The Story of Pauloma, Wife of Bhrigu, and the Rakshasa

Bhrigu had a beloved wife named Pauloma. One day, while she was pregnant, Bhrigu left her at home and went out to perform his ablutions. During his absence, a Rakshasa (demon) also named Pauloma, came to Bhrigu’s hermitage. The Rakshasa, overwhelmed by lust upon seeing the virtuous and beautiful Pauloma, lost his senses.

Pauloma, as an excellent hostess, offered the Rakshasa roots and fruits from the forest. However, the demon, driven by his desire, decided to abduct her. Pauloma’s father had originally betrothed her to him, but she had later married Bhrigu in a proper ceremony. This past rejection fuelled the Rakshasa’s anger and determination to take her away.

The Rakshasa saw the sacrificial fire burning in the hermitage and asked Agni, the fire god, about the true husband of Pauloma. Agni, being the witness of all actions, was reluctant to answer, fearing both the Rakshasa’s wrath and Bhrigu’s potential curse. The Rakshasa repeatedly questioned Agni, saying, “You are the mouth of the gods; tell me truly if this woman is the wife of Bhrigu. She was promised to me first but was given to Bhrigu. If you tell me she is not his wife, I will take her away.” After much pressing, Agni slowly admitted that although Pauloma had initially been chosen by the Rakshasa, she was rightfully married to Bhrigu through sacred rites.

Upon hearing this, the Rakshasa transformed into a boar and seized Pauloma, carrying her away swiftly. Enraged by the violence against his mother, the child in Pauloma’s womb, who would later be known as Chyavana, was born prematurely. His birth shone with the brightness of the sun, scaring the Rakshasa, who then released Pauloma and fell to the ground, turning to ashes instantly.

Distraught, Pauloma picked up her newborn son, Chyavana, and continued on her way. Brahma, the creator, saw the weeping Pauloma and comforted her. The tears she shed formed a great river, which followed her footsteps. Brahma named this river Vadhusara, and it flowed through the hermitage of Chyavana.

When Bhrigu returned and saw his wife and newborn son, he was filled with rage and asked Pauloma, who had revealed her identity to the Rakshasa. Pauloma told him that it was Agni who had identified her. Enraged by this betrayal, Bhrigu cursed Agni, decreeing that he would consume all things indiscriminately.

Life Lessons from the Story of Pauloma

Bhrigu’s decision to marry Puloma, despite her prior betrothal, set off a chain of events with far-reaching consequences. This reminds us that our actions can have unforeseen impacts.

Devotion to Duty: Bhrigu and Pauloma’s dedication to their spiritual and moral duties highlights the importance of staying true to one’s principles and responsibilities.

Consequences of Actions: The Rakshasa’s actions, driven by lust and vengeance, led to his downfall, emphasizing that wrongful deeds often lead to self-destruction.

Power of Purity and Virtue: Pauloma’s virtue and purity, along with her son’s divine power, protected her in her time of need, showing that righteousness often brings divine protection.

Divine Justice: The intervention of Brahma and the transformation of Pauloma’s tears into a river illustrate that divine justice prevails, offering comfort and resolution to the righteous.

Impact of Curses: Bhrigu’s curse on Agni highlights the potent impact of words and actions, reminding us to be mindful of our responses, especially in anger.

Resilience in Adversity: Pauloma’s journey through abduction and her resilience in the face of great distress teach the power of endurance and strength in overcoming challenges.

The power of truth: Agni’s commitment to truth-telling, even when it led to difficult situations, highlights the importance of honesty. However, it also raises questions about when the truth might cause harm.

The strength of maternal instinct: Puloma’s distress during the abduction was so strong that it triggered her child’s premature birth, showcasing the power of the maternal bond.

The unpredictability of life: Puloma’s life changed dramatically in a short span, reminding us that life can take unexpected turns at any moment.

The potential within us: Chyavana’s ability to defend his mother even before birth illustrates that we may have hidden strengths we’re unaware of until challenged.

The complexity of righteousness: The story presents a morally complex situation where multiple characters believe they’re in the right, teaching us that ethical dilemmas aren’t always black and white.

The importance of consent: The story highlights issues around consent and arranged marriages, prompting reflection on the importance of individual choice in relationships.

The power of emotions: Puloma’s tears creating a landmark demonstrates the profound impact our emotions can have.

The power of names: Chyavana’s name, meaning “the fallen one,” reflects how our origins and circumstances can shape our identities.

These lessons from Puloma’s story can be applied to modern life in various ways, from considering the long-term consequences of our actions to recognizing the strength we may find in challenging situations. The story encourages us to reflect on complex moral issues, the nature of truth, and the unforeseen powers within ourselves and others.