Dundhubi
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The story
SUDHAMAHI REGUNATHAN, April 2, 2023: The Times of India
Story is told of a mighty buffalo, who shone like Mount Kailash and had the strength of a thousand elephants. His name was Dundhubi. He had a boon of invincibility and was so aware of it that he wanted to show how powerful he was. He was restless to engage in a fight. Power was bristling within him. He looked around for someone mighty enough to challenge him. He saw the ocean, the seat of turbulent waves and a treasury of precious stones. Racing to it he bellowed, “Come on, let us fight!” Ocean, the lord of the rivers, did rise to greet the one who was calling him to combat, for it was but the right thing to do. He was too old for such frivolous combats and had seen many such before. So, he replied to the buffalo, “Forgive me for not accepting your invitation. You see, I am not as powerful as you… I am not capable of engaging in a fight with you. However, I can suggest a majestic and worthy opponent. ” “Tell me,” bellowed the buffalo. “I have heard that Himavan is a mighty mountain, father-in-law of Shiv and the resting place for ascetics… I think he should be a good challenge. ” So, the ocean could not be provoked. Dundhubi charged towards Himavan. He felt a little satisfied that the ocean, large as it was, was still scared of him and so refused a fight. He soon reached the Himalayas, crushed a few smaller peaks and thundered across the valleys, “Come on Himavan, rise to my challenge. ”
Himavan was like an ascetic himself, covered as he was in white. He was too dignified to undertake a struggle for power. He knew his strength. He said with a smile, “I am hardly qualified to fight with you. I am the resort for ascetics. ” So, Himavan could not be provoked.
Dundhubi was getting angry. No one was ready to fight with him. “If you are scared of me or are incapable of fighting, suggest someone who is,” said Dundhubi, fast losing his patience.
Himavan was irritated with this buffalo so eager to fight. “Go meet Vali, the king of monkeys, in Kishkinda. He is powerful, brave and intolerant. He does not like to be challenged. I am sure he will not disappoint you,” he said.
Dundhubi did not even wait to hear the end of his sentence. This was just the kind of person Dundhubi was looking for. Soon he was outside Vali’s gate, smashing it with his horns and creating a racket.
Vali heard the commotion and came running out. “What do you want Dundhubi, demon of great might?” he asked. “Do not invite me for a fight. Run away if you love your life. ”
No one spoke to Dundhubi like that. “You better not to belittle me like that,” bellowed Dundhubi. “Come out and meet my challenge.
Or,” he continued with a mischievous smile, “maybe you want to enjoy one more night? I will give you time till sunrise. ”
That was too much of a provocation for Vali. He was not like the ocean or Himavan. He was impetuous, quick to rise in action; he did not ever wait to cross check. Like he later would suspect his younger brother of having usurped his kingdom and wife and act on his suspicion. That was his trait. But he was courageous and strong, nevertheless.
Vali rushed out, roaring louder than Dundhubi, fought with him. The fight went on for a long time, but eventually Vali killed Dundhubi.
The other day someone commented that people are high strung today, waiting to pick a fight. I knew why. I had heard that Dundhubi had reincarnated and this time as social media.
