Listen to the Story
The epic confrontation between the wealthy merchant Chand Sadagar and the snake goddess Manasa Devi, and the ultimate triumph of the devoted Behula.
The Vow of Chand Sadagar
Chand Sadagar was a wealthy, powerful merchant and a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. He famously refused to worship Manasa Devi, dismissing her as a 'one-eyed goddess' of snakes. Infuriated by his arrogance, Manasa Devi vowed to break his pride. One by one, Chand lost his six sons and his merchant ships to the goddess’s divine wrath, yet he remained defiant, even using a staff made of 'Hental' wood to ward off her serpents. His refusal to bow down set the stage for one of the most dramatic battles of will in Hinduism.
The Curse on Lakhindar
When Chand’s youngest son, Lakhindar, was born, a prophecy warned he would die of a snakebite on his wedding night. To protect him, Chand built a legendary 'Basant-ghar'—a chamber made of solid iron with no openings. However, Manasa Devi pressured the architect to leave a tiny, hair-thin crack filled with charcoal. On the wedding night of Lakhindar and the beautiful Behula, the serpent Kalnagini slipped through the crack and delivered the fatal bite. Despite all of Chand's precautions, the goddess had proven her reach.
A Left-Handed Peace
Refusing to accept her husband’s death, Behula did something unheard of: she set out on a raft with Lakhindar’s body, floating down the Ganguri river toward the heavens. She faced terrifying monsters and storms, but her unwavering devotion (Sati-shakti) protected her. Reaching the assembly of the gods, she danced with such sorrow that Lord Shiva himself intervened. Manasa Devi agreed to restore Lakhindar and his six brothers to life, provided Chand Sadagar atleast offered her a single flower in worship. When Behula returned home with his seven sons, even the stubborn Chand Sadagar was moved by her sacrifice. He agreed to worship Manasa Devi, but to keep his pride as a devotee of Shiva, he offered the flower with his left hand while looking away. Manasa Devi, satisfied by this humble victory, restored his wealth and status.
What We Learn
The story of Chand Sadagar teaches us about the dangers of ego and the incredible power of determination. Behula’s journey shows that love and resilience can overcome even the most impossible odds, eventually bringing peace between human pride and divine power.
