The Stories of Mahabharata Mahabharata Episode 29: The Story of Ashtavakra
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Oct 27, 2015 Listen to the story of Rshi Ashtavakra, a young Rishi who was born crooked at eight parts of his body due to his father's curse. Discover how he saves his father from his ill fortune. Also, hear about Lord Vishnu's heroic act of slaying the demon Narakasura and saving the earth by taking the form of a boar or a Varaha.
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Birth Curse And Early Life
- Ashtavakra was cursed in utero by his father Kaur to be crooked in eight places after correcting his chanting from the womb.
- He grew up deformed, named Ashtavakra, and was raised unaware of his true father's fate.
Challenge At Janaka's Court
- Ashtavakra discovers his father's drowning at Bandhi's hands and resolves to confront the court where Brahmins are defeated and drowned.
- He travels to King Janaka's court, challenges the scholar Bandhi, and compels a resolution that leads to his father's return.
Knowledge Reverses Fate
- Bandhi admits the drowned Brahmins were taken by Varuna for a ritual rather than killed, resolving the court's mystery.
- Ashtavakra's intellectual victory restores his father and later a river bath straightens his body.
