Kaṅka, A Divine Bird
The Lineage
Kaṅka is a fascinating figure often sung about in the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa. He holds the extraordinary distinction of being a descendant of the mighty Garuḍa, the king of birds, the vehicle of Bhagavān Vishṇu, and the fierce slayer of serpents. The lineage of Kaṅka, 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: Kaṅka and Kandharu.
The Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa Connection
The Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, a treasure trove of ancient narratives, brings Kaṅka 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. Kaṅka’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, Kaṅka 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.
Kaṅka and Vidyudrūpa
Kaṅka’s life is narrated as follows in in Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa. One day, Kaṅka traveled to Mount Kailāsa. It was there he saw a rākshasa named Vidyudrūpa, an attendant of Kubera, whose eyes resembled clusters of lotus petals. Kaṅka witnessed the rākshasa 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 Kaṅka approaching angered the rākshasa. Vidyudrūpa immediately challenged Kaṅka, 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!”
Kaṅka responded fearlessly, asserting the common right to the sacred mountain: “O Rākshasa! 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 rākshasa immediately severed Kaṅka’s head. Due to the beheading and the resulting flow of blood, Kaṅka became unconscious, horrifying to look at, and died.
The Retribution of Kandharu
When Kaṅka’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 Kaṅka 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 rākshasa, 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 rākshasa 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 rākshasa’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 rākshasa seated in the mountain cave and challenged him: “O evil-souled one! Fight with me! You, intoxicated with arrogance, killed my brother Kaṅka. 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 rākshasa, 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 Yakshas (Kubera), reminiscent of the ancient battle between Devendra and Garuḍa. Angrily, the rākshasa 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 rākshasa. After the sword was shattered, a fight broke out using arms. Then, the bird-king mounted the rākshasa’s chest and tore his arms, feet, and head away from his body.
After the rākshasa 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 (nishkṛti) to Kaṅka.
Source: Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, Chapter 2