The Wisdom of Ashtavakra

Kahoda was a dedicated sage who spent his life studying the holy scriptures. He would often chant verses aloud while his wife was pregnant, and their unborn child absorbed all the knowledge from within the womb. This child, destined for greatness, was named Ashtavakra.

One day, while Kahoda was reciting verses, the unborn Ashtavakra interrupted him, correcting a mistake in the chant. Kahoda, angered by his unborn child’s audacity, cursed him. As a result, Ashtavakra was born with eight deformities in his body, which is how he got his name, meaning “one with eight bends.”

Ashtavakra grew up to be wise and learned. When King Janak of Mithila organized a grand debate for scholars, Ashtavakra’s father, Kahoda, participated. However, he was defeated by a powerful scholar named Bandhi, who then drowned him in the river as per a strange tradition for those who lost the debate.

When Ashtavakra learned of his father’s fate, he decided to seek justice. Despite his physical deformities, he traveled to King Janak’s court, where he boldly challenged Bandhi to a debate. To everyone’s amazement, Ashtavakra easily defeated Bandhi with his wisdom and knowledge. Bandhi, humbled, revealed that he was actually the son of Varuna, the god of water, and was sending defeated sages to Varuna’s abode.

After being victorious, Ashtavakra demanded that Bandhi bring his father and the other scholars back from the water. Bandhi fulfilled his request, and all the sages, including Kahoda, emerged alive from the river. Kahoda, seeing his son’s brilliance and determination, was filled with pride.

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**Moral:** The story of Ashtavakra teaches us that true wisdom and greatness come from within, regardless of one’s physical appearance. It also reminds us that courage and perseverance can help overcome any obstacle, even when faced with hardship and adversity.