Stories of Padma Purana: Part-IV

**Story of Lord Vamana**

Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana in response to the dire situation faced by the deities at the hands of the demon leader Bashkali during Satya Yuga. The demons, led by Bashkali, had defeated the deities and driven them out of heaven. Bashkali had gained immortality through a boon from Lord Brahma. In their distress, the deities sought the help of Lord Brahma, who assured them that Lord Vishnu would intervene.

Upon hearing of the deities' plight, Lord Vishnu decided to take the form of Vamana to rectify the situation. He appeared from the womb of Aditi with various auspicious signs heralding his arrival. The air filled with fragrance, the deities rejoiced, and nature itself celebrated the manifestation of Lord Vamana.

Accompanied by Indra, Lord Vamana visited Bashkali's grand city. Bashkali was known for his virtues, benevolence, and knowledge of scriptures. He treated his guests with great honor and asked Indra the reason for their visit. Indra conveyed that the dwarf Brahmin with him, Lord Vamana, desired a piece of land measured by his three steps.

Bashkali was initially amused by this seemingly modest request but offered to grant Vamana anything he wished. However, Vamana insisted on the three steps of land. Shukracharya, Bashkali's guru, sensed something amiss and warned him against agreeing to the demand. Bashkali chose to ignore the warning and allowed Vamana to proceed.

Unexpectedly, Vamana transformed into a giant of colossal proportions. With his first step, he reached the Surya-loka (the realm of the sun). With the second step, he touched the Dhruva-loka, a celestial abode. His third step pierced the top of the universe, causing water to pour down. This event created the Vaishnavi river, marking the vastness of his steps.

Despite the enormous steps, Vamana had not yet measured the land. He reminded Bashkali of his vow, and realizing his helplessness, Bashkali surrendered to Vamana's will. Vamana, in his benevolence, granted Bashkali refuge and sent him to Patalloka.

**Story of Shambuk**

After returning to Ayodhya victorious from his battle with the demon king Ravana, Sri Rama was about to be crowned as king. Many sages, including Sage Vashishtha, had gathered to bless him on this auspicious occasion. However, during this joyous moment, a distraught Brahmin arrived, carrying the lifeless body of his son, and blamed Sri Rama for his son's death.

The Brahmin claimed that his son's death was a result of some flaw in Sri Rama's actions. Filled with sorrow and compassion, Sri Rama sought guidance from Sage Vashishtha on how to help the grieving Brahmin. Vashishtha then revealed the cause of the Brahmin's son's untimely death.

Sage Vashishtha explained that the Brahmin's son had died because of the actions of a Shudra named Shambuk. Shambuk, despite being a Shudra by birth, was engaged in severe penance, which was not allowed for Shudras except during the Kali Yuga. Therefore, according to Vashishtha, Shambuk's death was necessary to bring the Brahmin's son back to life.

Upon receiving this revelation, Sri Rama took swift action. He boarded his Pushpak Vimana and set out to find Shambuk. He located Shambuk by the shore of a reservoir, where he was deeply engrossed in his penance. Sri Rama approached Shambuk and inquired about his identity and the purpose of his penance.

Shambuk, without moving, identified himself as a Shudra and expressed his desire to attain Devaloka through his penance. Sri Rama, convinced that Shambuk's actions were against the established norms, took out his sword and severed Shambuk's head.

This act by Sri Rama was followed by the revival of the Brahmin's deceased child, as the deities themselves hailed Sri Rama's decision. 

**Story of Ganesh and Kartikeya**

One day, while goddess Parvati was preparing to take her bath, she anointed her body with unguent. As she removed the unguent, she playfully shaped it into a human form. To her astonishment, this human form came to life and grew to an enormous size. This divine creation had the head of an elephant. Parvati, with affection, accepted this unique being as her son, and he became known as the elephant-headed deity, Lord Ganesha.

Lord Shiva, Parvati's consort, once became deeply engrossed in his love for her and remained secluded in his palace for a thousand years. This caused concern among the deities, who wondered about the reason for his prolonged absence. They sent Agni, the god of fire, to find out what was happening.

Agni, in the guise of a parrot, entered Shiva's palace and observed the intense devotion and love between Shiva and Parvati. Meanwhile, Parvati went to the banks of a reservoir to quench her thirst. There, she encountered six divine women known as the Matrikas, who were carrying water in lotus leaves. Thirsty, Parvati requested water from them, and they agreed on the condition that any son born to Parvati would also be accepted as their son. Parvati consented to their condition and drank the water.

Shortly after, a divine child emerged from Parvati's womb. This child held various weapons like a trident, a shakti (a weapon associated with the goddess), and a noose in his hands. This child was Kartikeya, who possessed extraordinary prowess.

The deities recognized Kartikeya's power and appointed him as the commander of their army. During his tenure, a formidable demon named Tarakasura was causing havoc and tormenting the deities. Kartikeya valiantly confronted and defeated Tarakasura at the deities' request.

This victory over Tarakasura showcased Kartikeya's valor and his pivotal role in protecting the gods from demonic forces. It established him as a revered deity and exemplified his significance in Hindu mythology.

In summary, the birth of Lord Ganesha from the unguent and Kartikeya's emergence from Parvati's union with the Matrikas played essential roles in Hindu mythology, with Ganesha symbolizing wisdom and obstacles' removal, and Kartikeya representing bravery and the defeat of evil forces.