Destiny Altered
Introduction
In a certain village, there lived an astrologer named Bhargava who was blessed with a son after many years of waiting. However, being an astrologer means he learned from the child’s horoscope that the boy would die at the age of twenty-five.
The Prophecy
This knowledge made Bhargava and his wife extremely sad. Nonetheless, the child’s horoscope also indicated that he would get married at the very age of twenty-five. In hopes of changing his son’s fate through good fortune, Bhargava named his boy Chiranjeevi—which means “one who lives forever.” He believed that arranging a lucky bride for his son might alter his destiny.
The Reluctant Bridegroom
As Chiranjeevi neared his twenty-fifth birthday, he learned about his fate and declined to marry. He expressed his desire to journey to Kashi, saying, “If I must die, let me die in Kashi, at the altar of Lord Bisweshwer!” He also promised his father, “If I survive my twenty-fifth year, then I will come back. Do not grieve.”
A Chance Encounter
On his way to Kashi, Chiranjeevi entered a jungle and discovered a camp of well-dressed people. Upon inquiry, he learned that a king was taking his son to the bride’s house for marriage. Chiranjeevi asked to spend the night in their camp, and a member of the king’s party led him to the king.
The King’s Proposal
The king was pleased to see Chiranjeevi, as he had an idea. The prince was an epileptic, and if he suffered a fit during the marriage ceremony, it would be embarrassing. Chiranjeevi resembled the prince, so the king proposed that Chiranjeevi stand in for the prince during the marriage, assuring him that he would be rewarded with a thousand rupees for his compliance.
The Wedding Ceremony
Although Chiranjeevi was not interested in money, he agreed to the king’s condition to stay safe for the night. He was well-fed and given a luxurious bed. The next morning, he accompanied the party to the bride’s palace, arriving in the evening for the midnight ceremony. The priests chanted hymns as Chiranjeevi’s hand was united with the princess’s hand.
A Whispered Truth
As the rituals concluded, Chiranjeevi whispered to the bride, “They are making the God of Fire a witness to this marriage, yet what is it but a farce?” The princess listened intently but failed to grasp the significance of his words.
The Revelation
Once the sun rose, the bridegroom’s party returned to their lodging. The king rewarded Chiranjeevi a thousand rupees and instructed him to leave immediately to ensure his safety, stating, “My people will kill you if they see you around.” Chiranjeevi walked away, unaware of the chaos that would ensue.
A Shocking Realization
The next day, while having lunch with the princess, the prince was asked about what he had said the previous night. Flustered, he stammered, “I never said anything!” The princess realized he had not spoken the words she had heard and jumped up in disbelief, declaring, “We have been deceived. This is not my husband!” The bride’s father was informed, and the truth of the marriage was unveiled.
The Year of Waiting
Days turned into a year, with the bride’s father placing an inscription at the inn, offering a reward for anyone who could explain what the bridegroom had whispered. However, no one came forward. Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi reached Kashi during this time, devoted to prayer and meditation, ultimately forgetting the fateful marriage drama.
A Promise Fulfilled
Upon completing his twenty-fifth year, Chiranjeevi started to return home as promised to his father. Stopping at the inn, he read the inscription and became curious about it. The locals informed him that the princess had remained behind for an unknown reason. Realizing the significance, Chiranjeevi approached the king and revealed that he could tell him what the bridegroom had whispered.
Home and Happiness
The king summoned the princess, who instantly recognized Chiranjeevi. “Where is my reward?” he asked jokingly. The king pointed to the princess, and both Chiranjeevi and the princess blushed. The king then shared the story of their adventure with his subjects. Chiranjeevi not only became the king’s son-in-law but also the heir to the throne. His parents were brought there in a magnificent procession, uniting their family with joy.
