Kanka
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The Lineage
Kanka is a fascinating figure often sung about in the sacred lore of the Hindu tradition, particularly within the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa. He holds the extraordinary distinction of being a descendant of the mighty Garuḍa, the king of birds, the vehicle of Bhagavān Viṣṇu, and the fierce slayer of serpents. The lineage of Kanka, the valiant hero, begins with Garuḍa himself, who had a son named Sampāti. Sampāti, in turn, fathered Supārśva, a son whose might and valor were comparable to Vāyu (the Wind God). Supārśva’s son was Kunti, and Kunti’s son was Pralolupu. It was Pralolupu who had two sons: Kanka and Kandharu.
The Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa Connection
The Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, a treasure trove of ancient narratives, brings Kanka into the spotlight. This Purāṇa, as recounted by the sage Mārkaṇḍeya, often details the lives of righteous kings and powerful beings who uphold the cosmic order. Kanka’s story typically arises in the context of one of the great Manvantaras (the time period ruled by a Manu). His adventures are often linked to a time when great heroes were needed to battle the forces of adharma (unrighteousness). Just like his ancestor, who tirelessly works to protect the world, Kanka is depicted as a protector, ensuring the safety of the virtuous and the defeat of the wicked. His prowess in battle, fueled by his divine lineage, makes him an indispensable ally to the celestial forces and human kings alike.
Kanka and Vidyudrūpa
Kanka’s life is narrated as follows in in Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa. One day, Kanka traveled to Mount Kailāsa. It was there he saw a rākṣasa named Vidyudrūpa, an attendant of Kubera, whose eyes resembled clusters of lotus petals. Kanka witnessed the rākṣasa sitting on a clean, auspicious stone slab, engrossed in alcoholic drink, adorned with white flower garlands and garments, accompanied by his wife.
The very sight of Kanka approaching angered the rākṣasa. Vidyudrūpa immediately challenged Kanka, exclaiming, “O vilest of birds! Why have you come here? What is the reason for approaching me while I am with my wife? The wise do not enter lonely, secret places where a man and woman reside, for that is adharma (unrighteousness), so they do not approach!”
Kanka responded fearlessly, asserting the common right to the sacred mountain: “O Rākṣasa! This king of mountains (Mount Kailāsa) is common to everyone. It is the same for you as it is for me. Not just for us, but for all creatures. Why this sense of possessiveness here?”
In a fit of instant rage, the rākṣasa immediately severed Kanka’s head. Due to the beheading and the resulting flow of blood, Kanka became unconscious, horrifying to look at, and died.
The Retribution of Kandharu
When Kanka’s brother, Kandharu, heard the news of his brother’s death, he was consumed by fury and resolved to destroy Vidyudrūpa. Kandharu first performed the final rites for his brother Kanka on the very same Mount Kailāsa where he fell.
Then, burning with rage and impatience, Kandharu made his eyes widen and hissed like a snake, setting out toward the place where the fraternal murderer, the rākṣasa, was. As he flew, the great wind from his wings caused large mountains to tremble, and the ocean waters became turbulent due to his speed. With reddened eyes, the Kandharu quickly reached Mount Kailāsa.
He spotted the rākṣasa Vidyudrūpa sitting on a golden couch on the summit of the mountain. Vidyudrūpa had bloodshot eyes and face from drinking, wearing garlands on his head, smeared with fine sandalwood paste, and shone fearfully with his teeth as white as ketakī leaves. Kandharu also saw the rākṣasa’s wife, Madanikā, who had a voice like a male kokila and wide eyes, seated on his left thigh.
Filled with extreme rage, the best of birds, Kandharu, looked at the rākṣasa seated in the mountain cave and challenged him: “O evil-souled one! Fight with me! You, intoxicated with arrogance, killed my brother Kanka. Therefore, I shall now send you, who are immersed in intoxication, to the abode of Yama (the God of Death). May you, killed by me, go to the hell that is reserved for sinners who commit betrayal, murder of women, and murder of children!”
The rākṣasa, angered by the bird-king speaking in the presence of his wife, retorted: “O sky-dweller! I showed my prowess by killing your brother. Now I shall kill you with this very sword. O lowly bird! Wait for a moment. You shall not leave here alive!” Saying this, Vidyudrūpa grabbed his sword, which was as black and clear as collyrium.
A great battle ensued between the bird-king and the attendant of the King of Yakṣas (Kubera), reminiscent of the ancient battle between Devendra and Garuḍa. Angrily, the rākṣasa swiftly flung his sword, black as a glowing coal, towards the bird-king.
The bird-king, like Garuḍa seizing a serpent, quickly flew up a little from the ground and caught the sword with his beak. Holding the sword, he broke it with his beak and feet, causing great distress to the rākṣasa. After the sword was shattered, a fight broke out using arms. Then, the bird-king mounted the rākṣasa’s chest and tore his arms, feet, and head away from his body.
After the rākṣasa was thus killed, his wife, Madanikā, became terrified and sought refuge with the king of birds, offering to become his wife. The best of birds, Kandharu, accepted her and took her to his home. By killing Vidyudrūpa, Kandharu avenged the sorrow caused by his brother’s murder and brought justice (niṣkṛti) to Kanka