Gajendra: Elephant and Crocodile Story in English

Did you know according to Indian mythology in ancient times sages and earned saints had the power of cursing? Sages used to curse anyone to turn into anything in anger. Gajendra's story also relates to it, as it includes a cursed Elephant and crocodile who later receive salvation through lord Vishnu. This is a very interesting and meaningful tale for young kids to read. You can also read the story by downloading the Gajendra moksha story in English pdf and enjoy it offline.

Origin of the Gajendra Mythological Story

Gajendra or originally known as Gajendra Moksha is an episode taken from the age-old, and sacred Indian text called Bhagavata Purana. Bhagavata Purana was compiled in the 10th CE by 18 great Hindu sage Ved Vyasa. Gajendra Moksha literally means the Salvation of an elephant. This story is of great importance in Hindu Vaishnavism culture, where people specifically worship Vishnu, as they play a great role in the story.

Elephant and Crocodile Story in English for Kids

Once upon a time, many centuries ago there used to live a big and strong elephant named Gajendra. He was very tough and his stories of wisdom and courage were known in far lands. He was the king of a very big elephant herd. He even had more than 1000 elephant wives. Gajendra was very brave and proud of his position as king. One day during the harsh summer season, Gajendra was migrating from hill to plains.

While coming down the hill he saw a pond filled with clean blue water, he was very happy to see the pond. He immediately ordered everyone to stop and rest for a while. While everyone was resting Gajendra went near the pond and began drinking water. The water was very cool, and he jumped directly inside the pond and began to play. He was jumping in the pond, and a crocodile sleeping in the pond got awake.

The crocodile was in anger as his sleep was disturbed, he instantly attacked Gajendra and grabbed his foot with his large jaws. Gajendra tried a lot to set free from the crocodile's jaw, but all went in vain. He tried and tried and tried but nothing happened. A few years passed away and the elephant and the crocodile were still in the same position.

All of Gajendra's friends, family, and wife left him in that situation and went away. Now he was all alone trying to set free from the crocodile's jaw. Finally, he realised that nothing except god can save him from the crocodile.

He immediately calmed himself down and began thinking and praying for the god Vishnu. God Vishnu heard Gajendra's prayers and immediately went to the pond. He saw the elephant and the crocodile and pulled all of them out in one go. Both the animals landed on the ground and the crocodile once again tried to attack Gajendra. Just then lord Vishu took his Sudarshan Chakra and sliced the crocodile into two.

It may seem very fictitious but the crocodile began to change its shape and size, and soon it turned into a normal human. He turns into a famous musician called Hulu, who was cursed by a sage to turn into a crocodile. Just when he was saying this, Gajendra also changed into a human. Gajendra was a king called Indradyumna, who was cursed by an angry sage in his previous life. Since then he has been living his life as an elephant.

Finally, in the end, lord Visnu unknowingly helped two cursed people by relieving them from the curse they have been living with. Both the elephant and crocodile were extremely happy and were taken to heaven with Vishnu.

Vishnu Saving Gajendra From Crocodile

Gajendra Story Moral for Kids

The moral of the Gajendra story is that even if we lose every scope of help from everywhere we must not lose faith in god. God never leaves his worshipper and believers alone or in trouble. Therefore remember to have faith in god and never lose hope. Another thing to note is that Gajendra had 1000 wives yet no one was by his side during his time of need. This tells us that 1 true friend is better than 1000 fake friends and family members.