Pururava Urvashi Samvada (पुरुरवा-ऊर्वशी संवादः)
Pururava and Urvashi Samvada (पुरुरवा-ऊर्वशी संवादः) is mentioned in the Mandala 10 of the Rigveda (Sukta 95). It is the legend, in the form of a conversation, describing the affection between a human being, Pururava and an apsara named Urvashi. This story has been used as a plot by Kalidasa in his famous poetic drama titled Vikramorvashiyam (विक्रमोर्वशीयम्). However, it is to be remembered that this is not a fictional story and its original version is found in the Rigveda. This samvada is also found in other texts such as Shatapatha Brahmana, Brhaddevata, Vishnu Purana and Mahabharata.
Lineage of Pururava
Pururava and Urvashi and their legend has been described in the Rigveda and subsequently in the later day texts such as Shatapatha Brahmana, and Brhaddevata. Pururava has been described as a devata (of the middle tier) by Yaska in Nirukta (10. 46). Although described as a historical event, there is deeper meaning embedded in this legend according to some scholars.[1]
Pururavas is a descendent of the Chandravamsha, lineage of Chandra. Descending in the order from Brahma came Atri, Chandra, Budha followed by Pururava. Budha married Ila (इला) and their son is Pururava. Hence Pururava is also called as Aila (ऐल). The dynasty started from Chandra (Lunar race) but it was Pururava who became celebrated.
According to Padma Purana, Pururava and Urvashi had eight sons, while other puranas state that they had six or seven sons. According to Mahabharata, Pururava had six sons of Urvashi named Ayush, Dhiman, Amavasu, Drdhayush, Vanaayush, and Satyaayush. Ayush (आयुष्) propagated the dynasty further. The names of the children are given differently in other texts.[2]
Brief Summary of the Legend
In the Rigveda we find a dialogue between Pururavas and Urvashi, however, the other particulars of the legend are summarily put together from other sources such as Brhaddevata (7.147-152) and puranic references.
पुरुरवसि राजर्षाव् अप्सरास्तूर्वशो पुरा । न्यवसत्संविदं कृत्वा तस्मिन्धर्मं चचार च ॥१४७॥ (Brhd. Deva. 7.147)
In ancient times, Urvashi the celestial dancer lived with Pururava, the Rajarshi, faithfully following the rules of the world. Indra became jealous that Urvashi, leaving the Devaloka, was leading a happy life with Pururava. He was also afraid that Brahma liked Pururava and Indra equally. Indra sent Vajra to break up the happy couple. Vajra using his maya successfully separates the Rajarshi and Urvashi. Mad in her love Pururava wanders in search of Urvashi. Soon he finds her near a lake with five other damsels and implores her to return to the palace with him. Here they have a conversation where Urvashi refuses to return along with him and asks him not to have any faith in women.[2]
According to Puranic references, Urvashi was once cursed, "Go and be born on the earth." It is stated in the Devi Bhagavata that it was Brahma who cursed Urvashi and in Bhagavata it was the Mitravaruna who cursed her. Urvashi had heard about the fame of Pururava and had felt love for him. Pururava asked her to be his wife. However, she laid down the conditions that he has to take care of her two lambs and never appear naked except during their union. As they spent their time happily, Indra started to notice her absence in the Devaloka. He sent Gandharvas to bring her back to Devaloka. The Gandharvas stole the two lambs and while the Raja was in the harem with Urvashi. She heard the lamb cries and reviled Pururava for not capable of taking care of them. Hearing these words he stood up in anguish forgetting his nudity. At that time, the Gandharvas flashed the lightning such that Urvashi saw him nude. Achieving their cause, the Gandharvas left the lambs. As her conditions were not kept, Urvashi leaves Pururava to go back to Devaloka. After wandering all over the country, Pururava finds her at Kurukshetra. He asks her to return to the palace. Seeing his grief Urvashi tells him to worship the Gandharvas. She asks him to return to the same place and that she will give him his child. After one year, Urvashi gave him a beautiful child and vanished. According to Kathasaritsagar, Pururavas was also cursed by Tumburu to suffer from the pangs of separation from Urvashi.[2]
Pururava and Urvashi Samvada
In the Rigveda, Mandala 10, Sukta 95, the dialogue between Pururava and Urvashi is given in 18 mantras. Rshi and devata for these mantras are Pururava and Urvashi, and the Chandas is trishtup.
Esoteric Meaning
The word Pururava has been defined as पुरूरवा बहुधा रोरूयते meaning "one who makes a lot of sound". He has been described as Aila (ऐल) meaning इला का पुत्र or the son of Ila (Rigveda. 10.95.18).
References
- ↑ Vd. Ramgopal Shastri and Prof. Sadhuram (1972) Ved ke Akhyanoka yatarth swaroop. Delhi: Arya Samaj
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Vettam, Mani. (1975). Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature. Delhi:Motilal Banasidass. (Pages 620-621 and 811-813)