The Untouched Chicks: A Tale of Love, Wisdom, and Divine Grace Amidst the Khandava Inferno

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The Untouched Chicks: A Tale of Love, Wisdom, and Divine Grace Amidst the Khandava Inferno
#Mandapala #SarangaBirds #KhandavaForest #Vaisampayana #Janamejaya #AgniDev #IndianMythology #Ancestors #ParentalLove #EpicStories #Mahabharata #AncientLegends #DivineGrace #MythicalTales #SpiritualWisdom #StoriesForYoungsters
One fine evening, under a twilight sky painted with hues of orange and pink, the wise sage Vaisampayana sat in King Janamejaya’s grand court. The king leaned forward, his curiosity shining through his eyes. “Vaisampayana,” he asked, “how did the four little Saranga birds survive the fierce fire of the Khandava forest?”

The sage smiled knowingly and began his story.

Long ago, in a time when the earth was vibrant with life and forests teemed with creatures, there lived a saint named Mandapala. He was a man of wisdom, known for his unmatched dedication to spiritual practices. Mandapala’s days were filled with meditation and penance, and soon, he left his mortal body to ascend to Pitruloka, the realm of ancestors.

One day, Mandapala met Indra, the mighty king of gods, and Yama, the lord of justice. Bowing respectfully, Mandapala asked, “Oh Indra, I have devoted my life to penance. Yet, I find myself unfulfilled. Why have I not reached the higher realms of joy and peace?”

Indra’s gaze was steady as he replied, “Mandapala, every soul is born with three debts: to the gods, the sages, and one’s ancestors. These debts are discharged through worship, study of the scriptures, and—most importantly—having children. Without children, you cannot ascend higher. A son, Mandapala, saves a man from the terrible hell called Put, which is why a son is called Putra.”

Mandapala pondered deeply. “Children,” he thought, “I must have children.” But he also realized he didn’t have time for the slow cycle of human birth and growth. He needed a quick solution. And then, it struck him—birds!

Birds could have many offspring in a short time. So, Mandapala transformed himself into a Saranga bird and met a kind, loving female bird named Jarita. Together, they had four tiny eggs nestled safely in their forest home. Even before hatching, these little ones were gifted—they understood the sacred Vedas!

But Mandapala wasn’t one for sticking around. Before the chicks were even born, he flew off to live with another bird named Lapita, leaving Jarita to care for the young.

Time passed, and the forest hummed with life. One day, Mandapala was flying over the Khandava forest with Lapita when he spotted a blazing figure on the horizon. It was Agni, the god of fire. Agni had been weakened over time and sought to regain his strength by consuming the entire Khandava forest in flames.

Mandapala’s heart skipped a beat. “My children!” he thought, panic rising. “They’re in that forest!” Without hesitation, he soared down to meet Agni.

Mandapala bowed low and spoke with urgency, “Oh Agni, you are the eternal flame that carries the offerings of the world to the heavens. You are the breath of life, the light of the stars, and the energy that sustains the cosmos. I bow to you.”

Agni, touched by Mandapala’s heartfelt words, said, “What do you wish, Mandapala? Speak, and I will grant it.”

With desperation in his voice, Mandapala pleaded, “Oh Agni, I have four tiny children in the Khandava forest. When you burn it, I beg you, spare their lives!”

Agni smiled gently. “Your devotion is admirable. I promise no harm will come to your children.”

The fire began. Agni’s flames roared through the forest, consuming trees and wildlife in its path. The sky turned crimson as smoke rose high. Jarita, however, was prepared. She had hidden her chicks deep in a hollow tree, shielding them with her wings. The heat was intense, but Agni kept his word—not a single flame touched the four little Saranga birds.

When the fire died down, the forest was a smoldering wasteland, but amidst the ashes, Jarita emerged with her chicks unharmed. Mandapala’s heart swelled with relief and gratitude.

Vaisampayana paused for effect, then concluded, “And that, dear king, is how the four Saranga birds survived the fiery wrath of Agni, saved by the cleverness of their father and the grace of the god of fire.”

King Janamejaya leaned back, smiling. “What a story of love, courage, and divine promise. It reminds us that even the smallest lives matter and that the gods honor true devotion.”

And so, the tale of the Saranga birds and their miraculous escape became a favorite story, retold for generations, enchanting listeners with its message of hope, wisdom, and the power of parental love.