Agni's Boon to King Nila of Mahishmati
Agni, the god of fire, is caught in an act of adultery while disguised as a Brahmin and brought before King Nila for punishment. When the king submits to the blazing deity's anger, Agni grants him a boon that will protect his city for generations—and change the lives of its women forever.
The god of fire, Agni, once lived in the city of Mahishmati. He took the form of a Brahmin and, as he willed, engaged in an act of adultery. He was caught and brought before the city's ruler, King Nila, for judgment.
The king was virtuous. He ordered that the offender be punished in accordance with the sacred texts. At this command, the disguised Agni blazed up in his true, terrifying form. The king saw the divine fire before him and understood who stood in his court. Surprised and humbled, King Nila bowed his head in submission.
Pacified by this act of reverence, the illustrious fire-god decided to bestow his favor instead of his wrath. Agni, the one who is the end and the essence of all sacrifices, offered the king a boon.
King Nila asked that his forces might always be free from fear.
Agni granted it. From that day, he declared, any ignorant king who tried to conquer Mahishmati would be instantly consumed by fire. Out of fear of Agni, all other kings began to avoid that kingdom.
The boon had another, unforeseen consequence. From that day, the women of Mahishmati became unacceptable to others—not because they were flawed, but because they could no longer be restricted. Empowered by Agni's grant, they became their own mistresses, acting as they willed, free from the social constraints that bound women elsewhere.