Kandharu
|
Lineage and Valor
As narrated in Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, Kandharu is one of the pivotal heroes of the Garuḍa line celebrated in the sacred texts, a son of Pralolupu and the younger brother of Kanka. He carried the same divine blood that ran through the veins of his glorious ancestor, Garuḍa, the vehicle of Bhagavān Viṣṇu. To be born in this lineage meant inheriting a tremendous legacy of vīrya (heroism), dharma (righteous duty), and unimaginable physical might. Kandharu’s existence is a testament to the unyielding commitment of Garuḍa’s descendants to maintaining the cosmic order and protecting the just.
The Catalyst: Kanka’s Martyrdom
Kandharu’s story is inextricably linked to the tragic demise of his elder brother, Kanka. Kanka was unjustly slain on Mount Kailāsa by the arrogant rākṣasa (demon) Vidyudrūpa, an attendant of Kubera. The demon, angered by Kanka’s mere presence in an area he considered private, swiftly beheaded the noble bird-hero.
Upon hearing the dreadful news, Kandharu was consumed by righteous wrath. His initial act, full of reverence and grief, was to perform the sacred final rites for his fallen brother on the very mountain where he died. This selfless act of duty established his piety before he turned to vengeance. His grief was instantly transformed into a burning resolve to seek retribution, ensuring that Kanka’s sacrifice would not be in vain and that the demon would pay the ultimate price.
The Avenging Flight and Duel with Vidyudrūpa
Kandharu’s departure from his home was a momentous cosmic event. The text describes his flight as terrifyingly powerful: the immense wind generated by his mighty wings caused large mountains to tremble, and the speed of his journey made the waters of the ocean become turbulent. With eyes blazing red from fury and impatience, he hissed like a snake and quickly reached Mount Kailāsa.
He found Vidyudrūpa seated on a golden couch, his face flushed and his eyes bloodshot from drinking. The King of Birds Kandharu immediately challenged the murderer:
“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).”
A ferocious duel ensued, likened to the ancient conflict between Devendra and Garuḍa himself. Vidyudrūpa, relying on his formidable power, attacked Kandharu, even throwing his black, lightning-like sword. But the descendant of Garuḍa was not easily struck. With an agile move, Kandharu caught the sword mid-air, seizing it like Garuḍa seizing a serpent. He then shattered the powerful weapon with his beak and feet, rendering the rākṣasa unarmed.
The battle climaxed when Kandharu mounted the demon’s chest and used his tremendous power to violently tear off Vidyudrūpa’s arms, feet, and head from his body. This act of dismemberment ended the life of the evil asura and ensured that justice was served. Kandharu’s single-minded resolve completely avenged his brother’s death and restored balance to the region.
A New Beginning
Following the victory, Vidyudrūpa’s terrified wife, Madanikā, sought refuge with Kandharu, offering to become his spouse. The Best of Birds, demonstrating his compassion and acceptance of a surrender, took Madanikā home. Since she was a one who can take any form, she too assumed the form of a bird.
It was with Madanikā that Kandharu fathered a daughter, Vapu, who was an apsaras (celestial nymph) that had been cursed by Durvāsā. Kandharu named the child Tārkṣī, a name that again honored his great ancestor, Tārkṣya (Garuḍa). Through this union, the narrative weaves the story of the avenger into the broader Purāṇic genealogy, establishing his role not just as a hero of vengeance, but as a progenitor of another generation of mighty beings.