The Curse Continues: Vapu’s Life as Tarkshī

From Apsara to Bird – The Journey of Redemption

In the previous edition, we saw how the proud apsara Vapu was cursed by the sage Durvasa to be born as a bird on Earth. Now, let us explore how that curse manifested and the strange course her life took in this new form.

A Lineage of Winged Warriors

Vapu was born as a bird in a distinguished celestial bird lineage. The great Garuda, king of birds, had a father named Arishtanemi. Garuda’s son was Sampati, and his son was the valiant Suparshva, whose son was Kunti. Kunti's son was Pralolupa, and he had two sons: Kanka and Kandhara.

One day, Kanka was flying over Mount Kailasa when he saw a powerful rakshasa named Vidyudrūpa, a servant of Kubera, seated with his consort enjoying wine on a rock. Enraged by the intrusion, Vidyudrūpa rebuked Kanka, “How dare you come here while I am with my beloved?” Kanka retorted, “All beings have equal rights on this mountain. Why do you protest?”. Blinded by fury, Vidyudrūpa drew his sword and beheaded Kanka on the spot.

Kandhara’s Revenge

When Kandhara heard of his brother’s unjust death, his heart blazed with rage. Swearing vengeance, he flew with such ferocity that mountains trembled and oceans swelled. Reaching the spot, he confronted Vidyudrūpa, who sat smugly on his golden couch.

A fierce battle ensued. Kandhara seized Vidyudrūpa’s sword with his beak and shredded him with his talons. The rakshasa’s limbs were torn apart, and he lay lifeless on the mountain.

Vidyudrūpa’s terrified consort, Madanikā, pleaded for mercy and offered herself in surrender. She said, “Take me as your wife.” Kandhara, now having avenged his brother, accepted her and brought her home.

A Bird with Divine Roots

Madanikā was not an ordinary being—she was the daughter of the celestial apsara Menakā, and she possessed the power to take any form at will. After marrying Kandhara, she assumed the form of a bird and lived with him. From this union, a divine female bird was born—none other than the cursed apsara Vapu, now reborn as Tārkṣī.

What Next for Tārkṣī?

Thus, Vapu, who was cursed to be born as a bird, was now Tārkṣī, daughter of a divine lineage. But how did she attain freedom from her curse? Who were her four sons? Whom did she marry? What became of her celestial journey?

All this and more... in the next edition of Dheemahi Magazine!