There was a time when death was unknown on earth. People, the descendants of Vivasvat, were initially immortal. In Kritayuga, the Golden Age, they knew no sin and lived happily on earth, in peace and prosperity.
So time passed, and living creatures on earth were born and did not die; they multiplied endlessly and completely filled her. Finally, the Earth prayed to Brahma - she could no longer bear such a burden. Then the Creator thought about how to reduce the number of living beings in the worlds, but could not find any way. And he became angry, and the flames of his anger burst out from every pore of his body. The countries of the world began to burn, fear seized all living things; the world was in danger of destruction. The great god Shiva took pity on living beings. He approached Brahma and said: “Do not be angry with the creatures you have created, O Progenitor! Don't let the universe become empty! For if all these creatures perish now, they will no longer be reborn. Let them live and die, but let their lineage not end!” And when Shiva said this, Brahma tamed his anger and returned to his heart the fire that was devouring the universe.
Then a woman with dark eyes, with a wreath of lotuses on her head, dressed in a dark red dress, emerged from Brahma's body. She headed south on her own way, but Brahma called to her and said: “Death, go and kill the living beings in this world! You arose from my thought of destroying the world and from my anger, so go and destroy the living - both the foolish and the wise! And Death, crowned with lotuses, began to cry, but Brahma did not let her tears fall to the ground and collected them in his palms. She, humbly bowing before him, prayed: “Be merciful to me, O Lord of creatures, do not place such a terrible burden on me! Have pity on me! How can I destroy innocent beings, children and adults, young and old? Have mercy, O lord! I will not be able to separate loved ones and lovers, take away beloved sons from parents, take away mothers and fathers from children, deprive them of little brothers and dear friends. After all, when they die, the survivors will curse me. I'm afraid of this! And I’m afraid of the tears of the unfortunate! These tears will burn me forever.”
But Brahma said: “O Death, I have destined for you to destroy the living! It cannot be otherwise! Go without hesitation, lady. Fulfill my command." And Death, without saying another word, set off and appeared to the world. But nevertheless, the Progenitor granted her mercy: the tears that she shed turned into diseases that kill people at the appointed time; passions and vices blinded the human race and became the cause of the death of living beings. Therefore, from time immemorial there is no blame on Death. Brahma made her the mistress of justice; free from love and hatred, she fulfills his command.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru