A New Life
Those twelve years in the cave were some of the most difficult of my life. Sometimes I doubted whether I would truly be reborn. I chose to have faith in Shiva and his promise of a new life. I grew more and more anxious for the day when I could start over. One day I awoke to a bright light shining down into the cave. It felt like I was a part of the light. I panicked, trying to get away from it, but it seemed to follow me. All of a sudden, everything went black. From then on everything that happened was a blur.
At this time, my parents were performing penance in the village. My father was Mayasura, King of the Asuras, and my mother was a celestial nymph names Hema. Everyday they would ask Shiva to bless them with a daughter. My mom said she would go to the temple first thing in the morning to pray for a miracle. On this particular day when my parents were leaving the temple my mother heard the cries of a baby. My father brushed it off, saying that she was probably just hearing things. Again, she heard the cries but this time my father heard it too. Quickly they followed the sounds until they were led to a well not too far from the temple. Upon looking inside they saw a baby girl at the bottom of the well. They quickly called some nearby villagers to help take me out of the well.
I’m sure by now you know that baby was me. My mother said as soon as she held me in her hands she knew I was meant for her. She asked my father if they could take me home and he was more than happy to. He vowed to protect me and raise me as his own daughter. They said I was the most beautiful baby girl they had ever seen. People from other villages and kingdoms would travel just to see me. Before I could even walk, kings from all over would propose that I be arranged to marry their sons in the future.
Growing up my life was simple. I knew I was a princess and could have anything I desired but I chose to stay humble. I don’t know if it was because of my past life, but I counted everyday a blessing. I never complained and always saw the light in everything. Being the only daughter in a family of three brothers could be tough at times. I found myself being the peacemaker in many of my brother’s quarrels. From a young age I was devoted to Shiva, only in a different way from before. I still prayed to him and remained pious. As I grew, my faith and devotion to my religion grew with me.
One day while I was taking a walk in the palace garden’s I saw a grand carriage pull up. Out walked a man who looked like a King. I could tell he was a mighty warrior, with broad shoulders and a powerful demeanor. As he neared the gates he caught sight of me watching him. He stopped and stared at me. I could tell he was admiring my beauty. After pausing for a moment he continued to walk through the gates and into the palace, all the while stealing glances back at me. Curiosity took over me and I had to know who this man was. He was unlike any of the other men I had seen visiting my father. Never had I seen someone more strong and powerful.
During his meeting with my father, he didn't hesitate to ask about me. He was the King of Lanka and even greater than that, a follower of Shiva. After hearing about his great devotion to Shiva I believed that this was a man I could see myself with. That same day he asked my father for my hand in marriage. My father agreed and soon we were married. The early days of our marriage were filled with joy and love. He was always so protective over me and tended to my ever desire.
Overtime, I began to notice things about Ravana. Sometimes when we were with other women, I would see his gaze linger a little too long on them. He began to grow more distant and notice me less. I began to really accept that something was wrong when he stopped returning to our bed every night. Soon I began to hear stories from women in his kingdom. Ravana's weakness was women, and he would never stay loyal. Despite all this I loved him. He was strong and smart, though flawed. I thought I could help him through prayers and being a faithful wife. I always forgave him and never stopped loving him.
Author's Note: This story picks up after Mandodari's frog curse is lifted. Mandodari continues to tell her daughters about her life story. I chose to keep this story in first person because it gives us a deeper understanding of the character. Through this point of view we can see the emotions and thoughts she has throughout her story. She decides to tell her daughters about her rebirth and her life with Ravana. Her dad, Mayasura, was the king of Asuras. He and his wife Hema had been praying for a daughter. Her parents find her as a baby and take her in as their own. When she grows older she's said to be one of the most beautiful woman. She's know for being very pious and faithful. Because of her beauty Ravana falls in love with her and asks for her hand. This story explores some of the struggles they have in their marriage due to his unfaithfullness. Despite everything Ravana puts her through she decides to remain loyal and loving. She never gives up on him and believes that he can somehow become better.
