The Tale of Devi Samjna and Suryadev

Devi Samjna, also known as Sharanyu, was the daughter of the god Tvastri. She had a twin brother named Viswaroop, or Trishiras. Devi Samjna had boundless beauty and was married to the sun god Suryadev. Suryadev used to love his wife like no one, and Devi Samjna also loved her husband with all of her heart. But the tremendous radiance and heat of Suryadev day by day became unbearable to her.

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She gave birth to three children: a twin, Yama and Yami (or Yamuna), and another son, Manu. After Manu was born, Samjna began to realize that she could no longer bear her husband's radiance and heat. Not only was the searing heat scorching her skin to the bone, but she was losing her mind as well. Thus, she decided to take a leave. 

She created a replica of herself and named her Chhaya. She told her that while she was away, Chhaya should take care of her children and Suryadev. She also warned her that she should never forget her purpose of existence and never be physically involved with Suryadev. Chhaya also promised her that she would never break her trust. Therefore, Samjna went to the forest of Uttar-Kuru and started severe penance to gain the ability to withstand the radiance of her husband.

In the meantime, Chhaya took over control of the house of Suryadev. As told by Samjna, she kept her identity hidden and started to behave like Samjna herself. Suryadev noticed certain changes in his beloved wife but did not suspect anything unusual. But gradually, Chhaya became attracted to Suryadev, and ignoring the words of Samjna, she even got physically involved with him. Consequently, she gave birth to two sons, Shani and Sabarna, and a daughter, Tapti. 

She gradually started to give her own children a lot of attention and gave them preference over Samjna's children. This eventually became too apparent for everyone. Yama was especially suspicious that she wasn't his own mother. 

One day, Chhaya fed the six children, giving her own kids the majority of the food and only a small amount to Samjna's children. As a result, the meal was insufficient to satisfy their hunger. In a fit of rage, Yama asked to be fed more. In a cold voice, Chhaya told him that nothing was left. Seeing the response from her mother, Yama suddenly kicked Chhaya with his left leg out of sheer rage. Chhaya never thought she would get that kind of reaction. She became enraged too and cursed Yama, telling him that his left leg would be rotten and full of maggots since he had kicked his father's wife.

After hearing so, Yama started to weep, and he went to tell his father, Suryadev, about everything. Yama was initially reprimanded by Suryadev, who said that kicking his mother was inappropriate. Yama, however, objected, claiming that she wasn't his mother at all. Suryadev also realized that. He told Yama that he could not negate the effect of the curse. But he assured him that his leg would heal in time. 

Then he called Chhaya and asked for her true identity. He questioned her how a mother could even utter such cruel words to her own son. Suryadev told Chhaya that she was certainly not Yama's mother, as no mother could curse her own son in such a harsh way for a mistake. Chhaya accepted the accusation and revealed her true identity. Indignant Suryadev asked her to immediately leave his house and not be seen again. Thus, Chhaya (shadow) always remains behind some object where sunlight fails to reach. 

Suryadev also realized the reason why Samja left him. Thus, he went to Tvastri and told him everything. So, Tvastri reduced Surya's radiance and heat and used the energy to make divine weapons for the devas. From the high sky, Suryadeva looked upon the entire earth for his wife. After lots of searching, at last he could find her in the forest of Uttar-Kuru. However, Samjna became terrified upon realizing that Suryadev had located her. She believed that her disobedience would undoubtedly result in severe punishment from Suryadev. She transformed into a white mare and made her way to a valley, away from the jungle. However, Suryadev kept an eye on her and discovered that she had left the forest. Suryadev descended into that valley in the guise of a stallion as well. 

Samjna was startled to see a powerful stallion rushing in her direction. She started to worry about how to handle this new trouble. She then began to run, and the stallion pursued after her. Samja ran for hours before growing weary and eventually stopping to take a breath. The horse also made an appearance. In that instant, Samjna met his gaze.  

Looking into the blazing eyes, Samjna immediately identified that it was none other than Suryadev. Thus, they made love as a horse and a mare. From their unison came three children: Aswini Kumars came out of her nose and Revanta came out of her mouth. Thereafter, Suryadev and Devi Samjna returned to their home. Suryadev promised her that at dawn and dusk, he would diminish his radiance even more so that Samjana could stay near him. Thus, Samjna came to be known as the goddess of twilight.