Indra and Sunder: A Tale of Sacrifice and True Husband

Once, in a distant land, there lived two brothers, Indra and Sunder, along with Indra’s devoted wife. The two brothers were very close, bound by love and loyalty. One day, they decided to visit the grand temple of the goddess Durga to offer their prayers.

Sunder, the younger brother, was the first to enter the temple. Overcome with devotion as he gazed upon the idol of Durga, he felt a surge of selflessness and, in his deep reverence, he sacrificed his life to honor the goddess. He took his own life at the temple’s altar.

When Indra entered the temple and saw his beloved brother’s lifeless body, he too was filled with a profound sense of duty and sacrifice. Unable to bear the loss of his brother, he decided to join him in death, sacrificing himself before the goddess as well.

Later, Indra’s wife entered the temple, only to be met with the heartbreaking sight of both her husband and brother-in-law lying lifeless. Stricken with grief, she prayed fervently to Durga, begging her to restore their lives. Deeply moved by her devotion and the brothers’ sacrifices, Durga appeared. She agreed to bring the two men back to life, but with a twist—she joined Sunder’s head with Indra’s body and Indra’s head with Sunder’s body.

When both men were revived, a dilemma arose. Who, now, was her true husband? Was it the man with Indra’s head or the one with Indra’s body?

Betal, who had narrated this tale to Vikram, then asked, “Tell me, Vikram. Who was her real husband?”

Vikram replied, “The head holds one’s thoughts, personality, and soul. The man with Indra’s head is the true husband, for it is the head that defines a person.”

Betal, pleased with the answer, acknowledged Vikram’s wisdom but disappeared once more, leaving Vikram to continue his journey.

**Moral:** Our identity lies within our mind and soul; the true essence of a person resides in their thoughts and character, not just in their physical form.