Two thousand years ago, the city of Varanasi was a hub of learning and culture, one of the most developed cities in India. Amidst its fame stood Swami Sadanand, a revered Brahmin sage, known far and wide for his wisdom and intellect. He presided over the Gurukul, an esteemed school located deep within a dense forest on the outskirts of the city. Students from neighboring towns and villages flocked to study under the sage, whose knowledge seemed limitless.
As the years passed, Swami Sadanand aged. Though his mind remained sharp, his body grew frail, and he realized he could no longer manage the Gurukul as he once had. Determined to preserve the legacy of his teachings, he decided to pass on the responsibility to a worthy disciple. Among his many students, one stood out—Kritivijay, a brilliant and virtuous young man who excelled in every way.
One fateful day, sensing his time was near, Swami Sadanand summoned Kritivijay to his side. “Oh dear Kritivijay,” he began with a trembling voice, “I know my time in this world is drawing to an end. You have proven yourself to be a man of wisdom and character, and I wish to entrust the Gurukul to you. But before I leave, I must reveal a secret and lay upon you a condition.”
Tears welled up in Kritivijay’s eyes as he replied, “Guruji, your wish is my command. Please, tell me what I must do.”
Swami Sadanand took a deep breath and began to recount a tale he had kept hidden for decades. “Twenty years ago, I set out on a pilgrimage, traveling across India to visit holy places. One day, as I passed through a dense forest near Madurai, I heard the cries of a child. Following the sound, I discovered a baby girl wailing beside a dying woman. But as I approached, I realized with horror that the woman was no ordinary human—she was a she-demon.
“I was overcome with fear and tried to flee, but she called out to me, begging me to listen to her final wish. Her voice was filled with such desperation that I stopped. She said, ‘O sage, I am the last of my kind. The world no longer needs demons, for humans have created their own inner demons. Please, as an act of mercy, take care of my daughter. She is innocent, pure of heart, and destined to live in harmony with humanity. Find her a worthy husband when the time comes, so that our lineage may continue.’
“With her final breath, she entrusted the child to me, and I promised to protect her. I brought her back to this forest and raised her in a hidden cave on the nearby mountain. She has grown into a young woman. She is harmless and kind. My last wish is for you to take care of her and find her a deserving husband. Will you promise me this, Kritivijay?”
Though shocked, Kritivijay bowed deeply and vowed to fulfill his guru’s final request. With a peaceful smile, Swami Sadanand closed his eyes and passed away, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and compassion.
In the months that followed, Kritivijay took charge of the Gurukul and managed it with great skill and dedication. But he could not forget the promise he had made. One day, he ventured to the cave to meet the she-demon. As he entered, he saw a towering figure with wild features, her presence both awe-inspiring and intimidating. Overcoming his fear, he invoked his guru’s name, and in an instant, the she-demon transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful young woman.
Seeing Kritivijay’s astonishment, she smiled and said, “Do not fear me. With age, demons develop supernatural powers. I no longer need food to survive; sunlight alone sustains me. My mother always told me that I was destined to live among humans. Is that why you are here?”
Kritivijay explained his mission and brought her to a secret dwelling near the Gurukul. He then began his search for a suitable groom. However, his efforts were met with rejection at every turn.
The first man he approached was a royal poet, celebrated for his charm and wit. “Why would I marry a demon?” the poet scoffed. “I am too handsome to wed such an ugly, unpleasant creature.”
Next, Kritivijay met a wealthy merchant who initially seemed interested. But the merchant soon demanded an enormous dowry, saying, “If I am to marry a demon, I deserve at least double the wealth offered by others.”
Finally, Kritivijay approached a royal administrator who was searching for a bride for his son, a financial planner at the royal court. The son was intrigued by the demon’s powers but imposed a cruel condition: “I will marry her, but only if she serves as a maid to my beloved princess whom I love and going to marry and obeys her every command.”
Disheartened by the greed, vanity, and prejudice he encountered, Kritivijay began to despair. One day, the royal administrator said, “Kritivijay, if you truly believe she is harmless and worthy, why don’t you marry her yourself? You are young, wise, and virtuous—a perfect match.”
The suggestion struck Kritivijay deeply. After much reflection, he realized the administrator was right. The next morning, he announced to the villagers that he had married the demon woman and that she would arrive at his home the following day.
When the day arrived, a grand chariot pulled by majestic horses appeared, followed by hundreds of bullock carts laden with treasures—gold, diamonds, silks, and more. From the chariot emerged a woman of ethereal beauty, adorned in fine jewelry that accentuated her radiance. The crowd, initially skeptical, was awestruck by her angelic appearance. Many who had rejected her earlier felt a pang of regret.
For a time, Kritivijay and his wife lived peacefully in the Gurukul. But the villagers, consumed by prejudice and envy, began whispering among themselves. They plotted to drive the couple away, fearing that the demon’s presence would bring misfortune.
Sensing the growing hostility, Kritivijay and his wife decided to leave quietly. One night, they vanished, taking the treasures with them. They journeyed to the Himalayas, where they devoted themselves to meditation and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Years passed, and through rigorous discipline, they attained the ultimate knowledge of the Supreme Spirit, or Brahmatwa. Having fulfilled her purpose, the demon wife revealed her final wish. “I wish to serve humanity,” she said. “With my powers, I will transform into a river and nourish this land.”
Embracing Kritivijay one last time, she shared her supernatural knowledge with him. Then, with a serene smile, she transformed into a flowing river, blessing the earth with her presence.
Kritivijay returned to society under a pseudonym, dedicating his life to helping those in need. Years later, when his time came, he used the powers his wife had bestowed upon him to merge his soul with hers, becoming one with the river.
The tale serves as a timeless reminder of compassion, sacrifice, and the true nature of humanity
