The Mysterious Death of Gandhari: A Comprehensive Reinterpretation
Origins and Background
During the epic period of the Mahabharata, Gandhari, the wife of Dhritarashtra, had to endure numerous trials and tribulations. After the 15-year Kurukshetra war and the eventual fall of the Kauravas, the Pandava brothers and their mother, Vidura, and Kunti, returned to Hastinapur, the capital city. After a period of respite, they decided to seek penance in the Himalayas. Tragically, during a forest fire deliberately set by Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, as an act of devotion, immolated herself on her husband's funeral pyre, attaining Moksha and leaving behind an enigmatic legacy.
Post-Kurukshetra Life
Following the conclusion of the Kurukshetra war, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari continued to reside in the palace, revered and respected by the Pandavas as surrogate parents. However, this peaceful existence was occasionally marred by Bhima's outbursts of anger and his frustration over Dhritarashtra's inaction in quelling the Kaurava-Pandava conflict. It was during one such heated interaction that the tragic death of Gandhari was revealed, though it was never an intended topic of conversation.
The Legend According to Brahmavaivarta Purā?a
For a different perspective, let us delve into a less popular but intriguing tale from the Brahmavaivarta Purā?a. This account offers a unique insight into the divine birth of Lord Ganesha, and the circumstances leading to his tragic end.
The Birth of Ganesha
According to this legend, Parvati and Lord ?iva had a son named Ganesha, born from a part of Goloka Raj. The birth was celebrated grandly with all gods, goddesses, pious sages, and other divine beings. Lord ?iva donated valuable items to the deities and sannyasis. Lord ?iva's father, Himavat, celebrated the birth of his grandson by giving away one hundred thousand jewels, a hundred and five excellent elephants, three hundred thousand horses, fifty thousand cows, and five lakh gold coins. Lord Vi??u donated Kaustubha Mani to the Brahmins, while Lord Brahma and other deities also bestowed their generous gifts. The delighted Brahmins carried their gifts with great difficulty, singing praises of the Lord.
Destiny and Tragedy
The joyous festivities were interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Suryanandan, the son of Lord Sūrya (Sun God). Bowing before the assembled gods, he approached Lord ?iva's consort, Mahāgauri, cradling her beloved son, Ganesha. On seeing Lord Suryanandan, Mahāgauri, a sight of beauty in her Yellow saree purified by fire, blessed him. Upon seeing him looking towards the ground, the curious Mahāgauri inquired about the reason for his gaze. Lord Suryanandan, fearing to harm anything, explained that his wife, once cursed him that anything he would gaze upon would be destroyed. This was the reason he always kept his head lowered to prevent such calamity.
Mahāgauri, seeing his predicament, mercifully enthroned him and comforted him. However, shortly after his blessing, disaster struck. As Lord Suryanandan looked at Ganesha, the life of the baby Ganesha was tragically cut short. His head separated from his body, and it dissolved into Lord ?iva as per the curse. The heart-wrenching sight caused Mahāgauri to scream, and Lord Vi??u, upon hearing the commotion, rushed to the river Pupabhadrā to revive the baby elephant. He reattached the severed head to the body, resurrecting the child. The gods, relieved at the resurrection, praised the divine intervention.
Conclusion
While the traditional narrative of Gandhari's death provides a detailed account of her sacrifice and devotion, the tale from the Brahmavaivarta Purā? offers a unique lens through which to understand the life of Lord Ganesha and the tragic beings that come to be in the shadows of divine will. This story, though less well-known, remains a meaningful insight into the complex tapestry of Indian mythology.