A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1913

c5.1913

ŪSHĀ. A Daitya princess, daughter of Bāna and granddaughter of Bali. She is called also Prīti-jushā. She fell in love with a prince whom she saw in a dream, and was anxious to know if there were such a person. Her favourite companion, Chitra-lekhā, drew the portraits of many gods and men, but Ūshā’s choice fell upon Aniruddha, son of Pradyumna and grandson of Krishna. Chitra-lekhā, by her magic power, brought Aniruddha to Ūshā. Her father, on hearing of the youth’s being in the palace, endeavoured to kill him, but he defended himself successfully. Bāna, however, kept Aniruddha, “binding him in serpent bonds.” Krishna, Pradyumna, and Bala-rāma went to the rescue; and although Bāna was supported by Siva and by Skanda, god of war, his party was defeated, and Aniruddha was carried back to Dwārakā with his wife Ūshā.