Tvashtra, grieving his son's death at the hands of Devendra, had vowed to avenge his son's death. He begot a gigantic and monstrous son Vrutra through a Yaaga, to seek revenge. Vrutra kept growing day by day and gained enormous strength so much so that he started obstructing the pathways in which the gods travelled. His malicious influence transcended on to the people of Bhooloka (the physical world) provoking them to resort to unjust and extravagant means of living; thereby they lost interest in matters pertaining to the eternal truth. With Vrutrasura's swelling-might, the divine beings feared the victory of Adharma over Dharma.
Devendra decided to put an end to these atrocities and as per the advice of Devaguru Bruhaspati sought a solution from Mahavishnu. Mahavishnu praised the Tapobala (power of Sadhana) of Dadheechi Maharshi with which he had turned all his bones into Vajra (invincible diamonds). As suggested by Mahavishnu, Devendra along with Bruhaspati reached the hermitage of Maharshi Dadheechi and praised him profusely. He explained the atrocities of Vrutraasura and the need for establishing Dharma. He then requested Maharshi's backbone itself to create the invincible Vajrayudha (supreme weapon of Devendra). Maharshi was pleased by his dedication and devotion. Realizing that the body was impermanent and had to be discarded eventually, Maharshi decided that it was essential to sacrifice his body then and there for the sake of protecting Dharma. So he readily agreed to the request. He directed Devendra to collect his backbone while he attained the state of Samaadhi (Supreme Blissful state). Devendra thus generated his Vajrayudha and slayed the demon Vrutrasura.
In this narrative, Compassion and Charity (Dayaa and Daana) are two of the many hidden noteworthy virtues. Saatvika Daana is of the first order among the three kinds of charity, the other two being Raajasika and Taamasika. Making charity without any expectations for the well being of virtuous people, despite the personal losses, is even superior. Daya- a spiritual quality that comes naturally to people who have experienced the eternal truth is a precursor to the noble virtue of charity. It is also equally significant that this quality when consciously practiced will reinforce our spiritual journey. These values were inherently present in a Brahmajnaani like Maharshi Dadheechi.
Note: The Kannada version of this article can be viewed at AYVM blogs.