A strong king called Raja Rudra Dev lived in a powerful kingdom called Rewa. Despite being a good and caring king, also good at administration, he had one vice – his ego. He had no brothers and sisters and was so headstrong that nobody could waiver him once he decided upon something.
Rudra Dev never bowed down to any challenges. He chose to lose his life over accepting defeat. Adamant about expanding his kingdom, he had begun attacking neighbouring kingdoms.
In contrast, Raja Aditya Veer of Mandwa was a considerate and peaceful king, disinterested in annexation. He always listened to the advice of the royal council and his queen, Rani Manasa.
She was educated and always guided her beloved husband with the royal administration. One day, Rudra Dev’s eyes fell on Mandwa. He declared war against Mandwa with his invincible army. On the other hand, Aditya Veer did not want war and wanted peaceful negotiation with war and wanted peaceful negotiation with Rudra Dev – but in vain.
Seeing her husband in distress, Manasa decided to help him. On the day of the battle, she told the king, “Let me go to the enemy’s camp. I want to talk to Rudra Dev.”
Aditya Veer trusted her decision and ordered a few courtesans to accompany her. Upon reaching Rudra Dev she approached him and said, “I don’t mean any harm. We are about to fight for some time, but today is Rakshabandhan. Since I never had a brother, I want to tie this rakhi around your wrist.”
SRartied, Rudra Dev allowed her to tie the rakhi. He asked, “What gift do you want in return?”
Manasa said, “Since we are bonded as brother and sister now, I want you and my husband to live your full lives.”
Moved by her concern and inclusivity, he declared to abandon the war – much to Aditya’s relief. From then on, Rudra became a changed person and visited Manasa every year on Rakshabandhan.
Moral: Love conquers all negative emotions.