Folk Stories | The Astrologer's Wife

Once upon a time, there lived an astrologer’s son called Deva. He was the astrologer’s only son. Deva loved food and always accompanied his father to puja, a Hindu ritual of praying to the Almighty God. 


These pujas were usually held at the homes of wealthy merchants and villagers. Deva’s father used to perform these pujas and earn Dakshina. Deva’s family lived modestly in their village hut. Deva ate at these pujas to his heart’s content. He loved the puja food offered to him. He never missed a chance to treat his taste buds with them. 

In his early years, Deva’s father taught him to read kundalini. His father was incredibly proud of Deva. Deva learned astrology proficiently and started earning, too. Deva wanted to lead a luxurious life, unlike his father, who lived humbly. He was very ambitious. He secretly wished to marry a rich man’s daughter and stay at his father-in-law’s house. 

Deva was very talented, and soon, his astrology skills became popular. People from nearby villages started coming to consult him. He was slowly gaining popularity. His father started looking for a girl for Deva. Deva held high regard for his father. He never disobeyed him. His father, who wasn't aware of his secret wish to marry a rich man’s daughter and stay at his father-in-law’s house, decided to marry him to his friend’s daughter. 

Deva was very angry with his father’s decision but could not do much. He got married to Bela. Bela was a traditional girl. She was a perfect daughter-in-law. She worked hard all day doing chores. She took care of her family very lovingly. Deva hated Bela and ill-treated her. Bela couldn’t understand Deva’s behaviour, but she never complained to anyone. 

One fine day, a royal minister came to Deva’s house. He invited Deva to the royal palace, as King Yayati desired to meet him. Deva was pleased. His father said that Bela was lucky for Deva. He ordered him to take Bela along with him. Deva was angry with his decision, but he couldn’t say no. 

Deva and Bela reached the King’s palace. Both were in awe of the palace. Deva and Bela were offered to stay in the royal guest room. They were served with the best of the food. King Yayati consulted Deva the next morning. Deva didn’t want to leave a luxurious life quickly and thought of a plan to stick at the royal palace for a longer time. He told King Yayati that making a complete kundalini would take him a month. King Yayati waited for Deva. Deva enjoyed a royal stay for the whole month. 

Again, he thought of a plan to stick longer and suggested that King Yayati should get Kundalini made for his whole family. King Yayati agreed with Deva’s suggestion and was happy with Deva’s dedication. Thus, Deva lived there for six months. 

Then, the day came when Deva read the future prediction of King Yayati and his family members. King Yayati was happy with Deva and offered him gold coins. Deva was not pleased as his job was now over. He had no excuse to stay there. Deva and Bela were leaving when Queen Padmini asked Bela to stay back forever. King Yayati offered Deva the position of a royal astrologer. All credit goes to Bela. During their stay at the royal palace, Bela and Queen Padmini became good friends. Deva was happy to hear the news. He apologized to Bela for his behaviour. They lived happily ever after.

Moral: Astrology is a boat that helps a man cross over the sea of life.

Happy reading!

Check out Nisha B Thakur's highly appreciated novel, The Unexpected Trail.