During the time when the great epic Mahabharata unfolds, there is a famous story told by the divine sage Narada a story of extraordinary beauty, desire, and the tragic consequences that follow.
Long ago, there lived two powerful asura (demon) brothers named Sunda and Upasunda, sons of the great demon king Nikumbha. These brothers were inseparable, sharing everything kingdom, possessions, even their beds and meals. Their bond was so close that they desired to conquer not just Earth but the heavens and underworld as well.
To gain this power, Sunda and Upasunda undertook severe austerities on Mount Vindhya, impressing Lord Brahma. When Brahma appeared, they demanded immortality. Brahma could not grant immortality, but he gave them a unique boon they could only be killed by each other.
Empowered, the brothers started conquering the three worlds, wreaking havoc and driving the devas (gods) into hiding. The gods, desperate to stop them, approached Brahma again for a solution.
Brahma instructed Vishvakarma, the divine architect, to create a being of unparalleled beauty to tempt the brothers and turn them against each other. Vishvakarma gathered the most beautiful gems and loftiest qualities from all worlds, crafting a celestial maiden whose charm was unmatched.
Her name was Tilottama meaning “one made from the finest sesame seed particles,” reflecting her creation from the tiniest bits of divine perfection.
One day, as Sunda and Upasunda were reveling near a river, Tilottama appeared, picking flowers by the water's edge. Both brothers were captivated instantly.
Sunda seized her right hand, and Upasunda held her left. Each claimed her as his own. Their desire for Tilottama ignited a bitter dispute.
"She belongs to me! You have no right to claim her!", Sundha Said
"You dare challenge me? I will have her for myself!" , Upasunda fiercely replied
Enraged, they grabbed their weapons and fought. The brothers’ powerful blows echoed through the skies until, finally, they killed one another in their struggle over Tilottama.
The devas praised Tilottama for ridding them of the tyrannical asuras. Brahma blessed her with the freedom to roam the universe but warned that no one could gaze upon her for long because of her overwhelming beauty.
Sage Narada narrated this story to the Pandavas, warning them about the dangers of jealousy and desire, especially with Draupadi as a shared wife among the brothers. To prevent conflict, the Pandavas agreed to rules ensuring harmony.
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