The Tale of Tara, Brihaspati’s Wife

In the celestial realms, among the gods and sages, lived Tara, the beautiful and intelligent wife of Brihaspati, the preceptor of the gods and the planet Jupiter. Brihaspati was known for his wisdom and knowledge, and his role as the teacher of the gods placed him among the most revered figures in the heavens. Tara, too, was respected for her grace and intelligence, but she was destined to become the central figure in a scandal that would disrupt the harmony of the celestial world.

One day, Chandra, the god of the moon, became enamored with Tara’s beauty and charm. Chandra was known for his allure and charisma, and his shining presence captivated not only the mortals on earth but also the divine beings in the heavens. He became infatuated with Tara and, despite knowing she was married to Brihaspati, pursued her relentlessly.

Tara, though bound by her marriage to Brihaspati, was not immune to Chandra’s charm. Swayed by his persistence and beauty, she eventually succumbed to her feelings and entered into an affair with the moon god. This relationship caused great scandal among the gods, as it was seen as a violation of the sacred bond of marriage, and it disrupted the cosmic order.

When Brihaspati learned of Tara’s affair with Chandra, he was devastated. His anger and sorrow were immense, and he demanded that Chandra return his wife. However, Chandra refused, claiming that Tara was with him of her own will. The conflict between the two powerful celestial beings quickly escalated, causing tension and division among the gods.

The gods of the heavens, alarmed by the growing discord, sought the intervention of Lord Brahma, the creator. Brahma, with his wisdom and authority, summoned both Brihaspati and Chandra and demanded that Chandra return Tara to her rightful husband. Understanding the gravity of the situation and the need to restore balance, Chandra reluctantly agreed to return Tara to Brihaspati.

However, the scandal did not end with Tara’s return. During her time with Chandra, Tara had become pregnant, and the question of the child’s parentage further deepened the tension between Brihaspati and Chandra. When the child, Budha (Mercury), was born, both gods claimed him as their own.

Once again, the celestial beings turned to Brahma for a resolution. Brahma, after deliberation, declared that Budha was the son of Chandra, the moon god. Though this declaration resolved the immediate dispute, the consequences of the affair lingered in the celestial world. Budha, born out of this union, grew up to become the planet Mercury, and his birth marked the intertwining of the destinies of Brihaspati, Chandra, and Tara.

Despite the scandal, Tara was not directly punished by the gods for her actions. Instead, the events of her affair caused widespread discord among the celestial beings, and her relationship with Brihaspati was forever altered. Chandra, too, faced the lingering consequences of the scandal, as his reputation among the gods was tainted.

The Moral of the Tale

The story of Tara, Brihaspati’s wife, is a tale of the consequences of infidelity and the disruption that unchecked desire can cause. Tara’s affair with Chandra, though rooted in mutual attraction, led to chaos among the gods and strained the relationships of those involved. The scandal upset the natural order of the cosmos, demonstrating that individual desires, when pursued without regard for moral responsibility, can lead to widespread discord.

One of the key lessons from this story is the importance of fidelity, trust, and respect in relationships. Tara’s actions, while not overtly punished, resulted in immense sorrow and conflict for those around her. Her affair with Chandra not only hurt her husband, Brihaspati, but also led to a rift between powerful celestial beings, showing that personal choices can have far-reaching consequences beyond oneself.

Another moral is the value of forgiveness and resolution. While the scandal caused a great deal of strife, the gods ultimately sought resolution rather than further punishment. This shows that, in the face of mistakes and transgressions, reconciliation and wisdom are essential for restoring balance and harmony.

Finally, the story underscores that actions driven by desire and attraction, without regard for their impact, often result in unintended consequences. Tara and Chandra’s affair not only led to scandal but also to the birth of Budha, who became a symbol of the consequences of their union. Every choice carries weight, and even the gods were not exempt from the moral complexities of love, desire, and responsibility.

The tale of Tara serves as a reminder that while human (and divine) emotions like love and desire are natural, they must be balanced with responsibility and respect for the bonds we share with others.