Mahabharatha - Story of Uparichitha Vasu
King Janamejaya was eager to know the birth history of Vyasa Maharishi. He requested Sage Vaishampayana to narrate Maharishi’s story in detail.
To begin with, the Sage narrated the story of Vasu Maharaj.
Vasu Maharaj ruled the Chedi Kingdom. He was a follower of dharma and was very powerful. The Kingdom was wealthy, cows were protected, and grains were grown in abundance. People were dharmic, wealthy, and peaceful. They never uttered lies, even for fun. Children followed their father's advice. Wild animals never attacked.
Once, the king went to a forest and was charmed by the pleasant atmosphere. He desired to take up tapas. When it turned rigorous, Lord Indra was scared and tried to stop him.
Indra knew Vasu Maharaj's capability and hence befriended him. He made a request to the king to stop the tapas and rule the kingdom for the welfare of the people. He said, “Dharma should not vanish and has to be protected by you. You would attain higher status in the future. Henceforth, you are my friend and can freely visit me at Heaven whenever you feel so.”
Indra gifted a chariot made of clear quartz (spatika ratha) to move around freely in air. Vasu Maharaj became known as ‘Uparichitha Vasu’.
Indra also gifted Vaijayanthi, an ever fresh lotus garland, wearing it the king will not face defeat. He also gave Venu Danta (Stick) for protection.
Vasu Maharaj, in order to honour Indra, treated the stick as a deity representing Indra. He struck the stick to the ground, decorated it with colorful clothes and garlands, and offered prayers.
During the course of time, it was known as Indra Utsav. Indra was very happy and reciprocated with abundant rainfall. Vasu Maharaj was honoured as Chakravarthy.
Vasu Chakravarthy had five sons who were equally powerful. During the course of time, he divided his kingdom among his sons. He would often visit Heaven to meet Indra.
Source: Mahabharatha- Adiparva - Amshavathara parva
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