Kids´ Org
The boon that became bane
An asura (demon) by the name of Bana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and ruled over his kingdom from his capital at Shonitpura.
Once Bana decided to do penance by dancing a thousand different forms of dance in praise of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was so pleased with his devotion that He granted him a boon. As per the boon, Lord Shiva promised to live in Bana'skingdom and protect him in adversity. Lord Shiva also granted the asura a thousand arms to help him in vanquishing his enemies. In no time Bana became all-powerful and won over all the three worlds?heaven, earth and hell. He even overpowered the devas (gods).
After some time, Bana became bored and decided to do penance again. He danced for days and days till Lord Shiva appeared to ask what he wanted. Bana replied that with Lord'sgrace he had overpowered the entire universe but now that no one was left to conquer, he found his thousand arms useless. So now he wanted to wage another battle where he could reveal the prowess of his thousand arms.
Lord Shiva found the suggestion by Bana as reeking of arrogance. He however, told the asura, ?One day the pennant on your fort will fall and you will have to fight a mighty warrior who will destroy all your thousand arms.?
Bana was so excited at the boon that he began to wait for the day of the battle with anticipation.
One day, after some time, the pennant of the fort was found broken. Next moment the guards rushed in to announce to Bana that a man had been found in his daughter, Princess Usha'sroom.?
Bana became livid with rage. He ordered his guards to kill the intruder who happened to be Aniruddha, grandson of Shri Krishna. A fierce battle ensued and Aniruddha was taken captive by Bana'ssoldiers. Just as Bana was about to behead his enemy, a voice from the heavens warned him from doing so.
Meanwhile, word reached Dwarka that Aniruddha had been taken captive. Shri Krishna proceeded towards Shonitpura with a large army. Lord Shiva, as already promised to Bana, had to protect Bana. A fierce battle raged between Shri Krishna and Lord Shiva and it continued for days. Finally Shri Krishna pleaded with Lord Shiva, ?I am in this battle to destroy Bana'sconceit. Please find a way out of this gruesome fight.?
Lord Shiva advised Shri Krishna to use the jhumbanastra to knock the asura down unconscious. Shri Krishna did as advised and knocked off Bana'sthousand hands. Just as he was about to kill the asura, Lord Shiva came to the rescue of Bana. Bana surrendered to Shri Krishna and requested Lord Shiva to grant him the permission to remain as his servant. The request was granted and peace was restored in Shonitpura.
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