Uttara, the Legend of the Turquoise

In the heavenly city of Swarga, an unprecedented scandal shakes the court of the immortals: Indra, Surya, and Soma—the mighty rulers of storm, sun, and moon—have all fallen in love with Uttara, a mortal Brahmin’s daughter. Renowned for her extraordinary beauty and mysterious grace, Uttara inspires poetry so extravagant that even the poet claims a single glimpse has left him blind.

Each god courts her in his own way. Surya burns with an ardor she can scarcely escape, Soma pursues her with quiet, melancholy devotion, and jealous Indra commands clouds and winds to conceal his rivals. Uttara remains poised and unreadable, offering none of them an advantage while the heavens fill with romantic rivalry.

Blending Hindu mythology, ornate imagery, and the atmosphere of a dreamlike legend, this richly told story invites listeners into a world where divine passions disturb the natural order. When Indra’s wife, Indrani, learns of her husband’s infatuation, she resolves to see the fabled woman for herself.