Mythology behind Tezpur
Tezpur , the city of love , has a mythological history for the great love of Usha and Aniruddha and the great war between Hari and Hara .
LOVE STORY OF USHA AND ANIRUDHA-
Rukmani told Krishna that he had established religion during his incarnation and now he should retire from the incarnation. Krishna said, “Before leaving this earth and finish the incarnation, I have to break the ego of Banasurwho is a devotee of Shiva.” Shiva, pleased with the devotion of Banasur, protected his town "SONITPUR"himself. Banasur got Shiva’s special favour. Shiva’s elder son Kartikeya gifted Banasura boon in the form of a divine Peacock as his carriage. Riding on this, Banasur defeated the deities, demi gods and many more. Banasurwas full of pride due to his success and told Shiva, “God, no one wants to fight with me; I am upset and want to fight with somebody.” Shiva said, “The day your wining flag will fall, that day you will get a chance to fight a war.” Banasur’s daughter Usha was very beautiful and a great devotee of Goddess Parvati. Devi Parvati awarded her a boon that on the night of Baishakh dwadeshi (12th day) the man whom she will see in her dreams will be married to her. That night, she saw Aniruddha in her dreams and was fascinated by him.
Banasur thought that he was immortal and was very proud. Lord Shiva was worried to see his ego and requested Krishna to break his ego. Here, Banasur’s wife Vrinda was worried about her daughter Usha’s marriage. She trusted Goddess Parvati. Banasur was very happy on getting the boon from Shiva for a fight and decided to organize a swayamvar (a choice of husband made by a princess in public) for his daughter Usha. He announced that the one who will make his winning flag fall, could marry Usha. At this announcement many princes came and tried to drop the flag but no one succeeded. Then Banasur himself walked up to the flag to make it fall but Shiva told him through divine utterance that he could not make his own flag fall.
As for the love story of Usha and Aniruddha, Krishna ordered Devarshi Narad to show the right path to Usha who was blindly in love with Aniruddha.Naradji made Usha’s feeling for Aniruddha stronger. Usha started having love talks
with the painting of Aniruddha made by her friend Chitralekha. Just then Banasurcame and saw her talking that made him very angry. So he threw away the painting. The painting struck with the winning flag and the flag fell down. Banasur remembered Shiva’s words and was very happy that now he would get a chance to fight a war. Naradji increased the agitation of love in Usha’s mind for Aniruddha. Shri Krishna and Rukmani discussed the love story of Usha and Aniruddha. Banasur sent a threatening message to Krishna and Balram for this lovestory. At this, Balram got angry and decided to fight a war with Banasurbut Krishna told him about Aniruddha’s love for Usha and cooled him down. Then Balram went with a proposal for Usha and Aniruddha’s marriage to Banasurbut he rejected it.
Usha was bewildered in Aniruddha’s love. Seeing this, Chitralekha told her that she could kidnap Aniruddha and get him there. On Usha’s instruction, Chitralekhawent and kidnapped Aniruddha to bring him along. Banasursent two illusive spies Chitrasen and Veersen to Dwarka to keep an eye on Aniruddha. Chitralekhawas on her way back along with Aniruddha when she met Chitrasen and Veersen but with her illusive tricks she cheated them and went ahead.
On being asked by Naradji, Shri Krishna told the story of Chitralekha’s cursed life: In her previous life, Chitralekha
was a heavenly nymph and maid servant of Goddess Parvati and after being defeated by Parvati in the dice game, she took the form of Parvati with her illusive powers and tried to convince Shiva. At this, Goddess Parvati got angry and had cursed her.
Chitralekha reached Dwarka to kidnap Aniruddha. There Shri Krishna stopped her on her way with his Sudarshan Chakra. Chitralekha asked Naradji for help and requested him to give her way through the Chakra. With Krishna’s blessings she gained entry in the palace and took away Aniruddha with her. Balram got very angry when he came to know about Aniruddha’s kidnapping. Later, Krishna and Rukmani pacified him. Chitralekhagot Aniruddha into Usha’s palace quietly saving him from the sight of the guards. Usha was very happy to see Aniruddha.Rukmani was very upset on not finding Aniruddha in his room. Shri Krishna told her the mystery of Aniruddha’s kidnap. Banasur’s wife Vrinda and secretary Kumand explained him not to fight with Krishna but he was adamant with his love for war and maintained security guards for Usha. Balram was worried for Aniruddha’s security. Shri Krishna and Rukmani explained to him not to worry.
Knowing that Aniruddha was in Sonitpur only, Banasur appointed Mayasur who knew illusive tricks to guard Usha. Then Balram killed Mayasur with his mace but Krishna informed him that the Mayasur that he had killed was the illusive Mayasur that was his image.
Here, in Usha’s room, Chitralekha warned her to be careful with Banasur. Shri Krishna explained the definition of love to Naradji and said that the time had come to break the ego of Banasur. With Banasur’s order Chitralekhatook Usha to the Shiva temple in a Palanquin. Aniruddha also in the disguise of a Kahar (person carrying the palanquin) went along. On searching Usha’s room Banasurcame to know that Aniruddha had been successful in running away. He sent his soldiers in all directions to search for Aniruddha and they encircled him outside the temple. Illusive Mayasur appeared and fought with Aniruddha. They fought fiercely and in the end Mayasur was killed by Aniruddha.
After this, Banasurcame and stopped Aniruddha’s way. They also fought fiercely. On seeing Aniruddha fighting with Banasur, Balram got very upset. Then Naradji and Krishna explained to him. Banasurand Aniruddha fought an illusive war. In the end, Banasur released such a weapon from which a dangerous snake appeared and captured Aniruddha. At this, Balram got very angry but Shri Krishna made him see his Chaturbhuj form and pacified him.
To protect Aniruddha and break Banasur’s ego, Shri Krishna asked for permission from Shiva to fight with Banasur. Usha and Aniruddha succeeded in running away from Banasur’s palace. As soon as Banasurcame to know about this, he followed them with his army and a battle was fought between Banasurand Aniruddha. Banasurmade Aniruddha his captive in the war. Here, Krishna asked for permission from Shiva to fight against Banasur.
Banasur ordered for Aniruddha’s death as punishment. Shri Krishna and Balram came to Sonitpur for Balram’s security. There, Krishna fought with Banasur. Shri Krishna cut off Banasur’s thousand hands one by one and tore apart his ego.This bloddshed in this great war led to the naming of "TEZPUR"(TEZ=blood in assamese). In the end, Krishna wanted to kill him with his Sudarshan Chakra; just then Lord Shiva manifested and protected Banasur. On Shiva, Brahma and Narad’s request, Krishna appeared in his Viraat form, then Naradji made Banasur realize the truth that Lord Shiva and Krishna were one. Then Banasursighted the Harihar form, mix of Krishna and Shiva. Banasur apologized for his crime. Shri Krishna forgave him and blessed him.
All the deities got a sight of the Viraat form of Shri Krishna. They felt lucky to get the vision and prayed to him with great devotion.Usha and anirudha then lived a happily married life thereafter in the city of love "TEZPUR".
LOVE STORY OF USHA AND ANIRUDHA-
Rukmani told Krishna that he had established religion during his incarnation and now he should retire from the incarnation. Krishna said, “Before leaving this earth and finish the incarnation, I have to break the ego of Banasurwho is a devotee of Shiva.” Shiva, pleased with the devotion of Banasur, protected his town "SONITPUR"himself. Banasur got Shiva’s special favour. Shiva’s elder son Kartikeya gifted Banasura boon in the form of a divine Peacock as his carriage. Riding on this, Banasur defeated the deities, demi gods and many more. Banasurwas full of pride due to his success and told Shiva, “God, no one wants to fight with me; I am upset and want to fight with somebody.” Shiva said, “The day your wining flag will fall, that day you will get a chance to fight a war.” Banasur’s daughter Usha was very beautiful and a great devotee of Goddess Parvati. Devi Parvati awarded her a boon that on the night of Baishakh dwadeshi (12th day) the man whom she will see in her dreams will be married to her. That night, she saw Aniruddha in her dreams and was fascinated by him.
Banasur thought that he was immortal and was very proud. Lord Shiva was worried to see his ego and requested Krishna to break his ego. Here, Banasur’s wife Vrinda was worried about her daughter Usha’s marriage. She trusted Goddess Parvati. Banasur was very happy on getting the boon from Shiva for a fight and decided to organize a swayamvar (a choice of husband made by a princess in public) for his daughter Usha. He announced that the one who will make his winning flag fall, could marry Usha. At this announcement many princes came and tried to drop the flag but no one succeeded. Then Banasur himself walked up to the flag to make it fall but Shiva told him through divine utterance that he could not make his own flag fall.
As for the love story of Usha and Aniruddha, Krishna ordered Devarshi Narad to show the right path to Usha who was blindly in love with Aniruddha.Naradji made Usha’s feeling for Aniruddha stronger. Usha started having love talks
with the painting of Aniruddha made by her friend Chitralekha. Just then Banasurcame and saw her talking that made him very angry. So he threw away the painting. The painting struck with the winning flag and the flag fell down. Banasur remembered Shiva’s words and was very happy that now he would get a chance to fight a war. Naradji increased the agitation of love in Usha’s mind for Aniruddha. Shri Krishna and Rukmani discussed the love story of Usha and Aniruddha. Banasur sent a threatening message to Krishna and Balram for this lovestory. At this, Balram got angry and decided to fight a war with Banasurbut Krishna told him about Aniruddha’s love for Usha and cooled him down. Then Balram went with a proposal for Usha and Aniruddha’s marriage to Banasurbut he rejected it.
Usha was bewildered in Aniruddha’s love. Seeing this, Chitralekha told her that she could kidnap Aniruddha and get him there. On Usha’s instruction, Chitralekhawent and kidnapped Aniruddha to bring him along. Banasursent two illusive spies Chitrasen and Veersen to Dwarka to keep an eye on Aniruddha. Chitralekhawas on her way back along with Aniruddha when she met Chitrasen and Veersen but with her illusive tricks she cheated them and went ahead.
On being asked by Naradji, Shri Krishna told the story of Chitralekha’s cursed life: In her previous life, Chitralekha
was a heavenly nymph and maid servant of Goddess Parvati and after being defeated by Parvati in the dice game, she took the form of Parvati with her illusive powers and tried to convince Shiva. At this, Goddess Parvati got angry and had cursed her.
Chitralekha reached Dwarka to kidnap Aniruddha. There Shri Krishna stopped her on her way with his Sudarshan Chakra. Chitralekha asked Naradji for help and requested him to give her way through the Chakra. With Krishna’s blessings she gained entry in the palace and took away Aniruddha with her. Balram got very angry when he came to know about Aniruddha’s kidnapping. Later, Krishna and Rukmani pacified him. Chitralekhagot Aniruddha into Usha’s palace quietly saving him from the sight of the guards. Usha was very happy to see Aniruddha.Rukmani was very upset on not finding Aniruddha in his room. Shri Krishna told her the mystery of Aniruddha’s kidnap. Banasur’s wife Vrinda and secretary Kumand explained him not to fight with Krishna but he was adamant with his love for war and maintained security guards for Usha. Balram was worried for Aniruddha’s security. Shri Krishna and Rukmani explained to him not to worry.
Knowing that Aniruddha was in Sonitpur only, Banasur appointed Mayasur who knew illusive tricks to guard Usha. Then Balram killed Mayasur with his mace but Krishna informed him that the Mayasur that he had killed was the illusive Mayasur that was his image.
Here, in Usha’s room, Chitralekha warned her to be careful with Banasur. Shri Krishna explained the definition of love to Naradji and said that the time had come to break the ego of Banasur. With Banasur’s order Chitralekhatook Usha to the Shiva temple in a Palanquin. Aniruddha also in the disguise of a Kahar (person carrying the palanquin) went along. On searching Usha’s room Banasurcame to know that Aniruddha had been successful in running away. He sent his soldiers in all directions to search for Aniruddha and they encircled him outside the temple. Illusive Mayasur appeared and fought with Aniruddha. They fought fiercely and in the end Mayasur was killed by Aniruddha.
After this, Banasurcame and stopped Aniruddha’s way. They also fought fiercely. On seeing Aniruddha fighting with Banasur, Balram got very upset. Then Naradji and Krishna explained to him. Banasurand Aniruddha fought an illusive war. In the end, Banasur released such a weapon from which a dangerous snake appeared and captured Aniruddha. At this, Balram got very angry but Shri Krishna made him see his Chaturbhuj form and pacified him.
To protect Aniruddha and break Banasur’s ego, Shri Krishna asked for permission from Shiva to fight with Banasur. Usha and Aniruddha succeeded in running away from Banasur’s palace. As soon as Banasurcame to know about this, he followed them with his army and a battle was fought between Banasurand Aniruddha. Banasurmade Aniruddha his captive in the war. Here, Krishna asked for permission from Shiva to fight against Banasur.
Banasur ordered for Aniruddha’s death as punishment. Shri Krishna and Balram came to Sonitpur for Balram’s security. There, Krishna fought with Banasur. Shri Krishna cut off Banasur’s thousand hands one by one and tore apart his ego.This bloddshed in this great war led to the naming of "TEZPUR"(TEZ=blood in assamese). In the end, Krishna wanted to kill him with his Sudarshan Chakra; just then Lord Shiva manifested and protected Banasur. On Shiva, Brahma and Narad’s request, Krishna appeared in his Viraat form, then Naradji made Banasur realize the truth that Lord Shiva and Krishna were one. Then Banasursighted the Harihar form, mix of Krishna and Shiva. Banasur apologized for his crime. Shri Krishna forgave him and blessed him.
All the deities got a sight of the Viraat form of Shri Krishna. They felt lucky to get the vision and prayed to him with great devotion.Usha and anirudha then lived a happily married life thereafter in the city of love "TEZPUR".
A Brief History Of Tezpur :
Historical ruins from the 8th and 9th centuries dot the surrounding areas of the city. The ruins of Bamuni Hills are the most famous. They bear resemblance to the Gupta period art. Accordingly there are plenty of myths as well. The ruins of Da Parbatia is a shining example of the architecture around the 4th Century AD.
Noted historian K.L Borouah, the author of “Early History of Kamrup” agreed that “the temple mush have been built in the fifth or sixth century A.D by a predecessor of Bhaskar Varma, the most powerful king of ancient Kamrup of the seventh century, a contemporary and worthy ally of celebrated Harshabarddhan, the emperor of mid-India”. (The period suggested by R.D. Banarjee and K.L Boruah has been questioned by some scholars no, but more scrutiny and analysis wanted in this respect.
The other ruins of historical importance are scattered at Bamuni Hills, lying in the Cole Park (Chitralekha Udyan) and the missionary compound. “These remains have been dated back to the 9th-10 century. Of these findings, the highly striking specimens are the two massive ornamental stone-pillars now adorning the gate of the Missionary compound”. In this respect R.D. Banarjee remarked long ago that – ” the most remarkable sculpture of the upper end being ornamented with a broad band having “Kirtimukh” at the top, and the lower with dentils. Over this band the Shaft is round and appears to be lathe turned like the upper parts of western Chaulukyan columns of the Bombo Presidency.”
A number of Terracotta Plaques was discovered while clearing the jungles at Dah-Parbatiya. The best example of terracotta plaques known at present, which can be relegated to the Gupta period , were found in 1926 at Dah-Parbatiya. They show the nice poise and the naturalism of human figures possessing round faces, in which are set two oblique eyes a broad fore-head, a pair of thin lips and a small chin”.
To sum it up and observe the best of the works are yet to be done for collection. Preservation and scrutiny or the ruins for which keen interest and due consciousness is wanted from the public as well as from the government. A renowned archaeologist lamented that before taking any measures to unearth the ruins of the place,(a long wall and valuable materials although discovered) these were buried mostly found after the construction work completed of the present court building. Thus, burying all historic facts forever, similarly a ditch was also there at a corner of the site of the famous door-frame at Da-Parbatiya which was filled up by soil without any scratch work whatsoever. Examples of such slackness and lack of sense of history are done till now not only in the archaeological sphere but other spheres too.
Antiquity of Tezpur is proved by the inscriptions of kings discovered so far. Famous rock inscriptions of Maharajadhiraj Harjarbarman still existed in one corner of Parbatiya, a copper plate was also discovered and named “Tezpur Copper Plates” inscription of “Banamal Barmadev” at this area, another copper plate inscription of Harjarbarma found at Hayungthal, and Parbatiya plates of Banamal Barmadev which have proved the antiquity of the land and its grandeur. A vast pond was executed by king Hajarbarman’s which is still existed in the Bam-Parbatiya area namely Hajarpukhuri. King Hajarbarman illusions son
Maharajadhiraj Banamaldev erected a large place and constructed a great temple and established his deity “a gold Shivling”. In fact the ruins of the palace discovered at the site of present court building was the noted palace built by Banamal Barmadev, moreover the inscription of Banamal Barmadev narrated the natural beauty of the mighty Brahmaputra (Lohit) flowing within a short distance of the place. The Lotus-Pond (Padum-Pukhuri) mentioned in the inscription are still there at Tezpur residing with the glorious deeds of King Harjarbarman and his son Banamal Barmadev.
Modern Tezpur was founded by the British colonial administration in 1835 as the headquarters of Darrang district. During World War 2, Tezpur received large numbers of refugees fleeing from Burma, particularly the corps of Anglo-Burmese and Anglo-Indian nurses. After independence of India in 1947, it remained the headquarters of Darrang district. During the Sino-Indian War of 1962 the Chinese army came close to the town and the town had to be evacuated.All Jail gates were opened and prisoners were released. In 1983 a part of the district was carved out to form a separate district, named Darrang. Tezpur was made the headquarters of the new district of Sonitpur.
Tezpur Balipara Light Railway : The existing MG rail line is the oldest on the North Bank, descending from the Tezpur Balipara Light Railway built in 1885 to carry tea from upcountry estates to the then riverport of Tezpur.
Rock inscriptions 829 A.D.: Sir Edward A. Gait ( 1897) had made reference to the nine line inscription of Harjjar Varma in his ‘’A History of Assam’’. The inscription is the first recorded history of Assam and dates back to 829 A.D. The inscription was found engraved on a massive stone some two km away from Tezpur town situated near a temple called Rudrapad.
Hazara Pukhuri : A king of the dynasty Harjjar Varma excavated a large pond in 70 acres (280,000 m2) of land, later came to be known as Hajara Pukhuri (Harjjara Pukhuri).
Kanaklata: On 10 September 1942, at Gohpur a young girl named Kanaklata Barua from the village of Barangabri led a procession of unarmed villagers under the Congress flag. As soon as Kanaklata unfurled the flag she and her companion Mukunda Kakati were gunned down by the armed police. Their heroic sacrifice is still remembered with pride. On the same day at Dhekiajuli Police Station eleven unarmed villagers were gunned down by the armed police while trying to hoist the tri-color at the police station. Three teenage girls called Tileswari, Numali and Khahuli killed in this incident are especially commemorated by the locals.
Noted historian K.L Borouah, the author of “Early History of Kamrup” agreed that “the temple mush have been built in the fifth or sixth century A.D by a predecessor of Bhaskar Varma, the most powerful king of ancient Kamrup of the seventh century, a contemporary and worthy ally of celebrated Harshabarddhan, the emperor of mid-India”. (The period suggested by R.D. Banarjee and K.L Boruah has been questioned by some scholars no, but more scrutiny and analysis wanted in this respect.
The other ruins of historical importance are scattered at Bamuni Hills, lying in the Cole Park (Chitralekha Udyan) and the missionary compound. “These remains have been dated back to the 9th-10 century. Of these findings, the highly striking specimens are the two massive ornamental stone-pillars now adorning the gate of the Missionary compound”. In this respect R.D. Banarjee remarked long ago that – ” the most remarkable sculpture of the upper end being ornamented with a broad band having “Kirtimukh” at the top, and the lower with dentils. Over this band the Shaft is round and appears to be lathe turned like the upper parts of western Chaulukyan columns of the Bombo Presidency.”
A number of Terracotta Plaques was discovered while clearing the jungles at Dah-Parbatiya. The best example of terracotta plaques known at present, which can be relegated to the Gupta period , were found in 1926 at Dah-Parbatiya. They show the nice poise and the naturalism of human figures possessing round faces, in which are set two oblique eyes a broad fore-head, a pair of thin lips and a small chin”.
To sum it up and observe the best of the works are yet to be done for collection. Preservation and scrutiny or the ruins for which keen interest and due consciousness is wanted from the public as well as from the government. A renowned archaeologist lamented that before taking any measures to unearth the ruins of the place,(a long wall and valuable materials although discovered) these were buried mostly found after the construction work completed of the present court building. Thus, burying all historic facts forever, similarly a ditch was also there at a corner of the site of the famous door-frame at Da-Parbatiya which was filled up by soil without any scratch work whatsoever. Examples of such slackness and lack of sense of history are done till now not only in the archaeological sphere but other spheres too.
Antiquity of Tezpur is proved by the inscriptions of kings discovered so far. Famous rock inscriptions of Maharajadhiraj Harjarbarman still existed in one corner of Parbatiya, a copper plate was also discovered and named “Tezpur Copper Plates” inscription of “Banamal Barmadev” at this area, another copper plate inscription of Harjarbarma found at Hayungthal, and Parbatiya plates of Banamal Barmadev which have proved the antiquity of the land and its grandeur. A vast pond was executed by king Hajarbarman’s which is still existed in the Bam-Parbatiya area namely Hajarpukhuri. King Hajarbarman illusions son
Maharajadhiraj Banamaldev erected a large place and constructed a great temple and established his deity “a gold Shivling”. In fact the ruins of the palace discovered at the site of present court building was the noted palace built by Banamal Barmadev, moreover the inscription of Banamal Barmadev narrated the natural beauty of the mighty Brahmaputra (Lohit) flowing within a short distance of the place. The Lotus-Pond (Padum-Pukhuri) mentioned in the inscription are still there at Tezpur residing with the glorious deeds of King Harjarbarman and his son Banamal Barmadev.
Modern Tezpur was founded by the British colonial administration in 1835 as the headquarters of Darrang district. During World War 2, Tezpur received large numbers of refugees fleeing from Burma, particularly the corps of Anglo-Burmese and Anglo-Indian nurses. After independence of India in 1947, it remained the headquarters of Darrang district. During the Sino-Indian War of 1962 the Chinese army came close to the town and the town had to be evacuated.All Jail gates were opened and prisoners were released. In 1983 a part of the district was carved out to form a separate district, named Darrang. Tezpur was made the headquarters of the new district of Sonitpur.
Tezpur Balipara Light Railway : The existing MG rail line is the oldest on the North Bank, descending from the Tezpur Balipara Light Railway built in 1885 to carry tea from upcountry estates to the then riverport of Tezpur.
Rock inscriptions 829 A.D.: Sir Edward A. Gait ( 1897) had made reference to the nine line inscription of Harjjar Varma in his ‘’A History of Assam’’. The inscription is the first recorded history of Assam and dates back to 829 A.D. The inscription was found engraved on a massive stone some two km away from Tezpur town situated near a temple called Rudrapad.
Hazara Pukhuri : A king of the dynasty Harjjar Varma excavated a large pond in 70 acres (280,000 m2) of land, later came to be known as Hajara Pukhuri (Harjjara Pukhuri).
Kanaklata: On 10 September 1942, at Gohpur a young girl named Kanaklata Barua from the village of Barangabri led a procession of unarmed villagers under the Congress flag. As soon as Kanaklata unfurled the flag she and her companion Mukunda Kakati were gunned down by the armed police. Their heroic sacrifice is still remembered with pride. On the same day at Dhekiajuli Police Station eleven unarmed villagers were gunned down by the armed police while trying to hoist the tri-color at the police station. Three teenage girls called Tileswari, Numali and Khahuli killed in this incident are especially commemorated by the locals.
