Story of Guṇaśarman

A character of the Purāṇas well versed in all arts and sciences. He was the son of the brahmin Ādityaśarman of Ujjayinī. The birth of Guṇaśarman bears a story. Once Ādityaśarman went to the forests and by his spiritual powers made Sulocanā, a celestial nymph, to merge with him. A son was born to them and he was named Guṇaśarman. Ādityaśarman became a deva. Even from boyhood he became very erudite. Once Indra came to see Ādityaśarman. Ādityaśarman who was in deep thoughts did not see Indra and so did not rise up when Indra came. Indra felt insulted and cursed him to be born again on Earth. Ādityaśarman prostrated before Indra and asked for pardon. Indra then said that it would be enough if his son was born on Earth in his stead. So Guṇaśarman was born on Earth to bear the curse of his father.

At that time Ujjayinī was being ruled over by a King called Mahāsena. He had a very beautiful wife named Aśokavatī. Guṇaśarman became gradually an intimate friend of the King. Knowing that Guṇaśarman was well versed in all arts the King and queen asked him to give them a performance in dancing. The dance was so excellent that the King engaged Guṇaśarman to teach dancing to Aśokavatī.

Once a royal attendant tried to give poisoned food to the King and Guṇaśarman finding it out saved the King. From that day onwards the King loved him more. When once Mahāsena was imprisoned by his enemies Guṇaśarman by his magic powers released him. In return for this help the King gave Guṇaśarman a thousand villages.

Then to the misfortune of all Aśokavatī fell in love with Guṇaśarman. Guṇaśarman bluntly refused her love. Embittered at this Aśokavatī started talking ill of Guṇaśarman and the King at last sent Guṇaśarman out from the palace. The servants of the King tried to capture him and put him into prison but Guṇaśarman escaped from the royal servants by his magic powers.

He then went and stayed in the house of a brahmin named Agnidattā and married his daughter, Sundari. Then on the advice of the brahmin Guṇaśraman did penance to propitiate Subrahmaṇya and got many more powers from him. Gunaśarman equipped with these additional powers conquered Mahāsena and his country and became King there. He then sent Mahāsena and his wife Aśokavatī, out from the country. (Sūryaprabhālaṃbaka, Taraṅga 6, Kathāsaritsāgara).

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