The asura brothers Sunda and Upasunda were inseparable. They shared everything equally- food, clothes and even their kingdom.

In the hope of gaining immortality, they performed severe penance to please Brahma. After a long time, the god finally appeared.

‘We are overjoyed to be in your presence, my lord!’ they said, bowing to Brahma.

‘Your penance is commendable, my dear devotees.’ Brahma smiled. ‘I will grant you a boon. Tell me, what do you wish for?’ Sunda and Upasunda had been waiting for this moment. ‘We want to be immortal.’ they chorused.

Also Read: The Choice of Death- Legend of Madhu Kaitabha

‘I am afraid that is impossible. Any living being that is born must die. I am only the creator, and have no power to stop death. Ask me for something else instead. ‘

After careful thought, Sunda and Upasunda said. ‘Then give us such a boon that will allow us to die only by each other’s hand and no other.’

Now, Brahma was famous for granting boons to his asura devotees. More often than not, there were strange conditions associated with these boons. The truth was that Brahma made sure to weave loopholes into his boons, knowing that every mortal must die. This time was no different. He nodded and said. ‘May you be invincible from this day on. You can only be killed by each other.’

Sunda and Upasunda were ecstatic. They knew that they would never fight each other.

Together the brothers conquered many lands and became immensely powerful. Their invincibility made them arrogant, and they soon started to abuse their subjects. Friends and enemies alike feared them because they were known to seize kingdoms on a whim. Adter decades of suffering their torture, the whole world wanted to see the brothers dead but the bond between them remained as strong as ever. They didn’t seem to have a single difference of opinion!

Finally, the people appealed to Brahma. ‘Please rid the world of these monsters. We have no one else to turn to,’ they pleaded.

‘All powerful asuras inevitably turn towards the destruction of mankind,’ thought Brahma as he listened to the people’s relentless cries for help. ‘As I am the one who bestowed the boon of invincibility upon them and caused this misery, it is my responsibility to find a solution.’

Also Read: Origin of Five Heads of Brahma and the Boon Gone Wrong

After much thinking, brahma hit upon an ingenious plan. He created a beautiful and irrestible enchantress and named her Tilottama.

Tilottama, by Brahma’s design, ran itno Sunda and Upasunda during one of their strolls. The brothers were immediately captivated by her magical beauty. She nodded at them as she walked past.

Sunda stared at Tilottama in wonder and said to his brother, ‘I want to marry her.’

Upasunda did not reply. He was thinking the same thing!

Sunda noticed his brother gazing at his future wife and realized what was going on in his mind. This exquisite woman is going to be Upasunda’s sister-in-law! he thought. ‘How dare he stare at her in this manner?’ He shouted at his brother, come to our senses. She is going to be my wife. You must treat her like a sister.’

‘But I was the one who saw her first! She must marry me,’ replied Upasunda.

How can you say that, brother?

‘Listen to me. The moment our eyes met, I knew we were meant for each other.’

Sunda did not agree. ‘I am the older sibling. I am to marry her and my decision is final.’

‘Just because you are older doesn’t mean you can force your choices on me. My opinion matters too.’

This rankled Sunda. Gradually the argument between the brothers escalated. Neither of the Asuras was ready to relinquish Tilottama. After much debate, they decided to approach the maiden herself to ask her whom she liked best. agreeing to respect her choice no matter what.

When the asuras explained the conundrum to Tilottama, she pretended to be upset. ‘I curse my beauty!’ she exclaimed. ‘It has caused a rift between the two of you. It is better that I leave your kingdom.’

No, Tilottama, please don’t leave, they pleaded. ‘Be honest with us. Whom would you like to be wedded to?’

My dream is to marry the greatest warrior on Earth,’ she said coyly. ‘So I will wed whoever is stronger, but I will leave that to you both to decide.’

Sunda and Upasunda forgot everything except their love for Tilottama. They decided to have a wrestling match. The news spread like wildfire. Many people, animals, birds and even devas swarmed to the scene.

The match was fierce and intense as the brothers were equal in strength. Sunda and Upasunda were aware of each other’s weaknesses and fought viciously like two enraged elephants as the world watched with bated breath. in the end, neither of them survived.

Everyone rejoiced and Brahma smiled. What could never have been put an end to by might was easily done by beauty.

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