We have been brought up with the stories of the Lakhinder and Behula’s love story. Very recently when a song ‘Behula’ by the band Shunno popped up in my music list, I was enthralled and felt the urge to revisit the love story and do my own research from the available resources online and it is a meagre attempt to just summarize what is known as a legendary anecdote. This is the second in line for me after the heart wrenching tale of ‘Sonali Dukkho’ penned by my most favorite writer ‘Sunil Gangopadhyay’. Just a recommendation, one must listen to the song by Shunno, the song and the animation takes you to another level.
The heart of Bengal, where whispers of ancient tales weave through the air like threads of silk, there exists a love story that defies the bounds of time—a tale of passion, devotion, and undying love. It is the story of Behula and Lakhinder, a narrative that resonates with the deepest chambers of the heart, stirring emotions that span across generations. Deep within the heavenly realms, amidst the shimmering stars and galactic beings, stood Manasa, the daughter of Lord Shiva, her beauty eclipsed only by her longing for worship. While mortals knelt before her father, offering prayers and adoration, they avoided Manasa, deeming her divine status unworthy. Yet, amidst the echoes of rejection, her heart yearned for recognition, for a love that transcended mortal boundaries.
It was amidst this backdrop of celestial longing that Chand Sadagar, a devout follower of Shiva, emerged a beacon of unwavering faith amidst the agitated sea of mortal existence. His devotion, like a flame in the darkness, drew the gaze of Manasa, igniting within her a desire to be worshipped, to be revered. And so, she set her sights upon Chand, determined to win his devotion, whatever the cost.
With the subtle grace of a serpent, Manasa wove illusions and enchantments, seeking to ensnare Chand within the web of her desires. Yet, despite her best efforts, his faith remained unyielding, his heart steadfast in its devotion to Shiva. Undeterred, Manasa assumed the guise of a maiden, her ethereal beauty masking her divine essence. Chand, captivated by her radiance, reached out to touch her, only to be met with a revelation—he must utter the sacred mantra of Shiva.
In a moment of vulnerability, Chand whispered the words, unwittingly surrendering his divine protection to the serpent goddess. And thus, Manasa’s grip tightened around his life, weaving a tapestry of tragedy and despair that would echo through the history of time.
Amidst the heavenly plots, another thread of destiny unfolded—a maiden named Behula, born into the embrace of friendship and love. Little did she know, her fate intertwined with that of Lakhinder, Chand’s son, in a dance of love and loss that would echo across the ages.
As Behula blossomed into womanhood, her heart became fascinated by the magnetic pull of destiny, drawing her inexorably towards Lakhinder, like a moth to the flame. Their love, like a fragile flower, bloomed amidst the chaos of their world, its petals unfurling in the tender embrace of moonlit nights and whispered promises.
But fate, like a capricious goddess, had other plans in store, as tragedy struck with the venomous sting of Kalnagini. Lakhinder, caught in the serpent’s grasp, shaken on the brink of death, his life hanging by a delicate thread. And Behula, her heart rent apart by grief, vowed to traverse the depths of hell itself to reclaim her beloved.
With each passing day, Behula’s love burned bright, a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. She embarked on a solitary journey, her spirit unyielding, her determination unwavering. Through the veil of tears and the mists of uncertainty, she forged ahead, guided by the flickering flame of love that illuminated her path. And in the depths of despair, amidst the swirling currents of fate, a miracle unfolded—a divine intervention born of compassion and grace. Mansa, moved by Behula’s unwavering devotion, breathed life into Lakhinder once more, a testament to the enduring power of love’s eternal flame.
As the dawn broke upon a new day, Behula and Lakhinder stood reunited, their souls entwined in a tapestry of love and redemption. And amidst the ever-blooming heavens, where gods and goddesses watched with bated breath, Chand Sadagar’s heart softened, his devotion to Mansa kindled anew.
Thus, the love story of Behula and Lakhinder, forged in the crucible of adversity, transcended the realms of mortal existence, leaving an permanent mark upon the tapestry of time—a testament to the enduring power of love, and the resilience of the human spirit. And amidst the whispers of ancient tales and the echoes of unworldly hymns, their love would endure, a beacon of hope for all eternity.