Today, even as I was busy with some dull work at home, I happened to listen to a story narrated on the That Anta Heli (ಥಟ್ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿ ) programme on TV.
I understand that it is one of the most unique love stories in world literature. The storyline goes that Paramdvara (meaning the most beautiful girl in the world) loses her parents and grows up with a Rishi, who adopts her. If I heard & remember right, Ruru is the son of the Rishi (disclaimer: I am not sure!!). They, Paramdvara and Ruru, grow up together since childhood and develop a liking for each other at some stage. One day while roaming in the forests, Paramdvara is bitten by a snake and dies. The snake then transforms itself into a handsome prince(??) , who says that Paramdvara can come back to life again, if someone is willing to donate half of his/her life and then, the prince runs away!!( Such transformations are not uncommon in Hindu mythology or western fairly tales. While in fairly tales, the prince always ends up marrying the girl, but it doesnt happen in Hindu mythology. Remember Rama-Ahalya??). You should have by now guessed what happens next. Ruru comes forward to donate half of life, Paramdvara comes back to life….. they get married.. and lived happily ever after!!
I couldn't listen to the story very clearly, but this seems interesting. If you happen to know the story better, or know of a webpage that narrates the story in more detail, please post it here as a comment or feel free to mail me!!
