and is unable to be with his father in his last moments.

Irrespective of who we are, Karma catches up with us.

Pic - TV9 Marathi news.

Engage your organisation with

a thought-provoking session!

Know more about our Corporate Training Programs