Usha (princess)

Legend

Banasura, the son of Bali and grandson of Prahlada, ruled from Sonitapura. A devotee of Shiva, he received a boon of one thousand arms. Intoxicated by his power, he claimed equality with Shiva and boasted of terrifying elephants. Shiva, angered, declared that Banasura's flag would be broken when his pride was vanquished in battle with someone like him.

Usha dreamed of a young man, had sex with him in the dream, and fell in love. Her friend Chitralekha, a talented artist, sketched portraits of the Vrishnis to identify him; Usha recognized Aniruddha, Krishna's grandson. Chitralekha used yogic powers to shrink Aniruddha to doll size, abducted him from Krishna's palace, and brought him to Sonitapura. Usha worshipped him with garments, garlands, fragrances, lamps, beverages, dishes, and words, broke her vow of chastity, and kept him hidden in her quarters.

Banasura discovered them playing dice, subdued Aniruddha with Varuna's ropes, and held him captive for a month until Narada informed the Yadus in Dvaraka.

Did You Know?

• The story of Usha is depicted in the 18th century Gujarati Akhyana entitled Okhaharan by Premanand Bhatt.
• A 1901 Telugu language play titled Usha Parinayam written by Vedam Venkataraya Sastry was based on her story.
• Usha Kalyanam is a 1936 Tamil-language film directed by K. Subramaniam.