Why and How Was Death Born?
From the Author’s Desk,
Dear Friends,
This chapter is from my upcoming book “From Within to the Infinite.” In this story, Why and How Was Death Born? I share a timeless mystery: if birth is a blessing, why did death have to come? I am sharing my chapters here as I write. Your support inspires me. With gratitude,
Sumitra Gupta ‘Sakhi’
Why and How Was Death Born?
Dear friends, Today, I present before you a story that unveils a profound and timeless mystery—the story of the birth of Death.
The Birth of Death
There was once a time when Death did not exist in creation. Beings were born, but none ever died. This may sound astonishing, yet it is believed to be true. Just imagine—if births continued endlessly and no one ever perished, what would become of the Earth?
Death is a word that fills the human mind with fear, emptiness, and detachment. But have we ever tried to understand it deeply? Is death merely an end or an essential part of a divine cosmic order? From the very beginning of creation, death was not an accident but a sacred arrangement meant to sustain the continuity of life.
It is said that when the universe was first created, there was life everywhere. All beings were immortal; there was neither old age nor decay. Gradually, the Earth began to bear an unbearable burden, and the balance of creation started to falter. Lord Brahma grew concerned—if life were eternal, how would the cycle of creation continue? Without dissolution, creation itself would stagnate. From this concern arose the idea of the birth of Death.
The Concern of Mother Earth
When Lord Brahma created the universe, he was delighted to see harmony and prosperity all around. All beings lived in accordance with divine laws. There was no jealousy or hatred. The Sun, Moon, planets, animals, and humans coexisted in love and balance. Like the eternal Akshayavat tree, life multiplied endlessly, with no beginning and no end in sight.
As time passed, the burden on Earth increased. Creation continued, but no one died. Unable to bear the weight, Mother Earth cried out in distress. She approached Lord Brahma with folded hands and said:
“O Lord! Even with their worn-out bodies, beings continue to live. The burden upon me grows heavier each day. Please establish a law by which those who are born must eventually leave their mortal forms, for I can no longer bear this weight.”
Seeing her sorrow, Lord Brahma convened a divine assembly with Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Indra, and other celestial beings. Understanding her suffering, they resolved to restore balance.
The Creation of Goddess Death
Lord Brahma then created a beautiful woman and named her Mrityu Devi—the Goddess of Death.
Poetic Verses:
- Endless lives in fragile frames,
- Forever wandering without end;
- All who come must surely go.
- Thus, a law the gods did send.
- Brahma then a form created,
- A radiant maiden did appear;
- “Mrityu” was the name bestowed.
- Yet her heart was filled with fear.
- Brahma commanded her:
“You shall go from door to door and, according to the deeds of beings, release their souls from their mortal bodies.”
Hearing this, Mrityu Devi was deeply distressed. Tears streamed from her eyes as she replied:
“How can I witness the cries of humanity when I take away a mother, a father, a husband, a son, a brother, or a sister?”
Poetic Verses:
How shall I bear their anguished cries?
Their hearts torn apart in despair?
Some will lose their shining stars.
Some of their life-sustaining care.
Her sorrow moved Lord Brahma, yet he remained firm, for the burden on Earth was too great. He gently explained that death was not punishment but rest; not the enemy of life, but its complement. Just as night follows day, death follows birth, allowing new creation to arise.
He entrusted her with the sacred duty of liberating souls from their bodies and preparing them for their onward journey. Lord Yama was appointed the guardian of this divine law—symbolizing justice and balance. Thus, Death was born not from cruelty, but from compassion and cosmic necessity.
The Tears of Death
Mrityu Devi continued to weep, and her tears fell upon the Earth. Lord Brahma declared:
“My daughter, you shall remain invisible while performing your duty. The tears you have shed will manifest as various causes of death.”
These causes would appear in different forms—illness, accidents, natural calamities, and countless other circumstances. Whenever someone dies, people attribute it to a reason, yet it is Death fulfilling her divine role.
Poetic Verses:
Today on Earth, Death softly treads,
Veiled in countless subtle guises;
Through the ages, life revolves.
As destiny silently arises.
Who seeks refuge in the Lord?
Breaks the endless chain of birth;
Freed from cycles of return,
Transcends the ties of mortal Earth.
For example, if a family meets with a tragic accident, people say they died because of the accident—yet it was death that arrived through that circumstance.
The Philosophical Truth
From a philosophical perspective, death is born the very moment life begins. Birth and death are two sides of the same coin. Birth gives hope; death gives meaning. Without death, life would lose its value, and time would lose its significance.
Death teaches us that every moment is precious and every relationship sacred.
Poetic Verses:
Death is an eternal truth, dear friends.
Its arrival none can deny.
Before it comes, make life worthwhile.
Let noble deeds your soul beautify.
In virtue and holy company,
The righteous soul finds liberation.
Thus, in this mortal world, one attains
The path to eternal salvation.
The Example of Dhruva
An inspiring example is that of Dhruva, who, at the tender age of five, attained the vision of Lord Vishnu through intense penance. After ruling for thousands of years, a celestial chariot arrived to take him to the divine realm. Death stood at a distance, unable to touch such a devoted soul. She humbly requested him to step upon her head as he ascended to the heavens. Dhruva then attained Dhruvaloka and shines eternally as the pole star in the northern sky.
Thus, the story of the birth of Death is not terrifying, but profound and enlightening. Death is not the enemy of life; it is its companion. It is not an end but a transformation—a pause between two journeys.
Those who understand this truth do not fear death. Instead, they live with awareness, purpose, and love.
This extraordinary and enlightening tale surely offers profound wisdom and insight.
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- visionary Poet / writer
- Sumitra Gupta ‘Sakhi’
