2. Somakanta’s life as a king
from Sri Ganesha Purana by Dr.Akila Sivaraman
Kamandha who was born as the prince of Sowrashtra was known as Somakanta
in this birth. He married Sudanmai and ascended the throne after his father. As
he was destined to enjoy all pleasures of life, as a gift for building a temple
for Lord Vinayaka in his previous birth, he had absolutely an excellent tenure
as a famous king. His kingdom was peaceful and all his subjects were totally
pleased with his rule. He was duly blessed with a son whom he called Emakanta.
The handsome prince was brought up with all care and love.
As time passed by, Somakanta reached the stage when he had to suffer
for the sins of his previous birth. He was affected with leprosy, which could
not be cured by the doctors of the land. The intensity of the disease was on
the increase, day after day and Somakanta suffered a hell beyond description.
He decided to renounce the world, leave his family and kingdom and retire to a
far-off forest.
The first step he took to implement his decision was to make his son
ascend the throne. The people of the country had a new ruler, but still
everyone loved their old king Somakanta. When he announced his decision to go
to the forest alone, everyone including his wife and son followed him. As
Somakanta did not want to inflict his personal suffering on his kith and kin
and the people of the land, he pleaded with them to leave him alone.
After a good deal of persuasion, the new king Emakanta agreed to take
charge of the country and the people. Slowly, the ministers excepting two of
them and rest of the people permitted him to go to the forest. His wife also
decided to accompany him, as they were always supposed to stay together in
pleasures and pain of family life.
Somakanta had to yield finally to the desire of his queen and
accompanying ministers. Suphala and Jnyangamya decided to be king’s bodyguards
in the forest, as he no longer required them as ministers. Sudanmai, the queen
took leave of her son, the new king and asked him to pray to Lord Vinayaka for
their welfare.
The tough life in the forest was the next stage to atone for Somakanta
sins of the previous birth, along with the sufferings of the deadly disease.
But he continued to pray to Lord Vinayaka throughout this trial.
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