During a hunting expedition, Shiva’s ears were delighted by a melodious voice resonating through the jungle. To his astonishment, the enchanting voice belonged to a tribal maiden named Kulivaka, whose beauty was unparalleled. The seclusion of the forested Kuli van and the untamed allure of Kulivaka ignited a sense of desire within the Lord. Sharing his intentions with her, he requested that she patiently await his return from the hunt.
Kulivaka, a devout follower of Parvati, found herself caught in a precarious situation, torn between the wrath of the goddess and the fear of displeasing Lord Shiva. Recognizing the consequences of mating with the deity, she turned to her beloved goddess for guidance and protection. In her innocence and devotion, Kulivaka fervently prayed for a solution to her predicament.
Responding to her sincere plea, Parvati appeared before Kulivaka, revealing her true identity and unraveling the mysteries of their intertwined destinies. In a past life, Kulivaka was Manaswini, a humble servant in Parvati’s retinue. Fate had led her to breastfeed a young Ganesha, an act that displeased Parvati, resulting in a curse that destined Manaswini to be born into an outcaste chandala family.
Yet, amidst her anger, Parvati’s compassion prevailed. She bestowed upon Manaswini a divine blessing: although born as a chandala, she would have the opportunity to nurse Shiva’s own child. Parvati revealed that it was their predestined fate that brought Lord Shiva’s passionate pursuit of Kulivaka. Assuring her, Parvati declared that she would assume the form of Kulivaka, deceiving Lord Shiva, and ultimately, the child born from their union would be the one to slay the powerful Asura, Jalandhara. With these revelations, the compassionate goddess sent the innocent girl on her way.
Taking on the semblance of Kulivaka, Parvati patiently waited, swaying on a creeper attached to a jackfruit tree for Lord Shiva’s arrival. Their union resulted in the birth of a child endowed with divine powers. Lord Shiva arranged for the protection of the child, providing a buffalo as a guardian. This extraordinary child, known as Chathan, was entrusted to the care of Kulivaka, fulfilling Parvati’s blessing and granting her the revered status of Chathan’s mother.
This captivating tale showcases the interplay of fate, devotion, and divine intervention, highlighting the significance of Kulivaka’s role in the grand tapestry of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s celestial drama.
Chathan, the beloved protector, shared a special bond with Koolivaka, living under her care for seven years. The tribals cherished this extraordinary boy, who fearlessly safeguarded them from numerous perils. He roamed the dense jungle astride his faithful buffalo companion, harmoniously playing the enchanting “Ezhara” musical instrument.
On the momentous occasion of his seventh birthday, the grateful tribals organized a grand feast in Chathan’s honor. Amidst the festivities, the revered sage Narada manifested himself, unraveling the hidden truths of Chathan’s birth. Enlightening him about his true origins and purpose, Narada advised Chathan to embark on a journey to his rightful parents in the celestial realm of Kailasa.
With the blessings of his foster mother and the support of his loyal friends, Chathan embarked on an epic adventure. Riding atop his buffalo, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Kailasa. However, upon reaching the gates of Kailasa, he faced an obstacle – Nandikeshwara, the guardian, denied him entry in his present form. Undeterred, Chathan utilized his divine powers to transform into the likeness of Lord Vishnu. Witnessing their son’s return, Shiva and Parvati joyfully embraced him, and Lord Shiva bestowed upon him the name “Vishnu Maya,” acknowledging his skillful invocation of Vishnu’s form through magical prowess.
In addition to his new identity, Lord Shiva imparted upon Chathan the knowledge of warfare and the secrets to vanquish Jalandhara, a formidable Asura tormenting the Devas. Jalandhara had acquired a boon from Indra and had become a menace to the three realms. Chathan bravely confronted Jalandhara, engaging in a fierce battle. Employing his magical Maya, Chathan transformed into the mighty Sudarsana Chakra, aiming to sever Jalandhara’s head. However, sensing imminent defeat, Jalandhara fled and sought refuge beneath the ocean’s depths. Unyielding, Chathan pursued him, causing the waters to boil with the blazing heat of the revolving Chakra. Eventually, Jalandhara emerged from hiding, only to meet his ultimate demise at the hands of Chathan’s swift decapitation. Thus, the reign of Jalandhara came to a decisive end, showcasing the true power of Chathan.
Recognizing Chathan’s valor and prowess, the Devas acknowledged his might and extended an invitation to the heavenly realms. However, Chathan humbly declined, proclaiming his duty to protect and serve the less fortunate among the earthly realm. Filled with noble purpose, he returned to his people, continuing to be their unwavering guardian and savior.
Yet, Chathan’s battles were far from over. Another formidable Asura named Briga set his sights on Koolivaka and assembled a massive force to claim her as his wife. Determined to defend his beloved, Chathan, alongside his trusted ally Karimkutty, confronted the aggressors head-on. However, in the midst of the conflict, Chathan sustained injuries. As his blood spilled upon the ground, a miraculous event unfolded, giving rise to 400 Kuttichathans, miniature versions of Chathan. Sensing defeat, Briga unleashed ten powerful Brahmastras, which ten brave Kuttichathans heroically swallowed, sacrificing their own lives. Undeterred, the remaining 390 Kuttichathans valiantly fought and emerged victorious, while Chathan, wielding his Kuruvadi (short stick), vanquished Briga, bringing an end to the perilous
