Uloopi
Uloopi the hero
Once there was an underwater world where the snake-like Nagas lived. The Nagas were famed for their connection to immortality and the amrita jewel which has amazing powers. Their princess named Uloopi was very beautiful but lived her entire life in her father's palace which was underwater in the river Ganga. She was swimming along when she saw the most handsome man, Arjuna, swimming. She was immediately drawn to Arjuna and knew that she had to be his bride.
She approached him shyly and said, "Hello, sir. My name is Uloopi. Would you be kind enough to come spend the day with me in my father's palace?" Arjuna was intrigued by the underwater palace and followed her underwater to see it. They spent the day exploring the Ganga and fell in love and were married. They were happy but Arjuna had to continue his journey and had to leave her. " I must continue on my journey, dear Uloopi. Hopefully, we will be reunited soon."
He continued his journey and met another woman named Chitrangada. He also fell in love with her and they were married and had a son together named Babhruvahana.
Uloopi was unhappy and had been unhappy since Arjuna left to continue upon his journey. She decided to follow after him and arrived at the palace where Arjuna's other wife Chitrangada and son Babhruvahana were living. She was stung by Arjuna's decision to marry Chitrangada but became close to her and their son. The son loved Uloopi and she was a great influence in his life.
Arjuna had continued on his journey throughout his son's life but had angered some of the celestials along the way because he killed one of their offspring, Bhishma, and was cursed. This curse was terrible for it said that Arjuna would go to hell unless he was killed by his son. Uloopi found out about this curse and was terrified at this fate that had befallen her husband and his son. Uloopi cared deeply for both of them and knew she had to intervene. However, how she would be able to was a mystery for all.
After the Great War was over Arjuna was traveling the land following a horse. It was decreed that wherever the horse went would become his brother's kingdom. He was defending his brother's extended kingdom when his son came into the title of king himself.
The horse roamed wide and far and eventually, fate found Arjuna and his son on opposite sides of the same battlefield for the horse had wandered into territory that was Babhruvahana's. Babhruvahana was distraught for he was a famed warrior but so was his father and he did not want to have to challenge him or be challenged. The celestials were watching above for this challenge between father and son would see a curse removed or a curse begin.
Uloopi heard what was happen and ran to the field where they were to battle and hid behind a tree. Just as she arrived Babhruvahana stood before his father and proclaimed that he would not fight. Arjuna, however, told his son that it had to be done for great shame would fall upon him if he did not battle. Uloopi almost cried out at this proclamation but held her tongue and let fate run its course. Babhruvahana did not want to shame his father so he began his attack. Arjuna was a great warrior but was bested by his son and fell dead on the battlefield.
Uloopi saw Arjuna fall and cried out in grief. She could not help but run to her beloved on the battlefield. Babhruvahana was shocked to see his foster-mother Uloopi but remembered her connection to the Nagas and their famed power. Uloopi knew exactly what to do and called upon the amrita stone of her people to bring Arjuna back. The stone, which has the power to restore life, appeared in her hands and she laid it on her husband. He immediately opened his eyes and returned to them. The celestials' curse had been broken and they rejoiced for Arjuna had returned.
Arjuna became aware of the curse that had been on him when he awoke from death. He held Uloopi in his arms and thanked her for saving his life. Uloopi was happy for her beloved had returned and was thankful that she had restored his life. They stopped the fighting and decided to come to an agreement so that the war would end. They all lived together peacefully from that day forward. Uloopi was forever praised by Arjuna for lifting his curse and lived happily for the rest of her days.
Author's Note:
This is a retelling of the Uloopi's story with a few changes. There is a version of Uloopi's story where she and Arjuna have a son, Iravan. Click his name to learn more. However, I wanted to focus on Uloopi and her being awesome and having the power to break Arjuna's curse. I really like that even though Arjuna leaves her and has a child with another woman she is able to accept them with an open heart. She cares for Babhruvahana like he is her own. I also like that she has this power to restore the dead but also recognizes the opportunity to lift Arjuna's curse and let him die at his son's hands.
In the original version, Uloopi is often longing for more of Arjuna's attention or wanting him to pick her over his other wives. Also in the original, after she saves his life and relieves him of his curse he leaves her yet again and goes to his other wife, Draupadi. I did not want that ending for a powerful woman like Uloopi so I gave her a much happier ending where Arjuna was faithful and stayed with her. I really loved Uloopi's character and hope you all enjoyed her story too!
Bibliography:
Guide: Uloopi. Source: BlogSpot.
Image One Credit: Uloopi. Source: Radhika Bianchi, Flickr.
Image Two Credit: Arjuna Hugs Babruvahana. Source: Wikipedia.