Extra Credit Reading Notes: Aniruddha- Beloved Grandson of Krishna

 

Usha comes to Aniruddha during his evening meal.

Source: Wikimedia

Reading Notes:

    Usha was the daughter of an Asura king called Bana. Bana had a thousand arms. Shiva had also granted Bana a boon that he will always protect him. One day Usha took a nap, and she saw a very handsome prince in her dream. She told her friend Chitralekha about this prince that she fell in love with. Chitalekha promised Usha that she will bring this man to her. So she drew many portraits to pin-point who exactly is the man that has Usha's heart. When she drew the portrait of Aniruddha (the grandson of Krishna), Usha confirmed that this was the man of her dreams. Chitralekha then flew to Dwaraka using her yogic powers and transported Aniruddha (who was sleeping) to the kingdom of Bana. 

    Aniruddha woke up confused but fell in love with Usha as he saw her. He married her there and then. For about four months, Aniruddha was enjoying Usha's company and was secretly living with her. Bana found out about it and bounded Aniruddha using snakes for ropes. At Dwaraka, Krishna and his family were getting worried about the disappearance of Aniruddha. Narada told them that he was being held at Bana's kingdom. This made Krishna angry and attack the kingdom of Bana. 

    Krishna's side was winning even though Bana had Shiva on his side. Krishna cut of Bana's 996 arms, leaving only 4. Bana flew. Shiva pleaded with Krishna to spare him. Krishna said he has cut off Bana's arms just to humble him and has even blessed him. When Bana heard of this, he returned Usha and Aniruddha to Krishna, and they all went back to Dwaraka. 

Bibliography: Aniruddha