Tales froM Indian Mythology

Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

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Tales from Indian Mythology
Agastya tersely. "Where did you find her?” This was their next question, to which his reply was a stern stare.
The moment their Gurudev arrived, Agastya bowed to him and handed over the baby to him.
"Where did you find my daughter, Agastya?” asked the saintly preceptor.
"Gurudev," replied Agastya, "I knew of your vision and I rushed to the pond behind the rock a few feet below the peak, as soon as I saw heavy cloud formations in the firmament. And with the very first rain-drop, I heard the cries of this child who lay floating on the pool.”
"You are lucky, Agastya. You have discovered a goddess. From today you shall be her only companion. But never again take her to the site where you found her. The moment she sets foot there, she will be lost to us. By what name would you like to call her?"
"Kaveri,” replied Agastya.
"Kaveri,” repeated his Gurudev who kissed and fondled her. "You are,” he said to her tenderly, "both my mother and daughter, and Agastya shall look after you during your sojourn at my ashram."
The rain stopped. The sky was clear but for a patch of pallid cloud which hovered over their heads. The hermits and Kaveri trekked back to the ashram.
One sunny spring morning, Kaveri, now grown into a maiden glowing with the lustre of lightning, was watering the mallika creeper, as Agastya was collecting sticks for the sacrificial fire. The curls on her forehead concealed her eyes which otherwise would have shamed the Sun God because of their