Chyavana Rejuvenated and Sukanya Chooses Him

Sukanya had a problem. The Ashvins — the twin gods of healing, dawn, and the Nasatya chariot — had made her an offer. They would restore her husband Chyavana to youth and beauty. But only if she chose one of them afterward. She went to Chyavana and told him everything. He gave his permission. She returned to the Ashvins and said: let it be done. The Ashvins instructed Chyavana to immerse himself in the water. Desirous of becoming handsome, Chyavana entered the lake swiftly. The Ashvins entered with him. A moment passed. Then all three climbed out together. They were identical. All three were young, divine in beauty, with dazzling earrings. All three were equal in form, each one bringing delight to the mind. They stood before Sukanya and spoke together: "O fortunate one! O blessed one! O beautiful one! Choose one of us for your husband, whomsoever you desire. Choose whichever one is desired by you." Sukanya looked at them. Three gods, identical in every visible way — the same face, the same build, the same radiance. But she had lived with Chyavana. She knew him in ways that had nothing to do with appearance. She chose with her own mind and her own intelligence. She chose her own husband. Chyavana had regained his youth and his wife. In gratitude, he spoke to the Ashvins: "You have endowed an aged one with youthful beauty and I have also obtained this lady as my wife. I am pleased with you because you have made me young and I give you the right to drink soma (the sacred ritual drink of the gods), even in the presence of the king of the gods. I tell you this truthfully." The Ashvins had long been barred from the soma ritual by Indra, who considered them too low-born among the gods. Chyavana's boon changed that. The Ashvins returned to heaven, happy. Chyavana and Sukanya sported together, like the gods.