{"id":428,"date":"2017-02-18T06:00:37","date_gmt":"2017-02-18T00:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kk.webworkdemo.com\/?p=428"},"modified":"2020-04-22T18:04:20","modified_gmt":"2020-04-22T12:34:20","slug":"tapati%e2%80%8a-%e2%80%8athe-daughter-of-surya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kathakids.com\/mythology-for-children\/tapati%e2%80%8a-%e2%80%8athe-daughter-of-surya\/","title":{"rendered":"Tapati\u200a\u2014\u200aThe daughter of Surya"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Once, long ago, the kingdom of the Bharatas was faced with drought, famine and disease. Its king, Samvarana, was filled with sorrow on hearing the sufferings of his people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then worse news arrived. The Panchala king declared war on him. How could his small, weakened army face the might of the large, stronger Panchala force? But a king\u2019s duty was to take on any challenge that endangers his kingdom. So Samvarana led his soldiers to the battlefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was an unequal war. Samvarana was badly defeated. Unable to bear the humiliation, he, with his ministers and a few courtiers, escaped deep into a forest. They built a fort there, and lived an isolated and miserable life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One day, the sage Vasishtha came to the fort. Samvarana received him with respect. He washed the wise man\u2019s feet and offered him flowers and scents. Then he said, \u201cHoly Sir, we are leading a lonely and wretched existence here. Please be our guru. This is sure to turn our luck and bring us back our old days of glory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vasishtha replied, \u201cGood king, I will gladly be your guru. But this alone will not mend your fortune. You are living here in exile and disgrace. Only putting in hard, personal effort will work for you. Face the Panchalas again and honourably reclaim your kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vasishtha\u2019s words thrilled Samvarana. As if he had woken from sleep, he called his men to action. With their loyal support, he launched a surprise attack on the Panchalas. He fought with great courage and determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the battle raged, Samvarana didn\u2019t know that someone was watching him. From her home in heaven, Tapati, daughter of Surya, the Sun God, looked down with admiration at the skillful and handsome warrior. Surya was surprised. Never before had he seen a mortal so emotionally affect his daughter. \u201cDo you care for him, my child?\u201d he asked her. \u201cI do, Father. But will he return my feelings?\u201d Surya smiled. \u201cWe will see. I have a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back on Earth, Samvarana had won back his kingdom. He ruled his people wisely and well. One day, he rode out on a hunt with his men. A deer suddenly ran across his path and rushed away into the jungle. Samvarana raced after the deer. He was soon riding all alone, but the deer was nowhere to be seen. \u201cHow fiercely the sun shines today,\u201d Samvarana said to himself. He and his horse drank at a stream.<\/p>