Jalandhara

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Jalandhara (sometimes Jallandhar or Calantaran) is a figure in Hindu mythology. He is sometimes included in lists of aspects of Shiva.

Jalandhara was a demon king, born out of the union of the lightning from Shiva’s third eye and the Ocean. In one story, he accuses Shiva of hypocrisy, pointing out that Shiva claims to be an ascetic but keeps a wife, Parvati. Jalandhara proposes that Shiva hand over Parvati to him:

"How can you live on alms and yet keep the beautiful Parvati ? Give her to me, and wander from house to house with your alms bowl. You have fallen from your vow. . . .You are a yogi ;what need have you for the gem of wives? You live in the woods attended by goblins and ghosts; being a naked yogi, you should give your wife to one who will appreciate her better than you do."[1]

Shiva of course refuses, becoming so angry that a fearsome creature sprang from his brow and nearly killed Rahu, the messenger who had delivered the demand.

Jalandhara had a wife of remarkable piety named Vrinda (in some versions Tulasi). So pious is she that Jalandhara's misdeeds go unpunished under the protection of her virtue. Eventually Vishnu shatters Vrinda's chastity; a path is thereby opened to the punishment of Jalandhara, who is killed. To comfort Vrinda in her grief and despair, Vishnu promises her that a beautiful plant will grow from her grave, and that its wood would be used to make a garland (tulasi mala) for his neck.

An alternative version has Shiva using Parvati to corrupt Jalandhara, who is a virtuous demon. Vrinda curses Vishnu for his part in her husband's death; the curse is broken when Parvati plants three seeds in Vrinda's ashes which grow into three plants: the Tulasi, the Avali and the Malti.

Either way, the tulasi plant today is highly valued for its medicinal properties, and it is associated with the festival of Uttana Dwadashi.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty, "Asceticism and Sexuality in the Mythology of Siva, Part II." History of Religions, Vol. 9, No. 1. (Aug., 1969), pp. 1-41.


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