The Ashvins Rescue of Bhujyu

Dadi: "Guddu beta, remember I promised to tell you how the Ashvins saved a man from drowning?"

Guddu: "Yes Dadi! The story of Bhujyu!"

Dadi: "What a good memory you have! Yes, this is the story of Bhujyu, the prince who was abandoned in the middle of the ocean."

Guddu: "Abandoned? By who?"

Dadi: "That's the sad part of the story, beta. Bhujyu was the son of a sage-king named Tugra. His father sent him on a great naval expedition to fight enemies on distant islands."

Guddu: "Like a navy mission?"

Dadi: "Exactly. Bhujyu set sail with many ships and brave warriors. But then... a terrible storm arose. The waves crashed like mountains, the winds howled like demons. One by one, the ships were destroyed."

Guddu: "Oh no! Did Bhujyu swim?"

Dadi: "He tried, beta. But here's the heartbreaking part - some say his own father changed his mind about him and abandoned him. Others say his companions, people he thought were friends, left him alone to save themselves."

Guddu: "That's so mean! How could friends do that?"

Dadi: "*sighs* Sometimes, beta, people we trust let us down. The Rigveda calls them "faithless friends." Bhujyu was left floating in the middle of the ocean - the hymns describe it as a place "with no support, no rest for the foot or hand." He was utterly alone."

Guddu: "I feel so sad for him, Dadi."

Dadi: "It was indeed the darkest moment of his life. All around him was endless water. No land in sight. No ship to rescue him. He was slipping toward death itself - the scriptures say he was at the very threshold of joining his dead ancestors."

Guddu: "But he called the Ashvins, right?"

Dadi: "*smiles* Yes, beta. Even in that hopeless situation, Bhujyu remembered the divine twins who had helped so many others. With all the strength left in his heart, he called out to the Ashvins."

Guddu: "And they came?"

Dadi: "They came in the most spectacular way! The Ashvins arrived in their divine ship - a "hundred-oared galley" with a hundred oars rowing through the sky and sea!"

Guddu: "A hundred oars! That must have been huge!"

Dadi: "As big as a palace, beta. This divine ship cut through the storm, found Bhujyu in the vast ocean, and pulled him aboard. The hymns say they brought "light-giving help" to him - not just physical rescue, but hope itself."

Guddu: "Did they take him home?"

Dadi: "Yes! The Ashvins carried Bhujyu safely back to his homeland. They brought him back, as the Rigveda says, "from the dead ancestors" - meaning he was so close to death that they literally pulled him back from the boundary of the afterlife."

Guddu: "Dadi, why do the Ashvins help so many people?"

Dadi: "That's their divine nature, beta. They are called upon over 398 times in the Rigveda - more than almost any other gods. They represent hope for those who have lost everything, rescue for those who have been abandoned."

Guddu: "But Dadi, this story seems a little different from Atri's story. That one had fire, this one has water..."

Dadi: "How observant you are, my smart boy! Yes, scholars say these stories have deeper meanings too. The ocean in Bhujyu's story might represent chaos and confusion - that lost, drowning feeling we get when life overwhelms us. And the Ashvins bringing him from darkness to light represents finding our way back to hope and order."

Guddu: "Like when I feel lost and confused, and then I talk to you and feel better?"

Dadi: "*hugs Guddu* Exactly like that, mere bacche. We all have moments when we feel like we're drowning - maybe in schoolwork, or worries, or when friends aren't being kind. And calling for help is the first step to being rescued."

Guddu: "So what's the lesson, Dadi?"

Dadi: "Several, beta. First - even when everyone abandons you, the divine never does. Bhujyu's own companions left him, but the Ashvins came."

Guddu: "And second?"

Dadi: "Second - never give up hope, even when you're in the deepest trouble. Bhujyu was moments from death, but he still called out."

Guddu: "Third?"

Dadi: "Third - be careful who you trust. Bhujyu learned the hard way that not all friends are true friends. Watch for people who are loyal in good times AND bad times."

Guddu: "And fourth?"

Dadi: "*smiles* Fourth - when you do find good help, be grateful. After his rescue, Bhujyu's descendants composed many hymns praising the Ashvins. Gratitude is always important."

Guddu: "Dadi, I'm glad I have you and Ma and Papa. You'd never abandon me in the ocean!"

Dadi: "Never, beta. Never. We are your hundred-oared ship, always ready to come for you. Now, shall we have some warm milk before bed?"

Guddu: "Yes please! And tomorrow, another Ashvin story?"

Dadi: "We'll see, beta. There are so many wonderful tales still to tell."