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Tezpur - The Legend behind the name
Tucked away in the lap of nature is Assam, a land that abounds in myths, mysteries, lore, and legends. These stories or Xaadhu Kotha - as these are called in Assamese - date back thousands of years and carry within them the history, culture, and traditions of the land and its people. Tezpur, an ancient city, located along the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra, is home to one such legend. Known as the ‘City of Eternal Love', Tezpur was the site of a love story that caused one of the most legendary celestial battles.
Stone reliefs at Chitralekha Udyan in Tezpur Image source: Wikimedia Commons
The legend speaks of Banasura, a mighty Asura King who ruled the Kingdom of Sonitpur (present-day Tezpur). Believed to have been born with a thousand arms, he was an ardent devotee of Shiva. The Lord was so pleased with his devotion that he granted a boon to Banasura. The King requested Shiva to come and guard the gates of his city. According to the legend, one day, he told Shiva that he desired to fight someone as strong and mighty as himself. Shiva said his wish would be fulfilled when the flagstaff in his palace was broken. Banasura, however, was warned he would battle a great warrior, who would curb his pride. Banasura had a beautiful daughter, Usha, who was coming of age. Many suitors came asking for her hand, but Banasura refused them all and locked her away in a fortress named Agnigarh. The verdant hill garden of Agnigarh, sculpted with statues today, was once a fortress under Banasura's rule and was surrounded by fire on all sides. An imprisoned Usha dreamt of a young man one night and instantly fell in love with him. She narrated her dream to her friend Chitralekha,who was not only an accomplished painter but was also gifted with supernatural powers. As a close friend of Usha, Chitralekha drew a picture of the man that had been described by Usha.
Sculpture depicting Usha narrating her dream to Chitralekha at Agnigarh Image source: Wikimedia Commons
The young man happened to be Lord Krishna’s grandson, Aniruddha. When Chitralekha witnessed Usha's blind love for him, she used her magical powers to transport a sleeping Aniruddha to the fort where they finally were married. When King Bana learned of the secret romance, he imprisoned Aniruddha and bound him with snakes.
Krishna was soon informed that his grandson was held prisoner. In no time, Krishna's Yadava army from Dwarka attacked Sonitpur and razed the palace flagstaff. The Asuras could not withstand the Yadavas, and Banasura had to take refuge with Lord Shiva, who had vowed to protect him. What followed was an epic battle between Hari (Krishna) and Hara (Shiva), which became a spectacle among all other Gods. It wasn't long before Banasura realized he couldn't defeat Krishna's army and finally surrendered. Banasura then released the couple, Usha and Aniruddha. He gifted them a golden chariot and let them return to Dwaraka. The Yadava army was welcomed with great fanfare when they returned with the bride and groom.
Sculpture depicting the wedding of Usha and Aniruddha at Agnigarh Image source: Wikimedia Commons
However, the battle of Sonitpur was so fierce that thousands of people were slain on both sides, and the entire city was covered with blood. As a result of the bloodshed, the region came to be known as ‘Tezpur’ (City of Blood), the word Tez meaning ‘blood’ in Assamese. Tezpur is a city which has a lot of historical significance. Today, it is regarded as the ‘Cultural Capital’ of Assam. Even though the legend of Tezpur is rooted in folklore, it still recalls the unfathomable romantic tale that earned the city its name.
Depiction of “Hari-Hara” battle at Agnigarh Image source: Wikimedia Commons
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